Thelesfad Blackbird

Thelesfad Blackbird Orange – Thelesfad Blackbird, 87, formerly of Pleasant Street, died Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare.     Theles was born in Erving, Massachusetts, August 16, 1925, the son of William and Evelyn (Begor) Blackbird.  He attended schools in Erving, Winchester, NH, Warwick and Orange, graduating from Orange High School and has lived in Orange most of his life.  Theles was a self- employed electrical contractor for many years until his retirement in 1991.  He had previously worked as a licensed projectionist in several local theaters.  He had also served as a call fireman for the Orange Fire Department and became lieutenant of the ladder company.      Theles served in the U.S. Navy during World War II with a rank of Electrician’s Mate  Second Class.  He served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Hobson, DD 464-DMS26 until his discharge.  He received decorations and citations:  European – African Middle Eastern Ribbon with four engagement stars, Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with one star, Good Conduct Medal, American Area Medal and World War II Victory Medal.      He was a member of the American Legion Post # 172 in Orange, V.F.W. post # 3968 in Winchester, NH and a former member of the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks # 1837.  Theles was an avid golfer, enjoyed boating, fishing, was one to always have a project going from building his own home to boat building and many other projects.      His wife of 58 years, Joan A. (Deegan) Blackbird, died in 2006.   He also leaves a son, Theles “Jay” Blackbird and his wife Florence of Wendell; a daughter-in-law, Catherine (Favero) Blackbird of Athol; two grandsons, Cain Blackbird of Orange, and Chad Blackbird and his wife Mandy of Athol; a granddaughter, Leanna Dennis of Orange; three great grandsons and several nieces and nephews.  A son, Kirk A. Blackbird, died October 16, 1999 and a sister, Zona Wheeler died in 2003.      A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Erving Center Cemetery.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });