Ovila Massey

UXBRIDGE/NORTHBRIDGE – Ovila G. Massey, Jr., 78, affectionately known as “Frenchy,” died on February 4, at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, FL, after being stricken ill at home.  He leaves his wife of 10 years, Jeannette B. (Letendre) Daigle-Massey.  His first wife, Muriel (Armstrong) Massey, died in 1993.  He is also survived by two sons, Peter Massey, and his wife, Debra, and Ronald Massey, and his wife, Dianne, all of Northbridge; two sisters, Gloria Armstrong, and her husband, Claude, of Colechester, VT, and Jean Bronson, and her husband, Donald, of Bradenton, FL; one step-son, Daniel Daigle, and his wife, Janet, of Southbridge; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Muriel (Massey) Beauregard who died in 1992 after a long battle with leukemia.

Frenchy was born on April 2, 1931, in Webster, the son of the late Ovila G. and Dora (Fournier) Massey, and grew up in Northbridge where he attended St. Peter’s School.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served during the Korean Conflict.  He was employed as an Inspector by the Wyman-Gordon Co. in Grafton, for 32 years, retiring in 1993.  He also served as a Northbridge Fire Fighter, from 1957 until his retirement as District Chief, C3, in 1994.   

In 1964, Frenchy was one the founders of the Valley Airs, where he served as a president and manager for many years as well as playing the baritone. 

He was a member of the Knight of Columbus in Whitinsville, the Moose Lodge, America Legion Post#343, and the Progressive Club.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Church and to the Church of the Good Shepherd.  He was an avid sports card enthusiast.  He enjoyed golfing, dancing, polka music, fishing and travelling. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.   

His funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am, Monday, February 15, in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 121 Linwood St., Linwood, MA.  The family requests that people attending the funeral Mass to please go directly to church.

Calling Hours will be held from 2:00PM to 6:00pm, Sunday, February 14, in the Buma Funeral Home, 480 Church St., Whitinsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bullen Foundation, c/o Pat or Ken Bullen, 24 Charlton St., Oxford, MA 01540.