Austin Dana Fletcher Obituary (1925 - 2013)

CHELMSFORD DANA FLETCHER, 88, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2013 with the people who loved him most at his bedside. He was a life-long resident of Westford before moving to Chelmsford after his retirement. He graduated from Westford Academy as class valedictorian in 1942 and attended Bates College, Northeastern and Bentley University. He proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II and received numerous commendations. He enjoyed vacationing in New Hampshire with his family and taking trips with his wife along the New England coast and throughout the northeast. Dana was generous with his time and attention to his beloved grandchildren. He was a modest, unassuming family man who will be remembered for his kindness and generosity but his love for his children and grandchildren was always evident. His dry wit was known to those who knew him best. Dana was the ultimate baseball expert and could quote any statistic that related to Boston Red Sox history. He was also a Patriots fan and enjoyed golf events as well. He was a history buff who enjoyed Civil War, presidential and the town of Westford annals. He was a voracious coin and stamp collector and enjoyed photography. Dana is survived by 5 children: Priscilla and Peter Stephens, Marsha and Don Batchelder, Ken Fletcher, Steven and Mary Ann Fletcher and Karen and Jeff Demuth. He leaves 10 grandchildren: Robert and Scott Stephens, Heather Haggett, Sarah Crivello, Travis and Brandon Fletcher, Jennifer Fletcher, Stefanie Lurvey and Jill and Nick Demuth as well as 13 great grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters-in-law: Frances Fletcher of Westford and Phyllis McKniff of Pennsylvania. His beloved wife, Muriel (Johnson) passed away in 2011. His mother and father (Austin and Ethel), as well as his sister Marjorie and his brothers Charles and Harold, are also deceased. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. We will miss our dad, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a true gentleman who gave and found so much happiness in his family. Family and friends are comforted that he is now with his beloved Muriel. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12 until 2 pm at BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 at 10 am at Fairview Cemetery, Main St., Westford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Danas name to the Westford Ambulance Fund, P. O. Box 197, Westford, MA 01886, or the Westford Academy Board of Trustees, 30 Patten Road, Westford, MA 01886. Visitation October 6, 2013 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information October 12, 2013 10:00am, Fairview Cemetery Westford Main Street/Tadmuck Road Westford, MA 01886