Donald E. Courtot, 86
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Donald Edward Courtot, 86, of 45 Spring St. died June 1, 2004, at Northampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Born in Williamstown on Dec. 19, 1917, son of Charles B. and Florence G. Bailot Courtot, he was educated in local schools. He was a former longtime resident of 92 Richview Ave.
An Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, he served as a private with the 330th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron.
Mr. Courtot was employed in the warehouse of the former Sprague Electric Co., retiring in 1982. Earlier, he had been employed by the former Ralston Purina Co. plant for 27 years.
A longtime lead guitarist and singer, he established the Gay Notes orchestra in 1961, and later the Big Daddy and the Diamonds groups.
He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and a life member of Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. He also was a sergeant with the North Adams Auxiliary Police.
He and his wife, the former Florence Eva Blake, were married Aug. 5, 1938, in Williamstown.
Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Joanne M. Courtot of North Adams; a son, Charles H. Courtot of Pinellas Park, Fla., four grandchildren, Gregory Courtot, Donald J. Courtot, Alexandra Courtot and Antonio DeGrenier, and six great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his son Donald E. Courtot Jr. on Sept. 3, 1965, his grandson Steven DeGrenier on March 23, 2004, and his sister Inez LaPier.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Funeral services with military rites for Mr. Courtot will be conducted Friday at 11 at St. John's Episcopal Church, North Adams, by the Rev. Edward King, rector.
Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday from 3 to 6 at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, West Chapels, 521 West Main St. North Adams. Memorial donations are suggested for VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire through the funeral home.