Gabriel Casavant, Sr.

OXFORD -- Gabriel P. Casavant, 86, of Orchard Hill Dr., died Friday, March 21, 2008, at Sunbridge/Sandalwood Nursing Home after a courageous battle with cancer. Gabriel was born on the family farm on Main Street in Oxford on February 20, 1922, son of Victor and Elphegina (Clouthier) Casavant. He attended the Oxford Schools. During World War II, he enlisted in the Merchant Marine and was a survivor of the bombing of Bari Harbor in Italy. Gabriel worked for many years for Francis Harvey and Sons Construction, later retiring from Spets Corp. in Whitinsville. After retirement, he worked for Laidlaw Transportation as a school bus driver. For over forty years, he was an owner and trainer of thoroughbred horses which he raced throughout New England and Canada. A licensed pilot during the 50's and 60's, Gabriel enjoyed flying his planes from the old Oxford Airport in South Oxford. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling throughout the New England area in his camper and attending the races. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Leona M. (Hurd) Casavant of Oxford. He leaves four sons, Victor P. and his wife Cynthia of Putnam, CT; Gabriel P. of Oxford; David J. and his wife Kathleen of Oxford; and Michael K. and his wife Diane of Hooksett, NH. He leaves seven grandchildren, Ryan Casavant of Thompson CT, Katharine Casavant of Norwood, Crystal Roy of Rutland, James Casavant of Dudley, Courtney Peltz of Middletown, CT., and Corey and Chelsea Casavant of Hooksett, NH as well as two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Gabriel was predeceased by his brothers Gerald and Gaspar and his sisters Irene, Bertha, and Alice. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. After cremation, there will be a private burial service at North Cemetery in Oxford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Oxford Public Library, 339 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.