Obituary of Ovila Lambert

Ovila Lambert, 92, of Tinley Park, IL, formerly of Danielson, CT and Chicopee, MA, died October 2, 2013 at home. He was the beloved husband of the deceased Blanche (Cote) Lambert. He was born May 14, 1921 in New Bedford, MA, to Telesphore and Parmila (Lafariere) Lambert. He was a veteran of WWII serving with the US Army. Ovila worked for the Chicopee Board of Education as a Custodian for 30 years retiring in 1986, serving as president of the Custodians Union in Chicopee for 15 years and president of the State of Massachusetts Custodian Association. He was a communicant at St. Rose de Lima Parish. Ovila and his wife were foster parents for over 30 years. During that time they cared for numerous children, including Jason Ellstrom of Ludlow, MA. Ovila served as president of the Greater Springfield Foster Parents Association and Treasurer of the Massachusetts Foster Parents Association. Following his retirement in 1986 he returned to Danielson, CT, where he had been raised. He was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson, a former member of the Quinebaug Valley Senior Citizens; and a volunteer driver for Pierce Baptist Home. He leaves his daughters: Lorraine Lambert of Winchendon, MA; Georgette (Edward) Belisle of Tinley Park, IL; Laurette (John) Sharrow of Royalston, MA, three grandchildren: Aaron Sharrow, Andrew and Michelle Belisle, a great granddaughter: Alyssa Sharrow, brother: Henry Lambert, sister: Eva Garrity and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Morris, brothers: Alphonse, Paul, and Armand and sisters: Yvonne Gaudreau, Antoinette Lemay, and Alice Zacharie. Calling hours Friday, October 4, 2013 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT. The funeral will be Saturday, October 5, 2013 from the Funeral Home at 9:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson. Burial with Military Honors in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to St. James School. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com