PELHAM, NH — Walter Canelas, 85, of Pelham, NH, died Thursday evening at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was the beloved husband of Ruth E. “Honey” (Motschman) Canelas, who survives him, and with whom they recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Born in Wilmington, Massachusetts, October 19th, 1930, the son of the late Manuel Constancio and the late Mary (Silva), he received his education in the Wilmington school system.
A veteran of the Korean War, Walter proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force.
Prior to his retirement, Walter was a co-owner of Canelas Company, Inc., in Tewksbury, MA.
A loving father and loyal friend, he most enjoyed time spent with family including his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Brody.
Besides his wife, Walter is survived by two daughters, Debbie S. DiGregorio and her husband Peter of Salem, NH and Diane E. Canelas of Pelham; a son Walter Scott Canelas of Pelham and Moultonborough NH and his companion, Sonja Trainham; two grandchildren Shannon DiGregorio Abram and her husband Michael of Newton, MA and Dana DiGregorio and his companion, Golda Carrico of Brighton; two great grandchildren, Foster and Ellery Abram; two sisters, Alice Motschman of Pelham and Noreen Rowe and her husband Robert of Acton, MA; a brother Dennis Canelas and his wife Barbara of Rochester, NH; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also the father of the late Donna L. Canelas and brother of the late Frank Canelas, the late Thomas Canelas and the late Mary Correa.
Friends may call at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME 11 NASHUA RD.in PELHAM from 10 to 12 Noon on Tuesday. His Funeral Services will follow in the Funeral Home at 12 o’clock. Burial will follow in the Gibson Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to Jimmy Fund, c/o the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445 or St. Jude’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TX 38101. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Pelham Funeral Home.)
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