James A. Tessier

FITCHBURG – James A. Tessier, 69, of 276 Lunenburg Street  Lot 22, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, September 8th in Health Alliance Leominster Hospital, with his family at his side.

He was born in Ayer, MA on September 16, 1945, son of the late Charles and Caroline (Walsh) Tessier and was a graduate of Ayer High School.  He was a resident of Fitchburg for the last three years and had also lived previously in Gardner and Leominster.

Jim proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.  During the war, he became disabled.

Jim did foundry and carpenter work and also worked as a janitor at Ayer High School, where he took an interest in the students.  He and his wife had been foster parents to 19 children.  He loved people and enjoyed playing “Cops and Robbers” and other games with his grandchildren.

He leaves his wife of 20 years, Alice J. (Thompson) Tessier; a daughter, Lisa Marie Poladian and her husband Nicholas Gene Poladian of Fitchburg; nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Roger, Zachary, Nicholas, Carine, Jailene, Lucas, Mitchell and Michael and four great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Kendra, Maddison and Julianna.

Private military funeral services will be held in Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 111 Gleanallen Street, Winchendon.  There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tessier family for the education of their grandchildren.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com

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