John E. Demers, Sr.

Cumberland - Jack Demers, Sr. was born in Pawtucket, RI to William and Laura (Vandal) Demers.

In 1948, Jack enlisted in the Army National Guard.

He served in Company A 118th Engineer Battalion and was promoted to Sargent First Class.

He was honorably discharged in 1952.

Jack married his soul mate and love of his life, Virginia (Vanti) Demers in 1953.

During his life he worked doing tree clearing, was a truck driver and eventually settled into the field of construction.

Jack’s last job prior to retirement was at Overhead Door Co. of Providence where he worked for 25 years.

Jack was an active member of the American Legion for 70 years.

He held the offices of Post Commander, District Commander, Department Commander and National Executive Committeeman.

For several years, he was the Chairman of Rhode Island Boys State and a member of the Children and Youth Foundation.

He was also active in the American Legion youth baseball league.

Jack and Virginia enjoyed family camping trips, taking their children to all of the New England states and various states along the eastern seaboard.

In their retirement, Jack and Virginia continued to travel in their motor home and they visited every state except Alaska and Hawaii.

He enjoyed doing woodworking and was truly a jack-of-all-trades; he could fix anything.

He was a dedicated husband, father and friend who was always there when needed.

Jack is survived by his wife Virginia Demers, his three children Jack Demers, Jr. and his wife Nance, Cindy Edwards, and Jean Demers and his wife Cheryl; grandchildren, Nicole Arnold and Ed, Jen Clark and Desmond, Meghan Shedrick and Dylan, Ian Edwards and Ashley Emond and Aaron; great-grandchildren, Liam, Brayden, Lily, William and AJ.

He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Rose McKenna, Jeannette Vecoli, Bill Demers and Laura Aylsworth.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, beginning with Visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in WILLIAM W.

TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

Services and Military Honors will follow at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S.

County Trail, Exeter.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Verterans Memorial Cemetery or the Special Care Unit at Saint Antoine Residence, 10 Rhodes Ave, N.

Online condolences welcomed at www.trippfuneralhome.com