Alan passed away peacefully with his classic rock music playing softly at his bedside on July 22, 2021. He was born December 27, 1949 in Springfield MA. The son of Leo and Eunice (Martin) Auclair, he lived on Field St in W. Springfield until the age of 17 and then moved to Belmont Ave. Alan graduated from W. Springfield HS in 1968 and attended Stockbridge School of Agricultulre at UMass Amherst.
He was drafted in 1971 into the US Army and served in Washington DC as a member of the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He served at the Inauguration of President Richard Nixon as well as other services of famous dignitaries. Alan was very proud of being a member of the Old Guard and serving his country. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1973, he began his career at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leeds, MA. He worked first in the housekeeping department followed by the Motor Pool doing landscaping, snow removal and driving. After 31 ½ years he retired and then drove a school bus for Healy Transportation.
After meeting her on a blind date, Alan married the love of his life, Dolores Dextraze, on February 13, 1982 and spent the next 39 years happily married. They enjoyed playing on many sports teams together including horseshoes, softball and bowling. Alan and Dolores loved going camping, going to sports events, playing cards with friends, and enjoyed time with family.
Alan was most proud of his two girls, Jessica and Ashley. He attended all of their sporting events and was a very proud Dad. His most proud moments included when Ashley's HRHS Varsity Basketball Team became the 2003 Mass State Champs and when Jessica earned her nursing degree. Jessica was there to the end providing guidance, comfort and care for her Dad. He was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments and loved them very much.
Alan also loved his New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Giants football and Notre Dame teams. Everyone that knew Alan, also knows how much he loved classic rock.
He was the life of every party, telling stories and jokes that made everyone laugh. Above all, he was concerned most about the happiness of his wife, daughters, and grandsons. He adored his grandsons; Gavin and Owen Emmonds and Landon and Lucas LeBeau.
Alan leaves behind to cherish his memories: his wife, Dolores, daughter Jessica Emmonds (Tim Mott), daughter Ashley LeBeau (Justin), four grandsons, sister Carolyn Boehm (Art), sisters-in-law: Dale Fee, Dianne Galvagni (Gary), and Margaret Meade (John). Brothers-in-law: Donald, Dennis, Dean (Debbie), and Dwayne (Holly) Dextraze as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Alan was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws: Leo and Arlene Dextraze and brothers-in-law: Dick Dextraze and Joe LaForte.
Alan's family wishes to thank Drs. Malcolm & Jodka at the Cancer Center & Alan's PCP Dr. Hanno Muellner and the CCU staff at Cooley Dickinson Hospital for their compassionate care of our husband and father.
Alan's funeral will be Wednesday July 28 at Our Lady of the Hills Church, 173 Main St. Haydenville, MA at 11am with a calling hour at the church beginning at 10am. A military Burial will be at the convenience of the family at a later date. Williamsburg Funeral Home has been entrusted with his cremation. www.HampshireCremation.com
Donations in his memory may be made to Our Lady of the Hills Renovation Fund at 173 Main St Haydenville MA 01039 or to the American Cancer Society.
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