Clayton J. Bezio, Jr.

Clayton Joseph "Sonny" "Open Hand the Teacher" Bezio, Jr., 78, of 27 Place Terrace, passed peacefully into the Spirit World of "WakanTanka" on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at home following a period of declining health. A native of Montague, he was born on August 11, 1945 to Annie E. (Hicks) and Clayton Bezio, Sr.

Sonny attended Montague Public Schools, and was a graduate of Turners Falls High School in the Class of 1965. He furthered his education, by attending numerous classes at Greenfield Community College.

Sonny enlisted in the United States Army (USA) on August 12, 1968 and served honorably as a member of the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Battalion, with foreign service in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Specialist 5th Class until his discharge on August 11, 1971

Upon his return to civilian life, he was employed at the former Esleeck Paper Company, Turners Falls, MA as a night watchman-security guard for several years until failing health required him to retire. Sonny was a Native Indigenous American and proud member of the Abenaki Nation.

He is lovingly remembered by his siblings: Mary Ann Chaffee of Lake Pleasant, MA and James Bezio of Rochester, New Hampshire. Additionally, he is remembered with affection by his niece Jacqueline Mims (Michael) and his two nephews Robert Chaffee and Christopher Chaffee (Jessica) as well as by his 13 grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents Annie and Clayton, as well as his sister Beverly, and in addition by his long time "Walk by Side" companion of many years Bernard Colbeth.

At the request of Sonny and his family, there will be so services at this time. He will be laid to rest in the Highland Cemetery, in the Millers Falls section of the Town of Montague at future date and time to be announced. Military honors will be observed, with members of the 54th Massachusetts Army National Guard in attendance to be assisted by the Northfield VFW Post #9874 to provide a firing detail. Additionally, Native Indigenous Tribal Rites will be offered by members of the Abenaki Nation and a Christian service to be offered by Rev. Rosemary Dawson, Pastor, of the Trinitarian Church of Northfield, and by Rev. Daniel Johnson, Pastor, of the Calvary Baptist Church of Turners Falls, MA. Memorial contributions in Sonny's memory, are suggested to either the Calvary Baptist Church, Turners Falls, MA or to the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Northfield, MA. The McCarthy Funeral Homes, of Turners Falls and Greenfield, MA, have been entrusted with Sonny's care and arrangements. Remembrances of Sonny, may be posted to his Tribute Wall @ www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com

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