Theodore L. Dargis

Turners Falls, Massachusetts

Theodore L. “Ted” Dargis, 91, of 5A Park Villa Drive, Turnpike Road, passed peacefully on THURSDAY, MAY 3,2018 in the comfort his home, surrounded by his loving family following a period of declining health.
A native of North Adams, Massachusetts, he was born on August 1, 1926 to Marie Ann (Martin) and Eugene Luger Dargis. He attended Notre Dame Parochial School and Drury High School. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Ted answered the call to serve his country during WWII by enlisting in the US Army. He served honorably with the 315th Engineer Combat Battalion from August 18, 1944 until his discharge on July 6, 1946. He participated in the campaigns in Central Europe and Rhineland, attaining the rank of PFC and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, European African Middle Eastern Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
He married the former Constance J. LaMountain, on October 27, 1947 in the former St. John’s Church in Millers Falls, MA. Ted worked for the former Hawley’s Pharmacy in Millers Falls, MA, as well as for the Hawley family as their personal caretaker of their home in Montague Center for several years. He then worked as a certified metallurgist and tool hardener, with the former Millers Falls Tool Company, in Millers Falls, MA, which later became the Ingersoll Rand Corporation and lastly, with Ruhl Tool Company retiring with 40 years of service in 1986.
Ted was a devout communicant of Our Lady of Peace Church in Turners Falls, MA, where he served as an usher and collector for many years. He was active in the former Coutu-Murphy VFW Post in Millers Falls, MA, where he served as Past Commander and of the K of C Council in Turners Falls, MA. Ted was a member of the former Turners Falls Rotary Club and served as the Coach of the Rotary Club baseball team in the Newt Guilbault Little League for several years. He was an accomplished musician, mastering the piano, organ, guitar and accordion. Additionally, he was a skilled woodworker, creating numerous hand crafted pieces that he sold at local and regional craft shows over the years. He enjoyed following the Red Sox and New England Patriots. He loved fishing, playing golf and watching the PGA. Ted was a voracious reader, former licensed pilot and in his youth, enjoyed roller skating. In his later years, he and his wife Connie enjoyed bicycle riding.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Constance J. “Connie” Dargis of Turners Falls, MA. Additionally, he is remembered by his devoted children: Neil and his wife Deborah, of Gill, MA; Rae Jean Pieffer of Turners Falls, MA; Alan J. Dargis and his wife Harriet H. Paine, of Shelburne Falls, MA; Lori A. Lasser and her husband Alan, of Mechanicsville, MD; Teri M. Bishop and her husband Roger, of Boise, ID and Scot T. Dargis of Alpharetta, GA. Ted is also remembered by his adoring grandchildren: Dustin Dargis, Ian Pieffer, Eli Lasser, Seth Lasser, Shaddai Tirrell, Tamar Bishop and Kyle Dargis, as well as his great grandchildren: Jacob Pieffer, Abigail Dargis, Olivia Tirrell, Alex Tirrell, Graham Lasser, Reid Lasser, Natalie Lasser and Mason Pieffer. Additionally, he leaves two nephews: David Carridi and Richard Daniels, as well as his niece Antoinette Cariddi. He was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Marie Ann, as well as by his son Gary, his siblings Raymond and Rhea (Dargis) Cariddi and by his niece Gailanne Cariddi, who was State Representative for Berkshire County at the time of her passing in June of 2017.
Ted’s family, wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Konan at Alma Health Care, Overlook VNA, Comprehensive Home Care, Hospice of Franklin County and the nurses and physicians at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, for their compassionate support and care provided during his illness.
Funeral services will be conducted on THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA at 10:00AM. Guests are invited to convene at the church in anticipation of the services. Rites of committal and interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Turners Falls, MA, with military honors to be rendered by the 54th Massachusetts Army National Guard in attendance. A reception will follow the committal services at the Park Villa Apartments Community Room, 1 Park Villa Drive, Turners Falls, MA and all are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be observed on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 from the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 14 Prospect Street, Turners Falls, MA, from 2:00PM until 4:00PM. Flowers are respectfully asked to be omitted, with expressions of affection preferred in the form of a charitable contribution in Ted’s memory to Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376.

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