DRACUT - Douglas G. "Dougie" Willett, 89, a life long resident of the Town of Dracut, died Wednesday afternoon September 23, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family, following a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. He was the beloved husband for 68 years of Barbara A. (Dean) Willett of Dracut.
Born in Dracut on August 22, 1920, he was a son of the late George and Marietta (Patterson) Willett. He received his education in the Dracut school system.
In his early years, Mr. Willett worked in the Boston Ship Yard during World War II and later at the Dracut Mills. He went on to work for HP Hood and Sons for over 30 years. He then worked as a truck driver for Gagnon Trucking for 4 years and most recently and until the time of his retirement in 2007 he was employed by the City of Lowell at the Greater Lowell Vocational School for 27 years.
Active in the Dracut community, Mr. Willett served the Town of Dracut for 30 years as a 10 term Selectman as well as working as a part time Police Officer for the Town. He was also a member of the Men's Club of Keith Academy as well as a member of the Men's Club at Ste. Therese Church in Dracut. He was a long time active volunteer at the Boys Club in Lowell and was a mentor and long time volunteer of the Special Olympics as well as with the Special Needs students at the Greater Lowell Vocational School where he was cherished by the students and will be fondly remembered for the parties and activities he sponsored.
In his free time Doug enjoyed being in his garden and spending time in the company of his family and he will be remembered for the use of his favorite quote "I'll be back."
He was a communicant of the parish of St. Marguerite D'Youville at Ste. Therese Church in Dracut.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter Sandra J. Willett-Chaput of Dracut; two sons Douglas G. Willett Jr and his wife Barbara Rawlsky-Willett of Rumney, NH and Dean T. Willett and his wife Theresa of Lebanon, MO; nine grandchildren Stephen Chaput and his wife Beth of Dracut, Scot Chaput and his wife Cheryl of Nashua, NH, Renee Loughran and her husband Shawn of Hudson, NH, Rudy Chaput and his wife Kim also of Hudson, NH, Melaina Chaput of Tewksbury, Jessica Willett of New Castle, England, Meredith Willett of Virginia Beach, VA, Victoria Sheldon and her husband Brian of Shawnee, KS and Laurie Dickinson and her husband Steve of Lebanon, MO; thirteen great grandchildren Nicholas, Sidney, Luke, Audrey, Beau, Shannon, Erin, Derek, Jocelyn, Taylor, Sarah, Rachel and Brooke; one brother Raymond C. Willett of Lowell; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Vera Roscoe and Kenneth Willett.
Friends may call at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT, on Friday from 4 until 8 PM. His Funeral will be held from the funeral home on Saturday at 10 AM followed by his Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 AM in Ste. Therese Church, Dracut. Interment in Oakland Cemetery, Dracut. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Special Olympics 100 Conifer Hill Drive Suite 301 Danvers, MA 01923-1167.