Wilfred J. Anair Sr. Was Decorated War Veteran

Wilfred J. (Red) Anair Sr. of Shore Drive in Wales died Saturday, June 14, at his home.

Born May 4, 1918 in Easthampton, Mr. Anair worked at the Hegan Mill in Wales, the Quabbin Reservoir Project and General Electric in Lawrence before enlisting in the Army. He served his country during World War II and the Korean conflict and was awarded the Bronze Star for acts of heroism.

After his return, he apprenticed at Starkey Artificial Limb Co. in Hartford, Conn. Eventually he bought the business and expanded it to serve Springfield and Pittsfield.

His first retirement took him to Martha's Vineyard, where he worked part-time at Martha's Vineyard National Bank. In 1989 he returned to his cottage on the lake in Wales.

Mr. Anair served as post commander of American Legion Post 241 in Monson, VFW Post 2596 in Wales and VFW Post 9261 in Oak Bluffs. He was a member of the Day Spring Masonic Lodge in Monson, the Amputee Veterans and the DAV.

He served the town of Wales as assessor and selectman and the town of Gay Head as harbor master and assessor. He was the Dukes County veterans agent and a deputy sheriff. He was also a member of the Wales Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Stebbins Anair; his children, Joy and Dick Levasseur of Carmel, Me., Bill and Donna Anair of Wales and Bette and Hank Decoteau of Wales. He also leaves six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, June 17, at 11 a.m. in the Wales Baptist Church, with interment following at Wales #4 Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in memory of Wilfred J. Anair Sr. be made to the Wales Baptist Church roof-furnace fund, P.O. Box 256, Wales, MA 01081.