Claude (Frenchy) DeHaro died on Oct. 18 in Longview, Wash. He was 77.

Frenchy was born in Morocco, Africa, and came to the United States in 1947. He lived and worked on his aunt’s farm in Oregon and in the early 1950s he enlisted in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force he became a U.S. citizen and then traveled the country quite extensively. He was always an extremely hard worker, often holding down two or three jobs at a time. Frenchy was an incredible athlete, artist, cook and friend. He was an avid bowler and won many trophies and championships while in Washington in the late 1960s. He owned and operated a successful silk screening business in Florida in the late 1970s.

Frenchy came to Martha’s Vineyard in 1982, where he immediately began delivering newspapers to homes around the Island. He also worked for E.C. Cottle, Inc. for many years. Eventually he was able to start silk screening again in his garage, while working for Randy Walpole Power Washing. At the age of 71, Frenchy moved back out west where he had often longed to be. He started delivering newspapers again with The Daily News.

He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy DeHaro, and is survived by his children, Tony DeHaro of Florida, Michelle Bettencourt of Oak Bluffs and Niki DeHaro of Edgartown. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Watts, Joan Felts and Christine Richards-Frick of South Carolina. Frenchy had two granddaughters with another on the way.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs with full military honors offered by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. A potluck gathering will follow at the Portuguese American Club on Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs. Please bring a dish to share.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.