Martin J. "Pops" Tessier Sr.

September 25, 2018

Martin J. Tessier

ATHOL- Martin J. “Pops” Tessier, 72, of Field Drive, died Monday, September 24, 2018 at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Healthcare Campus in Worcester, surrounded by family.

Martin was born in Gardner on February 23, 1946, a son of the late Charles G. and Ruth A. (King) Tessier.

On July 16, 1964, Martin enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam era, becoming a Corporal before his honorable discharge on July 15, 1968.

Martin was married to Arlene J. (Gravelle). They have lived in the area since 1979, moving from Gardner.

Martin was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Corrections Officer for 27 years, retiring in 2006. Following his retirement, his enterprising nature led to owning and operating  Pop’s Ice Cream Truck and Pop’s Amusement and Candy in Orange.

Pops enjoyed traveling but most of all being with his family.

He was a member of the Pequoig Marine Corps League as well as the American Legion. Pops enjoyed the Marine Corps Toys For Tots program every Christmas season and earned the distinguished “Marine of the Year”.

Martin is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Tessier of Athol; children, Christine Amayla (Mario) and Laura Tessier, all of Virginia, Julie Blake (Scott), Martin Tessier Jr., and Katherine Williams (Juan), all of Athol, Nancy Tessier (Dwayne) of Gardner, Adam Tessier (Tiffany) of Templeton and Kariana Tobias Tessier of Athol; grandchildren, Hilary, Kevin, Kyle, Caleb, Justin, Evan, Marissa, Jordan, Joey, Cameron, Seth, Jayvon, Jayla, and Connor; his dog, “Gunny”; sisters, Mary Mackolony of Florida and Cindy Tessier of Worcester; and many nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Pops was predeceased by a brother, Frank Tessier.  

A committal service with military honors, will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 11 a.m.at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon. Fr. Edwin Montana of Our Lady Immaculate Church of Athol will officiate.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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