Felix A Debarros Jr.

He was born on September 4, 1927 to the late Felix A DeBarros Sr. and Caroline (Randall) DeBarros.

Felix worked for many years at Workman Shoe Factory, Majestic Pants Company, and Norwich Wire Factory. He was an elder member of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation where he received the Eagle Feather Award and the Former Sportsman Athletic Club. He was a veteran of the Korean War and received the Korean Service Medal w/1 Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

Felix, also known as Junie, loved to dance. He tapped danced at the former Masonic Temple and was invited to dance for the Queen of England, but due to his stage fright, he never made it. He graduated NFA in Norwich, CT class of 1945. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling and going to the State Theater in Hartford whenever there was a hot band playing. He ran track and per his yearbook, his highest ambition was to play the tenor saxophone.

Felix is survived by two daughters, Kathy D. Gilliard (Mike) and Terri L. DeBarros-Booth (Dana) both of Norwich; two sons, John Ruley Jr. of Ledyard and Michael Gagne of Groton; and his longtime companion Gail Gagne of Taftville. Also survives him are many, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by daughter Joann (Ruley, Camby) Mahir; two sons, Kenneth (Pebs) Ruley, and Edward Ruley; one grandchild Stephanie (Tootis) Booth of Norwich; two brothers, Frederick DeBarros and Joseph DeBarros; and three sisters, Clara (Jenkins) Amado, Mary Braxton, and Virginia Thompson. Felix was the last of his immediate family.

Visitation for Felix will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT. A funeral home service will occur Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 12:00 PM at 136 Sachem St., 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT. Following the service, a burial with military honors will occur at Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Trpk., Norwich, CT.