Earl V. DeBlieux

Pierre Earl Verne DeBlieux, Jr. died at age 86 on May 22, 2018 after a short illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Lily, his adored step-children, Joel and Linda, and his much loved granddaughter, Evangeline. He is also survived by his brother Donald and his wife Mary, many loving nieces and nephews, family and friends. Earl was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on December 22, 1931 to Earl Sr. and Irene DeBlieux (deceased).

Earl attended the local public school in Pittsfield through grade 8 and Saint Joseph’s High School. He graduated from Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y., in 1956, with a degree in History and Philosophy. He then attended Our Lady of Angels Seminary, Niagra University in Niagra Falls, N.Y. Earl was ordained a Catholic priest in 1960 for the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts by Bishop Christopher J. Weldon. He served as a parish priest at St. Mary’s Church, North Hampton, Massachusetts and at St. Francis Church, North Adams, Massachusetts.

In 1964, Earl joined the USAF as a Catholic Chaplain. He was stationed in many stateside and oversees bases to include Alaska, Mississippi, Germany, England, Vietnam, Turkey, Japan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He served at many Air Force Commands including SAC, TAC, and Intelligence Training Commands. Among his many military awards are the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Earl retired on December 22, 1993 after almost 30 years in military service. After retirement from the USAF, he was laicized by Pope John II. On July 15, 1995, Earl married Elidia (Lily) Matos Lopez in Ocean Springs, MS. They loved to travel and lived in MS, FL, CA, and settled in AZ.

The wake will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301 on May 30 from 5:00-7:00 PM and on May 31 from 10:00-12:00. The funeral mass will be held on May 31, at 1:00 PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W Thomas Rd., Avondale, AZ 85392. A reception celebrating Earl’s life will follow from 2:30-4:30 PM at Pendergast Learning Center, 3841 N 91ST Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85037.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Order of the Paracletes, who assist troubled priests. Servants of the Paracletes, Development Office, PO Box 9, Cedar Hill, MO 63016.