Dolon J. St. Laurent

Dolon J. St. Laurent, age 89, of Swansea, passed away Friday, May 25, 2012 surrounded by his loving family at his residence. He was the husband of Bertha (Kocor) St. Laurent to whom he would have celebrated 66 years of marriage this June.

Born in Fall River, a son of the late Joseph and Jennie (Cote) St. Laurent, he had been a lifelong resident of Swansea.

A Veteran of the United States Navy, he served as a Radarman First Class during World War II, aboard the U.S.S. Landsdale and the U.S.S. Bauer also known as the “Lucky Lady.” He retired from the service with two purple hearts, the President’s Citation, the Navy Citation, 10 Battle Stars European Theater, two Battle Stars European Theater, and a letter of commendation. He served his country from May of 1942 to December of 1945.

At the start of his career he worked as a gas station attendant, and then became a Police Officer in the town of Swansea for many years, before retiring as a Carpenter from the Newport naval base in 1978. He was the Past President of the Swansea Police Association, the co-founder of the Stephen French V.F.W. in Swansea, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed doing yard work, going to the casino, and scratch tickets.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three daughters; Donna Costa of Fall River, Linda Roberts of North Carolina, and Susan Arruda of Fall River, four granddaughters; Jodi Crane, Stacey Henri, Lysia Arruda, and Kristen Costa, four great grandsons; Damien Crane, and Moon, Ziggy, and Jude Henri, several nieces and nephews, and his best friend William Grady of Fall River. He was brother of the late Marguerite Desrosiers and father-in-law of the late Francis Costa.

Contributions in his honor may be made to Gentiva Hospice 275 Martine St. Fall River, MA 02723. Private services are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Birchcrest.