Lowell – James L. Willett, Sr., of Lowell, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021. He was born in Haverhill May 11, 1924. James was the son of the late John D. and Bridgette (Dougherty) Willett.
He lived in Haverhill most of his life, moving to Lowell with his wife in October of 2003 to live with their daughter Susan. In June of 1944, James married his childhood sweetheart, Eliette (Soucy) Willett, who survives him. They enjoyed over 76 years of marriage. During World War II he joined the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Massachusetts in the Pacific Theatre and was honorably discharged. After the war, he held various jobs and most of his career was spent as a bread salesman for Cushmans Bakery, then retiring from Fantinni Bakery. James was a member of the VFW, where he and his wife went dancing every Saturday night. He also met monthly for lunch with the “Roma” group of old friends. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends on cruises all over the world and driving his RV up and down the east coast. James enjoyed gardening, eating his tomatoes, gourmet cheddar cheese and going to the beach. He loved feeding and watching birds as well as visits with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Eliette, James is survived by four daughters and two sons, Susan Gemos and her partner Edward Colozzi of Lowell; Leslie Stott and her husband Michael of Johnson City, TN; Jane Davis of Ninety Six, SC; Lee Willett-Reid and her husband George of Newfoundland, Canada and Leesburg, FL; James Willett Jr. and his partner Karen Stitham of Englewood, FL; Daniel Willett and his partner Yvonne Houlihan of Newton, NH; ten grandchildren, Heather Lanier and her husband Darrin, Derrick Gemos and his wife Jennifer, Michael Kelly and his wife Michelle, Heath Kelly and his wife Heather, Brett Kelly and his wife Sabrina, Jeff Stott, Chris Stott, Garner Davis and his wife Stacey, Briana Davis and her partner Mike Nielsen; Adam Willett and his wife Erin; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister, John Willett, Bernard Willett, Eileen Willett and Robert Willett.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, his burial will take place privately. Arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854 or the USS Massachusetts, Battleship Cove, 5 Water Street, Fall River, MA 02721. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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