Oscar F. Despres, 97, of Gardner, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Rogersville, New Brunswick, Canada, on September 25, 1928, he was the son of the late William and Elmina (Roy) Despres. Oscar began working as a sawmill worker and sawyer for Anderson Lumber in Canada before coming to the United States in March 1953. That same year, he began working at Conant Ball in Gardner, MA, where he continued developing the skills and work ethic that defined his life. Drafted into the U.S. Army on December 13, 1953, he completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, attended engineering/drafting school at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and served at Fort Campbell Hospital, Kentucky, as a draftsman for 15 months. He was discharged from active duty in 1955, became a U.S. citizen in Louisville, Kentucky, and served six years in the U.S. Army Ready Reserve until November 1966. Returning to Massachusetts with his family, he attended trade school in Worcester, MA, to become a machinist. Prior to retirement, Oscar proudly owned and operated Oscar Despres Carbide Saw Service in Gardner for 35 years, selling the business in 1993.

A devoted parishioner of Annunciation Parish, he proudly held the distinction of being the oldest known member of the Acadien Social Club at the time of his death, where he spent many happy hours throughout his adult life. In his younger years, he was a championship pool player and champion horseshoe player at the club. Oscar found joy in life's simple pleasures-fishing, oil painting, reading, completing crossword puzzles, playing card games, and strumming his guitar. Travel was one of his great passions, cherishing summers in Canada and 25 winters in Holiday, Florida, as snowbirds with his beloved wife Doris. A devoted sports fan, he rarely missed a game, faithfully cheering on the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, while also enjoying a good round of golf. Above all else, his greatest happiness came from time spent with his family, whom he loved deeply and treasured beyond measure.

Oscar was married to his beloved wife, Doris (Cormier) Despres, on December 27, 1958, and together they shared 67 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, William Despres of Gardner; two daughters, Gisele Wickman and her husband Barry of Gardner, and Muriel Despres-Martel of Gardner; and his beloved stepdaughter, Linda and her husband Gerald of Canada. He is also survived by eight grandchildren-Barbara, Daniel, Jennifer, Michael, Patrick, Matthew, Jonathan, Nathan; nine great-grandchildren-Bryce, Jaylynn, Lilliana, Coby, Braden, Amber, Cristal, Lily, and Samuel; two brothers, Eric Despres of New Brunswick and Guillaume Despres of Quebec; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Oscar was predeceased by his daughter, Nancy Gonelli; his brother, Gerald Despres; and three grandchildren, Mindy, Scott, and Katherine.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner.

A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the burial at the Acadien Social Club, 193 Parker Street, Gardner, MA, a place that held deep meaning for Oscar throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to Care Central VNA and Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Oscar F. Despres.