George H. Sideleau, 104, of Wilbraham died peacefully in the early hours of October 7, 2026.

Born October 3, 1922 in Ludlow, to the late Armand G. and Yvonne Sideleau (Gregoire), he grew up on Worcester Street in Indian Orchard and graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1941. He proudly served in World War II as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps, stationed with the 8th Air Force at B.A.D.#2 Warton, England from late 1943 to early 1946. He was awarded several medals including the Good Conduct, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign, the Victory and the Rifle Sharpshooter. In later years, George recounted many happy memories of his time spent in England and educated himself about different aspects of the war by reading many books on the events, battles, planes and firearms used in the various conflicts. He became an armchair expert on anything regarding World War II and enjoyed discussing it with friends and family.

After the war, George married his loving wife Theresa, moved to Wilbraham, raised a family of three children and became a lifelong member of St. Cecilia Church. He remained in the same home until his death. He was employed as a skilled toolmaker all his working life for several manufacturing firms including Van Norman Co., Capital Design and Manufacturing Co. and Dennison National Co. (Avery Dennison Co.), retiring in 1984.

George was “Mr. Fixit.” If a household item could be repaired or needed a new part, George would use his toolmaking skills to design a new part and refurbish the item like new. He loved telling jokes. George enjoyed fishing trips to Northern New England and Quebec, Canada with his son Paul, as well as annual family vacations to Lake Willoughby, VT and the beach in Wells, ME. Additionally, he and Theresa took camping trips to Upstate New York and Nova Scotia. Being an avid golfer, he enjoyed many early mornings at the golf course with his friends. While he was physically able to, he made a garden every year and enjoyed eating the fresh tomatoes, onions and string beans he grew.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 77 years, Theresa M. Sideleau (nee Stebbins) and their children; Paul Sideleau (Ellen), Alice Sideleau and Jeanne Dowd (Mike), grandchildren; Robert Cowles (Judy), Ashley Solen (Erik), Maureen Dowd (Steve) and Shannon Dowd, great grandchildren; Damien Cowles, Onyx, Charlie and Joshua Solen, along with many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13th from 9:15-10:15 AM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. George’s Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00AM at St. Cecilia Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Springfield.

At George’s request, memorial contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095.