Obituary of Arthur J. Jaffre

Dayville-Arthur J. Jaffre, 93, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2015. Arthur, son of the late Emil and Rose (Dube) Jaffre, was born on September 6, 1922 in Putnam, CT and resided locally for most of his life. He served in World War II with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was among thousands of American soldiers dropped behind enemy lines during the early morning hours of the invasion of Normandy on D-Day in June 1944. Arthur was a WWII prisoner of war, who twice escaped his captors. He left the service with a rank of corporal and received many decorations including the Bronze Star Medal, French Liberation Medal, and Victory Medal. Arthur leaves behind numerous family and close friends, including his son, Arthur Jaffre, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia and his daughter, Rose Annette and her husband Richard Baker of Lafayette, Indiana. He also leaves a grandson, Richard and a granddaughter, Samona as well as several great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Irene Devillez of Plainfield and Blanche Briere of Danielson. He was predeceased by his brother Henry of Dayville. In addition, he also leaves an extended family, Arthur and Gerri Rickey and family of Dayville and Rene and Roz Provost and family. He was a life member of the 101st Airborne Division Association and the Disabled American Veterans. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111. Graveside Services were held in Grove Street Cemetery with Military Honors. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam is directing arrangements. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com