Albert P. Bezanson1

M, #27021, b. 14 February 1910, d. 18 July 1999
Father*Harry Elroy Bezanson1 b. 1 Jun 1869, d. 3 Sep 1950
Mother*Mary Moran1 b. c 1879, d. 27 Jan 1948

Family

Carmen Nobriga b. c 1912, d. 11 Oct 1966
Relationship4th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson
     Albert P. Bezanson was born on 14 February 1910 at Holbrook, Massachusetts.2,3,4 He registered for the military service draft on 16 October 1940 while living at Winthrop, Massachusetts, and was described as having light complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, 5-3, 115 pounds. Next of kin was Mary Bezanson. He began military service on 19 November 1942 at Boston, Massachusetts. Enlisted in the Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA. Rank was Private. Described as height 63 inches, weight 115 pounds.5 He was a mail carrier according to the census of 1950.6 He married Carmen Nobriga on 12 March 1951 at Halifax, Massachusetts. He was 41.1,7 Carmen had several other husbands, and married again in 1957, so her marriage to Albert did not last long.8 He died on 18 July 1999 at age 89.4

Census Summary

1910
Birth
1910
Census
1910
1920
Census
1920
1930
Census
1930
1940
Census
1940
1950
Census
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
Death
1999

Census, Residence

Census1910Albert P. Bezanson appeared on the census of 1910 at Pleasant Street, Holbrook, Massachusetts, in the household of Harry Elroy Bezanson with James Henry Bezanson, Walter Moran Bezanson, Francis Joseph Bezanson and Margaret M. Bezanson.3
Census1920Albert P. Bezanson appeared on the census of 1920 at Chandler Street, Holbrook, Massachusetts, in the household of Harry Elroy Bezanson and Mary Moran with James Henry Bezanson, Walter Moran Bezanson, Francis Joseph Bezanson and Mary Margaret Bezanson.9
Census1930Albert P. Bezanson appeared on the census of 1930 at 37 Hurd Street, Melrose, Massachusetts, in the household of Harry Elroy Bezanson and Mary Moran with Mary Margaret Bezanson.10
Census1940Albert P. Bezanson appeared on the census of 1940 at 44 Underhill Street, Winthrop, Massachusetts, in the household of David F. Mansfield and Mary Margaret Bezanson with David F. Mansfield and Margaret A. Mansfield.11
Residence1947Albert P. Bezanson lived with Harry Elroy Bezanson and Mary Moran at 19 Wilmington Street, Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1947.12
Census1950Albert P. Bezanson appeared on the census of 1950 at 269 Liberty St., Hanover, Massachusetts, with Harry Elroy Bezanson.6
Last Edited25 Apr 2023

Citations

  1. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Albert P Bezanson; Carman Gailey; Marriage; Date: 12 March 1951; Hanson, Massachusetts, USA; Father: Henry Bezanson; Mother: Mary Ann Moran.
  2. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Bi[gz]anson, Albert; Holbrook Birth Register; 14 February 1910.
  3. [S4] 1910 U.S. Federal Census; Holbrook, Norfolk, Massachusetts; FHL Film: 1374621; Roll: T624_608; ED: 1111; Page: 10A; Lines: 1-8.
  4. [S3] Social Security Administration, Social Security Death Index, Albert P. Bezanson; Born: 14 Feb 1910; Died: 18 Jul 1999; Issue State: Massachusetts; Issue Date: Before 1951.
  5. [S666] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), "U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946", Albert P Bezanson; Enlistment Date: 19 November 1942; Enlistment Place: Boston, Massachusetts.
  6. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Hanover, Plymouth, Massachusetts; Roll: 4487; ED: 12-34; Sheet: 14.
  7. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Carman Gailey; Albert P Bezanson; Marriage; Date: 12 March 1951; Hanson, Massachusetts, USA; Father: Joaquim Nobriga; Mother: Sara Treitas.
  8. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Carmen F Gailey; Marriage Date: 14 August 1957; Marriage Place: Seabrook, New Hampshire; Father: Joaquim Nobriga; Mother: Sarah Nobriga; Spouse: Joseph P Sousa.
  9. [S4] 1920 U.S. Federal Census; Holbrook, Norfolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_722; Image: 710; ED: 199; Page: 15B; Lines: 86-92.
  10. [S4] 1930 U.S. Federal Census; Melrose, Middlesex, Massachusetts; FHL Film: 2340660; Roll: 925; Image: 745.0; ED: 0342; Page: 4B; Lines: 72-76.
  11. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Winthrop, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1644; ED: 13-106; Page: 1B; Lines: 55-61.
  12. [S667] Ancestry.com, "U.S. City Directories", Manning's 1947 Brockton, Massachusetts Directory, p. 165.

Carmen Nobriga1

F, #27022, b. circa 1912, d. 11 October 1966

Family

Albert P. Bezanson b. 14 Feb 1910, d. 18 Jul 1999
     Carmen Nobriga was born circa 1912 at Portugal.1 She married Albert P. Bezanson on 12 March 1951 at Halifax, Massachusetts. He was 41.2,3 Carmen had several other husbands, and married again in 1957, so her marriage to Albert did not last long.4 Carmen Nobriga died on 11 October 1966 at Somerville, Massachusetts.5,6

     Obituary from The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 13 October 1966:
SOUSA -- Gailey, in Somerville, Oct 11, Carmen F. (Nobriga), beloved wife of Joseph and devoted mother of Harold L. Gailey, William S., Robert M. and Mrs. Carmen S. Adams.

Funeral from the A. Struzziero and Sons Funeral Home, 493 Somerville av., Friday, Oct. 14 at 8 a.m. High Mass of Requiem in St. Anthony's Church at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 7-10, Thursday 2-4 and 7-10.5
Last Edited26 Apr 2023

Citations

  1. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Bezanson, Albert P; Gailey (Nobriga), Carmen; Hanson Marriage Register; 12 March 1951.
  2. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Albert P Bezanson; Carman Gailey; Marriage; Date: 12 March 1951; Hanson, Massachusetts, USA; Father: Henry Bezanson; Mother: Mary Ann Moran.
  3. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Carman Gailey; Albert P Bezanson; Marriage; Date: 12 March 1951; Hanson, Massachusetts, USA; Father: Joaquim Nobriga; Mother: Sara Treitas.
  4. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Carmen F Gailey; Marriage Date: 14 August 1957; Marriage Place: Seabrook, New Hampshire; Father: Joaquim Nobriga; Mother: Sarah Nobriga; Spouse: Joseph P Sousa.
  5. [S2] Carmen Sousa - Gailey Death Notice, The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 13 October 1966, p. 37.
  6. [S806] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, "Massachusetts Death Index, 1901-1980", Carmen Nqbriga Sousa; Maiden Surname: Nobriga; Year: 1966; Somerville, Massachusetts; Volume: 98; Page: 114.

David F. Mansfield1

M, #27024, b. 7 December 1931, d. 26 January 2010
Father*David F. Mansfield1 b. 17 Jul 1907, d. 3 Sep 1985
Mother*Mary Margaret Bezanson1 b. 3 Nov 1907, d. 27 Mar 1984

Family

Mary Smith
Relationship5th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson
     David F. Mansfield was born on 7 December 1931 at Melrose, Massachusetts.1,2 He married Mary Smith.2 David F. Mansfield died on 26 January 2010 at West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, at age 78.2 He was buried in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Massachusetts.2

     Obituary from The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 28 January 2010:
MANSFIELD, David F. Jr. 78, of West Bridgewater, formerly of Hanson, died January 26th at his home after a brief period of failing health. He was the husband of the late Nancy (Smith) Mansfield.

Born December 7, 1931, in Melrose, he was a son of the late David and Mary (Bezanson) Mansfield of Brockton. Following graduation from Brockton High School, Dave served as a medic in Detroit and Texas during the Korean War. He was a skilled craftsman and businessman, former owner and president of Imperia Kitchen Cabinet Corporation of Hanson and Taunton. Dave also served on several boards of directors including East Bridgewater Savings Bank. A skilled pianist, he frequently treated family and friends to many enjoyable evenings filled with his tunes. Upon retirement, Dave took pride in taking meticulous care of his home and property.

Dave is survived by his sons, Gary Mansfield of Milford, Connecticut, Scott Mansfield of Marathon, Florida, his daughter Kimberly (Mansfield) Carney of Duxbury; his grandchildren Avery and Sydney Mansfield of Connecticut, Samantha Carney of Duxbury; his sisters Mary Dilgard of Middleboro, Rita Donovan of Whitman, Patricia Mansfield of Hanson, and Anne Flynn of Marshfield, and the late Margaret Straffin of Brockton; his life long friend and brother-in-law Vernon Straffin of Brockton, and also a close neighbor and friend Dottie English of West Bridgewater. Many nieces & nephews also survive Dave.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday in St. Ann's Church, West Bridgewater. Visiting hours will be omitted. Following donation of his body to the U. Mass Anatomical Gifts Program, Dave's ashes will be buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. The family wishes to thank the health care workers from the Brockton Hospital, Home Instead, & especially Old Colony Hospice.2

Census Summary

1930
Birth
1931
1940
Census
1940
1950
Census
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Death
2010

Census, Residence

Census1940David F. Mansfield appeared on the census of 1940 at 44 Underhill Street, Winthrop, Massachusetts, in the household of David F. Mansfield and Mary Margaret Bezanson with Margaret A. Mansfield and Albert P. Bezanson.1
Census1950David F. Mansfield appeared on the census of 1950 at 52 Clarence, Brockton, Massachusetts, in the household of David F. Mansfield and Mary Margaret Bezanson with Margaret A. Mansfield.3
Last Edited7 Mar 2015

Citations

  1. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Winthrop, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1644; ED: 13-106; Page: 1B; Lines: 55-61.
  2. [S2] David F. Mansfield, Jr. Death Notice, The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 28 January 2010.
  3. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Brockton, Plymouth, Massachusetts; Roll: 4482; ED: 16-85; Page: 5.

Margaret A. Mansfield1

F, #27026, b. 11 March 1935, d. 1 February 1986
Father*David F. Mansfield1 b. 17 Jul 1907, d. 3 Sep 1985
Mother*Mary Margaret Bezanson1 b. 3 Nov 1907, d. 27 Mar 1984

Family

Vernon Straffin
Relationship5th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson
     Margaret A. Mansfield was born on 11 March 1935 at Massachusetts.1,2 She married Vernon Straffin.3 Margaret A. Mansfield died on 1 February 1986 at Stoughton, Massachusetts, at age 50.2

Census Summary

1930
Birth
1935
1940
Census
1940
1950
Census
1950
1960
1970
1980
Death
1986

Census, Residence

Census1940Margaret A. Mansfield appeared on the census of 1940 at 44 Underhill Street, Winthrop, Massachusetts, in the household of David F. Mansfield and Mary Margaret Bezanson with David F. Mansfield and Albert P. Bezanson.1
Census1950Margaret A. Mansfield appeared on the census of 1950 at 52 Clarence, Brockton, Massachusetts, in the household of David F. Mansfield and Mary Margaret Bezanson with David F. Mansfield.4
Last Edited7 Mar 2015

Citations

  1. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Winthrop, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1644; ED: 13-106; Page: 1B; Lines: 55-61.
  2. [S742] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts Death Index,1970-2003", Straffin, Margaret A; Certificate: 018089.
  3. [S2] David F. Mansfield, Jr. Death Notice, The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 28 January 2010.
  4. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Brockton, Plymouth, Massachusetts; Roll: 4482; ED: 16-85; Page: 5.

Mary O. O'Connor1

F, #27028, b. circa 1901

Family

James Henry Bezanson b. 8 Mar 1902, d. 9 Apr 1986
Child
     Mary O. O'Connor was born circa 1901 at Massachusetts.1 She married James Henry Bezanson circa 1924.1

Census Summary

1900
Birth
1901
1910
1920
1930
Census
1930
1940
Census
1940

Census, Residence

Census1930James Henry Bezanson and Mary O. O'Connor appeared on the census of 1930 at 113 Cleveland Street, Melrose, Massachusetts, with James Henry Bezanson Jr. in the houshold of Mary's mother Ellen.1
Census1940James Henry Bezanson and Mary O. O'Connor appeared on the census of 1940 at 158 Wyoming Street, Melrose, Massachusetts, with James Henry Bezanson Jr.2
Last Edited24 Jul 2023

Citations

  1. [S4] 1930 U.S. Federal Census; Melrose, Middlesex, Massachusetts; FHL Film: 2340660; Roll: 925; Image: 756.0; ED: 0342; Page: 10A; Lines: 44-50; Page: 10B; Line: 51;.
  2. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Melrose, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1613; ED: 9-371; Page: 1A; Line: 40; Page: 1B; Lines: 41-42.

James Henry Bezanson Jr.1,2

M, #27029, b. 16 March 1925, d. 15 May 2020
Father*James Henry Bezanson2 b. 8 Mar 1902, d. 9 Apr 1986
Mother*Mary O. O'Connor2 b. c 1901

Family

Barbara H Matton b. c 1927
Relationship5th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson
     James Henry Bezanson Jr. was born on 16 March 1925 at Melrose, Massachusetts.1,2 He married Barbara H Matton.3 James Henry Bezanson Jr. died on 15 May 2020 at Togus Veterans Hospital, Augusta, Maine, at age 95.1

     Obituary from Bangor Daily News (Bangor, Maine), 18 August 2020:
LUBEC - On May 15th, 2020, James Henry Bezanson Jr., 95 of Lubec Maine, beloved husband of Lois J. Bezanson passed away peacefully into the presence of our Lord Jesus at Togus Veterans Hospital, Augusta Maine.

James H. Bezanson Jr. was born March 16th, 1925 in Melrose Massachusetts, the son of James H. and Mary(O'Conner) Bezanson. On February 15, 1943, James was drafted into the United States Navy. Jim was listed in the muster of the USS Intrepid. The Intrepid provided cover for the invasion of Okinawa. The USS Curtiss twice, and later in the war on the USS Yorktown (CV-10).

Jim was aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) as a dive bomber on an SB-2C, assigned to the bombing of Tokyo preparing for the invasion of Japan. After the Tokyo mission in July and refueling, the Yorktown waited in the waters off Honshu, August 16-23 1945 while surrender terms were negotiated.

Once hostilities ended, the Yorktown planes flew food-drops into the POW camps in which American and allied troops faced starvation.

After the war, James moved to Eastport Maine. where he married Norma Lewis. He managed one of the last sardine factories operating in Eastport. After leaving the sardine factory, Jim joined the US Customs and Immigration Service which took him to Aroostook County and then to Lubec where he retired as Port Director with Customs and Immigration Service in 1990.

Jim's intellectual capacity harbored many interests and talents. An extensive reader, he loved to study and research. He participated and joined many organizations in both Eastport and Lubec. He was president of the Eastport Rotary Club, active in the VFW, Knights of Columbus, Historical Societies, Lubec Medical Center BOD, and numerous community-sponsored events. Jim was artistically talented, known for his great singing voice, quick wit, creativity, and humor. Jim's life, manner, and contributions made many friends and acquaintances over the years, which he enjoyed.

Jim's interest in music brought him to meet Lois March, a well-known music teacher in Lubec and they married in 1995, sharing a wonderful life together.

Surviving is his wife, Lois Bezanson of Lubec, Joseph, and Donna Lewis, Eastport ME; Sarah Kastagir, Seal Beach, CA; David and Mary Heffley, Denver PA; Linda Till, Jamestown, NC; and Thomas Heffley, Lebanon, PA; 11 step-grandchildren, 24 great-step grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lubec Congregational Church, Lubec Maine on August 22, 2020, at 2 pm for family and invited friends. Donations in memory of Jim can be made to Community Health & Counseling, or any charity of your choice

The family wants to thank the doctors, nurses, healthcare personnel, Jolene Shults, Craig McCaslin, and all the supporting friends he was blessed with.

A Brief Look at the WW11 Service History of James H. Bezanson of Lubec, Maine

March 16, 1925 Melrose Massachusetts. - May 15,2020 Togus V.A. Med. Center, Maine.

On February 15, 1942. soon after our nation became involved in WWII, James H. Bezanson Jr. was drafted into the United States Navy. At that time, the young 18-year old was living in Melrose, Massachusetts, and employed by New England Manufacturing Company.

Jim was listed in the muster of the USS Intrepid, USS Curtiss twice, and later in the war on the USS Yorktown (CV-10). While on these vessels he was a member of the famed 88th Bomber Squadron. The 88th received distinguished battle stars for its major role in bringing the war to a positive conclusion.

The USS Curtiss (AV-4) was a seaplane tender and part of the battle group including the USS Intrepid. The Curtiss received seven battle stars for its wartime role. Although hit and damaged by Japanese airplanes in the infamous sneak attack while in Pearl Harbor. It was expeditiously repaired and entered the offensive in the Far East.

In May 1945 Jim was aboard the USS Curtiss in waters off Okinawa when a kamikaze plunged into the vessel killing 35 crew members and wounding 21 others. At the time of the kamikaze attack, there was a crew of 1035 enlisted men and approximately 100 officers.

Prior to Jim's assignment to the tender ship (USS Curtiss), he was serving aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Intrepid. The Intrepid was an Essex class aircraft carrier known as The Fighting "1". Jim's name was found on the Intrepid muster on February 20, 1945, after repairs to the ship were completed, damaged from an earlier attack.

Jim was aboard when a bomber from the Intrepid deck hit and eliminated the famed Japanese warship Kuro. Later, planes from the Intrepid provided cover for the invasion of Okinawa. Then the unthinkable happened. On April 16 of the same year, multiple Kamikaze planes plunged into the deck killing 270 crew members and severely crippling the carrier.

Jim's final duty, according to the Department of the Navy records, now a seasoned veteran of two horrendous kamikaze attacks on the USS Intrepid and the USS Curtiss, was aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) as a dive bomber on an SB-2C, assigned to the bombing of Tokyo preparing for the invasion of Japan. After the Tokyo mission in July and refueling, the Yorktown waited in the waters off Honshu, August 16-23 1945 while surrender terms were negotiated.

Once hostilities ended, the Yorktown planes flew food-drops into the POW camps in which American and allied troops faced starvation.

James H. Bezanson returned to his home country and commenced a lifetime of public service and caring for others. Like many of our American heroes, Jim had a deep and abiding love of country. Jim was never known to talk much about the experiences of his time of service. His last watch ended May 15, 2020, in the hospice care at Togus V.A. Medical Center, Maine.1

Census Summary

1920
Birth
1925
1930
Census
1930
1940
Census
1940
1950
Census
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Death
2020

Census, Residence

Census1930James Henry Bezanson Jr. appeared on the census of 1930 at 113 Cleveland Street, Melrose, Massachusetts, in the household of James Henry Bezanson and Mary O. O'Connor.2
Census1940James Henry Bezanson Jr. appeared on the census of 1940 at 158 Wyoming Street, Melrose, Massachusetts, in the household of James Henry Bezanson and Mary O. O'Connor.4
Census1950James Henry Bezanson Jr. and Barbara H Matton appeared on the census of 1950 at Eastport, Maine, in the household of Barbara's parents Phalais A. (47) and Mary R. Matton (47.)3
Last Edited27 Jul 2023

Citations

  1. [S2] James Henry Bezanson, Jr. Death Notice, Bangor Daily News (Bangor, Maine), 18 August 2020.
  2. [S4] 1930 U.S. Federal Census; Melrose, Middlesex, Massachusetts; FHL Film: 2340660; Roll: 925; Image: 756.0; ED: 0342; Page: 10A; Lines: 44-50; Page: 10B; Line: 51;.
  3. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Eastport, Washington, Maine; Roll: 987; ED: 15-36; Page: 22.
  4. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Melrose, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1613; ED: 9-371; Page: 1A; Line: 40; Page: 1B; Lines: 41-42.