1928 - 2018
Visitation
February 20, 20184 PM - 6 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
February 21, 20188AM Funeral Home / 9AM Church
St. John the Evangelist Church 115 Middlesex St. Chelmsford, MA 01863
Reginald J. Furness, the husband of Blanche G. (Proulx) Furness, died Saturday, February 17, 2018 at his home. He was 89 years old.
Born in Burlington, VT, on April 7, 1928, he was the son of the late Jeremiah and Carrie (Amsden) Furness. He lived in Lowell, MA for 20 years. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1945 and was in its “Brigade” ROTC program.
Reggie enlisted in the U.S. Navy directly out of High School during World War II and served as a Seaman QM on the U.S.S. Tombigbee in the Pacific Theater. He felt privileged to take part in the atomic bomb tests at the Bikini Atoll in 1946. Once out of the Navy, he attended Boston University School of Law, from which he graduated and received his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1952. He set up a private law practice and also worked as Assistant Law Librarian for Boston University School of Law for many years. He was Consultant to various law firms and attorneys; was in charge of Reader Services at Boston University Law Library, President of Law Librarians of New England, Instructor of Legal Research at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, and Boston University School of Law.
Mr. Furness was a member of the American Legion Post 0313 in North Chelmsford. He was very active in the Chelmsford community. He was a member of Chelmsford’s Jaycees. He was on the Executive Council of the Chelmsford Junior Chamber of Commerce, and instrumental in setting up its By-Laws. He was also the Chairman of the Building Committee for the John Morrison Council of the Knights of Columbus of North Chelmsford. He was also the Incorporator/Officer/Drafting Attorney for the Town of Chelmsford Scholarship Fund, Inc. which came into existence on April 08, 1957. He also taught CCD classes at St. John the Evangelist Church Parish in North Chelmsford. He was also on the Fence Review Committee for the town.
Reggie made a hobby of genealogy, researching his family roots. Other interests were billiards, golf, and skippering his boat out of the waters of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee.
Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, Jeffrey T. Furness of Chelmsford, and three daughters: Chera Proctor (Walter) of Plaistow, N.H., Debra Mousseau (Rolly) of North Waterboro, Maine, and Kim Beaudin (William/deceased) of Salem, NH. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Nathan Stuckart (Jenifer), Brittany Proctor, Steven Rogers (Heather), Cody Furness (Audrey), Ashley Emerson (Mark), Lindsey Mousseau, Katie Gray (Erik), Kelly Beaudin, Krystal Duguay (Adam), and Kayla Mastropietro (Michael). He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Mikayla, Brady, Rylee, Jordan, Nathan, William, Bentley, Everly, Natalie, and Ensley. Also survived by his sister, Wanita (Furness) Patten and her husband, George of South Carolina. Also by many nieces and nephews.
Reggie was the father of Paul D. Furness who died in 2005; the father-in-law of Kim’s husband, William Beaudin, who died in 2004, and the brother-in-law of Russell G. Proulx who died in 2006.
Visiting hours Tuesday 4 to 6 P.M. Funeral Wednesday at 8 A.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 9 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church, Chelmsford. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Reggie’s memory may be made to the Town of Chelmsford Scholarship Fund, Inc., Attn: Treasurer, P.O. Box 296, Chelmsford, MA 01824. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Linda & Fred Baker
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Our heart goes out to Kim and her family.
Yet another angel watching over us.
It’s never easy loose anyone so close to us.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick & Alice Moussesu
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Deb,
Our condolences to you and your family at the loss of your father. May all your memories of him comfort you through this difficult time.
Love Alice & Dick
Mark Peck
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Rest in peace my good friend. The manderian will miss you
Len waters
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Reggae, you will be greatly missed! I will always remember your inspiring and positive attitude, as well as your wonderful wisdom.
Kenny & Kim
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Reggie… we always enjoyed your company at the Princeton Station on Saturdays… we had a fun time… Peanut Butter Pie! Our thoughts and prayers to your family and Numerous friends… we will miss your calls….. Kenny and Kim
Jan Neve
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Reggie You always seem to put smiles on everyone’s face everywhere you went. You are truly missed already but I know you are in heaven watching over your family and your friends. ♥️
My condolences to your family.
RIP my dear friend♥️
Jan
George Manoyan
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Reggie, you will be sorely missed. Every time i was with you, you made me smile. You were one of the smartest persons i ever knew. I will never forget my last ride with you back in October. RIP myfriend, Love you,