Joseph H. “Art” Deslandes, age 92, formerly of Byron Boulevard, Warwick, died on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at Tockwotton on the Waterfront in East Providence. He was the husband of Florence M. (Fallon) Deslandes for 67 years.
Born in Providence, a son of the late Henri and Rose A. (Couillard) Deslandes, he was a Warwick resident since 1923. A United States Army Air Force veteran of World War II, he was a member of the 29th Bombardment Group Association.
Mr. Deslandes was a general contractor, and the owner of Deslandes Construction in Warwick for over 50 years. He was a member of the Rhode Island Builders Association. Earlier in his career, he served for eight years on the Warwick Police Department. A communicant of St. Peter Church in Warwick, and a former eucharistic minister, he was a member of Warwick Council #2295 Knights of Columbus, and Fr. Wallace Assembly 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He was a past president and member of the Friendly Mixer Square Dancers, and held a 2nd degree blackbelt in Kempo karate.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Joseph H. Deslandes, Jr. of Exeter, John R. Deslandes of West Windsor, Vermont, and James G. Deslandes of North Smithfield; a brother, Raymond Deslandes of Florida; seven grandchhildren and two great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Theresa Clements.
His funeral was held on Monday, August 17, from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at in St. Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick. Burial with military honors was in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, RI Chapter. (1-800-272-3900) www.barrettandcotter.com
