Joseph James Deshaies

~~Boonville - Joseph James Deshaies, 76, husband of Barbara, affectionately known to many as Barney, and a longtime resident of Belle Isles Place, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at his residence while surrounded by the loving care of his family and hospice. Born on August 13, 1940, in Massena, Barney was a son of Rodolph and Regina DesGrossilier Deshaies. As a youth he attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, and then Massena High School, graduating with the Class of 1958. Barney excelled in sports and was a stellar athlete, lettering in baseball and basketball. Upon completing his high school education, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees major league baseball teams. Choosing to continue his education, Barney received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in education from SUNY Potsdam. On September 2, 1961, Joseph was united in marriage with Barbara Brogan at Holy Trinity Church, Webster, NY. The couple settled first in Port Leyden before moving to Belle Isles Place in 1969. It is here where they raised their four children. Barney was employed as a 7th grade social studies teacher with South Lewis Central School retiring after 33 years. While at South Lewis, Barney was also the Varsity Baseball Coach for 15 years. Mr. Deshaies was an active member of St. Josephs Church, Boonville, where he served as an usher for many years. He was a life member of the Boonville Council Knights of Columbus, serving as past Grand Knight. Barney was a longtime volunteer for the New York State Woodsmens Field Days for over 30 years, a member of the Boonville Elks Lodge, and was an associate member of both the Charles J. Love Post American Legion, and Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW. A consummate gentleman, Barney was affectionately known as Boonvilles unofficial mayor. Mr. Deshaies served as a Village of Boonville Trustee from 1973-1982, and was instrumental in the construction of Kortenaer Village. While service as Trustee, he was appointed Parks Commissioner; in the later 1970s and early 80s Mr. Deshaies headed the expansion and redesign of the Erwin Park Basketball Courts, Tennis Courts and Soft ball field. Thereafter the Softball field met official Softball game requirements, enabling its use for school Softball Games. An avid sports fan, Barney was a proud fan of Syracuse Orange Basketball, New York Yankee Baseball, Montreal Canadians Hockey, and NY Giants Football. Barney was a very devoted family man and cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren. Barney also enjoyed the sports of golf and bowling. Since 2002, Barney and Barbara have enjoyed their winters in Venice, Florida. Besides his wife Barbara, Barney is survived by his children: Michelle Bartelotte, Boonville, Brian (Lisa) Deshaies, New Braunfels, TX, Robert (Florence) Deshaies, and Ren (Brian) Berwick, all of Boonville; his grandchildren: Christopher Bartelotte, Amanda Bartelotte and her fianc Erik Sorenson, Nickolaus Deshaies and his fianc Jennifer Jetton, Keith (Erika) Deshaies, Evan Deshaies, Mallory Deshaies, Ethan Berwick and Regina Berwick, siblings: Albert Herbie Deshaies, Massena, Yvette (Leonard) Carmichael, Pheonix, AZ, and Donald Bub Deshaies, Plattsburgh, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert Perp and Raymond Beanie Deshaies. Funeral services be MONDAY with a prayer service at 10:15 A.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, followed by a celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. at St. Josephs Church of Christ Our Hope Parish, Boonville, where Rev. Thomas Ward, pastor will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Josephs Cemetery, Boonville. Calling hours are SUNDAY 1-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Members of Boonville Council Knights of Columbus will meet in a group for a service on Sunday at 8:00 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Lewis Athletic Fund, P.O. Box #40, East Road, Turin, New York 1347, or to St. Josephs Church, 110 Charles St. Boonville, NY 13309.