Deane A. Jakola

FITCHBURG: Deane A. Jakola, 85, of Fitchburg passed away after a long illness on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Sterling Village Rehab and Nursing Center. Deane was born in Fitchburg on August 7, 1939, a son of the late Arne J. and Florence (Townsend) Jakola Sheehan. He graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1957 and joined the United States Air Force, serving until his honorable discharge in 1963. Deane went on to receive his bachelor's degree in history from North Adams State College and his master's degree in education from Fitchburg State College. After completing his education, Deane worked for the U.S. State Department and was assigned to locations throughout Africa and Europe. He loved to travel and visited or lived in over forty different countries. After leaving the State Department, he worked in the admissions department at Nichols College in Dudley until his retirement. Dean was an active and beloved member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Fitchburg. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others and for many years delivered meals on Thanksgiving Day to the elderly and needy. He was an avid sports fan, with particular allegiance to the Atlanta Braves and New England Patriots. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends who always appreciated his kindness and sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves his two sisters, Judith (Sheehan) Hodell and her husband Frank and Gail Sheehan, his nephews, Christopher Sheehan and wife Katie, Damien Sheehan-Connor and wife Laura, and Steven Jakola and wife Heather, his nieces Lori Hodell, Andrea DeFronzo and husband Mike, and Maeghan Ford and husband Lance, as well as many great nieces and nephews. He leaves his cousins Peter Jakola and wife Ruth Ann, Sandra Davis, Patricia Hollows, Alvah Jakola and wife Connie, and LuAnn Hume, along with their children and grandchildren. He is predeceased by his two brothers, Richard Jakola and David Sheehan and a nephew, Dylan Sheehan. His funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 11:30AM at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 750 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, followed by a burial with military honors in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. A visiting period will be held in the church prior to the service from 10:30-11:30AM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Memorial Fund, 750 Rindge Road, Fitchburg MA 01420. The Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com.

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Deane A. Jakola

August 7, 1939 - October 20, 2024