John Ansay, 95, of Dartmouth passed away at home on Thursday April 5, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Rita M. (Yergeau) Ansay; they had been married for 71 years.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Arthur and Louise (Gembarowska) Ansay, he resided in Dartmouth for many years. He was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Parish.

Ansay retired from the Frank Noone Shoe Co., Inc. in Taunton as the manufacturing firm's superintendent. He had previously worked at Knapp Shoes in New Bedford, Stetson Shoe in Weymouth, and Freedman Shoe in New Bedford.

After attending New Bedford High School, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Air Force from 1943-1946. He was an aviation cadet and later an aviation mechanic on B-24 Liberators in England, and flew 26 missions.

John was also a combat infantryman, serving as squad leader in the 78th Infantry Lightning Division, being the first Doughboys to cross the Rhine River into Germany. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge.

In the infantry, he attained the rank of sergeant, receiving the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Marksman Rifle Badge.

Ansay was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Monsignor Prevost Council for 61 years. He was a former member of the Moose Golden Age Seniors in New Bedford, the Jolly Rollers Bowling League at the Wonder Bowl, and the Whaling City Golf Course.

He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He loved the New England Patriots, golfing, and playing cards. He loved his family immensely and loved his country being extremely proud of his service to it via the Armed Forces.

John was a wonderful husband and father. He was a true gentleman. Having a keen wit, he always enjoyed making people smile. His family would like to offer its sincere appreciation to Community Nurse Home Care and its staff members who made it possible for John to stay at home with his family during his period of illness.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughter, Patricia H. Ansay; and nieces and nephews and several close friends.

He was predeceased by his son, Stephen J. Ansay, and his sisters, Anna Herrick, Jennie Bochman, Josephine Beaupre, and Helen Haskell.

Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.