LIVERMORE FALLS – Philip DeSoto, 79, a resident of Otis Street, Livermore Falls, died Monday, Nov. 15, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on Dec. 16, 1924, in Chisholm, the son of Folco and Ferdinanda Grimaldi DeSoto. He attended St. Rose of Lima School and Jay High School. “Phil” served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 106th Division, 422 BN, Medical Corps as a litter bearer and was taken prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge in Stuttgart, Germany, held prisoner for five months at Stalag 4B in Muhlberg, Germany.

On May 14, 1955, he married Marilyn Wills at St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay. He worked for International Paper Co., starting at Otis Division in Jay on No. 10 paper machine, then at Androscoggin Mill, retiring in 1987 after 45 years of service.

He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay. He was a member of the I.P. Quarter Century Club, a life-member of the VFW, Frank L. Mitchell Post 3335 of Jay, a life-member of American Ex-POWS, 106th Division and Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his wife, of Livermore Falls; two daughters and their husbands, Lori and Gerald Hutchinson, of Jay, Elizabeth and Kevin Duval, of Manchester; a son, Philip DeSoto and his wife, RayeAnne, of Gardiner; seven grandchildren, Lee and Miles Hutchinson, Marianna and Brianna DeSoto, Megan, Breton and Ryleigh Duval.

He was predeceased by a son, Mario, and two sisters, Angelina and Mary.