Louis Phillip Magras

Louis Phillip Magras, affectionately known as “Pegaro,” 92, originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and most recently of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025. Born on November 17, 1932, in St. Thomas, he was the son of the late Bernard Magras and Marie Magras Morales. Louis proudly served his community for 26 years in the Virgin Islands Fire Service. Beginning his career in 1957 as a firefighter, he rose through the ranks—Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and ultimately, Deputy Fire Chief. His leadership, dedication, and integrity earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Louis served his country with honor, including time stationed in South Korea. He was deeply proud of his Virgin Islands heritage and enjoyed many of the island’s traditions. He loved playing dominoes, swimming at Brewers Bay, fishing, and cooking his signature dishes—especially his famous buttered conch and fish in foil. Louis was a talented man who enjoyed painting, gardening, and working with his hands. His green thumb could bring any plant to life, and he could fix nearly anything. He was also known for his storytelling, especially when it brought laughter to family and friends. Among his favorite memories was traveling to Niagara Falls. Faith played a central role in Louis’s life. Before relocating to Massachusetts in 2012, he was a devoted member of the Virgin Islands Disciples of Christ. After his move, he became a cherished member of the Pioneer Valley Church of Christ in Chicopee, where he found renewed spiritual community and was often referred to as “Papa Louie.” He is survived by his loving wife, Carmen Magras; daughters Ja’Net (Christian) Smith and Judith (Laurence) Bryan; and sons Nestor Magras, Walt Magras, Raul Magras, Clynton (Margaret) Barzey, and Virdin (Cathy) Barzey. He also leaves behind siblings Ina (Otto) Brown, Dariel (Ruben) Ruiz, Rudolph (Linda) Scarbriel, and Dean Scarbriel; grandchildren Nestor II, Anwar, Rhonda, Jade, Jolie, Solomar, Lluvia, Om-Jeru, Sigui, Raul, Carlos, Nicole, Caiden, and Asia; and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored him. He was predeceased by his siblings Fernando Scarbriel, Antonio Scarbriel, and Anna Sillé, as well as his grandson, Laurence Bryan III. Family and friends are invited to a wake on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a funeral home service from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA. Interment with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Please visit Louis’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.

Island-Style Repass:
 Following the burial, we will come together to celebrate his life in true island style—with good food, laughter, and love in honor of his Virgin Islands heritage.
Location: The Carriage House at the Barney Estate - (under the tent),
Laurel Hill Rd., Springfield, MA 01108. In honor of Louis’s wishes, we ask that attendees wear bright, joyful colors to celebrate his life. If you're unsure what to wear, his favorite color was blue—a meaningful and welcome choice that would surely make him smile.

Please visit Louis’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.