Roger R. Melanson 1935  -  2012

Roger Roland Melanson, 77, of Lancaster passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. He was born in Leominster to Clarence and Odile (Stebbins) Melanson. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Judith A. Melanson; their loving children: Lisa Hutter and her husband Jonathan of Scarborough, Maine, Mary Jo Fini of Gardner, Joseph Melanson and his wife Laura of Templeton, Barbara Seifert and her husband Jeff of Westford, Amy McLaughlin and her husband David of Burlington, and Kristen West and her husband Andrew of Royalston.

Roger was proud grandfather to 15 loving grandchildren: Brian, Adam, Corie, Amanda, Benjamin, Julie, Jared, Jacob (predeceased) Elizabeth, Sean, Joelle, Jack, Grace, Ryan, and Samantha. He also survived brothers Norman and Paul and sister Jeanette. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Robert, infant triplet brothers and sisters Doris and Beverly.

He started his professional career while still attending Leominster High School at Standard Tool & Die in the first apprentice program. He continued at Digital Equipment Corporation for 14 years, primarily as draftsman, and then manager of the drafting department. After leaving Digital, Roger switched his career to education. He taught drafting at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School. He left Assabet in 1984 as the Director of Continuing Education to be the Director of the Leominster Center for Technical Education. At CTE Roger was responsible for implementing many new programs. He retired as Director of CTE in 1999.

He earned his B.S. in Education and Masters in Vocational Education at Fitchburg State College with advanced studies at UMASS Amherst.

In retirement Roger was president of New England Wood Carvers for the past 7 years. He was responsible for coordinating the yearly Spirit of Wood Show. In addition to wood carving Roger enjoyed working on his house; spending time with his family and traveling (he recently fulfilled his dream to visit Alaska).

Roger served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1956 to 1962.

Funeral Information:

The funeral will be held from the Wright-Roy Funeral Home 109 West St in Leominster on Tuesday January 17, 2012 with a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church 809 Main St Lancaster. Burial will follow. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 16, 2012 from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 pm. in the funeral home. .

Lorraine M. (Brooks) Gowdy

1935  -  2010

Leominster - Lorraine Marie (Brooks) Gowdy, 75 of Leominster died Saturday, December 18, 2010 at the Highlands in Fitchburg. She was born on March 28, 1935 in Leominster, MA, the daughter of Charles I. and Nellie J. (Verge) Brooks.

She raised 8 children and was a caregiver to many more. She worked at Eusey Press in Leominster until her retirement. She was a volunteer with A.R.C. and The Beacon of Hope, where she served many breakfasts at the Franco Vets. Lorraine will be remembered for her unwavering kindness to others and her love of baking which she shared with everyone.

She is survived by 4 sons, Paul Gowdy Jr., and his wife Patricia of Fitchburg, Gary Gowdy of FL, Kevin Gowdy of MO, Curt Gowdy and his wife Jen of Leominster, Three daughters Lisa Burks and her husband Michael of FL, Linda Padovano and husband James of Leominster, Laura Smith and Husband Matt of IL, and One sister Janet Langdon of Oregon.

She was predeceased by a son Ricky, 2 sisters, Irene Maynard and Dorothy Guadagnoli, along with her ex-husband and close companion Paul Gowdy, who died in 2006. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren Lauren, Lindsay, Nolan, Brendan, Patrick, Melissa, Christina, Dante, Brook, Beth, Brian and Brett.

Burial was in St. Leo's Cemetery.

Helen Allain      1935  -  2010

Helen Allain, 75, of Hampton, NH formerly of Leominster, MA and Lantana FL, died peacefully Friday, Nov. 5, 2010 in Exeter Hospital, Exeter, NH. Helen was the second youngest of ten children born in Leominster, MA daughter of the late Calixte and Josephine (Collette) Allain on Sept. 28, 1935. Helen graduated from Leominster High School and had been a self-employed Hair Stylist in Leominster and Florida. Helen owned and operated "Helen's Beauty Salon" for over 30 years. She fought a courageous battle with brain cancer and never gave up 'fighting the fight'.

She is survived by her brother Robert Allain, three sisters Julie Lemire, Pauline Allain and Dorothy Allain and 25 nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by two brothers Clarence Allain and Raymond Allain, and three sister Corrine Allain, Barbara Spinelli and Hilda Hensley.

Funeral Information

Her Funeral will be held Monday, November 8, 2010 from Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West St., Leominster, with a Funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church, 168 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Monday Morning from 9:30 - 10:30 in the funeral home.

Antonetta (DiFazio) Walt   1935  -  2009

Sent in by Marie (DeBonville) Tousignant

Paul H. L'Ecuyer, 73, died peacefully May 12, 2009, in Lakeland, Florida, following a brief illness. Born in Fitchburg, MA., he graduated from Leominster High School ('53) and proudly served the U.S. Marines, maintaining a "Semper Fi" ("always faithful") attitude his entire life. Paul had many successful years as a lineman and manager at New England Tel & Tel. He took his strong work ethic, skills and easy mannerisms to Hawaii and Saudi Arabia, creating many thriving communication networks. He completed his career working in government contracting in McLean, VA. Paul was a dedicated husband, and a committed and involved parent and grandparent. An avid reader, Paul also enjoyed golf, a good game of cards and had a sweet tooth for Famous Amos cookies. His dry wit, depth of knowledge, strength of character and ever-present helpful spirit will be dearly missed by all. Paul's surviving family includes his wife, Eleanor (Hazzard); son, Paul A.; three daughters, Marcella Anderson, Lori Crozier and Rochelle Knight; and nine thriving grandchildren. He has two remaining sisters, Theresa Nisula and Mary Jane Thibaudeau; and many extended in-laws, family and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Leon, and sister, Georgiana Landry. Following a private ceremony, he will be laid to rest in Arlington, Virginia.

Dr. Joseph P. Lanza        1935 - 2008

Dr. Lanza died Sunday, December 21, in Leominster Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born September 16, 1935, in Leominster, son of the late Lawrence J. and Jennie (Porciello) Lanza. He attended Saint Anselm College receiving his undergraduate degree in three years. He graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He then practiced dentistry in Norfolk, Virginia, while serving in the United States Navy during which he earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander retiring in 1980. In 1962, he opened the dental practice of Joseph P. Lanza, D.M.D. and later his son, Peter L. Lanza, D.M.D., joined his practice. He continued practicing until his illness. He was a member of Saint Anna Parish, the Massachusetts Dental Society and past President of the Wachusett District Dental Society, Leominster Knights of Columbus. He leaves his wife of 48 years, Beverly A. (Girardin) Lanza; his son, Peter: and three daughters, Linda A. Clark, Lori A. Beberman and Donna M. Valente; nine grandchildren, Steven Smith, Jeffrey Smith, Eric Smith, Brianna Beberman, Christopher Valente, Andrea Valente, Amanda Lanza, and Julia Lanza; one great granddaughter, Rylee Smith. Burial was in Saint Cecilia's Cemetery.

 Richard Robichaud      1935 - 2008

Richard Robichaud of Leominster; 73 Leominster Richard "Robie" Robichaud, 73, died Monday, September 29, 2008, in his home, after an illness. He was born June 28, 1935, in Leominster, son of the late Levi and Irene Robichaud and has lived in Leominster all his life. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1953. Mr. Robichaud was a Massachusetts State Trooper, graduating from the Massachusetts State Trooper Academy in 1959. Mr. Robichaud was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 406, the Eagles, the Retired Massachusetts State Troopers, the North Leominster Rod & Gun Club, and was former President of the Leominster Pop Warner. He leaves his wife, Marilyn A. (Belliveau) Robichaud; three sons, Paul Robichaud and his wife Debbie of Lunenburg, Peter Robichaud and his wife Jeannine of Leominster, and Richard Robichaud and his wife Cathy of Winchendon; one daughter, Merilou Iacaboni and her husband Mike of Sterling; eleven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one sister, Anne Tourigny of Redmond, WA.