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Class  of  1966  Memorials

We often do not realize the richness of the life we have until we look back and yearn for the “old days”. John Going was my friend, as was David Hill, Paul Bertolozzi, Rocco, Ed and all the deceased classmates that I hold in my heart.

They are out of reach now, but sometimes still close because: “…Man knows not his own end: but as fishes are taken with the hook, and as birds are caught with the snare, so men are taken in the evil time, when it shall suddenly come upon them…”

They were good friends, we never fought, and they were gentle friends, as I cannot remember one hurtful thing from our times together. In those halcyon days when we walked downtown, we never could imagine our future paths. All of us had a great anticipation that our lives would be full of promise. None could imagine the hills we would climb. Our achievements were not so spectacular as to be “historical”, but the self-sacrifice and secret suffering some of my friends endured added a patina to their existence that no headline could challenge. If I had one thing to say to anyone who believes that the future will be better; now, this moment is what we are given. Cherish each moment so that the future will be filled with treasured memories of gentler times.

a note from John Bisol

Valerie A. (Lauricella) Jones, 66 years old, of Leominster, died Thursday, April 30, 2015 in her daughter’s home after an illness. She is survived by her 2 daughters Lori A. Cronin and her husband David of Princeton and Debra L. Crowe of Oceanside, CA, 2 brothers Anthony Lauricella of Myrtle Beach, SC and Dennis Lauricella and his wife Paula of Ashburnham, 5 grandchildren Zachary, Katie Julian, Marco and Emilio. She also leaves her lifelong friends Judy Ciprotti, Maureen Canning, Cynthia Manzello, Gary Lisciotti, Connie Letters, Paula Davis, Lynn Gorham and Phyllis Lewis. The gang will miss her dearly.

Val was born July 25, 1948 in Leominster, daughter of Salvatore and Philomena (Valeri) Lauricella and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Leominster High School in 1966 and attended Mt. Wachusett Community College in Gardner. She was a manager at Bradlees in Leominster for 30 years and then was a manager at Marshalls in Leominster for 10 years, before retiring in 2014. Val was a member of St. Anna Church in Leominster.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster with a mass at 11 am in St. Anna Church, 194 Lancaster Street, Leominster. Burial will be at a later date. Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 4th from 5-8 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Anna Church Restoration Fund, 199 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA 01453.

Francis “Frank” J. Nass 1948  --  2015

Francis “Frank” J. Nass, 66 years old, of Leominster, died April 8, 2015, in his home with family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah A. (DiPaoli) Nass, son Ryan J. Nass and his wife Abigail L. Putnam of Wellesley, granddaughter Eloise J. Nass, sister Arline Price and her husband Philip of Leominster, brother-in-law Richard Peters of Leominster, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Kathleen Peters in 2007, and Sylvia Nass in 2013.

Frank was born September 16, 1948 in Leominster, son of Frank J. and Marie F. (Tourigny) Nass and was a lifelong resident. He received a BS at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1970. Frank served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He worked as a business consultant in finance, spending several years at Digital Equipment Corp. and later running his own consulting firm for over ten years.

Frank loved sports, both as a participant and as a fan. He devoted many years to coaching and supporting his son Ryan’s sporting endeavors, which allowed them to travel throughout the country together.　 Frank most enjoyed time spent with his family and friends through his membership at Monoosnock Country Club, vacationing in Florida, trips to Maine and Lake Winnipesaukee, playing with his granddaughter, and sharing time together with his wife.

Frank’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and VNA Care Network and Hospice for the compassionate care given to Frank.
 

Helen M. (Kendall) Hill 1923  -  2014

Helen M. (Kendall) Hill, 91 years old of Leominster, died Monday, December 1, 2014 in the LifeCare Center of Leominster. She is survived by her son Brian D. Hill of Leominster, sisters Bernice Adams of Worcester and Maryann Nelson of Sterling, her former daughter-in-law Maria Fernandes and her daughter Wendy, several nieces and nephews including her niece Donna Waterman of Baldwinville. She was predeceased by her husband Albert S. Hill in 2003 and her son PFC David A. Hill who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969.

Helen was born May 2, 1923 in Worcester, daughter of Berton W. Kendall and Helen (Childs) Kendall O’Keefe and had lived in Leominster most of her life. She had worked at the former Cluet Peabody Co. and Tilton & Cook Co. in Leominster many years ago. She was a member of the Leominster United Methodist Church, was Past President of American Legion Auxiliary Post 151, Past Noble Grand -Rebekah Lodge # 68, a former member of the Sterling Grange and the Order of Eastern Star, former Chaplain of the Captain John Joslin, Jr. Chapter of the D.A.R., a member of the Gold Star Mother Association, an honorary member of the Vietnam Veterans of America #116 and she volunteered at the Leominster Senior Center.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 8, 2014 at 10 am in the Leominster United Methodist Church, 77 Hall Street, Leominster. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2014 from 2-4 pm in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either the Vietnam Veterans of America # 116, 100 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453 or the Leominster United Methodist Church, 77 Hall Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
 

	David A Hill     1947  -  1969

David was a US Army PFC in QUANG NGAI Province, Viet Nam when he was shot and died.

After attending Leominster High School, David got his college degree and was drafted.

He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery

http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/23156/DAVID-A-HILL

Fellow Leominster Men who died in Viet Nam

SP4 WAYNE ROBERT DAVIS
LCPL FRANKLIN GEORGE HAZZARD
SP4 BYRON STEVEN JOHNSON
LCPL THOMAS Mac MILLAN
2LT GEORGE EDWARD O'NEILL

Sandra L. (LeBlanc) Boutotte 1947 - 2014

Sandra L. (LeBlanc) Boutotte 66, of Westminster, died Sunday, August 17, 2014 in UMass Medical Center, Worcester. She was born on November 8, 1947, in Leominster, MA, and was the daughter of Gerald and Lynn (Patterson) LeBlanc. Sandra was a graduate of Leominster High School, Class of 1966. She worked as a floor lady for the former Foster Grant Co. Sandra was very generous with her time, and always the life of the party, she has many many friends and 12 to 13 godchildren. Sandra is survived by her husband of 37 years Rene A. Boutotte of Westminster, her son Rene A. Boutotte II of Fitchburg, two grandchildren Rene A. Boutotte III and Alania Boutotte.

Christine A. (Mills) DeLisle 1948  - 2012

Christine A. DeLisle 63 of Leominster, MA died Monday, May 14th after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. 
    She was born in Leominster, June 23, 1948. She was the daughter of the late Everett W. and Elaine R. (Poirier) Mills.   
    She graduated from Leominster High School in 1966. Following her graduation she attended the Leominster Hospital School of Nursing,  there she received her degree as a Registered Nurse. 
    Christine worked at Leominster Hospital as an RN for 16 years. Later, she moved to Borden Chemical of Leominster as an Industrial Nurse. She also worked as the Nursing Supervisor at Fairlawn Nursing Home for many years. She was a Public Health Nurse for the City of Leominster.  More recently, Christine worked as a Wellness Nurse for Leominster Crossing 
and provided independent home care services. 
     Christine leaves behind a daughter, Darleen Seigel of Leominster and a son, Michael DeLisle of Brookline, MA, her twin sister Anne Andrews and her husband Martin, her sister Kathleen Mills, niece Darcie Hause, great niece Olivia Hause and great nephew Chase Hause  all of Leominster. 
     She was predeceased by her brother Dennis W. Mills of Lake Elizabeth, CA. in 2003. 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday May 19, 2012 at 10 am in St. Cecilia's Church 180 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial will be private at a later date.  
Calling hours will be held Friday May 18, 2012 from 6-8 pm in the Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster. 

Barry M. Foss 1947 - 2012

Barry M. Foss, 64 years old of Sterling, died Monday, November 19, 2012 in Worcester surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Barry is survived by his mother Mildred Gray of Port St. Lucie, FL, his 2 daughters Elizabeth Waldo and her husband Phillip of Rutland and Christina Foss of Worcester, his loving companion Marie Barras of Sterling, his former wife and close friend Janet Foss DeLuca and her husband Michael of Holden, his granddaughter Addison Waldo of Rutland, several nieces, his 2 brothers Richard and Robert Foss both of Florida.

Barry was born September 20, 1948 in Leominster, son of Stanley and Mildred (O’Hearn) Foss and had lived in Sterling for the past 40 years. He graduated from Worcester Industrial Technical Institute and Chamberlain College in Boston, obtaining degrees in Opticianry and Business. He owned and operated Foss Optical Corporation in Leominster for 42 years. His long and distinguished career included memberships to the Opticians Association of America, American Board of Opticianry, Refracting Opticians of America, Opticians Association of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of Registered Dispensing Opticians, National Contact Lens Association, New England Contact Lens Society, Leominster Sportsmen’s Club, and the Massachusetts Trappers Association. A man of many talents and interests, he enjoyed hunting on his land in West Virginia, fishing at his lakeside cottage in Maine, playing poker, building stone walls around his Sterling home, antiquing, farming and construction.

The funeral will be held from the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 with a funeral mass at 11:00 am in St. Leo’s Church 128 Main Street, Leominster. Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 26, 2012 from 5-8 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St Leo’s Parish, 108 Main Street, Leominster, MA 01453.

Douglas M. Fletcher 1947 - 2009

Doug, 62, of Turner died of lung cancer on Sept. 1 at the home of his daughter and her family in Shrewsbury, MA. He was born in 1947 and raised in Leominster, MA, by the late Irene (McGuiggan, Fletcher) Boyns and the late Frederick P. Fletcher. His twin sister died in childbirth, and his older sister, Elizabeth Fletcher, died in a swimming accident. He was a newspaperman from the word Go. Immediately after his 1966 graduation from Leominster High School, he began his 42-year news career at the Worcester Telegram. Doug joined the Fitchburg Sentinel in 1969. As Leominster Bureau reporter, he covered police and fire news. As the Sentinel's youngest chief political reporter, Doug covered the "meetings" at Murnick's restaurant.

In 1974, Jesuit priest Robert F. Drinan, the first U.S. congressman calling for the impeachment of President Nixon based on the bombing of Cambodia, gave him a scoop regarding the upcoming House Judiciary Committee votes on the articles of impeachment. He later became the Sentinel's assistant city editor. He served six years as the youngest editor of the Gardner News from 1978 to 1984. He also worked at the Leominster Enterprise, the Haverhill Gazette, the Middlesex News of Framingham, MA and Lewiston Sun Journal, where he worked for the past 13 years.

In 1986, he bought a camp-home on Drews Lake in Linneus, Maine with Kathi. A short stint as public relations and marketing director of the Millinocket Regional Hospital was his entrance to Maine, where he lived most of the next 23 years. He soon became editor of the Houlton Pioneer Times, his first weekly. After short editorships back at the Gardner News and the Moosehead Messenger, Doug found his home for 13 years at the Lewiston Sun Journal in positions from business and news writer to enterprise reporter to copy editor. He fondly remembered a road-trip assignment bringing readers the places, people, and stories of 400 miles of Route 11, and his dream assignment sharing the experience of paddling the Allagash River, photographed by Daryn Slover. The people of the Sun Journal were his family and friends to the end.

He will be remembered as a caring father and grandfather. He was a friend who listened with compassion and comforted with support. He was a lover of nature and music and will be remembered for his infectious laugh, for drives through the North Maine Woods exploring roads and looking for moose to photograph, for backpacking in Baxter State Park, for singing and dancing in Hangtown, for rafting the Kennebec, for canoeing and fishing in the Allagash, for hunting at Braley Lake, for canoeing the Saco, and for being the life of the party. He will be sorely missed, but he will be remembered with smiles and laughter.

He leaves his daughter, Darcy and her husband, Steve Messineo; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary and Madilyn Messineo; his closest friends, Kathi Sutton , Bob Fichtel and Fred Curran; cousins and friends in Massachusetts and Maine.
He was predeceased by his former wife, Evelyn (Ventresca, Fletcher) Moore and his step-father, Earle Boyns.

Colleen N. (McFarlin) Picard 1948  -  2011

Colleen N. (McFarlin) Picard, 64, died Sunday, August 5, 2012, at the University of Massachusetts, Memorial HealthCare Center, Worcester, after an illness.

She leaves her husband Maurice Picard, Jr., one sister Joann McFarlin of Fitchburg, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger Picard of Leominster, Susan Higgins of Gardner, Christine Smith of Leominster, Barbara Grillo of Templeton, and David Picard of CA, and three nieces, Karen Boudreau and Kelly Diemke, both of Templeton, and Karen Rad of Worcester. She is predeceased by a brother-in-law Robert Picard.

She was born in Waterville, ME on January 19, 1948 a daughter of the late Donald and Celonia (Began) Picard. She was a graduate of Stevens Business School in Fitchburg. She worked as the Credit Manager at the United Farmers Co-op for 17 years. She was an owner and operator of a plumbing business, along with her husband, for many years. She had also worked at the former Ron's Coffee Shop and Jane's Coffee Shop in Westminster. Colleen recently worked at the Stop and Shop in Gardner at the Deli Counter and she truly enjoyed helping people.

Colleen was involved in many things during her life. She was a past president of the Westminster Little League, and worked the concession stand along with her friend Barbara Murphy for many years. Colleen coached minor and senior league soft ball for many years. She enjoyed fishing, golf, skiing, especially skiing throughout New England. She was a member of the Montachusett Ski Club, and the Central Mass Ski Club, with she had traveled to Ski, Colorado and Utah. She was an avid New England Sports Fan, and was a 20 year New England Patriots season ticket holder. In addition she loved to watch golf on television. Colleen was a country music fan, her favorite singer was Toby Keith, she loved going to his concerts. She also loved her annual trip to Las Vegas. Her pets were her life.

Calling Hours will be in the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, from 6:00 -- 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2012. Funeral Services will be held  on Friday, August 10, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the ASPCA for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals, Checks should be made to the ASPCA, c/o Linda Tiramani, 520 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, New York, 10008 or can be made online at (www.aspca.org/donate) under the memorial gifts.

Edward J. Popoli 1948  -  2012

Edward J. Popoli, 64, passed away on August 7th, 2012 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital following complications from cancer surgery. His parents were the late Dr. Alphonse and Elena Popoli of Leominster, MA. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ann (Jankowski) Popoli, daughter Tiffany and sons Jeffrey, Nicolas, Tony and his wife Rachel and granddaughter Luella and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his brother Stephen and his wife Susan. Ed was born in Leominster and graduated from LHS and Fitchburg State College. He taught in Leominster then relocated to Westfield in 1974. He helped develop Popoli Honda Yamaha with his family and later transitioned into the insurance industry. He was an active member of the community as he served as a former President of the Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club. Through his efforts, city land was donated to provide a new home for the present Boys & Girls Club and was proudly inducted into their Wall of Fame. He coached Westfield Youth Soccer for many years and served as President of the soccer league and was a Rotary Club member. He was known for his gregarious nature, was a passionate New England sports fan, and had a generous heart always opening his home to family and friends. In addition to his many activities, he was most proud of the devoted time spent with his family as a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 3-6 PM from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA. A graveside service will be held on Monday at 12 Noon in Pine Hill Cemetery on Court Street in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westfield Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 128 Westfield MA 01086 or the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701

He spent years of summers at Spec Pond and was like by many of the others who inhabited the pond! He was kind, generous and friendly to all !
 

Donna A. Pelkey 1947  -  2011

Donna A. Pelkey, 64 of Leominster, died December 8, 2011 in Leominster Hospital. She was born March 1, 1947 in Leominster, daughter of Raymond and Pauline (Cadrette) Pelkey. She was a graduate of Leominster High School Class of 1966. Donna worked as a Medical Billing Clerk. She was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, the Choir at St. Leo's Church and Our Lady of the Lake Parish Choir, taught CCD at St. Leo's, and was a former member of the Daughters of Isabella.
Donna is survived by her daughter Melissa Monahan of Springhill, FL, a brother Raymond M. Pelkey of Leominster, a sister Cheryl Ann LeBlanc of Lunenburg, and a grandson Jaron Isaac.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Leo's Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Gerald “Jerry” D. Bergeron 64 of Leominster died Wednesday June 22, 2011 in UMass Medical Center in Worcester. He was born on August 25, 1946 in Leominster, MA and was the son of Raymond and Della (St. Jean) Bergeron. He worked as a Millwright Carpenter and was one of the owner’s of Crim Construction. He was a member of the Leominster Sportman’s Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles # 477 in Leominster, Knights of Columbus Council # 406, and the Local Carpenter’s Union (Worcester). He is survived by his wife of 17 years Jane A. ( Gorham ) Bergeron of Leominster, a daughter Lori Bergeron of Leominster, a step-son Gary R. Russell and Judia Gallant of Leominster, a step-daughter Holly Fitch, three brothers Ronald Bergeron, Stanley Bergeron, and Larry Bergeron, a sister Arlene Enright, three grandchildren Kylee Fitch, Gianna Russell, and Jacob Russell.

The funeral will be held on Saturday June 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Wright-Roy Funeral Home 109 West St Leominster, Burial will be in St. Leo’s Cemetery in Leominster, Calling hours will be Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Rocco G. Candiello 63, of Leominster passed away at Brigham and Women's Hospital Tuesday, April 19, 2011 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda Tocci Candiello; their two children, Christopher (Julie) Candiello, Colleen (Richard) Bagley; sister Doreen (Dave) Tucker , grandchildren, Jack Bagley, Lauren Bagley, and Rocco Candiello, and several nieces and nephews. He was the son of Louis "Candie" Candiello, and godson to Leslie and Cecile Carr.

Rocco was born in Ayer and raised in Leominster, where he excelled at football. He was a member of the Air Force and served as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was a long time employee of Digital Corporation, where he worked as a manager in Human Resources. He was a long serving member of the Knights of Columbus, and an avid sports fan who loved the Red Sox.

Nonno, as known by his grandchildren, was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a devout Catholic who was very strong in his faith, especially in the face of his long battle with cancer, and his life long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. Rocco was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was eternally optimistic in the face of adversity, meeting each new challenge with tenacity and strength. He was dedicated to his family and friends, and he was sincerely loved and admired. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.

Burial was in St. Leo's Cemetery.

Joseph V. McGee 1947  -  2010

Joseph V. McGee, 63 years old, of Fitchburg and a longtime resident of Leominster, died Monday, February 22, 2010, in HealthAlliance-Leominster Hospital after being stricken ill at home. He is survived by his wife of 17 years Denise M. (Fournier) McGee, his daughter Kerrie Tarbell of Leominster, his son Jay McGee, his two stepdaughters Rebecca Sadowski and Tabitha Walsh, his sister Lisa Walsh and her husband Brian, his two brothers, Albert McGee and his wife Ann and Kevin McGee and his wife Judith, and several grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth A. (Bernard) LaPlume in 2008.

Mr. McGee was born in Leominster, and had lived in Minnesota for two years, before returning to this area two years ago. He had most recently worked as a Warehouse Manager at R.U.B., Inc. in Shakopee, MN.

Burial wasin Evergreen Cemetery.

Mr. Arthur B. Armstrong 1947  -  2008

Arthur B. Armstrong 60 of 128 Fourth Street in Leominster died May 8, 2008, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born on June 19, 1947 in Leominster; Massachusetts was the son of Arthur B. and Frances (McCaffrey) Armstrong. He was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam Era having attained the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Armstrong was an air traffic controller for the Air National Guard, before his retirement. He is survived by his two sons Neil Armstrong, and John Armstrong, and their mother Nancy Fong Armstrong, one brother Robert “Erma” Armstrong and his wife Sandra, four sisters Judy LaFontaine, Robin Armstrong, Kathy Krongl, Polly Armstrong, several nieces and nephews.

Burial was in St. Leo’s Cemetery in Leominster.

Barbara passed away on July 3, 2007, while staying with her sister in North Carolina. She is going to be cremated there and transported back here for a mass at St. Leo's Church. Her ashes will be spread at Rye's Beach per her request.