Deceased Class Members

Submitted by LHSclassof70@aol.com  - Debbie

Kevin Duchesneau
1951  -  2015

Kevin Duchesneau, 64, of Ashby, MA formerly of Leomister, died July 3, 2015, in his home after being stricken ill. He was born January 13, 1951, in Leominster, MA son of the Raymond and Doris (Bourque) Duchesneau. Kevin graduated from Leominster High School, Class of 1970. He attended the University of South Carolina majoring in Law Enforcement. He worked at Digital Equipment Corp. and then started his own business, Able Heating & Repair. He enjoyed scuba diving, Muscle Cars, home renovations, collecting, restoring and selling antiques. He is survived by one daughter; Marina Duchesneau of Mattapoisett, MA and his longtime companion, Linda Kiernan of Ashby. Kevin was a loving Father and Friend.

Paulette Ann (Bilodeau) Diaz 1952  --  2011

Paulette Ann (Bilodeau) Diaz 59 of Leominster died Saturday November 12, 2011 in Health Alliance Leominster Hospital after an illness. She was born July 26, 1952 in Leominster MA the daughter of the late Raymond Bilodeau and Aurore (Poirier) Bilodeau and was a lifelong Leominster resident.

She leaves her three daughters, Christina Sauer and husband Kristopher of Fitchburg, and Danica Diaz and Jocolyn Diaz both of Leominster. Two brothers, Raymond Bilodeau of Worcester and Roger Bilodeau of Leominster. Two grandchildren, Devon and Arabella and her beloved dog and companion Hamer. Her brother Ernest Bilodeau predeceased her. Paulette graduated from Leominster High School and worked as a Medical Billing Specialist at LUK in Fitchburg MA. She was a communicant of St Cecilia's Church in Leominster and enjoyed shopping, playing board games and spending time with her family.

Richard B. Lystila 1952  - 2014

Richard B. Lystila, 61 years old, of Leominster, died unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, February 16, 2014. He is survived by his sister, Susan J. Jeffers, and a brother, George R. "Bob" Lystila and his wife, Beverly of Leominster; three nieces, Becky Bradley, Pamela Roy, Katherine Jones and two nephews, Michael Lystila, and Steven Jeffers and four grandnieces and a grandnephew.

Richard "Rick" was born September 20, 1952 in Leominster, son of George O. and Virginia R. (Bates) Lystila and was lifelong resident.

Most recently, he worked at Shaws Supermarket. Previously, he worked at the former Victory Market and had been Sexton at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Leominster. He was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church and bowled on the church bowling league. He bowled on several other leagues also. He had the high single at the Palace Lanes in Fitchburg. In his earlier years, he was active in basketball and softball. Most of all, he enjoyed being with his family and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on February 26, 2014 at the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster at 11:00 am, with a calling hour from 10 to 11 am. Burial will be held following the service in the Evergreen Cemetery. www.RichardsonFuneralHome.net

Arthur James Paradis II

1951  -  2013

A. James Paradis II, 61, of Leominster, died January 11, 2013, at home after an illness. He was born August 26, 1951, in Leominster, MA the son of Arthur J. and Joan F. (Flanagan) Paradis. He was a graduate of Leominster High School, Class of 1970. He received a Degree in Theology, from Atlantic Union College. He served in the U.S. Air Force from April 1971 until May 1975, attaining the rank of Sergeant. When he returned he worked at Eusey Press, which later became Quebecor World, as a printer. He was a member of the Leominster Franco American Veterans Club.
He is survived by two sons: Jamie Paradis of Baldwinville, MA and Israel Callahan of Centerville, MA, one daughter; Leicia Paradis-Allen, of Fitchburg, a brother, Kevin Paradis of Leominster, and three step-brothers; Brian Lachapelle of Leominster, Neil Lachapelle and Keith Lachapelle, both of California. He also leaves seven grandchildren, Ashlei and Dyllan Paradis, Garrett and River Paradis, Rhiannan Callahan, Max Callahan and Brandon Paradis.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2013, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West St., Leominster, MA. Cremation will take place in Rural Crematory, Worcester. Burial with Military Honors will be in Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon, MA, at a later date. To Light A Candle, Send A Message of Condolence, or Sign His Guestbook, please visit www.WrightRoyFuneralHome.com

Ann M. (Latini) Gentile

Ann M. (Latini) Gentile 59, a loving and devoted wife mother and grandmother, of Leominster died Sunday, September 9, 2012, in UMass Medical Center Worcester surrounded by her family after a short illness.

She was born on December 14, 1952 in Leominster, MA. She was the daughter of Marijildo and Clara (Capone) Latini. She was a graduate of Leominster High School Class of 1970.

Ann worked as the Office Manager at Leominster Plumbing and Heating. She was a member of St. Anna Parish in Leominster. She enjoyed spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 32 years Paul Gentile of Leominster, her mother Clara (Capone) Latini of Leominster, her daughter Melissa Benoit and her husband Neil of Shrewsbury, her brother Paul Latini of Tennessee, her sister Diane Vellino of Leominster, two grandchildren Anissa Newell and Gianna Benoit, she was predeceased by her father Marijildo Latini, and two sisters Patricia LeTellier, Lucy Ann Latini..

Burial was in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster.

Teresa M. (DiLillo) Lemire, 58, of Orlando Florida and former longtime Fitchburg-Leominster resident, died unexpectedly Thursday, August 5, in Florida East Hospital, Orlando FL.

She leaves her husband of 37 years, Joseph M. Lemire; one daughter, Diana J. Whittaker and her husband, Noah G., currently residing in Omaha NE, one brother, William DiLillo and his wife, Patricia (Boudreau) of Leominster; and three nephews, William DiLillo of Fitchburg and Michael and Timothy DiLillo, both of South Boston.

Teresa worked for the Shirley Public School system as an elementary school teacher for 27 years at the Lura A. White School. In 2002, she moved to Port Saint Lucie Florida where she worked as an elementary school teacher at Savannah Ridge Elementary School. In 2007, she moved to Orlando to be closer to family and friends that she loved so much. She was a proud 3rd grade teacher at Stone Lakes Elementary School. She was a 1970 graduate of Leominster High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1974 and later earned her Master of Science Degree in Education in 1983 from Fitchburg State College. Additionally, she was the former owner of Teresa's Card and Gifts on Lancaster St. in Leominster MA.

Due to her love for her family and career, she became very involved in the community around her. She served as PTO President at Northwest Elementary School in Leominster for five years, and at St. Bernard's Elementary and St. Bernard's High School in Fitchburg, for three and four years respectively. She coached her daughter's cheerleading team and was herself a cheerleader alongside everyone at her daughter's soccer, softball and basketball games. As an educator, she was a highly creative and self-motivated individual who always sought to do that was right for the students. She gave on one hundred and ten percent and expected as much from her students. She was an amazing person who will be missed tremendously by her family, friends, peers and students.

She was born in Fitchburg, on September 20, 1951, a daughter of the late Pasquale and Giovanna "Jenny" (DiForte) DiLillo and lived in the Fitchburg-Leominster area before moving to Florida in 2002.

Robert R. Lemoine 1951  - 2011

Robert Rene Lemoine 60 years old passed away on Sunday January 2, 2011. He was born on August 05, 1951 in Leominster. He is survived by his devoted brother Aime Phillip Lemoine, his Sister~In~Law Rhonda Saudelli Lemoine, his Nieces Gina~Maria Lemoine and Shannon Lemoine, his Great Nephew Anthony Ronald Lemoine Jr, and Great Nieces, Jailene Lemoine and Amandalin Bianchin.

He was predeceased by his Father Robert Oliver Lemoine, his Mother Bertha Merchant Lemoine, his Nephew and Godson Anthony Ronald Lemoine.
He was a Master Tool and Dye maker by profession for many years.

Bobby AKA “Chunky” was a big man in stature and personality. He always was a pleasure to be around with his great disposition. He was a funny man and brought laughter to everyone who crossed his path. A gentle Giant of a man loved by all. He will be missed by everyone he left behind. Rest in peace Dear Chunky, you will always be missed and loved.

James B. Cormier 1952  - 2010

 James B. Cormier, 58 of Leominster, died Wednesday, October 27, 2010 in the Golden Living Center in Fitchburg after many years of declining health. He is survived by his mother Arline (Lucier) Cormier of Leominster, his sister Carol Moquin, his nephew Dr. Brian Moquin and his nephew Gregory Moquin. He also leaves Marion Derioan. He was predeceased by his wife Sandra (Firmani) Cormier in 1987 and by his father Alban Cormier in 1988.

Jimmy was born in Leominster on August 23, 1952 and was a 1970 graduate of Leominster High School. He had been a truck driver at Digital Corp. and then at Brideau Oil Co. He enjoyed working with model cars and working in his yard. He loved his golden retrievers and was known for his acts of kindness.

Alan McCulloch 1952 - 2010

Alan McCulloch passed away on 4/7/2010.  Alan was born on 6/6/1952. He lived on Arlington St in Leominster. His parents were Malcolm & Catherine( Dolan) McCulloch who pre-deceased him. He is survived by a sister, Carol Cirillo of Westwood, MA. He suffered a heart attack.

He was a client of mine for over 20 years and was always interesting when he came in to have his taxes prepared. He was a self employed computer consultant for many years up to his death. He would bring in brochures about his trips to the Carribbean. He especially loved Jamaica and the music of Bob Marley. He was a fan of many types of music and bequeathed hundreds of  CD's and 33 RPM records to Worcester radio stations. They could not believe the extent of his collection.

I found the Magnet when administering his estate and looked on the website and saw that he had gone to the 30th reunion and I'm sure that  he would have gone to the 40th,

Submitted by Henry Frye, LHS '68

Mona M. Blanchette, 58 years old, of Westminster, Massachusetts, died peacefully on June 2, 2010 at Heywood Hospital after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Mona was born April 17, 1952 in Leominster, the daughter of Sylvio and Mary (Tata) Blanchette. She graduated from Leominster High School in 1970 and from Fitchburg State College. She did her graduate work in Fine Art at Harvard University.
She dedicated her life to bringing the joy of reading to children as a children's librarian for many years in Leominster and as the children's librarian in Ayer, MA. Mona was a captivating story-teller and gifted artist.
Mona was predeceased by her son, Clifford Tellier who died in 1997.
She is survived by her husband Dennis Tellier, her daughter Sarah Tellier & her son Gregory Tellier. She is also survived by her parents Mary A. and Sylvio C. Blanchette of Leominster, and her seven sisters, Maryann Stupak, Linda Johnson, Laura Rice, Ann Blanchette, Carol Allain, Michelle Blanchette and Nicole Pare as well as her Aunt Pam (Tata) Franciosi & many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Information

The Funeral will be held from Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West St., Leominster, MA On Friday June 4, 2010 with a Mass in St. Anna's Church, 199 Lancaster St., Leominster, MA at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours will precede the funeral from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Leominster.

Gerald D. Hayward        1951 - 2002

HONAUNAU, Hawaii -- Gerald Douglas Hayward, 50, of Honaunau, formerly of Watatic Pond Road in Ashburnham, Mass., 57 High St. in Fitchburg, Mass., and 1050 Main St. in Leominster, Mass., died Saturday, July 13, in Kona Community Hospital. He was born Dec. 14, 1951, in Leominster, the son of Vernard J. Hayward Sr. (D 1970) and Geraldine (Flood) Hayward Cormier (D 1994), and had lived in Leominster and later in Fitchburg and Ashburnham before moving to Hawaii. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1970.

Mr. Hayward was a printer at Eusey Press in Leominster, retiring in 1997. He was avid biker and especially enjoyed Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

He leaves a sister-in-law, Carolyn (Hasse) Hayward, in Colorado; a nephew, Christopher Hayward, also in Colorado; and a niece, Tammy Millwerd, in England. Two brothers predeceased him: U.S. Air Force Sgt. Vernard J. Hayward Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 13, 1987, and Keith I. Hayward of Honaunau, on May 23, 2000.

Kevin M. Haverty     1952 - 2009

Kevin M. Haverty, 57 of Tory Hill Road, Westminster, VT, died at his home on Sunday, August 30, 2009 following a long illness.  Mr. Haverty was born in Chelsea, MA, April 29, 1952, the sone of Leo and Phyllis (Bourgoin) Haverty.  He graduated from Leominster High School, Leominster, MA, received his bachelor’s degree from Providence College and his two master’s degrees from Keene State College, Keene, NH.  Mr. Haverty’s career in education went in many directions.  He was at Thayer Jr. and Sr. High school in Winchester, NH for six years, where he taught English, Social Studies, Basketball, and Soccer, he was a Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal in Athens, Greece, an Assistant Principal at Bellows Falls Union High School, Westminster, VT,  Development Director in Bangkok, Thailand, a High School Principal in Israel, an High School Principal and Deputy Director in Prague, Czech Republic.  Mr. Haverty was Director of the American International School in Vienna, Austria.  He served oversees schools for 16 years.  Upon returning to the United States in 2006, he worked at the Chesterfield Elementary School as part time Assistant Principal.  He continued on as Guidance Counselor and Admissions Director at the Virtual Learning Academy, Charter School in Exeter, N.H.  

On August 13, 1983 in Walpole, NH, he married Lori Walters who survives.  He also leaves a son, Tarek Haverty of Alstead, NH ; his parents, Leo J. Haverty of Leominster, MA and Phyllis Deneen of Fitchburg, MA and a brother, Brian Haverty of Lunenburg, MA.  He was predeceased by a daughter Allison. 

There will be calling hours Friday evening, Sept. 4, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, Bellows Falls, VT.  A memorial service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at the Unitarian Church, Walpole, NH.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431 or the Melanoma Research Foundation, 170 Township Line Road, Building B., Hillsborough, NJ 08844.

Bruce Stokes, 56, of Suitland, MD, died  July 19, 2008, after a long illness. Born October 21, 1951, in Augusta, GA, Mr. Stokes was the son of the late Eddie Lee Austin. Bruce grew up in Leominster, where he served as President of the 100th graduating class. he  was very active in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), winning many awards and national recognition. He earned a Bachelor's degree in business administration from Wilmington College in Delaware in 1975. At Wilmington, he continued participation in DECA activities and again was recognized nationally for his many achievements. In 1973, he was chosen to serve as a White House intern. After college, he taught high school and college classes and was employed by the national DECA organization. In 1979, he became a vice president for the National Council on Aging. Prior to his illness, Mr. Stokes returned to teaching. As a natural and enthusiastic leader, his strongest joy was helping young adults realize their talents and achieve success. At the commencement of the 100th graduating class of LHS in 1970, the Class presented Bruce an award that simply read: "Bruce Stokes: The Unforgettable Laugh, The Big Heart, The Outstanding Leader. We Thank You."

Mr. Stokes is survived by five brothers and sisters: Judy Holdman, Michael, John, Louis and Ural Austin; his adopted brother Paul Green and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2008, at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main Street, Leominster, MA, from 1 pm -4 pm. There are no calling hours, and burial will be private at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The New Hope Community Church, 139 Sandy Pond Road, P.O. Box 456, Ayer, MA 01432.

Maria D. (Valente) Osborn, 55, of 1 Ayer Road, Nashua, N.H., formerly of Leominster, died on Wednesday, Dec. 19, in Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, N.H., after an illness.

Mrs. Osborn was born in Leominster on April 15, 1952. She lived in Nashua for the past six years. She worked in the parts department at Dave Allen Lincoln-Mercury in Derry, N.H., and previously, she had worked at Milford Ford in Milford, N.H., and then Downtown Lincoln-Mercury in Nashua, N.H. Maria enjoyed cooking, walking, shopping and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Russell E. Osborn of Leominster; a daughter, Christina M. Osborn and her fiance, John Belair, of Leominster; two sons, Joseph R. Osborn and his wife, Katie Osborn, of Leominster and Justin H. Osborn of Nashua, N.H.; her parents, Fiorello and Henrietta (Mazzarella) Valente of Fitchburg; three brothers, Salvatore Valente of Leominster, Robert Valente of Florida and Alexander Valente of Leominster; and her three grandchildren, Kelsey Belair, Kayla Belair and Emilee Osborn, all of Leominster.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. Burial will be at a later date. Calling hours will be held on Friday, Dec. 21, from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.

Dr. Kenneth Lester Goss, 54, passed away Monday, April 10th.  He was born in Leominster on Nov. 11, 1951, the son of Robert and Alva (DiMauro) Goss and lived in Leominster for most of his life. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fitchburg State College and a doctorate from Saba University.

On Oct. 1, in Worcester A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Calling hours will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the funeral home.