Memorials
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 TommyD@LeominsterHigh.com

 
Roland H. Desilets

1932  - 2014

 

Roland H. Desilets, 82 years old, of Hubbardston, formerly of Leominster, died Friday, November 14, 2014 in the Golden Living Center in Fitchburg. He is survived by his sons Kevin P. Desilets and his wife Debra of Hubbardston, Stephen W. Desilets and his spouse Robert Aylott of Townsend, Peter L. Desilets and his wife Maureen of Monroe, NC and Ronald H. Desilets and his wife Gloria of Fitchburg, daughter-in-law Sandra Desilets of Hubbardston, sister Lorraine Contois and her husband Earl of Fitchburg, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce “Judy” E. (Pelton) Desilets in 1999 and his son Richard L. Desilets in 2001.

Roland was born in June 27, 1932 in Leominster son of Lucien and Gabrielle (LeBlanc) Desilets and had moved to Hubbardston 12 years ago. He had attended the former Saxton Trade School in Leominster and had worked as a machinist at General Electric in Fitchburg, before retiring in 1995. Roland was a member of St. Cecilia’s Church in Leominster.

Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster.

Meeting Midge & Chiara Lolli
at the Bocce Club 2008
Frank & Midge, Frank Guidara & Frank "Pappo" Lolli.
Frank Guidara, my Uncle, married my late Aunt Pearl.
 

Marjorie J. "Midge" (Hannigan) Bovenzi

1931  -  2013

Marjorie J. “Midge” (Hannigan) Bovenzi, 81, longtime resident of Leominster, died unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. She was born in Leominster on Nov. 17, 1931, The daughter of Leon A. and Jennie (Thompson) Hannigan, she grew up on Hall Street and spent many happy times visiting with her mother’s relatives in nearby Clinton. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Leo Parish.

Midge graduated from Leominster High School Class of 1950 and remained ever active in organizing their celebratory reunions. After graduation she attended Becker Junior College and the Winthrop School of Nursing before deciding to marry the love of her life and travel to Germany to live abroad for a year. Midge returned to Massachusetts with Frank to make their home and raise their family.

She is warmly remembered for her passion for houses, decorating and design, her talents in crewel embroidery, her delicious Italian cooking and her ability to create magically festive holidays for her children and grandchildren. Always an avid sports fan, she was a “soccer mom” before her time, attending countless cross country, wrestling, soccer, softball, football and other sporting events to cheer her children on. Nanny, to her grandchildren, she regaled them with stories of her Irish family and heritage.

Outside the home Midge pursued studies in special education at Fitchburg State College and found great joy and success in working with children with learning differences in the local schools. She later found a second career she also loved, working with her adult sons for many years as Office Manager for both Bovenzi Inc. and Geosearch.

Beyond work and home, Midge took great pleasure in the beaches of Cape Cod and passed her love of sun and surf and sand on to her children. She was a founding member of the Leominster Italian American Club and the local Red Hat organization, “The Dames.” Midge belonged to the Irish American Club, the Eagles and was an officer in Sons of Italy. And she was a proud member of the 1998 Sons of Italy State Women’s Champion Bocce Team.

Mrs. Bovenzi leaves her loving and devoted husband of nearly 59 years, Frank G. Bovenzi; her six children, sons, Thomas M., Frank J., Peter E. and Matthew J. Bovenzi; daughters, Anne M. and Mary Jane; as well as 15 beloved grandchildren, Erin E. Bovenzi, Kate N. Moriarty, Benjamin J. Moriarty, Samantha R. Bovenzi, Patrick F. Moriarty, Leah T. Bovenzi, Emily A. Bovenzi, Peter M. Bovenzi, Maximillian A. Panke, Nicolo G. Bovenzi, Giovanni F. Bovenzi, Katherine Bovenzi, Samuel A. Panke, Anna M. Bovenzi and Rocco F. Bovenzi. She also leaves her brother, James A. Hannigan of Tarpon Springs, FL; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Marie J. Antonucci and brother, Leon “Huck” Hannigan.

Midge was a great lady! I got to meet her (First photo) at the new Leominster Italian American Club Bocce Club on Central Street. Her brother Jim and sister Marie were our neighbors and friends on Hall Street. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know Midge had passed til I was speaking to Jim about March 30th. She will be remembered as a wonderful lady!

Enrico J. "Rego" Valeri
1931  -  2011

ORMOND BY THE SEA, Florida -- Enrico J. "Rego" Valeri, passed away on April 26, 2011, after an illness.

Rego was born in Leominster on April 13, 1931, son of Ascenzio and Pierina (Piccolomini) Valeri.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict for four years. He later attended Worcester Junior College majoring in Computer Science. He moved to California in 1956, working for many years at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena.

Rego leaves three sisters, Norma Normandin and her husband, Robert of Leominster, Doris Ciccolini of Leominster, and Vera Angelini of Munroe, LA; nieces and nephews; three sisters, Elma Valeri, Vera Valeri, and Philomena Ciaschini, and one brother, Alesio Valeri predeceased him.

Pauline ( Proulx) Metterville

1932  -  2010

 

Pauline (Proulx) Metterville, 78, of Fitchburg and Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at Leominster Hospital.

She was born Jan. 24, 1932, in Leominster, daughter of the late Attorney George E. and Laura D. (Cote) Proulx. She attended Saint Cecilia's School, graduated from Leominster High School, and had many lifelong friends from French Hill. She was also a graduate of the Worcester School of Business.

Mrs. Metterville volunteered with the Red Cross, Burbank Hospital Guild, and as a CCD teacher at Our Lady of the Lake Church. She was an avid golfer and a member of Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg and Worthington Country Club in Bonita Springs. She was a kind and compassionate woman with a great sense of humor. Her family was the center of her life. Mrs. Metterville was a card shark, enjoying bridge games with friends and trips to the casino. She enjoyed reading and was a devout Patriots fan.

Her husband, with whom she was happily married for 55 years, Francis Melia Metterville, died in 2007. She was also predeceased by her brother, Paul E. Proulx, in 1970.

She leaves three daughters, Kathleen A. Blake and her husband, Roderick, of Greenland, N.H., Pamela M. Goguen and her companion, Moses Mack of Fitchburg, and Lynn M. Berube and her husband, Marc, of Fitchburg; five grandchildren, Richard F. Reynolds and his wife, Lindsey, of Christiana, Tenn., Jonathan E. Goguen of Fitchburg, Caitlin E. Carlsen of Dover, N.H., Gregory M. Berube and Kiley L. Berube, both of Fitchburg; two great-grandsons, Kolbie L. Burks and Nathanael H. Reynolds, both of Christiana, Tenn.; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

The Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. in Saint Leo's Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial will be private.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of New England, 85 Astor Ave., Suite 2, Norwood, MA 02062-5040, or to the American Heart Association , 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Mario A. Cornacchia       1932 -  2010

Mario A. Cornacchia, 78 years old, of Westborough, formerly of Leominster, died on Sunday, October 3, 2010, in his home. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Phyllis M. (Litalien) Cornacchia, two sons Michael C. Cornacchia and Anthony C. Cornacchia, his sister Grace Desilets and his 3 grandchildren Aria Niemierko, Alexandra Cornacchia and Joseph Cornacchia. He was predeceased by his son Chris J. Cornacchia and by his brother Tony Cornacchia.

Mr. Cornacchia was born in Leominster on August 12, 1932, son of Carmine and Rose (Cornacchia) Cornacchia and lived in Westborough for the past 5 years. He attended Worcester State College. Mario was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, having served during the Korean War. He was a lineman for the New England Telephone Co. for over 25 years, before retiring in 1984. He was a member of St. Anna's Church in Leominster. Mario was an accomplished musician and played with many local musicians, including the Frankie Dee Orchestra. Most of all, he enjoyed playing music with his brother Tony.

He was buried in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster.

Roland J. Fraticelli       1931 - 2009

A longtime member of The Colonial Band; Roland J. "Rollie" Fraticelli, 77,  of Leominster passed away at the Sterling Healthcare Facility after a long illness, surrounded by his family. Roland was the son of Michele and Maria (Misino) Fraticelli. He was born on December 21, 1931 at Leominster Hospital.

Roland leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Ann (Crowley) Fraticelli. He also leaves behind one son, Michael and his wife Katherine of Leominster. His life was touched by eight grandchildren, Thomas Fraticelli of Sacramento CA, Marine LCpl. Mathew Fraticelli and his expecting wife Marissa of Virginia Beach VA, Jonathan Fraticelli of Leominster and his beloved princess Kaitlyn Fraticelli also of Leominster, also Erin, Heather, Meagan and Michal Walsh of Lunenburg. Roland also had two sisters, Angela Fraticelli and Lucy Scaramuzzi of Leominster, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Roland also leaves his special little buddy, "Oscar" aka Pasquali, his beloved pet.

Roland attended Becker Jr. College. Roland joined the Navy in 1951, attending the U.S. Naval Music School in Washington D.C., playing the alto sax. Roland served aboard the USS Hornet and the USS Valley Forge. He completed two world tour cruises and also served in the Korean Conflict.

Roland was employed as an Associate Chemist for Borden Chemical and Nova Corp., retiring in 1997. Roland's love was for music. He played the saxophone and the clarinet. Roland began taking music lessons at age ten with Gaspare Bisceglia. He joined the Colonial Band of Leominster at the age of sixteen, retiring from the band in 2005. Roland also was a founding member of the dance band group 70. Roland also played in several other bands during his lifetime, Frankie Dees, Dick Willimas Joint Ventures and Star Clusters.

Roland was predeceased in death by his daughter Karen Walsh on December 18, 2002. Roland and his family would like to recognize a special warm thank you to the wonderful staff members and the Hospice Specialists at the Sterling Healthcare Facility.

Burial was in St. Leo's Cemetery.

Dorothy (Burgess) Richardson    2008

Dorothy "Dot" A. (Burgess) Richardson of Leominster, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in HealthAlliance-Leominster Hospital. Dot was born in Leominster, the daughter of Dana M. and Maude N. (Murphy) Burgess. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Band while at LHS.. She was employed by Digital Equipment Corporation as a Human Resource and Benefits Manager at Powder Mill Road in Maynard, retiring in 1992. She was very involved with the Leominster National Little League; serving as secretary to the league, managing an instructional team of eight year olds and was instrumental in the building of the press box, refreshment stand and rest rooms at the Northwest Little League Field. She volunteered for several years with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of the Elderly) program at the Leominster Senior Center. Since her retirement she made several quilts from her own original designs. Most recently she spent her time designing needlework projects and stitching portraits of family members and friends in cross stitch. She was an avid sports fan following all the New England teams. She was also a fan of the NASCAR Cup Series, where she could see her grandson on TV on the pit crew for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. She was especially interested in Leominster High School sports teams and always watched the Little League World Series games. She leaves two sons, Donald W. Richardson and his wife Karen of Leominster and Gregg D. Richardson and his wife Cheryl of Leominster, five grandchildren Chad Richardson, Megan Richardson, Nicole Richardson, DJ Richardson and CorrieAnn Gillen and six great grandchildren. She also leaves three cousins who were very close to her. She was predeceased by her eldest son, David C. Richardson in 1996.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 1 pm in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster. There are no calling hours. The Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster is assisting the family with arrangements. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net

Robert E. Lavin     1933 - 2008

Robert E. Lavin Artist and Educator, 75, of Marblehead, MA, an art educator, died of cancer after a short illness in The Hospice of the North Shore in Danvers, MA, on August 3, 2008, with his family at his bedside. Robert was born in Leominster. He graduated from the Massachusetts School of Art in Boston and received his Masters in Fine Art from New Paltz State University in New York. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict. He began his first teaching position in the Cornwall, NY, schools then returned to Massachusetts where he continued his career in Art Education in Weston, Framingham and in Marblehead, where he retired after 16 years. He was well known for his exceptional talent in many facets of art including pottery, watercolor and oil. His work has been shown in many locations across the state. He was unique in sharing his art capabilities to his students in his teaching career.In his retirement, in his beloved Marblehead, he enjoyed travel, and was an avid Red Sox baseball fan. He also developed an interest and excitement in Computer Art and produced many fine creations. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Indelicato; son, Edward Lavin; and their mother Barbara (Cochran) Lavin. He was the loving grandfather of five grandchildren: Tom Indelicato, Tammy and Ryle Thatcher, Justine and Michael Lavin. Bob also leaves two sisters: Gladys McKinnon and Barbara Smith; two brothers: Richard Lavin and David Lavin and many nephews and nieces. There are no calling hours and following cremation, the burial services will be private.

Francis "Forte" G. Bangrazi   1932 - 2007

 

 "Forte" Bangrazi, 75, of Leominster, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, after an illness.

He was born in Leominster on March 16, 1932, the son of the late Guido and Flora (Cataldi) Bangrazi. Mr. Bangrazi was a longtime Leominster businessman, and was the owner of The Little Kitchen, The Elbow Lounge, Forte's Lakeside Lounge and Club Forty, all in Leominster. He retired in 1997.

He enjoyed golfing, playing bocce and was a avid New York Giants fan. His greatest joy came as a loving husband, father, and, especially, grandfather. He was a member of St. Anna's Church in Leominster, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a lifelong member of the Leominster Lodge of Elks 1237, a member of the St. Anna Gala Committee and a United States Air Force veteran, who served as a radio operator during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in England.

Mr. Bangrazi leaves his wife of 51 years, Jane (Fusco) Bangrazi; a son, James Bangrazi of Clinton; a daughter, Jan-Marie and her husband, Steven Rowland, of Leominster; six grandchildren, James, Jason and Jacob Bangrazi and Caitlin, Michael and Matthew Rowland. He was predeceased by two daughters, Lynn Ann and Linda Marie Bangrazi; a grandson, Alexander Bangrazi; and three brothers, Diwillio, Anio and Louis Bangrazi.

The funeral will be held Thursday, Dec. 13, from The Curley-Marchand Funeral Home, 89 West St., Leominster, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Anna's Church, 194 Lancaster St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours in the funeral home are Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the St. Anna School, 199 Lancaster St., Leominster, MA 01453.

Laura Jean (McCarthy) Valeri   1932 - 2007

Laura died Saturday, Sept. 1, in Health Alliance Leominster Hospital after an illness.

Laura was born June 2, 1932, in Leominster, daughter of Charles and Laura (Mercier) McCarthy and lived in Leominster all her life. Mrs. Valeri worked for Merchants Bank and then for Leominster Savings Bank where she was instrumental in converting to computer systems. She was a member of Saint Anna's Parish.

Her husband of 51 years, Fiorindo "Footy" Valeri, died September 28, 2006.

She leaves her daughter, Lisa J. Moore & granddaughter, Laura Moore.

Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

Assunta "Sue" (Simeoni) Mullaney      1932 - 2007

Assunta Rose “Sue” (Simeoni) Mullaney, 75, of 66 Helena St., Leominster, died on Saturday, Dec. 1, at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Mullaney was born in Leominster on Oct. 9, 1932, daughter of Stefano and Madeline (Casacca) Simeoni, and lived in Leominster her entire life. She was a member of St. Leo’s Church in Leominster.

Sue graduated from Leominster High School in 1950, where she served as vice president of the National Honor Society, and she attended Stevens Business College in Fitchburg. While raising her family and serving as primary caregiver to her elderly parents, Sue worked with her husband as office manager for their trucking business, Richard J. Mullaney Transportation.

She was a member of the Leominster High School Class of 1950 Reunion Committee, and was a founding member of the Italian-American Cultural Society.

Sue is survived by her husband, Richard J. Mullaney; a daughter, Joan E. Hodskins, three sons, David R. Mullaney, Michael J. Mullaney Stephen J. Mullaney, all of Leominster; her nephews, Gregg S. Reed and Andrew C. Reed; a brother, Louis R. Simeoni, of Philadelphia, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary M. Reed; a nephew, William E. Reed III; and a granddaughter, Angela M. Mullaney.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in St. Leo’s Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial will be in St. Leo’s Cemetery, 360 Lancaster St., Leominster. Calling hours are 5-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or memorial.

Fiorindo “Footy” Valeri   1932 - 2006

Fiorindo “Footy” Valeri, 74, of Leominster died Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006 in River Terrace Health Care, Lancaster after a battle with lung cancer.

He was born Jan. 18, 1932 in Leominster, the son of Josephi and Elvira (DiGiamarino) Valeri.

 He was a butcher and supervisor for the meat departments at the former Victory Supermarkets, retiring in 1992.

He leaves his wife of 51 years, Laura (McCarthy) Valeri, his daughter, Lisa J. Moore; a brother, Victor Valeri; a sister, Viola Godin, a granddaughter, Laura Moore, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Orlando, Rocco, Valeri and Agusto Valeri.

Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

William Dunn  1932 - 2006

William T. “Bill” Dunn, 73, of 563 West St., tragically died Sunday morning, Feb. 26, after being overcome by smoke from a fire at his home.

Born in Worcester on Oct. 24, 1932, Bill was the son of William F. and Helen M. (Reekie) Dunn. He was predeceased by brother, Robert.

Mr. Dunn served in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War veteran. He worked as a car salesman until his retirement in 2001.

Mr. Dunn is survived by his wife Phyllis S. Dunn; two daughters, Kathleen H. McVicker and Laura J. Monahan; five grandchildren; a brother, Bernard Dunn; four nieces and nephews; and an aunt, Ruth Bartlett.

Shirley (Schofield) Sicard   1932 - 2006

Shirley G. (Schofield) Sicard, 74, of 42 Castle St., died Monday, Sept. 18 in her home after a long illness. She lived with her daughter, Donna C. Hildreth.

She was employed for several years at Allen’s Department Store in Leominster, Borden Chemical Co. in Leominster and retired from Spectro Analytical Instrument Co. in Fitchburg in 2004. She was a member of St. Cecilia’s Church in Leominster.

She is also survived by two other daughters, Karen A. Comiskey, and Lisa M. Maynard; two sons, Barry J. Sicard, and William A. Sicard; and 12 grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Comiskey, and her second husband, Donat M. Sicard.

Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

Robert S. MacGillvray    1932 - 2006

Robert S. MacGillvray, 74, of Portsmouth, RI., died October 1, 2006 in Newport Hospital in Newport, R.I.

Bob was born in Leominster on August 6, 1932, son of the late John and Greta (Hatfield) MacGillvray. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Evelyn (Nimee) MacGillvray, 2 daughters Cindy J. Williams and Beth A. Piermarini, a brother John MacGillvray, and a granddaughter Ashley E. Williams. He was predeceased by his daughter Robin L. MacGillvray and a sister Thelma Spagnolia.

Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

 

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