All Obituaries

PETERSHAM- Carol A. (Courteau) Best, 80, of East Street, died on Saturday afternoon, September 23, 2023 surrounded by her family.. She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on August 28, 1943, the daughter of the late Albert and Dorothy Courteau. She grew up in Worcester and graduated from Holy Name High School. Carol worked for Paul Revere Insurance after high school and the Petersham Country Store. On July 24, 1964, Carol married Robert Best. Carol was preceded in death by her husband,...

ROYALSTON- Adelbert F. “Del” Merchant Jr.,68, died peacefully at home with his wife at his side, following an illness. Del was born in Montague on March 25, 1955 and was the son of Adelbert F. Merchant Sr. and Margaret M. (Torstensen) Merchant and grew up in Sterling, graduating from Wachusett Regional School in 1973. On February 19, 2011, Del married Alice (Dickson), whom he had known since the 1980’s, and have enjoyed their 22 years of marriage. Del was a second shift...

PITTSFIELD-  Linda (VanDeusen) Vallone, beloved mother of Kristy (Vallone) Moriarty and Jodi (Vallone) Black, has passed after a long illness. Linda was born in Pittsfield, MA to Waymouth and Joan (Wagner) VanDeusen. She was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. Linda worked for many years in office administration Linda was predeceased by her parents. Linda resided with her daughter and best friend Kristy who dedicated her life to caring for her mother. Linda’s shining light...

ORANGE- John L. Collins, 63, of Prospect Street, died on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at home after being stricken ill. Born in Wakefield on November 3, 1959, he was the son of William and Jane (Patch) Collins in grew up in Stoneham. John served in the United States Marine Corps. A truck driver, he found much enjoyment in driving the rigs. John was a happy go lucky type of guy who enjoyed helping people and loved his grandchildren. Survivors include his son, Garrett Collins of Dery, NH;...

ATHOL- Louis G. Marino, 48, of Hapgood Street, died unexpectedly early Monday morning, September 11, 2023 after being stricken ill. Born in Holyoke on September 21, 1974, he was the son of Louis A. and Nancy (Lird) Marino and grew up in West Springfield, graduating from West Springfield High School in 1993. Louis married Nannette (Laux) in July of 2006 and celebrated 17 years this summer. While disabled the past few years, Louis had worked as a bounty hunter for a number of years. Louis...

ORANGE- Thomas D. Dodge, 92, of Moss Brook Road, died peacefully in his sleep early Saturday morning, September 9, 2023 at home. Born in Orange on May 29, 1931, he was the son of the late Percy Sr. and Ina (Stacy) Dodge and grew up in Orange, graduating from New Salem Academy. Tom served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from August22, 1952 until his honorable discharge on August 12, 1954 as a Corporal. He was married to Charlene J. (Powling), who predeceased him. A...

ORANGE- Georgia A Walker Kelton, 71, of Orange, MA, passed away Sept 07, 2023, at her home. Ms. Kelton was born March 10, 1952, in Athol, MA, to George and Veronica Walker. She loved gardening, tending to her cat(s), or as she called them, her babies, listening to the Orange Community Band and walking. She enjoyed frequent trips to Boston for various festivals including her favorite, the Boston flower show. In keeping a promise to her father and wanting to give back, she worked for many...

ATHOL- Anne Frances Stanchis Gatautis was called home by her heavenly Father on September 6, 2023 while residing at the home of her son Ronald. Born in Lawrence, MA on August 31, 1920 to John and Anna (Adamaitis) Stanchis. Anne was one of five children, growing up in Haverhill, MA, graduating from Haverhill High School in 1938. After working finance companies in Newport, RI and Gardner, MA, she moved to Athol and married Joseph Gatautis in 1947 where they raised their family. Anne was...

ATHOL- Marcia E. (Phelps) Legassey, 86, of North Orange Road, died peacefully at home on Sunday, September 3, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Athol on April 11, 1937, she was the daughter of Clement and Helen (Cone) Phelps. Marcia had been a supervisor at Duall Plastics for 29 years before retiring. Marcia has been married to Lionel G. “Lee” Legassey for 25 years. A member of the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church and its choir, she worked numerous fairs and...

ORANGE- Jack passed away peacefully Friday September 1 2023 surrounded by his loving family at Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston.  He is predeceased by his loving wife, Maureen, his parents Albert and Mary McWhinnie and sister Jane M. Novy. He is survived by his children . Lauren McWhinnie and companion Tom Boyda Jr of New Ipswich, NH and her children Donn Blaser III and wife Danielle their children Lexi, Mason and Addy Blaser of Orange,MA,  Kassidy...