All Obituaries

BERNARDSTON- Helena I. “Helen”(Ross) Amidon, 92, of Gill Road, passed peacefully on Sunday morning, May 31, 2020 at home. Born in India on February 25, 1928, she was a daughter of William H. and Gertrude (Rebeiro) Ross. On April 8, 1946, Helena married Winthrop “Win” L. Amidon and enjoyed over 50 years of marriage until his death in 1997. Helena served as the bookkeeper at the family run business, Amidon and Sons Sales, Inc., for 37 years, retiring at the age of...

ORANGE- Leon E. Pratt, 78, of East River Street, King Pine Apartments, died peacefully at home after a long, courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday evening, May 26, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Athol on October 19, 1941, he was a son of the late Harry A. and Charlotte (Robinson) Pratt and grew up in Wendell, graduating from the New Salem Academy in 1960. On November 5, 1966, Leon married Rose M. (Goulette) at Saint Mary’s Church in Orange and enjoyed 46 years together...

ORANGE- William J. “Bill” Rogers, 75, formerly of Hamilton Avenue, died on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the Bennington (VT) Health and Rehabilitation. Born in York, Maine on December 11, 1944, he was a son of John and Florence (MacInnis) Downing and grew up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1963 and later attended Keene (NH) State College. He served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves for 6 years. Bill was married to Anne (Kenney), whom...

ATHOL-  Mary (Kelly) Cass, 95, of Ridge Avenue, died peacefully at home on Saturday morning, May 23, 2020, with her son David at her side. Born in Dorchester on November 6, 1924, she was a daughter of James and Mary Reardon) Kelly Mary became a teacher, as well as a nurse, and enjoyed both professions helping people in both capacities. She taught in the Athol school system and had worked at Athol Memorial Hospital. She was married to David N. Cass, who predeceased her. Mary is...

ORANGE- Joseph R. Morris 76, formerly of North Main Street, died late Friday evening, May 22, 2020 at Fitchburg Healthcare. Born in Boston on April 14, 1944, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Fernandez) Morris and grew up in Cambridge. Following graduation, Joe joined the military from 1962 – 1967. He continued his military career while working in foundries and eventually followed his heart and love of travel and became a tractor trailer driver until retiring in 2016. Joe...

CONCORD- Norman W. Baldrachi, 86, of Concord, MA died at home on Friday, May 22, 2020 surrounded by his family and was the loving husband of Marjorie E. (DeGara) Baldrachi for 63 years.  He was born on June 6, 1933 in Readsboro, VT,  the son of William C. Baldrachi and Irene E. (Sartori) Baldrachi of Monroe Bridge, MA.  He graduated from Drury High School in North Adams, MA in 1951 and attended Norwich University graduating in 1955 with a B.S. in business administration...

ORANGE- Dr. Carl G. Holmgren, PhD., 72, passed away peacefully after a 7-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsonism. Carl was born in Brockton, MA, son of the late Anne (Johnson) and Jack Holmgren.  He grew up in Enfield, CT.  After serving in the Army Carl earned his teaching degree and became an educator.  He taught high school while continuing his education, eventually receiving a PhD in Psychology.  He went on to work for many years counseling at-risk...

ATHOL- Wallace E. Erali, 74, of Conant Road, died on Monday, May 18, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born in Gardner on March 30, 1946, he was a son of Peppino and Doris (Thomas) Erali and graduated from New Salem Academy in 1964. Wallace has been married to Marie (Hamlin) for 51 years. A hard working man, Wallace was a caretaker for the Cosby family before retiring. He previously had worked at Union Twist Drill, was a mechanic for VCS as well as Martone Trucking and...

Kris Congdon, 66, of Athol Road, died late Thursday evening, May 7, 2020 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill. Kris was born in Fitchburg on September 1, 1953, a son of Phillip and Ramona (Hyatt) Congon. Kris worked as a roofer for many years. He is survived by his loving, long-time partner, Beth Gilgun of Warwick. There are no services planned at this time. Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family. You may offer your sympathy online at...

SOUTH ROYALSTON- Karen E. (Lobban) LeBlanc, 74, of River Road, died peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2020, with loved ones at her side. Born in Gardner on April 14, 1946, she was a daughter of John S. and Pearl M. (Bradway) Lobban and grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1964. On September 20, 1969, Karen married Roger L. LeBlanc and they have enjoyed over 50 years of marriage. Karen had been an assistant at Dr. Talcott’s dentist office. She also had...