This is a page of sad news, but news that people might be interested to know. Obituaries (where available) were obtained from the Springfield Union newspaper or from funeral home websites. Classmates and Minnechaug personnel are listed in the order we lost them.
David was killed in a motorcycle accident around 1980.
Katherine M. Flora 1960 - 2001 LINCOLN, RI - Katherine M. "Kate" (Garber) Flora, 41, of Timberland Drive, died Sunday, November 18 at home. She was the wife of Michael C. Flora. Born February 25, 1960 in Boston, MA, daughter of Suzanne (May) Garber of Wilbraham and the late Angus Garber, she had lived in Novato, CA for 20 years before moving to Lincoln, RI 2 years ago. Mrs. Flora was a corporate underwriter for Amica Insurance Company in San Rafael, CA for 10 years before working in their home office in Lincoln, RI 2 years ago. She was a 1982 graduate of Western New England College. Besides her husband and mother, she is survived by 2 sons, Austin M. Flora and Matthew E. Flora, both at home in Lincoln, RI; 2 brothers, Gregory Garber of Cheshire, CT and John Garber of Suffield, CT; and several nieces and nephews. A Service of Remembrance &Thanksgiving will be held Sunday, Nov. 25, at 11:30 at Bellows-Falso Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln, RI. Burial will be private. Published in Union News on 11/23/02
Hooker passed away in the mid 1980's after complications resulting from an auto accident.
Robert was killed in 1974 when he was struck by an out of control car on Boston Road (Variety Shoppe).
Sharon A. Lopata 1960-2002 WILBRAHAM - Sharon A. (Nowak) Lopata, 41, died Sunday February 24, 2002 in Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Holyoke, a graduate of Minnechaug High School, a graduate of Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA. She was a Paraprofessional with the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District at Stony Hill School. She was a communicant of St. Cecilia's Church in Wilbraham and a member of the choir, also a member and past President of Wilbraham Junior Women's Club. She received many awards, including the 1993 Chairman's Award for Wilbraham Peach Festival, the 1996 GFWC State of Massachusetts Club Women of the year, 1997 Minnechaug Regional High School Distinguished Alumni Award, the 1997 GFWC Wilbraham Junior Women's Club -Club Women of the Year, she was the co-founder of the John C. Sevey Memorial Playground. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Lopata of Wilbraham, her sons, Nicholas &Nathan and daughter, Abby Lopata, all of Wilbraham. She is survived by her parents, Thaddeus P. &Dulce (Chaves) Nowak, both of Wilbraham; she leaves her father &mother-in-law, Theodore &Mary (Doyle) Lopata, both of Chicopee; her paternal grandmother, Sophie Kareta of Wilbraham &maternal grandmother, Barbara Chaves of Ludlow; two brothers, Mark A. Nowak &Tad Nowak, and a sister, Lisa M. Vartanian, all of Wilbraham. Loving aunt to several nieces &nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. from the Sampson's Chapel of the Acres, 21 Tinkham Rd., Springfield, with a Liturgy of Christian burial in St. Cecilia's Church at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday form 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Ray's of Hope, P.O. Box 5141, Springfield, MA 01101-5141. Published in Union News on 02/25/02
Corinn Miller, Class of 89, died in a car accident in California in May of 2001. She had been living in New York and working at Radio City Music Hall, and there is now a plaque dedicated to her there. She was a great person. (Information provided by Jennifer Kennedy Erdody)
Lila Hassin passed away in 1999.
Edward M. Nelligan LUDLOW - Edward M. Nelligan, 66, died on Saturday at Baystate Medical Ctr. Born in Chicopee, he lived in Ludlow for the past 14 yrs. and previously in Wilbraham for many years. He was a 30 year Science Teacher at the Wilbraham Middle School, retiring in 1995. A graduate of Chicopee High School, Edward received a B.A. and Masters Degree in Education from Westfield State College and a Masters Degree in Arts and Teaching from American International College. He was a Korean War Marine Corps Veteran and a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church. He leaves his wife, Deirdre (Kelly) Nelligan; one son, John and his wife, Heiyun Nelligan of CO; three daughters, Amanda Nelligan and her husband, John Tomko of CA, Abbe Nelligan and her husband, Donald Denomme, and Ellen Nelligan of Springfield; one brother, Robert Nelligan of CT; two sisters, Margaret Nelligan of S. Hadley and Sr. Maureen Magdelan of the Dominican Order; two nephews and two grandnieces. He was predeceased by two brothers, John J. Nelligan and James Nelligan. Funeral Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham, followed by a Mass in St. John the Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Burial in Hillcrest Park Cemetery. Calling hours Tuesday 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia Society of MA, 495 Old CT Path, Farmington, CT 01701. Published in Union News on 05/28/02
Kimberly Anne
Reynolds 1960 - 2001 BELCHERTOWN - Kimberly Anne Reynolds died Friday, November
30. She was born in Springfield and also lived in Hampden, and was a
Belchertown resident for the past eighteen years. She was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School and the University of
Massachusetts. Beloved daughter of John T. Jr. and Hope
Reynolds of Hampden. Dear sister of John T. Reynolds, III of West
Springfield, Kelly G. Wiaderek of Springfield and
Jodie T. Swain of Wilbraham. Loving aunt of Brian Farrell and
Edward Wiaderek of Springfield, Caitlin Cassidy and
Gordon Reynolds of South Deerfield and Melissa Swain of Wilbraham.
Friends are invited to visit Monday 4-8 p.m. at Byron's Funeral Home, 1858
Allen St., Springfield. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. For
those that prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Mul
Family and friends
are invited to celebrate the life of beloved Kelley on February 13, 2015 from
5:00-7:00 pm with a service at 7:00 pm at New England Funeral & Cremation
Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA.
Rick worked in one of the Twin Towers and was lost in the tragedy on 11 September 2001.
Laura M. Scanlan 1960 - 2006 SPRINGFIELD - Laura Marie (Buoniconti) Scanlan, 46, of Springfield died early Friday morning October 6 at the home of her brother surrounded by her loving family. Laura was employed at the Red Cross for one year as a military case worker and previously worked as a correctional officer for the Hampden County Sheriff's Department for three years. She was born in Springfield a daughter of the late Joseph and Yolanda (Scatolini) Buoniconti. She attended Wilbraham schools and obtained an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. She had resided in Springfield for most of her life and was a communicant of Holy Name Church in Springfield. She is survived by her husband of 12 years, Daniel L. Scanlan; two sons, Richard J. Buoniconti and Daniel L. Scanlan Jr., both at home; two daughters, Danielle M. Buoniconti and Sophia R. Scanlan, both at home; four brothers, Joseph Buoniconti and his wife Millie of Louisiana, Louis Buoniconti and his wife Dorothy of Springfield, Patrick Buoniconti and his wife Irene of West Springfield, and Gulio Buoniconti and his wife Patty of North Carolina; a sister, Rosemary Gay and her husband Rudy of Agawam; her mother in law, Patricia Whitman of Athol; and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends are asked to gather on Saturday October 14 at 10 a.m. at Holy Name Church, 323 Dickinson Street in Springfield to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Visiting hours will be held on Friday October 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laura's memory be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445. Published in The Republican on 10/11/2006.
Lynn A. Midghall 1960 - 2007 FEEDING HILLS - Lynn A. (Stoeber) Midghall, 46, of 77 Strawberry Hill Rd., died suddenly and unexpect-edly at home on Sunday, February 25th, 2007. Born in Springfield, Lynn was a 1978 graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham. Lynn had worked previously as a secretary for Phoenix Mutual Insurance Co., and later at Mass Mutual Insurance Co. in Springfield. She enjoyed reading, cooking & baking, and being a loving and devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews. Lynn is survived by her husband of 22 years, Robert F. Midghall, her parents, Jerald and Patricia (Ferris) Stoeber of Wilbraham, a sister, Joanna Ranck of Ludlow, her grandmother Mae Stoeber of Westfield, and her loving nieces and nephews Nicholas, Matthew, Maura, Maureen, Meghan, Jillian, Sara, Emily, Jenna, Taylor, and Madison. She was predeceased by a sister Susan Ryan in 2005 and her grandmother Amelia Ferris. Funeral services are Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 9:45 am from the Forastiere-Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, followed by a mass at 11:00 am in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield. Burial to follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery. Visiting hours are Wednesday 4-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Published in The Republican on 2/27/2007.
Tamara Zeroogian 1960 - 2008 NATICK- Tamara "Tammy" Zeroogian, 47, passed away on April 18, 2008 with her loving family by her side. She was taken from us much too soon. She was born in Springfield April 28, 1960 and raised in Hampden by her loving parents, Karnig and Joyce (Ekmalian) Zeroogian of Hampden. Tammy graduated from Minnechaug High School in 1978 and received her bachelor's degree from Westfield State College in 1982. She has resided in the greater Natick area for many years and most recently was employed by the Kathleen Kennedy Senior Center in Natick. Tammy was very compassionate towards the elderly who also were her dear friends. Tammy had a kind heart and a generous spirit and will be deeply missed. In addition to her loving parents, Tammy leaves behind her sister, Lynn Diefenderfer and her husband Dale of Wilbraham; her brother, Dr. John Zeroogian and his wife Sonia of Wilbraham. She cherished her nephews and nieces, Matthew, Stephen and Ani Diefenderfer and Annabelle Zeroogian. She is also survived by her many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom she loved very much. Tammy's visiting hours will be held on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2008 from 9-11 AM at the Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Rd., Springfield, MA 01229. Her funeral service will follow at 11:30 AM in St. Mark's Armenian Church, 2427 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield. The burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Scantic Rd., Hampden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark's Armenian Church, 2427 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield, MA 01129.
Deborah J. Roberts-Mamulski 1960 - 2008 SOUTH HADLEY - Deborah J. Roberts-Mamulski, 48, of South Hadley died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 at the Holyoke Medical Center. Born in Wilbraham on Jan. 10, 1960, she is the daughter of Joan (Kozio) Roberts of South Hadley. Debbie was raised in Wilbraham and graduated from Minnechaug High School. She also graduated from S.T.C.C. in Springfield. Debbie worked as a phlebotomist for LifeLab in Holyoke and previously as a medical assistant in the offices of Doctors Barry and Louis Eisenstein. Debbie was a dedicated and devoted mother, and loved to be at the ocean. She was a member of St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley. In addition to her mother, Debbie is survived by her daughters, Stephanie and Kristen Mamulski both of South Hadley, a brother, Stephen Roberts of Chicopee as well as several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Wayne Roberts. The Funeral for Debbie will be on Monday at 9am from the Ryder Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Theresa's Church, S. Hadley at 10am. Burial will be held privately at a later date. Calling Hours will be on Sunday from 3-6pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Stephanie and Kristen Mamulski Education Fund @ TD Banknorth, 1360 Carew St., Springfield, MA, 01104. Ryder Funeral Home #533-1735
Rachel A. Siebert 1960-2009 WILBRAHAM - Rachel Ann Siebert, 48, of Wilbraham died Sunday May 10, 2009 surrounded by her family. Rachel was the daughter of Mildred (Faile) Siebert and the late William D. Siebert who was born in Newton, MA on June 17, 1960. Rachel has resided in Wilbraham since 1965 and was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School and received her Bachelor and Master's degrees in Education from Smith College and her Doctorate in Education (E.D.D.) from Harvard University. She taught elementary school in Westbrook, CT, and at the American Embassy School in Madrid, Spain. She had served as principal of Secular Studies at Yeshiva Academy in Longmeadow and was an Associate Professor at Springfield College. She was a communicant and vestry member of the Church of the Epiphany and Director of the Epiphany Preschool. For ten years she hosted Darius Lloyd under the Fresh Air Program. In addition to her father she was predeceased by a daughter, Moriah Grace Vivian. Besides her mother in Wilbraham she is survived by her husband, David Vivian; two sons, Daniel W. Vivian and Nathan J. Vivian both of Wilbraham; a brother, William T. Siebert of Middletown, CT; two sisters, Elizabeth P. Siebert of Newton, MA and Katheryn D. King of South Salem, NY; along with several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours for Rachel will be held on Friday, May 15, 2009 from 3 to7 p.m. at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. Family and friends are asked to meet at Christ Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut Street, Springfield for funeral services for Rachel on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10 AM. Rites of Committal and Burial will be held in Adams Cemetery, Tinkham Road, Wilbraham. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Rachel's memory may be made to Church of the Epiphany Preschool, 20 Highland Ave., Wilbraham, MA 01095, Melanoma Research Fund, BIDMC, care of Dr. Michael B. Atkins, MD at 375 Longwood Ave., MASCO, Boston, MA 02215 or to the Vivian childrens' education fund c/o the family to benefit Daniel and Nathan.
Susan C. Hannington 1960 - 2010. HAMPDEN MA. Susan C. (Engels) Hannington, 49, of Hampden, died Monday July 6, 2010 in Baystate Medical Center surrounded by her family. Born in Bronx, NY. on December 7th, 1960 she was the daughter of Edward and Joan (Haygood) Engels. Susan lived the best years of her life in Hampden and Wilbraham and graduated from Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, Class of 1978. Susan worked for the U.S. Postal service in Springfield and was a prominent business owner in Wilbraham of The Little Griddle Restaurant. She enjoyed sunning at the beach, the smell of the ocean, sunsets, fishing, and painting. She leaves behind her two beloved daughters, Jessica Hannington, of Springfield, and Cinthia Hannington of Boston; caring brother Edward Engels of Chicopee, and also her former husband but close friend Chuck Hannington of Hampden. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday July 9th 2010 at 12:00pm in Grace Union Church on Chapel Street in Wilbraham. Visitation will precede the service from 11:00am-12:00pm. Flowers can be sent to Grace Union Church. Ludlow Funeral home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online @ ludlowfuneralhome.com
Russell Angus MacRae, February 15, 1960 - June 8, 2011 - Funeral services for Russell Angus MacRae, 51, Lawton, will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Trinity Assembly of God with Rev. Lloyd Grubbs, Pastor officiating. Mr. MacRae died Wednesday at his residence. Entombment with military honors will be in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Family will greet friends on Sunday afternoon from 2 pm to 4pm at the funeral home. He was born February 15, 1960 in Palmer, Massachusetts to William Lincoln and Frances Ruth (Smith) MacRae. He attended Pines Elementary, Wilbraham Junior & Senior High. Russell joined the U.S. Army on March 9, 1977 and served as a Field Artillery Target Acquisition Specialist until being honorably discharged on March 9, 1980 earning the M-16 Rifle Expert and the Hand Grenade Expert Badges. After the Military, he spent many years driving a tractor trailer for a few companies, to include, Allied Van Lines whom he spent the most time with. He then went on to become an instructor for New England Tractor Trailer Training School in Somers, Connecticut. He then went to work for the Fire Department in Somers as a Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician for 7 years. His last job was working for American Ambulance Service in Norwich, CT as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Medical Dispatcher. He retired in 2010. His favorite job was as the Captain of the “Tanya Marie” which he did for the last 10 years. He enjoyed boating, diving, camping, fishing, bowling and cooking. He loved to travel all around the world including an annual trip to Mexico. He also enjoyed watching the sun rise every morning, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his daughter, Tanya MacRae, granddaughter, Selicia DuBose, both of the home, his mother, Frances MacRae, East Longmeadow, MA; brother and fiancé, Ralph MacRae and Karen Loiselle, Monson, MA; sister, Jane MacRae, Sarasota, FL; Niece, Alessandra Love and husband Adam Simons, Oakland, CA; five nephews, Clifford Jorgenson, Sarasota, FL, Michael, Kenneth and Christopher Kelly, all of Lawton and Gerry Siscel, Guymon, OK; other family members, Ann Faggion, Olga Kelly, Kelly and Garrett Dionne and Michael Kelly Jr. all of Lawton; the “Tanya Marie” crew, Jeffery Way, Edward Dubois, Matthew Duval, Walter Bell, Peter Cardillo and Tim Monahan; two special friends, Laurie Mastrangelo-Simmons, North Carolina and Maria Wilson, Connecticut; and many other relatives and loving friends. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents. Memorial contributions may be made to, Faith Hospice, 1925 W. Gore Blvd., Lawton, OK 73501 or the American Cancer Society, 1320 NW Homestead Dr., Lawton, OK 73505.
Stephan B. Carpluk 1959 - 2011 WILBRAHAM - Stephan B. Carpluk, 51, died at home on Wed-nesday, July 20, 2011. Born in Boston, he was a lifelong resident of Wilbra-ham. A graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School and Western New England College, Stephan worked with the family business, Yankee Electric. He leaves his parents Alfred and Dolores (Barry) Carpluk, of Wilbraham, daughter Stephanie Carpluk of Springfield, two brothers, Stuart Carpluk of East Longmeadow and Daniel Carpluk of California, two sisters, Linda Joy of Florida and Janet Carpluk of Wilbraham, and one grandson Isaiah. Calling hours will be Sunday from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. A Funeral Service will be held Monday at 10:00 am at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Adams Cemetery in Wilbraham.
Paul T. Delaney, Jr. 1960 - 2012 WILBRAHAM - Paul T. Delaney, Jr., 51, died on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at home. Born in Marblehead, he lived in Wilbraham since 1970. Paul is survived by his loving family; his parents Paul T. and Joan (Arvidson) Delaney, his wife, best friend and soul mate Mary Dionne, their son Daniel Patrick Delaney, his sister Joanne (Delaney) Szydlowski and her husband Mark, their children Kaitlyn, Matthew and Michael, all of Wilbraham, his sister in law Terri (Delaney) Phelps and her son Kristopher of Edmonds, WA and numerous aunts, cousins and friends from all over the world. He was pre deceased by his sister Kristine and brother Mark Delaney. Paul was a kindhearted and generous person with a contagious smile who gave of himself to everyone he met. A true friend to each and every life he touched. Paul loved traveling, meeting people and making new friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others in any way he could. A lobsterman, who was passionate about the sea, Paul worked with his father for many years in the family business. When he traveled the world, he shared his talent as a percussionist and love for music with musicians on three continents. As an uncle, cousin and friend to so many, Paul will be deeply missed by all who knew him and shared his love for life and laughter. Family and friends are encouraged to gather in celebration of his life at the Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham on Saturday May 5th from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to Save the Children Foundation, 54 Wilton Rd., Westport, CT 06880 or by visiting their website at www.savethechildren.org. Please note on your check or website contribution Hunger Crisis in Africa. Published in The Republican from May 1 to May 2, 2012
Helen A. Walinski 1928 - 2012 MONSON - Helen A. Walinski, 84, died Monday, December 3, 2012. Born in Palmer to the late Boleslaw and Jennie (Dombrowski) Walinski, she has been a life long resident of Monson. Helen was a graduate of Our Lady of the Elms College and Springfield College where she received her Master's degree in Education. Helen was a teacher in the Wilbraham School System for many years and she retired as Assistant Principal from Minnechaug Regional High School. She was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church in Monson and a member of the Massachusetts Teacher Association. Helen leaves her Uncle and Aunt, Stanley and Mildred Dombrowski of Agawam, many cousins and her close friend Carolyn. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 7, 2012. A visiting hour will begin at 10am in Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be at 11am in St. Patrick's Church and burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Restoration Fund PO Box 473 Monson, MA or to Our Lady of the Elms, The Annual Fund 291 Springfield, St. Chicopee, MA 01013.
Tina M. Kielbania 1960 - 2012 EBENSBURG, PA - Tina Marie ( Domey ) Kielbania, Ebensburg. Age 52. Died Dec. 5, 2012 at Conemaugh Hospital, Johnstown, PA. Born Feb. 12, 1960 in Palmer, Mass. The much loved daughter of John Domey and Lea ( Gebo ) Ryan ( Fritz Hobert ), sons Matthew and partner Laura, and David all of Mass. Gandchild Tyler. Sister of Karen Scaife ( Joe ), Nephew Zachary and nieces Emily and Megan of Franklin, Mass.Tina is also survived by best friend, Sister forever Leah Sergent Crichton ( Jim). God bless you. Friends will be received at the Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg from 6 p.m. till time of funeral services at 8 p.m. Saturday. Fr. Jonathan St. Andre and Fr. Nathan Malavoliti officiating. Published in The Republican from December 7 to December 8, 2012
Michael Jude Schmidt departed from this life at his home in Port St. Lucie on Friday evening, October 3. Born in Lavonia, Michigan, he is the beloved son of the late Barbara R. (Kisic) Schmidt and Kenneth C. Schmidt. Mike moved with his family to Wilbraham, Massachusetts at the age of eleven. Educated in Wilbraham schools he moved to Florida after his high school graduation. There he met his devoted wife, Billie Jo Cruickshank. He managed a Dans Fan City store in Florida for many years before he and BJ moved to Nevada where he became the owner of his own Dans Fan City store. This past autumn they returned to Florida to be near BJs family and to renew old friendships. Mike never forgot his Michigan roots. He had decorated his den in the maize and blue of University of Michigan Wolverines. He remains a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Lions. He and his dad would meet in Detroit over the years to visit relatives and to take in Tiger ball games. Mike and BJ, through their hard work, created a beautiful oasis that surrounded their home in Pahrump, Nevada. Mike remained in awe of the desert vistas and the snow-covered mountains that they could see and enjoy from the yard of their home. Always trusting of people rarely was Mike disappointed. There are few people who are more kind and generous than Mike. Never pretentious or seeking of praise he had a soft spot in his heart for anyone who was in need, even if they were strangers. He truly believed that kindness was its own reward. Michael leaves Billie Jo, his devoted wife of twenty-three years, they were married on September 28, 1991. He joins his loving mother, Barbara, and is now held closely in her arms. He leaves his loving dad Ken, of Wilbraham, his loving sister Gretchen Cardoso of Wilbraham, and his loving sister Lisa Tshonas and Peter of Ellington, Connecticut. He also leaves his niece, Kylie, and his nephew, Ryan of Wilbraham: his niece, Rachel, and his nephew, Nicholas, of Ellington. He is also survived by his uncle, Paul Schmidt and Joan; his aunt, Suzanne Lefevre; his aunt, Mary McWood and Arthur; and his Uncle Louis Kisic; all of Michigan. He leaves many cousins in Michigan, Ohio and Oregon. The late Elaine Cruikshank (mother-in-law). Also surviving are sister-in-laws, Terri Harrison and Tracy Adkins, nephews Michael Harrison Jr., Justin Adkins, Logan Adkins, Will Waters, Max Waters, Patrick Waters, niece Alaura Adkins, great niece Alice Harrison and Brother-in-law, Williams Waters all of Palm Beach County, Florida, and Pam & Dale Johnson from North Carolina and he leaves behind several very special friends. Lastly, he leaves his beloved Australian Cattle dogs, Sky, Shilo and Sparkie. The Lord works through those that have kind and generous hearts. His love for them is boundless; He takes them unto Himself where they will live forever. Visitation hours will be on Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Aycock Funeral Home in Port St. Lucie, FL. Services will be held on Friday October 10, 2014 at 11:00AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Michaels memory to St Judes, St. Lucie County Humane Society, or any Hospice. Arrangements are entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Port St. Lucie, FL. Please visit www.aycockportstlucie.com. Published in The Republican from Oct. 7 to Oct. 8, 2014
Mike was one of my best friends in school.... we became friends back around 1972 when he moved to Wilbraham, I remember him from Memorial school on. Mike became one of my best friends during that time… we spent much time together (along with Tim Rymasz and Pete Chapin). We used to fool around with stereo equipment, do astronomy, build speakers, and hike in the woods. He also helped me build a large dam in my backyard during the summer of 1976. We used to exchange gifts at birthdays and Christmas. I gave him “Frampton Comes Alive” (record album) in 1976, and he gave me a Radio Shack gift certificate to buy a dome tweeter for a speaker project I was working on. I remember Mike telling me his Mom yelled at him for spending more on me (for Christmas gifts) than he did on his sisters! I also remember Mike and I walking to the Eastfield Mall Radio Shack to buy speaker parts (it was maybe a 25 minute walk from his house). He would also attend the Fellowship at the church I went to, we had fun times there too. We also used to fly model rockets, I remember Mike had a plastic Cox (brand) Saturn V rocket, it looked nice but flew in an unstable manner, we all laughed at it so much! We spent a lot of time doing astronomy, he attended many of the overnight star parties we had at my house. I have a number of recordings with Mike on them from back in the day, it will never be the same listening to them now. I used to call him a lot, and he used to talk about his days in Michigan. I had not seen Mike in many years, but he wrote me a really nice note when my Mom and Dad passed away. I will always remember that. We had a lot of fun times and he was a big part of my life during junior high and high school. It feels like a part of my childhood is now gone. My deepest condolences to his family. May you rest in peace, Mike.
Shawn Alan Courtney, 54, surrounded by his loving family, went home to be with The Lord on Saturday, February 28th after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born in Holyoke, the son of Marie T. (Donovan) Courtney and the late Richard C. Courtney. He was an employee of Hampden Zimmerman Electric Supply Company and was a veteran, honorably serving for 23 years in the United States Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a proud member of Bethlehem Church, loved to sing in the choir and was passionate about serving his community and bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Shawn is survived by his loving wife, Elaine M. (LaBelle) Courtney; his children, Danielle, Taylor, and Connor; his brothers, Daniel, Kevin, Richard, Christopher and Michael; his sisters, Kathleen, Debra, and Mary; nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. He was predeceased by his brother, David. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 6th from 4-8 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, March 7th at Bethlehem Church, 216 Allen Street, Hampden at 10AM. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam at 10AM on Tuesday, March 10th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Church, 216 Allen, Hampden, MA 01036
James A. Etter, 88, of Springfield, MA and Naples, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2015. Son of the late Walter B. and Hazel (Snow) Etter, he was born April 22, 1926 in Everett, MA. A member of the Greatest Generation, James proudly served the U.S. Navy on Iwo Jima as an Airman and became a Senior Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force with 22 years of service. He earned a master’s degree and taught History at Minnechaug Regional High School for over 20 years. He was a Mason and in the Shriner’s “Legion of Honor”. James is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years Helen (Topham) Etter of Springfield; two sons Arthur Etter of Springfield and David Etter and his wife Wendie of Feeding Hills. He also leaves several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Services celebrating James’ life will be held Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St, Ludlow, MA. Rites of Committal with Military Honors will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. Donations in James’ memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104.
Robert H. Cunningham 1962 - 2012 WILBRAHAM - Robert H.
"Bob" Cunningham, 49, of Wilbraham died Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield. Robert, son of
Richard F. Cunningham of Wilbraham and the late Barbara J. (Myer) Cunningham
was born in Springfield on August 3, 1962. Raised in Wilbraham, Bob graduated
from Minnechaug Regional High School and received his
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the College of Holy Cross.
Bob was a Second Vice President at Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company where he
has worked for the past 25 years. He was very active in coaching Wilbraham town
sports including coaching the John L. Sullivan Baseball League. He was an avid
golfer and liked to travel with his family. In addition to his father, Bob is
survived by his wife, Doreen (Ferreira) Cunningham; a son Kyle Harris
Cunningham at home; a brother, Craig A. Cunningham and his wife Nancy of
Wilbraham; a nephew, Jared and a niece, Rachel; and his loyal companion his
German Shepard Roxy. Visiting hours for Bob will be held on Wednesday, June 27,
2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. His funeral will be held on
Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by the
Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church, 42 Main Street,
Wilbraham. Rites of Committal and Interment will
follow in Woodland Dell Cemetery, Woodland Dell Road, Wilbraham.
Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Dakin Pioneer Valley
Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01104 and or to Make a Wish Foundation of Western Massachusetts, 181 Park
Avenue, Suite 112, West Springfield, MA 01089
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