The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of February 13 to February 20, 2020

Obituaries

SCOTT DAVID CASSON
January 31, 2020 (Age 55)

Scott David Casson, 55, of Ashby, MA passed away unexpectedly in a work related accident on Friday, January 31, 2020. Scott was a plant manager at Specialized Paper in Gardner, MA. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, employee and friend.

Scott grew up in Lunenburg, MA. He was a 1982 graduate of Lunenburg High School. He married his best friend, Peg, in July of 1984. Scott joined the Navy and lived at a Navy base in Virginia for four years. He then moved back to the area and started his family and career. Scott worked for the Seaman/Specialized Paper Company for more than 25 years. While not at work, Scott enjoyed hunting at his family camp in Maine, playing with his grandchildren, going to concerts, and spending time with all of the people he loved.

Scott was predeceased by his father, Alwin Casson of Lunenburg. He is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 36 years, Peg Casson of Ashby; his mother, Carol Casson of Lunenburg; his daughter, Allie Chartrand and her husband Marty of Townsend; his son, Daniel Casson and his fiance Cali Hendley of Ashby; his grandchildren, Lucas, Nathan, and Tyler Chartrand of Townsend; his grand-dogs, Coco and Loki of Ashby; his brother, Bruce Casson and his wife Ginny of Grafton; his brother, Stuart Casson of Maine; his sister, Brenda Boudreau and her husband Keith of Townsend; his mother and father-in law, Dianne and Roland Legros of Winchendon; and many more beloved family members and friends.

Calling hours will be held Friday, February 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Brandon Funeral Home, Fitchburg, MA, followed by a short service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at the Mass Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA at 2:00 p.m. Seating at the cemetery is limited and reserved for immediate family. Others will be able to listen to the service outside of the building. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the VFW in Jaffrey, NH at 3:00 p.m.

Scott was always the first to lend a helping hand to those in need. He strongly believed in recovery and second chances. In this spirit, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Our Father’s House, P.O. Box 7251, Fitchburg MA 01420, http://ofhshelter.com/Donate.html.

Pearl E. Cartee

PEARL E. CARTEE
July 31, 1939 ~ February 10, 2020 (Age 80)

WINCHENDON – Pearl E. (Dunn) Cartee, 80, formerly of Winchendon, died peacefully Monday morning, February 10, 2020 in Apple Valley Center, Ayer, with her family at her side.

She was born in Lowell, MA on July 31, 1939, daughter of the late Gabriel and Christina (Marsh) Dunn and had lived in Winchendon for more than 50 years until moving to Shirley five years ago.

Pearl was a graduate of the former Templeton High School and had worked as a teacher’s aide in the Winchendon Public School System for many years until her retirement. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Silver Sneakers. Pearl enjoyed reading and especially treasured time with her family.

She leaves her husband of 61 years, Ralph K. Cartee; six children, Brian Cartee of Tucson, AZ, Wayne Cartee and his wife Debbie of Waterford, VA, Kevin Cartee and his wife Vicki of Templeton, Susan Dempsey and her husband William of Shirley, Sharon O’Malley and her husband Charles of Winchendon, and Sandi Cartee of Boxboro; brothers, Gene Dunn of Woburn and Gabriel Dunn of Lowell; a sister Sandy Lafond and her husband Bob of Gardner; 13 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson Carl “CJ” Cartee; brothers, William Dunn, Patrick Dunn and Joseph Dunn and sisters, Kathleen Rallston, Marie Mason, Ruth McLain and Marion Tardiff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Friday, February 14, 2020 from 5 to 7 P.M.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made St. Jude Children Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.

JOSEPH C. BEZIO SR.
August 27, 1941 ~ February 11, 2020 (Age 78)

Joseph C. Bezio Sr., 78, of East River Street, died Tuesday morning, February 11, 2020 at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Healthcare Campus in Worcester.

Born in Colrain on August 27, 1941, he was a son of the late Wilfred and Sophia (Bellows) Bezio and moved to Warwick in 1948 and later to Winchendon in 1957. He graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon in 1960.

On June 24, 1960, Joseph began serving in the United States Marine Corps and obtained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged on April 22, 1963.

In 1978, Joseph married Joyce I. (Partridge) and they have enjoyed over 41 years of marriage together.

Joseph was employed by the Harrington-Richardson Firearms Manufacturing in Gardner for 45 years and retired as General Manager in 2004.

A member of the Athol Congregational Church, Joseph was also a member of the Orange American Legion #172 since 1983, a former member of the Athol Lions Club, played on the H&R Golf League for many years and played softball on area leagues for 25 years.

Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family and had also enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing and reading. Joseph loved vacationing in Maine with his family.

Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce Bezio of Orange; children, David Bezio (Nanette) of Athol, Richard Bezio of Athol, Debra Hill (Steve) of Gardner and Rose Bernier (Brian) of Orange, Joseph Bezio Jr. (Mark Nelson) of Westminster and Faylin Paciski of California; grandchildren, Rusty, Ryan, Brittany, Jacob, Alex, Danny, Lisa, Andrew, Nathan, Michelle, Jenni, Austin, Shyanne, Leslie, Aiden, Eric, Harmony, Brie, and Beth; 18 great grandchildren; a brother, Edward Bezio (Janice) of Orange; sisters, Kathryn Lively (Leander), of Colrain and Edna St. John of Katy, Texas; as well as several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Harry, Charles and Raymond, and sisters, Margaret, Rosemary, Lucy, Theresa and Baby Bezio.

There are no calling hours.

A celebration of life will be held at the Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, on February 22, 2020, at 10 a.m.

Interment with military honors will follow in Highland Cemetery, Athol.

Donations in Joseph's memory are suggested to the Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, MA 01331.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

You may offer your sympathy online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

Myles E. Marsh

MYLES E. MARSH
January 9, 1933 ~ February 12, 2020 (Age 87)

SWANZEY, NH – Myles E. Marsh, 87, of 185 Monadnock Highway, died peacefully Wednesday evening, February 12, 2020 at home, with his family at his side.

He was born in Braintree on January 9, 1933, son of the late Robert and Isabelle (Miller) Marsh. Myles was a 1952 graduate of Braintree High School. Myles proudly served his country as a member of the United State Army during the Korean War. He had lived in Rockland, MA for 25 years, in Quincy for 10 years and was a resident of Swanzey since 2009.

Myles had worked as the manager of the former Strand Theatre in Quincy and had worked for many years for various vending companies. A former DeMolay dad advisor, he was a member of a member of Artisan Lodge of Masons, Theodore Roosevelt Lodge of Masons and was a past marshal of St. Paul Lodge. He was a member of Taleb Grotto. Myles was also a member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion 193 and was proud to be a 50 year member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He will be remembered as a very generous man, who never expected anything in return.

His wife, Lorraine M. (Avena) LeClear Marsh, died in 2017. He leaves two daughters, Michele Madjerec and her husband Carl of Troy and Denise Bicknell of Kansas, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.

Religious and Masonic funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11 A.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 10 to 11 A.M. in the funeral home.

Burial will be in Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

Virginia R. Woodard

VIRGINIA R. WOODARD
November 13, 1933 ~ February 9, 2020 (Age 86)

FITZWILLIAM, NH – Virginia Woodard, 86, of 225 Royalston Road, died Sunday morning, February 9, 2020 in her residence, with her family at her side.

She was born in Orange, MA on November 13, 1933, daughter of the late Jesse and Ethel (Groves) Dushion and was a graduate of Orange High School. She was a resident of Fitzwilliam for the last 30 years.

Virginia was the office manager of Wachusett Radiology for many years until retirement. She was a member of Fitzwilliam Community Church. She enjoyed collecting cook books and especially treasured spending time with her family.

Her husband, Ralph Woodard, died in 1983. She leaves three children, Mark Woodard and his wife Sue of Winchendon, MA, Brent Woodard of Fitzwilliam and Paula Gallegos and her husband Bill of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two brothers, Donald Dushion of Athol and James Dushion of The Villages, FL; eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a sister Gladys Northrup and a brother Kenneth Dushion.

Graveside services and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Winchendon, MA in the spring.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA is directing arrangements.

STANLEY ALISAUSKAS
July 13, 1932 ~ February 4, 2020 (Age 87)

Hubbardston - Stanley G Alisauskas, 87, of Hubbardston, died Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at home.

He was born in Leominster, on July 13, 1932, the son of the late Stanley H. and the late Marjorie (Adkins) Alisauskas. He grew up in Westminster and Gardner and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade in 1950.

Mr. Alisauskas was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army. He was employed at Digital Equipment Corp. in Maynard for over 24 years. After his retirement he ran his farm in Hubbardston. Stan enjoyed being on the water, fishing and beating everyone at cribbage.

He leaves his wife of 31 years, Elizabeth Estabrook; two daughters, Catherine Alisauskas and her partner Bill Moffet of California, Lisa Duteau and her husband Norman of Arizona; three sons, Michael Alisauskas of Gardner and his children Kerrin and Joseph, Jeffrey Alisauskas of Winchendon and his children Kila, Allison and Zack, and Stanley Alisauskas, Jr. of Gardner and his son Nathan; Also survived by one brother, Frank Alisauskas of Athol; six great grandchildren, Jeffrey, Benjamin, Nicklos, Amelia, Neveah, Gabriella and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Marjorie Sauliner, Elizabeth Leete and Irene Seminoff.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 13, at 11:00 at Mack Family Funeral Homes, Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at Williams Restaurant, Gardner, MA. Burial will be held in the Spring.

To send an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Homes, Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner is assisting with arrangements.

David J. Hartnett

DAVID J. HARTNETT
February 7, 2020 (Age 61)

David J. Hartnett of Everett, Feb. 7, 2020, age 62, husband of 11 years to Debra (Bennett) Hartnett, father of Kelly Pearson and her husband, Rob of Haverhill and Michael Hartnett and his wife, Michelle of Derry, NH, 2 granddaughters, Haley and Lindsay Hartnett of Derry, NH, a step-daughter, Amanda J. Roman and her husband, Ernesto of East Boston, 2 step-grandchildren, Breanna and Xavier Duarte, a sister, Donna Hartnett of Auburndale, FL, 3 brothers, Paul Hartnett and his wife, Flora of Winchendon, Ricky Hartnett and his wife, Maureen of Braintree and Florida and Lawrence Hartnett and his wife, Aline of Wellington, FL and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Stephen Hartnett. Visiting hours will be held at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Friday, February 14, 2020 from 3 to 6 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be private. For direction and online guestbook please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.

Linda J. Richtarcsik

LINDA J. RICHTARCSIK
July 7, 1948 ~ February 9, 2020 (Age 71)

WINCHENDON – Linda J. (Herring) Richtarcsik, 71, of 88 High Street, died peacefully at home Sunday evening, February 9, 2020 with her family at her side.

She was born in Englewood, NJ on July 7, 1948, daughter of the late Edward and Dorothea (Rogge) Herring and grew up in New Jersey. Linda graduated from Bergenfield Senior High School and Lenox Hill Hospital Nursing School in New York City. She and her husband have lived in Winchendon for the last 40 years.

Linda worked as a Registered Nurse for many years and was manager of the Alzheimer’s Unit at The Highlands for several years until her retirement. An avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, she enjoyed spending time with her family and attending sporting events and activities of her grandchildren.

She leaves her husband of 49 years, Paul S. Richtarcsik; three children, Stacey L. Knight and her husband Robert of Winchendon, Peter J. Richtarcsik and his wife Jennifer of Winchendon and Heather L. Vann and her husband Greg of Alexandria, VA; a brother, Steven Herring of Myrtle Beach, SC; seven grandchildren, Kate, Connor, Nicholas, Logan, Meagan, Rachel and Patrick.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 2:30 PM in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

Calling hours will be held Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30 PM preceding the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000.

Leon J. Brow

LEON J. BROW
February 22, 1934 ~ February 10, 2020 (Age 85)

WINCHENDON - Leon (Sonny) Joseph Brow, Jr., 85, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020, surrounded by family at the home he built with his dad and raised his children in. Sonny was born February 22, 1932 to Alice P. (Hadmack) and Leon (Mitch) Joseph Brow.

After graduating from Murdock High School in 1952, he enlisted, and proudly served, in the US Marine Corp. He actively served in the Korean Conflict. In 1954, Sonny returned to Winchendon, MA to marry his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carol A. Levasseur.

After completing his tour of duty, he served as a Police Officer on the Winchendon police force. He spent 20 years working at S. Bent & Bros. and retired with a disability as a head custodian at the Memorial School in Winchendon.

There was nothing more important to Sonny than his immediate family. In his younger years he was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing of all types. In his later years he enjoyed camping at Woodmore Campground where they spent 30 years making friends and memories. After Carol retired, time was spent travelling to various locations on bus trips. Some of his funniest stories were about his fishing excursions with his son and son-in-law. His most memorable and enjoyable vacations were the two weeks spent with family on Lake Champlain in July although, anytime he spent with family was a good time.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 193.

A special thank you to Dr. David Havlin for the exceptional care he gave Sonny over many years and the people at Gardner VNA hospice for their loving care and support during his final days.

Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol, his three children, Theresa (Terry) Brow Frederick, Edward (Ed) Brow and his wife Rachael Brow, Patricia (Patty) Brow Frawley, six grandchildren, Shannon Drake and her husband Oliver, Matthew Brow, Jacob Brow, Hannah Mercier, Kyle Frederick and Stephanie Lahtinen. A sister in-law and 2 brother in-laws. He also leaves behind 3 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Lillian A. Clapp and son in law Trey Frederick.

Per his request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or GVNA Healthcare Hospice 34 Pearly Ln, Gardner, MA 01440.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Jocelyn N. Boston

JOCELYN N. BOSTON
July 10, 1992 ~ February 10, 2020 (Age 27)

WINCHENDON – Jocelyn N. Boston, 27, of 97 Royalston Road North, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020.

She was born in Fitchburg on July 10, 1992, daughter of William E. and Tara (Fields) Boston and was a 2010 graduate of Murdock High School. She later took courses to become a veterinarian technical assistant from Mt. Wachusett Community College.

Jocelyn worked as veterinary technical assistant at Lunenburg Veterinary Hospital. Her first job was at Westford Emergency Veterinary Clinic and she later worked at Sterling Animal Clinic, Worcester Animal Shelter and Tender Hearts Veterinary Center. Her dog Bella meant everything to her and she also enjoyed fishing, playing Zumba games and dancing. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she leaves two sisters, Brittany M. Breau and her husband Gerard of Westminster and Maddy Boston of Fitchburg; three nieces, Chelsea Breau, Mackenzie Breau and Taylor Breau; her grandparents, William and Lorraine Boston of Clinton, Lorna and John Fields of Ashburnham and Sandra Kozlowski of FL and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 4 to 7 P.M.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 17, 2020 at 11 A.M. in the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made Worcester Animal Shelter 139 Holden St, Worcester, MA 01606.