BRUCE R. WHITAKER
July 25, 1944 ~ November 25, 2020 (Age 76)

WINCHENDON - Bruce R. Whitaker, 76, of 138 Summer Street, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, November 25, 2020 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, with his family at his side.

He was born in Gardner on July 25, 1944, son of the late Earl R. and Dorothy (Robinson) Whitaker and had been a resident of Winchendon for many years. Bruce was a graduate of Narragansett Regional High School.

Bruce has worked for various area furniture companies as a shipping foreman until his retirement. A member of Winchendon Fire Department for 30 years, he retired as fire lieutenant. An avid outdoorsman, Bruce was a member of Winchendon Rod and Gun Club and Quabbin Anglers Association. For many years, he enjoyed spending time fishing with his wife, family and friends at his camp on Lake Mopang, Washington County, ME.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Jeannine L. (Bussiere) Whitaker; four children, Christine Betourney of Winchendon, Julie Lashua and her husband Michael of Winchendon, Pamela Saulnier and her husband Steven of Winchendon and Thomas Whitaker of Wasilla, Alaska; nine grandchildren, Eric, Cassie, Scott, Macy, Maggie, Erica, Thayer, Kaya and Kai and many nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Raymond Whitaker and Newell Whitaker, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held in the spring or summer of 2021 and will be announced by Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to Quabbin Anglers Association Conservation Camp. PO Box 79, Athol, MA 01331.

ANTHONY J. FLERRA
September 29, 1992 ~ November 28, 2020 (Age 28)

WINCHENDON - Anthony James Flerra, age 28, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 28, 2020 in his hometown of Winchendon, Massachusetts. He was lovingly referred to as "AJ."

Anthony was born in Concord, Ma on September 29, 1992 son of Kim and Paul Flerra Jr. and resided in Stow, Ma with his family until he was 6 years old. They relocated to Winchendon, Ma where he attended Winchendon public schools. AJ was a vibrant, energetic, boisterous, curious, fun-loving child and he continued on with those same child-like qualities throughout his short life. He was a character, a one of a kind and an all around lovable person. He was friendly, kind, loving, compassionate, caring, loyal, funny and fun to be around. He had a larger than life personality and was loved by all who knew him. AJ was the type of person who lifted up everyone around him and made sure everyone's spirits were high. He would always reach out to the people who needed a friend.

AJ enjoyed playing baseball and football as a child and was a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He was a movie and music enthusiast and an Xbox gamer. He especially loved comedies, Juice Wrld and playing Call of Duty with his son Karter. He was an amazing father and his children were the light of his life. He took pleasure in taking walks with his sons, Karter and Jamison, and his niece, Mya. He shared an unbreakable bond with his big sister, Nicole, whom he looked up to. He was proud of his Italian roots and he loved food. He could never resist a cheeseburger, even at an upscale restaurant where there were far better options. He was honored to have the opportunity to work side by side with his father, Paul Jr., for the last several years at Lazaro Paving in Shirley, Ma. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family, friends and children, being goofy and making them laugh. The memories of him will continue to fill the room with smiles, laughter and light.

Anthony will forever be loved and missed by those of us he left behind. He is survived by his two sons Karter Chapman, age 8 and Jamison Chapman, age 5 of Winchendon, Ma; his parents Kim and Paul Flerra Jr. of Winchendon, Ma; his sister Nicole Flerra and niece Mya McDermott both of Winchendon, Ma; his maternal grandparents Henry and Ruth Pratti of Cape Cod, Ma; his paternal grandparents Eudora and Paul Flerra Sr. of Harvard, Ma; the mother of his children Erin Chapman of Winchendon, Ma; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

FELIX CHRISTIAN PEREZ ROSARIO
December 31, 1982 ~ November 23, 2020 (Age 37)

WINCHENDON - Felix Christian Perez Rosario, 37, of 36 Glenallen Street, died unexpectedly Monday morning, November 23, 2020 at home.

He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 31st, 1982 and had lived in Winchendon since July after living in Leominster and at Ponce, Puerto Rico for several years.

Felix earned his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and enjoyed spending time with his family, playing video games and performing his culinary arts. He also served some time with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard.

He leaves his father, Felix Perez Figueroa and wife Lillian Rios Davila of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; his mother, Alba R. Rosario of Winchendon and three sisters, Hayzel Christine Perez Rosario and her husband Jaime Sepulveda Rivera of Winchendon, Krystel Rivera Rosario of Winchendon and Hilda Nicole Perez Rios of Vermont.

His beloved family also include his late grandfather Felix Perez Muñoz, his grandmother Maria Figueroa Millan, his uncle Rafael, his aunts Lourdes, Maria Lourdes and Hilda de Lourdes Perez Figueroa, his niece Joeliany Saez Perez and nephew Damian Torres Perez, whom he loved so very much, all natives from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Their wife and respective husbands Ana V. Villaronga Santana, Luis G. Rodriguez Ramos, Jose Padilla Asencio and Juan Hernandez Martinez as well. They all shared the following message for Christian, as they always called him:

"Dear and beloved Christian, God has called you to accompany him and join Papa Felix. Our souls and spirits suffer, our hearts cry silently, but deep down in our beings we know that now you are well in the glory and grace of the Lord. We will pray for you until the end of our days when we will come to meet you. We had always love you and we will love you forever, we miss you and we will continue to miss you. We will never forget you...our golden child. You were, you are and forever be our "gordo hermoso". How sorry we are for not being able to be with you, the son that God gave us. Fly high, our love, we can not get you out of our lives and hearts where you will live forever until we meet again in heaven.

You were an outstanding, very humble human being with a big heart, you never refused to help anyone who asked or needed it, and as such we will always remember you. May God bless and be with you always."

His cousins, Jose Rafael (Rafito), Frances Dadith, Luis Rafael (Luisito) and Carol Anel Perez Villaronga; Juan Gabriel, Juan Carlos, Juan Pablo and Adlih Joan Hernandez Perez; Willmary Padilla Perez and his best friends Francisco Rey Crespo Rios (Francis), Rene Aqueron (Renecito), Osvaldo Torres (Tito), Anthony Montalvo (Dramaveli Beats), Camilo Ruiz and Victor Cruz, all together mourn Christian's early departure.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 1 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

THELMA F. FOX
March 11, 1927 ~ November 24, 2020 (Age 93)

DOVER - Thelma F. Fox passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Kent General Hospital.

Mrs. Fox was born March 11, 1927 in Leveret, Massachusetts to the late Francis Parsons and Leona White Parsons.

She had worked as a seamstress for Simons Bridal Shop as well as a general worker for Davis & Butler Wholesale. Mrs. Fox was a member of the Harvest Years Senior Center and had been on the Board of Directors as well as past President of the Ladies of the Elks, she was also a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling with her husband which included trips to Nashville, Las Vegas, Alaska, Hawaii, and Bermuda. And treasured the times she spent with family and friends. She was also very talented doing arts and crafts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Fox; son, Wayne Fox; and son-in-law, Richard Reynolds.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Fox and his wife Dawn of Clayton; daughter-in-law, Darlene Fox of Dover; daughter, Patricia Reynolds of Felton; sister, Vera Parsons Woods of Winchendon, Mass.; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be at Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.

In lieu of flower's the family suggests contributions be made to Harvest Years Senior Center, 30 South St., Camden, DE 19934.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com

RODNEY (STUMPY) CLEVELAND
June 24, 1940 ~ November 22, 2020 (Age 80)

Rodney (Stumpy) Cleveland, 80, of Homosassa FL passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 after a 4 year struggle with heart issues.

He was born in Gardner, MA on June 24, 1940 to Merritt and Rita Cleveland. He resided in Royalston most of his life until he retired and moved to FL. Rodney worked as a truck driver. Then worked many years for the Royalston Highway Department. His real enjoyment was his stump grinding business R&A Stump Grinding. He also enjoyed wood working, metal fabrication, fishing, also competition shooting and his computer. He was a life member of the NRA and the Franco American club.

He is survived by his wife Anita of Homosassa. His children Robyn Cleveland and Willie Cleveland both of Athol. Grandchildren Erik LaMar of Orange and Jessica Cleveland of Winchester NH. 4 great-grandchildren Alarna and Jesse LaMar of Athol, Lillian Rose and Tomy III Pace of Winchendon, MA. A sister, Carol Bender, of Winchendon, MA (unfortunately she passed 4 days later on November 26, 2020.).

He was predeceased by both his parents.

There will be no services at this time.

HENRY T. "HANK" CALLAHAN
March 4, 1938 ~ November 22, 2020 (Age 82)

LOWELL - Henry T. "Hank" Callahan, 82, a resident of the Centralville section of Lowell, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020, at Lowell General Hospital. On September 15, 1962 Hank married the love of his life Catherine E. (Henwood) Callahan who pre-deceased him on April 29, 2002. They celebrated 39 wonderful years together raising five children but always making time for weekends away together.

Born in Lowell on March 4, 1938, he was the son of the late James Walter and Lillian (Mooney) Callahan and was the father-in-law of the late Gregory Barrows. A 1956 graduate of Keith Academy in Lowell, Hank was employed as a compositor by the Lowell Sun Newspaper for 30 years. Following retirement, he worked part-time performing maintenance for Lowell Day Nursery.

Hank was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael Church and a member of the East End Club for over 45 years. He was active for 14 years coaching for the St. Michael Baseball League and served 10 years as president. Proud of his Irish heritage, he was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians - Division 19 and traveled with Cathy to Ireland in 1979. He loved fishing, refinishing furniture, a good game of whist and was an avid gardener. His most cherished times were spent vacationing at the lake and York Beach with his family. Badminton, where he and his brother-in-law Ed were a "wicked pair", and horseshoe tournaments were a favorite of his at family gatherings.

He is survived by his five children, Susan Martin and her husband Daniel of Pelham, NH, Walter Callahan and his wife Delana of Lowell, MA, Sandra Barrows of West Suffield, CT, Peter Callahan and his wife Deborah of Bristow, VA and Amy Fetzner and her husband Robert of Winchendon, MA; eighteen grandchildren, Stephanie, Christopher (Shannon) and Jeffrey Martin, Shannon, Patrick (Jenny), Bryan and Sean Callahan, Joshua (Jessica), Jacob (Danielle), Thomas and Daniel (Katelynn) Barrows, Katie, Lindsay (Nate Calonder), Haley and Megan Callahan, Michael, Charles and Ceara Fetzner; affectionally "Papa the Great" to fourteen great-grandchildren, Anthony, Lillian, William, Jackson, Nora, Logan, Evelyn, Leo, Timothy, Ava, Teagan, Kira, Brody and Nash; a brother-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his siblings Patricia Rock, Barbara Lagasse, Dolores Silva and J. Walter Callahan, Jr., his sister-in-law Louise Sullivan and brothers-in-law D. Alan Rock, Norbert Silva, Edward Sullivan, Stephen McGrath, & David Henwood, Jr.

Hank's Funeral Mass and burial will be celebrated at a later date. For condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com