The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of March 4 to March 11, 2021

Obituaries

Robert B. Neville

ROBERT B. NEVILLE
January 19, 1951 ~ February 24, 2021 (Age 70)

WINCHENDON – Robert B. Neville, 70, of 736 Central Street, died peacefully Wednesday morning, February 24, 2021 at his residence, with his wife at his side.

He was born in Brookline, MA and grew up in Medford, graduating from Medford High School. Bon proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had lived in Winchendon for six years and had lived previously in Yarmouthport, MA., Maine and New Hampshire.

Bob was a movie buff and collector of movie memorabilia. He had done some acting part time and had appeared in small roles in various films. A Harley Davidson enthusiast, Bob participated in many motorcycle runs, supporting veterans’ causes. Bob had also worked as an EMT in California and had been a military aide to former Massachusetts Governor Edward J. King.

He leaves his wife Pauline Amedio-Neville; six children, Daniel, Brandon, Jennifer, Jeremy, Rebekha and Nathan and several grandchildren.

Military funeral services will be held in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to Battered Women's Resources, Inc. P.O. Box 2503 Fitchburg MA 01420.

Jean Priestley

JEAN (MURPHY) PRIESTLEY
September 14, 1938 ~ February 26, 2021 (Age 82)

WINCHENDON -- Jean (Murphy) Priestley, 82, of 114 Ipswich Drive, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, February 26, 2021.

She was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England on September 14, 1938, daughter of the late James E. and Mary Elizabeth (Massey) Murphy and had been a long-time resident of Winchendon for over 50 years.

Before moving to this country at the age of 27, Jean worked at Dean Clough Mills for Crossley Carpets as a carpet mender. After first coming to America, Jean managed the former Homewood Guest House, owned by Simplex Time recorder for several years. She later worked in the cafeteria at Memorial School for over 20 years until her retirement in 1998. She enjoyed bowling, sewing and knitting.

Jean was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Jean relished in the happiness of sharing daily life with her family, as well as trips with them to the Marginal Way and to Cape Cod. She also enjoyed playing bingo and cards with her friends. Jean found enjoyment socializing with people and gratification in helping her friends.

Her husband of 56 years, Leonard Priestley, died in 2014. She leaves a daughter, Nicole Humphrey and her husband Tom of New Ipswich, NH; a grandson Scott Leonard Humphrey of New Ipswich and a step grandson, Eric Humphrey of Peterborough. A brother, Alan Murphy, preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society.

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

Robert D. Grossman

ROBERT D. GROSSMAN
February 26, 2021 (Age 81)

AUBURN - Robert D. "Bob" Grossman, 81, well-loved Auburn resident, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 26, 2021, in the comfort of his home and in the loving presence of family.

Born in Winchendon and raised in Athol, Bob was one of three children born to the late Samuel and Mollie (Krupnick) Grossman. He graduated from Athol High School, where he excelled at baseball and basketball, then attended and graduated from Worcester Junior College. The Chicago White Sox actually made him an offer to play on their farm team, where he played semi-professionally for a short time. He then graduated from University of Miami, in Coral Gables, where he graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Business, specializing in Marketing and Merchandising. While in Miami, he was a member and brother of AEPi (Alpha Epsilon Pi) Jewish Fraternity at the University.

Bob began an extensive career at R.H. White, as a retail buyer, later working for several local retail companies. He then began his career at Seder Food Corporation in Palmer, dedicating 19 years of hard work and leadership in his role as Vice President of Purchasing before retiring. During his retirement, Bob worked as a driver for Diamond Automobile Dealership in Auburn, which he enjoyed.

Bob was most well-known in Auburn for his sizeable role in town politics, serving on the Board of Selectman for six terms, and was elected Chairman three times.

In his free time, Bob was an avid golfer, and even played on the Knights of Columbus #4158 Golf Team, where he was an "Honorary Jewish Knight." He enjoyed being a member and volunteering for the Auburn Lodge of Elks, and being a member of the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association. Above all, his family meant the world to Bob.

He leaves his devoted wife of almost 52 years, Heather S. "Bonnie" (Sutherland) Grossman; his loving daughters, Wendy L. Grossman, of Auburn, and Amy C. Repik and her husband Josh, of Greenwich, CT; his grandchildren, whom he adored, Ryan and Paige Repik; his brother, Jerry Grossman and his partner Betsy, of York Harbor, ME; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children (Mail to: Development Office, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Springfield, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104) or to the Stacie Jude Angers Scholarship Fund, c/o Auburn High School, 99 Auburn Street, Auburn, MA 01501.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family between 4:00 and 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the BRITTON - WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, where masks and social distancing will be required. Services and burial will be held privately for the family. To leave a note of condolence for his family, or to share a fond memory of Bob, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.

Larry H. Nicholas

LARRY H. NICHOLAS
January 19, 1950 ~ February 25, 2021 (Age 71)

WINCHENDON -- Larry H. Nicholas, 71, died Thursday, February 25, 2021 at HealthAlliance Leominster Hospital.

A lifelong resident of Winchendon, Larry was born on January 19, 1950, son of the late Holly S. and Ellen Theresa (Lineen) Nicholas. He was a graduate of Murdock High School where played quarterback for the football team.

Larry had owned and operated the former Nicholas Transport. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where he served as an usher. Larry was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and enjoyed the companionship of his dog Sarah.

He leaves two sons, Glen Nicholas, and David C. Nicholas and his wife Erin; one sister, Mary Lou Austin of East Templeton, and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Ellen Jane Vaillancourt.

Calling hours will be held Friday, March 5, 2021 from 5 to 7 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 10 A.M.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations in Larry’s name to the Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Larry H. Nicholas

HENRY D. CAOUETTE
September 10, 1945 ~ February 15, 2021 (Age 75)

Henry D. Caouette, 75, passed away on February 15, 2021 at his home in Henderson, Nevada.

He was born on Sept 10, 1945 in Winchendon, Massachusetts to Cecile M. (Hardy) Caouette & Napoleon J Caouette (who both predeceased him). Henry lived in Winchendon all his life until relocating to Nevada almost 8 years ago. He graduated from Murdock High School, and earned an accounting degree from Mount Wachusett Community College. He worked at the former Union Twist Drill in Athol until the company relocated to Carolina. He then worked at Athol Cutter & Carbide until they closed and went on to work at Diversified Visiting Nurses in Fitchburg as the financial manager.

He married his sweetheart, Carole L. White, on April 4,1970 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Winchendon.

Henry was owner of Henry Caouette Tax & Accounting Services in Winchendon for over 40 yrs and continued his business in Nevada where many clients followed him. Henry loved bowling in Winchendon at Playaway Lanes and then at Gardner Ten Pins after Playaway closed. He also loved Horseshoes, classical and country music and reading books.

Henry leaves his wife of over 50 years, Carole L. (White) Caouette of Henderson, NV, his stepdaughter, Diana (Adams) Cardinale and her husband Paul of Las Vegas NV, his son Christopher Caouette and his wife Bethany of Athol, MA, two Grandsons, Brandon Dauphinais of Las Vegas NV, and Sean Caouette of Henderson, NV. His grandson Eric Adams, of Winchendon, passed away in 2008. He also leaves 4 step-grandchildren, Colby, Kelsey, Zachary and Austyn, and one great grandchild, all of Massachusetts. Henry was predeceased by his two Sisters, Doris LeBlanc (husband Romeo), and Lea Soucy (husband "Gus" Herve) and brother Leon "Joe" Caouette. He also left many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Henry was a loving husband and father and a true friend to many, many people. He was an altar boy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for many years.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date this year to be determined.

The family asks please NO FLOWERS.

Cards can be sent to:
C. Caouette
2505 Anthem Village Dr.
#E-546
Henderson, NV 89052
Or Donations can be made "In Memory of Henry Caouette" to:
The Henderson Fire & Rescue
Station 98
891 Coronado Ctr Dr.
Henderson, NV 89052