The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of June 4 to June 11, 2020

Obituaries

John A. Bowles

JOHN A. BOWLES
November 16, 1954 ~ May 26, 2020 (age 65)

John A. "Jake" Bowles, 65, of 3 Otter River Road, died unexpectedly Tuesday evening, May 26, 2020 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Boston on November 16, 1954, son of the late James and Laura Jeanne (Robichaud) Bowles and grew up in Norton and Acton. Jake was a graduate of Waltham Technical School. For many years, Jake owned and operated Jakes Auto Body in Littleton. He was loved by his customers for his honest, loyal service and work ethic.

Jake and Diana loved traveling. They honeymooned in Colorado and Arizona and loved the Grand Canyon. They took many trips before having children. He was a wonderful husband.

He enjoyed restoring cars and motorcycles and riding them. He loved watching Westerns, Action films, Restoring Cars and Antiques. Jake and family enjoyed holiday's and special events with extended families. He loved fishing, camping and boating. He loved being at home by the pool. Jake and family took many trips to Florida, Nova Scotia, Galveston Texas and along the New Hampshire Coast. Jake had a motto "Work Hard, Play Hard" and he lived by this.

He leaves his wife of 30 years, Diana M. (Holland) Bowles; two children, John Anthony Bowles of Derry, NH and Emily Anne Bowles of Winchendon; his stepfather Ronald Murray of Mystic, CT; his brothers and sisters, James Bowles, 3rd of Boston, Paul Daniel Bowles of Sudbury, Valerie Gaito of West Newbury; four step brothers and step sisters, Ronald Murray of Mystic, CT, Neil Murray of Shelbourne Mass, Laurie Murray formerly of Boston Mass, Cynthia Robinson of Boxborough and many nieces and nephews. A sister, Michelle Murray- Lauritzen preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at a later date in Stone-Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Winchendon. Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Road #200, Framingham, MA 01701.

Michael J. Coughlin

MICHAEL J. COUGHLIN
May 28, 2020 (age 73)

Michael J. Coughlan, 73, of 210 West Road, died peacefully at home Thursday, May 28, 2020.

He was born in Richmond Hill, New York, son of the late Gerald and Josephine (Fischer) Coughlan and had lived in Petersham since 1995. He previously lived in Winchendon for 20 years.

Mike had worked as a meat cutter at Victory Market and Central Market. He was an avid reader, many times getting lost in a book for hours at a time. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and grandchildren.

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Janice (Mele) Coughlan; two daughters, Nadine Coughlan and April Hatch; a son in law, Justin Liversidge and four grandchildren, Sophia Wetherbee, Anna Wetherbee, Julia Hatch and Dylan Hatch. A son, Eric Coughlan, predeceased him.

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

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.

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

F. Donald Legault

F. DONALD LEGAULT
January 14, 1935 ~ May 27, 2020 (age 85)

GARDNER – F. Donald Legault, 85, of Gardner, died peacefully Wednesday May 27, 2020 in Bay State Medical Center, Springfield, with his family at his side.

He was born in So. Portland, ME on January 14, 1935, son of the late Leo A. and B. Alma (Boucher) Legault and attended high school in Heidelberg, Germany. Don attended Thomas College in Waterville, ME. He lived in Brockton for several years and moved to Gardner in 1979.

Don worked in hospital administration from 1961 to 1979 and then opened No. Central Collection Agency in Gardner. In 1987, he opened Don Legault Insurance Company, which he operated until 2007. Active in community affairs, Don was a member and past president of Gardner Rotary Club and was a member of American Legion Post 129. His hobbies were fishing, golfing, boating and camping. Don proudly served his country as SP4 in the United States Army.

He leaves his wife of 61 years, Catherine (Russell) Legault; eight children, F. Donald Legault Jr. of Gardner, Catherine A. Legault of Gardner, Diana L. Legault of Gardner, Michael R. Legault of Carson City, NV, Paul J. Legault of Gardner, Russell P. Legault and his wife Lorrie of Westminster, Annette M. Legault of Jefferson and Leo A. Legault and his wife Laurie of Winchendon; sisters, Leona Edwards of Montana, Evette Mullen of Montana and Anita Legault of Maine; 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Leo A. Legault Jr., Richard Legault, James Legault and a sister Jean Legault.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovewell Street, Gardner.

Burial will be in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to Gardner CAC, 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440.