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John F. Casella, 73; newspaper
columnist, teacher
Thursday, April 5, 2001
ORANGE -- John F. Casella, 73, of 28 McKenna St., chronicler of the North Quabbin, a newspaper column writer, and publisher of two books, died Wednesday, April 4, in Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol.
He leaves his wife of 17 years, Virginia M. (Jones) Casella; four sons, John E., Christopher S. and Scott F. Casella, all of Athol, and Sean L. Casella, with the Navy in Everett, Wash.; two daughters, Jane A. Perry of Grafton and Eileen A. Casella of Canterbury, N.H.; two sisters, Angelina Cook of Athol and Marie Dyer of St. Petersburg, Fla.; eight grandchildren; nephews and nieces. He was born in Athol, son of Tony and Rose (Masiello) Casella. He graduated from Athol High School in 1945. He graduated from Cushing Academy in 1950 and from Columbia University in 1954, where he played football and was secretary-treasurer of the student body. He did graduate work at University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Fitchburg State College. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in Asia and the Pacific.
Mr. Casella worked at McElwain Shoe shop and was a construction worker. He then taught English at Athol High School until 1967, where he was dramatics director, class adviser, and a football line coach. He later was principal of Hayden School for Boys, Dorchester, until 1973, when he taught school and coached football in Winchendon. He also worked in North Dakota, North Carolina and Florida, drove a taxi for Yellow Cab and was a security officer.
In 1985, he became a sportswriter-columnist for the Athol Daily News. He then taught social studies at Gardner Junior High School, retiring in 1992. After retiring, he wrote weekly columns, and was a radio color-commentator for local schoolboy football. He published the books “Enduring Generations” and “They Also Endure,” which are collections of his newspaper articles.
Mr. Casella served two terms on the Athol Board of Selectmen, was on the Bicentennial Committee in 1962, and was chairman of the Planning and Personnel boards. He was a member of American Legion Edward H. Phillips Post 102 and Alcoholics Anonymous. He enjoyed travel.
The funeral will be held Saturday, April 7, from J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St. Burial will be private in Gethsemane Cemetery. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 6, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athol High School Scholarship Association, c/o Beverly Tarolli, PO Box 338, Athol, MA 01331.
Vera Chakarian, 66
Tuesday, April 10, 2001
WORCESTER -- Vera Chakarian, 66, of 12 Denny St., died Sunday, April 8, in the Odd Fellows Home.
She leaves a brother, Robert Chakarian of Worcester; two nieces and a nephew; grandnieces and grandnephews. She was born in Worcester, daughter of Cary K. and Helen (Khoren) Chakarian, and graduated from Commerce High School.
Miss Chakarian was a secretary and clerk at O'Connell Insurance Co. for more than 20 years, retiring less than a year ago.
She was a member of the Armenian Church of the Martyrs, and was a church trustee for many years.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, in Armenian Church of the Martyrs, 22 Ormond St. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of the Martyrs, 22 Ormond St., Worcester, MA 01609 or the Dialysis Unit, UMass Memorial Medical Center -- Hahnemann Campus, 16 Shaffner St., Worcester, MA 01605. Nordgren, Carrigan, Mangsen Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., is directing arrangements.
Elizabeth Chalifoux, 93
Thursday, April 5, 2001
LEOMINSTER -- Elizabeth E. (Blake) Chalifoux, 93, formerly of 100 Main St., died Tuesday, April 3, in Hillcrest Nursing Home, Fitchburg, after a long illness.
Her husband, Albert Chalifoux, died in 1981. She leaves a son, Francis Morlock of New Jersey; a daughter, Barbara McPeter of Leominster; a sister, Zettie M. Sullivan of Fitchburg; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Her first husband, Allan Morlock, predeceased her. A son, two daughters and a brother also predeceased her. She was born and raised in New Ipswich, N.H., daughter of Clarence and Leda (Chapman) Blake, and lived most of her life in the Fitchburg and Leominster area.
Mrs. Chalifoux was a member of St. Leo's Church. She enjoyed bowling.
The funeral Mass will be at 9:15 a.m. Friday, April 6, in St. Leo's Church, 108 Main St. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fitchburg. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 720 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118; or to American Lung Association of Central Massachusetts, 35 Harvard St., Worcester, MA 01609. Lavery-Chartrand Funeral Home, 99 Summer St., Fitchburg, is directing arrangements.
Patricia A. Conger, 55
Wednesday, April 11, 2001
DANVERS -- Patricia A. Conger, 55, of Danvers, formerly of Worcester, a retired library assistant and a musician, died Saturday, April 7, in Salem Hospital, after a long illness.
She leaves a brother, David Conger of Worcester; a sister, Shirley Berry of Webster; two nieces and a nephew. She was born and raised in Worcester, daughter of David and Linnea (Carlson) Conger, and graduated from Commerce High School, Worcester, in 1964. She earned a bachelor's degree from Houghton College in Houghton, N.Y., and a master's degree from Worcester State College in 1974.
She was a library assistant at Worcester State College from 1974 until retiring in 1992, and received the Employee of the Year award in 1990. Most recently, she was a customer service representative for four years for Christian Book Distributors, Peabody.
She was an accomplished French horn player, playing with the Salvation Army in Worcester and the Worcester Symphony Orchestra, with which she traveled throughout Romania. She was a member of the Worcester chapter of the Women's Aglow Christian Organization, and was director of Christian education for the Church of the Redeemer Assembly of God in South Hamilton.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 13, in Holden Chapel, 279 Reservoir St., Holden. Calling hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly. A prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m. during the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Redeemer Assembly of God, PO Box 2098, South Hamilton, MA 01982.
John G. Convey, 68
Sunday, April 8, 2001
BROCKTON -- John G. “Jerry” Convey, 68, of Brockton, formerly of Worcester, a manufacturer's representative, died Thursday, April 5, at home after a long struggle with heart disease.
His wife, Cathryn R. “Cappy” (Estes) Convey, predeceased him. He leaves two sons, Kevin R. Convey of Brockton and John F. Convey of East Weymouth; a daughter, Jennifer A. Birmingham of Easton; a sister, Patricia Cartmill of San Jose, Calif.; five grandchildren; nephews and nieces. He was born in Worcester, and lived in Woburn and Wakefield before moving to Brockton in 1960. He graduated from North High School, Worcester, in 1950 and from Northeastern University, Boston, in 1958.
In Brockton, Mr. Convey worked on Packard's Farm. He was an apprentice machinist, a production expediter and a production coordinator for various manufacturing companies in the Boston area. He worked for Hermetite Corp., Boston, attaining the rank of vice president for production and director in 1971. In 1983, he founded JC Associates, where he was a manufacturer's representative to the electronics industry. He was a parishioner of St. Margaret's Church. He enjoyed music, and coached Little League.
The funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, in St. Margaret's Church, 950 Main St. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater. Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 9, in J. Frank Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St. Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
Ruth I. Coombs, 92
Monday, April 9, 2001
NORTHBRIDGE -- Ruth I. Coombs, 92, of Beaumont Drive, formerly of Sutton, a retired payroll clerk, died Sunday, April 8, in Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, after an illness.
She leaves her sister, Orrie Coombs of Northbridge; grandnephews and grandnieces; great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces. A sister, Maria Coombs, died in 1994. She was born in Sutton, daughter of Daniel and Emma (Porter) Coombs, and lived most of her life in Sutton before moving to Northbridge in 1991.
Miss Coombs was a payroll clerk at the Worcester Market for 30 years, retiring in 1979. She previously worked eight years at U.S. Envelope and 16 years at Doctor's Hospital.
She was a member of the Union Congregational Church in South Grafton and the Delta Alpha Woman's Society at the church. She was a former member of the Sutton Historical Society.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, in Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be in Central Cemetery, Millbury. A calling hour will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Congregational Church, 88 Main St., South Grafton, MA 01560.
Janet M. Costello, 68
Friday, April 13, 2001
LEICESTER -- Janet M. (Whitney) Costello, 68, of 30 Pleasant St., a retired nurse, died Thursday, April 12, in St. Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center after an illness.
She leaves a son, Robert L. Costello of Leicester; two daughters, Kathleen M. Beriau of the Fiskdale section of Sturbridge and Linda M. Devens of Paxton; a sister, Dorothy Lapierrie of Phoenix; four grandchildren; nephews and nieces. She was born in Worcester, daughter of Richard A. and Marie (Amorosso) Whitney, and graduated from Leicester High School.
Mrs. Costello was a licensed practical nurse at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, where she worked 32 years, retiring in 1995. She later volunteered three years at Hermitage Nursing & Rehabilitation, Worcester.
The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 25 in Leicester Federated Church, 2 Washburn Square. Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 13, in Morrison-Morin Funeral Home, 1131 Main St. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made to St. Vincent Hospital Critical Care Unit, PO Box 16475, Worcester, MA 01601; or to Ruth Pelkey Memorial Scholarship Fund, Attention: Allison Shields, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606.
Richard A. Cozzens, 72
Friday, April 13, 2001
LEBANON, Tenn. -- Richard A. Cozzens, 72, of 3005 McCary Road, formerly of Webster, Mass., died Sunday, April 8, at home after a long battle with cancer.
He leaves his wife of 52 years, Ruby E. (Houston) Cozzens; a son, George Cozzens of Mansfield, Ohio; a daughter, Eileen Y. Mullins of Lebanon; two brothers, John E. Cozzens of Petersburg, Va., and Robert A. Cozzens of Webster; two sisters, Jean L. Healy of Dudley, Mass., and Alice L. Morin of Springfield, Mass.; two granddaughters; nephews and nieces. He was born in Webster, son of John and Aldea (Jodoin) Cozzens, and also lived in Detroit and Charleston, S.C., before moving to Lebanon in 1997.
Mr. Cozzens served 22 years in the Marine Corps and the Air Force, including the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring from the military, he worked 22 years for Ford Motor Co., Detroit.
The funeral service was private. Robert J. Miller Funeral Home and Lake Chapel, 366 School St., Webster, directed local arrangements.
Alfred H. Craite, 70
Friday, April 13, 2001
LEOMINSTER -- Alfred H. Craite, 70, of 20 Peters Drive, a Korean War veteran, died Thursday, April 12, in HealthAlliance Leominster Hospital, after an illness.
His wife, Mary (Remis) Craite, died in 1967. He leaves three sons, Philip D. Craite of New Boston, N.H., Andrew J. and John S. Craite, both of Leominster; two daughters, Anne M. Franklin of Leominster and Theresa E. Sheffield of Boston; and six grandchildren. A sister, Lucille Clum of Leominster, died in 1988. Born in Leominster, son of Herman and Adeline (Arpin) Craite, he graduated from St. Bernard's High School, Fitchburg, in 1948. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War.
Mr. Craite worked 32 years as Chief of Personnel Relations at the former Fort Devens, Ayer, retiring in 1983.
The funeral service and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. M.A. Simard & Son Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., is directing arrangements.
Louise F. J. Cresswell
Thursday, April 12, 2001
QUINCY -- Louise F. (McDargh) Jackson Cresswell, 102, of Quincy, died Tuesday, April 10, in Quincy.
Her husband, Ernest Cresswell, predeceased her. She leaves two sons; a daughter, Rose Bardley of Worcester; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; many nephews and nieces. A daughter predeceased her. She was born in Ohio, and lived many years in Quincy. She lived more than 30 years in Weymouth.
Mrs. Cresswell owned and operated a doughnut shop. She was a salesperson for the Enterprise Department Store, and also worked for the Electro Switch Co.
She made crepe paper flowers. She was active in the Ladies Sunshine Club of Union Congregational Church, Braintree.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, in Lydon Funeral Home, 644 Hancock St. Calling hours are from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Burial will be private. Donations may be made to the Rice Eventide Home, 215 Adams St., Quincy, MA 02169.
Kenneth M. Dahlin, 74
Monday, April 9, 2001
STERLING -- Kenneth M. Dahlin, 74, of 5 North Row Road, died Friday, April 6, in Clinton Hospital after being stricken ill at home.
He leaves his wife of 48 years, Virginia M. (Stone) Dahlin; a son, Scott W. Dahlin of Sterling; two daughters, Lynette R. Reynolds of Stafford, Va., and Susan N. Renda of Holden; three sisters, Ruth Lovequist and Phyllis Magnuson, both of Waltham, and Elaine Lewis of Sudbury; seven grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. A brother, John A. Dahlin predeceased him. He was born in Waltham, son of John A. and Ruth G. (Olson) Dahlin, and attended the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in central Europe.
Mr. Dahlin worked many years for the Canteen Corp. in Waltham.
He was a member of Waltham Triad Lodge AF & AM, American Legion Post 189, and the Disabled American Veterans Waltham Chapter.
The funeral service will be held at noon Tuesday, April 10, in Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road. A calling hour will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 10, in the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made to Sterling EMS Inc., PO Box 597, Sterling, MA 01564.
Gerard J. Daigle, 78
Saturday, April 7, 2001
WORCESTER -- Gerard J. Daigle, 78, of 3 Longwood Ave., formerly of Tisdale Street in Leominster, a retired carpenter, died Thursday, April 5, at home after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 53 years, Aurelia M. (Richard) Daigle; a daughter, Janice M. Williams of Worcester; three brothers, Joseph Daigle of Dieppe, New Brunswick, Levi Daigle of Haverhill and Camille Daigle of Westminster; two sisters, Margaret Richard of Bel Oueil, Quebec, and Marie Leger of St. Antoine, New Brunswick; two grandsons; nephews and nieces. He was born in Shediac, New Brunswick, son of Joseph and Celina (Quellette) Daigle, and lived 36 years in Leominster before moving to Worcester seven years ago.
Mr. Daigle was a carpenter for Albert Construction, Crowley Associates, and Fairway Construction before retiring. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Church in Leominster, St. George's Parish, the Monthly St. George's Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, and the Carpenters Union Local 107.
The funeral will be held Monday, April 9, from Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St., Leominster, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church, 180 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 8, in the funeral home.
Daigle service
Sunday, April 8, 2001
WORCESTER@ -- The funeral for Gerard J. Daigle, 78, of 3 Longwood Ave., formerly of Tisdale Street in Leominster, who died Thursday, April 5, will be held Monday, April 9, from Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St., Leominster, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church, 180 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial will be in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 8, in the funeral home.
He leaves his wife; a daughter; three brothers; two sisters; two grandsons; nephews and nieces. He was born in Shediac, New Brunswick, and lived 36 years in Leominster before moving to Worcester seven years ago.
Mr. Daigle was a carpenter for Albert Construction, Crowley Associates, and Fairway Construction before retiring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Care Hospice Inc., 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.
