Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Paul L. Ravenelle, 96, a native and lifelong Nashua resident, passed away peacefully, Monday evening, June 15, 2020 at Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson.       

   Born in Nashua on May 18, 1924, he was a son of the late Luc J.B. and Blanche A. (Boisvert) Ravenelle. Paul resided in the Crown Hill neighborhood of this city for many years, was a graduate of Holy Infant Jesus Parochial School and attended Assumption College Prep School in Worcester, MA. An Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Ravenelle served in the Southern Philippines with the 211th Anti-Aircraft Artillery as a Radar Crewman. 

   Paul was employed as a sales clerk for the former Avard’s Lad & Dad Clothing Store on Main Street and then with the former Bergeron’s Clothing Store on West Pearl Street, Nashua for many years.

   He was a lifelong communicant of Infant Jesus Church now known as St. John XXIII Parish and held memberships in the American Legion, James E. Coffey Post 3 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 483 both of Nashua.

    Members of his family include two brothers, Richard W. Ravenelle of Rochester, NH and Maurice E. Ravenelle and his wife Margaret of Nashua; a sister, Lorraine (Ravenelle) Jarest and her husband Donald of Nashua; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Irene B. (Ravenelle) Brault and Hector H. “Tiny” Brault and Theresa M. (Ravenelle) Cote and Edgar N. Cote; and sister-in-law, Shirley Ravenelle.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John XXIII Parish (Infant Jesus Church), 121 Allds Street, Nashua, Thursday, June 18^th at 10 a.m. Due to the current COVID 19 health concerns, guests are asked to wear facial coverings and practice social distancing. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to St. John XXIII Parish, 121 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Marie A. (Pelletier) Paquette, 90, of Merrimack and formerly of Nashua, widow of Richard Paquette, passed away Saturday morning, June 13, 2020 at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab, after a period of declining health.      

   A Nashua native, Mrs. Paquette was born on December 27, 1929, a daughter of the late Alphonse and Anysie (Morin) Pelletier. Marie resided in the Crown Hill and French Hill neighborhoods of this city for many years before moving to Merrimack in 2016. She attended the former St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1949.

    Marie had been employed with the former J.F. McElwain Shoe Company in Nashua for seventeen years and then worked at Kollsman Instruments in Merrimack for ten years until her retirement in 1991.

    In her leisure time, she enjoyed baking, cooking and sewing.

    Marie and her husband Richard were married on September 4, 1954 and shared 42 years together until his passing on October 11, 1996. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Conrad and Maurice Pelletier.

    Members of her family include her daughter, Mona S. Paquette; and daughter-in-law, Diane R. Dowling of Merrimack; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     There are no calling hours. A graveside service will take place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, 32 Pine Hill Avenue, Nashua, Wednesday afternoon, June 17^th at 1:00 p.m. Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Carla E. (Emerton) Davis Keeler, 88, of Nashua, wife of Ernest A. Keeler, passed away Friday afternoon, June 12, 2020 at Greenbriar Healthcare after a period of declining health.      

   Mrs. Keeler was born in Blue Hill, Maine on March 6, 1932, a daughter of the late Somes D. and Beulah (Gray) Emerton. Carla was raised and educated in Blue Hill and has made her home in Nashua for a number of years. She worked as a waitress at the former Tavern Hotel and was a Bar Tender at The Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. Carla was also employed at Brockway Plastics in Nashua for eighteen years.

   Carla enjoyed traveling with her husband Ernie to New York City, Atlanta, GA and to Phoenix, AZ to visit her brother and his wife. She loved being around her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her oldest daughter, Karen Cyr’s family gave her Five Generations, all girls.

  Members of her family include her husband Ernie, whom she married on March 5, 1984 at Greeley Park in Nashua; her children, Karen (Davis) Wakefield Cyr, Roy B. Davis and his wife Tammie of South Carolina, Debora (Davis) Ouellette and Jeffery M. Davis all of Nashua; a step-daughter, Patti Fitzgerald Brown of Minnesota; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Fern and Drucela Leach; also nieces nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Carla was also predeceased by her daughter, Lisa Jean Dube; two brothers, Harry S. Emerton and his wife Lillian, and Benjamin Emerton; and a sister, Wilma (Emerton) Popovich and her husband Fred.

    A period of visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, June 18^th from 1 to 2 p.m. A graveside service will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 South River Road, #210, Bedford, NH 03110. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.   www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Robin J. (Francoeur) Fontaine, 53, of Nashua, wife of Ronald J. Fontaine, Jr., passed away at her home, early Tuesday morning, June 9, 2020 after a period of declining health.      

   A native and lifelong Nashua resident, Robin was born on October 13, 1966, one of five children of the late Romeo J. and Janet L. (Matthews) Francoeur. She was educated in local schools and attended Nashua High School. Robin had been employed as a custodial engineer for A 1 Phoenix Cleaning Service of Nashua for over twenty years.  

    Robin was a lifelong Elvis Presley fan; was an avid animal lover; and enjoyed the outdoors and going fishing.

    Members of her family include her husband Ron, whom she married on July 21, 2018 and together shared the past 13 years; three children, Brandi Weymouth, Kim Fontaine and Daniel Fontaine Sr.; four grandchildren, Arabella Fontaine, Grace Lynn Fontaine, Daniel Fontaine Jr. and Alita Fontaine; two brothers, Mark A. Francoeur and her twin, Ricky L. Francoeur and his significant other Stephani; two sisters, Cindy L. Bluestein and Sherry A. Francoeur; also many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

   Due to current health concerns, services will be private. Donations may be sent in her memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.   www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Maurice A. “Moe” Gaudette, 86, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, June 9, 2020 at Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson, surrounded by his family.      

   Born in Nashua on March 29, 1934, he was a son of the late Emile A. and Eva L. (Hudon) Gaudette. Moe attended St. Louis de Gonzague Parochial School and graduated from Mount Saint Charles High School, Woonsocket, RI, Class of 1951. An Army veteran, he served a tour of duty after the Korean War.

   Following his honorable discharge, Moe returned to Nashua and worked with his family at the former Buffet Restaurant on West Pearl Street, Nashua for a few years. Moe then began his 31-year career with the United Parcel Service as a driver and later as a tractor-trailer driver.

    Moe enjoyed exercising, playing Bridge, touring sports stadiums across the country, and watching his favorite sports teams including the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Detroit Red Wings.

    He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father, and pepere.  His family includes his wife of 63 years, Shirley Y. (Bellavance) Gaudette, whom he married on December 29, 1956; his four children, Steve Gaudette and his wife Carolyn of Salem, Marc Gaudette and his wife Cyndi of Honeoye Falls, NY, Vicky Gallant and her husband Don of Nashua and Dana Gaudette of Bedford; six grandchildren, Amanda and Kyle Gaudette, Eric and Evan Gaudette, Alex Gallant and Ava Gaudette; a brother, Rex Gaudette and his wife Beverly of Florida; a sister, Emily Drouin of Bow, NH; also nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Moe was also predeceased by two sisters, Yolande and Gloria.

    A private funeral will be held for his family. Interment will take place in St. Louis Cemetery. Donations may be sent in his memory to Home Health and Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Leo H. Coutermarsh (90) of Nashua and more recently Milford, NH passed away peacefully as a result of COVID 19 with the compassionate nurses of St. Joseph Hospital at his side.

Born in Lebanon, N. H., Leo was the son of Lester Coutermarsh of Merrimack, N.H. and Julia (Huard) Ainsworth of Nashua.  Leo was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Theresa (Coulombe) Coutermarsh.

Educated in Lebanon schools and a Navy Reserve veteran, Leo worked as manager of Nashua Wood Products in Merrimack for 45 years.  Leo proudly served as Alderman and Alderman At-Large in Nashua for 5 years and was a longtime member of the Nashua Elks (named Man of the Year in 1993).  Leo formerly served as an Association President (Sun-N-Shade Campground) in Punta Gorda, Fla. and was a very active, performing member of the Nashua Senior Center Harmonica Saints.

Leo is survived by his brother, Lucien Boucher and wife Nancy of Davenport Florida, sister Irene Justason and her dear companion Gerry Funnell of Punta Gorda, Florida, Cecile Libbey and husband Dan of North Ft. Meyers, Florida, brother in law Ronald Coulombe and his wife Liz of Nashua, NH, and sister in law Sherry Boucher of Coronado, CA, sons Richard Coutermarsh and wife Karen of Brookline, NH, Randall Coutermarsh and wife Renee of Buford, GA, Lawrence Coutermarsh & wife Reba of North Pole, Alaska, daughters Sandra Schnell and husband Alan of Gadsden, Alabama, Cathy Fortin and husband Brian of Hudson, MA, Karen Fahel and husband Leigh of Manchester, NH. 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, godchildren, many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Leo was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife, Theresa, brothers Maurice Coutermarsh of Punta Gorda, Fla., Joseph Boucher of Coronado Calif, Richard Coutermarsh of Nashua and a son, Peter Coutermarsh of Nashua.

Leo will be lovingly remembered as a man dedicated to family, friends and community; a loyal “big brother” and an awesome dad and “Grandpa/Pepere”.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nashua Senior Activity Center 70 Temple St. Nashua, NH 03060 or to the Plus Company of Nashua 19 Chestnut St. Nashua, NH 03060

Due to the current health crisis, all services will be held privately. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Kenneth Leo Koskela, born July 6, 1936 in the foothills of Mount Monadnock to the late Connie (Luopa) and Frederick Leo Koskela passed peacefully at his home in Nashua NH with his children by his side on Saturday June 6, 2020.

Kenneth, an only child grew up in Troy NH where he quickly developed a passion for sports (especially Baseball).  He shared many a summer with his cousins and childhood friends fetching the one baseball allotted for the season in the field of his childhood home.

Kenneth went on to attend Keene High School where he was a participant in Boys State, a letterman in both Football and Baseball and, through mutual friends met the love of his life Elaine.  After High School he attended Tufts, serving 2 years as the treasurer for his fraternity Theta Delta Chi and earned his Bachelor of Arts, A.B. Sociology degree.

Following college Kenneth was proud to serve his country in the United States Army while he and Elaine began raising their family of 4 (honorably discharged in 1963).  He enjoyed his lifelong career in the American Steel industry while working for Symonds Steel in NJ, Edgcomb Steel in Nashua, and Admiral Metals in Woburn MA.

Ken will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind, humble and loving man who extended genuine interest in everyone he met.  He had the special quality of making anyone he encountered feel they were a friend.  A natural coach, he supported Nashua’s little league (Kiwanis) and Babe Ruth (Yankees) as a coach for a number of years.

Though his pass-time included many outdoor activities during retirement he loved to golf.  Most of all he loved time spent with family.  His family will be forever grateful for his devotion as a son, husband, father, brother-in-law, grandfather and friend.

In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Elaine M. (Reardon) Koskela, who passed away September 15, 2017.

He is survived by his family: daughter Lynne of Nashua; his three sons,  Scott and his wife Pamela (Gotham) of Merrimack, Bruce and his wife Michaelene (Gaudet) and John all of Nashua; his Daughter-in-Law Elaine (Wormstead) also of Nashua;  His grandchildren Amber and husband Beau, Brent and his wife Erin, Amanda and her husband Gary, Cole, Jake and Brooke; and great grandchildren Hannah and Luc; as well as his much loved sister-in-law Patricia Lilly and husband Luke of North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the City of Nashua Little League.   A private graveside service will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Troy. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

“The measure of a man is in the lives he’s touched.”

—Ernie Banks

Kevin Thomas Slattery of Nashua, NH passed away at the age of 67 on Friday, June 5, 2020, at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. He was surrounded by immediate family—his wife, Diane, and two sons, Jameson and Jaron.

Born in Nashua on October 30, 1952, to James P. Slattery and Lillian Y. (Chomard) Slattery Gamache, Kevin was the youngest of four children. His life changed drastically in 1959 when, at the age of 6, he suddenly lost his father. It was an event that shaped his life and played a major role in making him the amazing man he was. He was raised by his strong and loving mother, Lillian, with the help of three older siblings—brother Ronald, brother James, and sister Kathleen—who all loved their little brother dearly. He had a very unique and unbreakable bond with his sister, a bond that continued to strengthen through the years. In 1968 he fell in love with his beautiful wife-to-be, Diane (Fraser). After graduating from Bishop Guertin in 1970, Kevin enlisted in the US Army and returned home in 1973. Kevin and Diane wed in 1975 and for 45 beautiful years, she was his rock. Dedicated, loyal, and committed; she supported his every move. Kevin was a lifelong resident of the Nashua area, and the local community was surely the beneficiary of his selfless character.

In 1984, as a means to provide for his family, Kevin founded Etchstone Properties, a Nashua-based real estate development company. Kevin’s relentless determination and leadership forged the path of success during the early challenges of starting the business. Kevin grew Etchstone into one of the premier development companies in southern New Hampshire known for its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. More important than what he built was how he built it. Highly demanding, unquestionably fair, and willing and eager to work side-by-side with his team on every detail; Kevin’s team of direct employees and vast network of subcontractors and vendors were his first priority, and he took exceptional efforts to protect and support them and their families even in the most challenging of times.

Kevin was a man of profound Faith and always remained extremely grounded. A card in his desk drawer had a quote from Maya Angelou that read, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This seems profound when sharing Kevin’s life because he was a man of great integrity who always put others first. One knew after a conversation with Kevin that he deeply and genuinely cared. Principled and relentlessly honest, he was always unwilling to compromise on doing what was right.

Philanthropy became a major part of Kevin’s life as he grew older, and he loved every opportunity to help and give back to the community through many local non-profits and charities. He was a long-time board member of the United Way of Greater Nashua and was very dedicated to serving and helping with the innumerable efforts the organization supported. Kevin was also an extremely dedicated board member for many years at Home Health and Hospice Care, an organization he held in deep regard for its beautiful and compassionate care for critically ill and end-of-life patients. Additionally, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Tolles Street Mission, and Edgewood Cemetery; and he had numerous other appointments, memberships, and volunteer roles throughout the greater Nashua community.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brother, James; and his infant brother, Kenneth. Surviving members of his family include his wife, Diane, and his two sons and their spouses—Jameson and Nicole Slattery of Carlsbad, CA and Jaron and Inga Slattery of Nashua; three granddaughters—Addison, Katelyn, and Taylor; two siblings and their spouses—Ronald and Blanche Slattery of Lake Suzy, FL and Kathleen and Richard Macomber of Rutland, MA; his sister-in-law, Dale Slattery; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A dedicated and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor; Kevin’s passing will leave a big void in the hearts of many. However, he would not want us to grieve for long. He would tell us all to begin the healing process by getting up an hour earlier, working an hour longer, and grinding just a little bit harder each day than we did the day before. He would tell us to put unwavering faith in our Creator and remind us that the pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more. Find peace in knowing that our separation is only temporary…until we meet again.

The Slattery family extends a special thanks to the entire staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center who cared for Kevin during his lengthy stay. The family is also forever grateful for the exceptional care he received from the Oncology/Hematology team prior to his most recent health challenges. Although he cannot express it himself, the family is certain he is looking down upon these individuals with great reverence and admiration of the unwavering compassion they deliver with their remarkable care.

Due to continued pandemic restrictions, Kevin will be buried at Edgewood Cemetery in a small private ceremony for immediate family. Please visit www.kevinslattery.org to RSVP and receive forthcoming details on a celebration of life event that will take place in Fall 2020.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to United Way of Greater Nashua, 20 Broad St. #1, Nashua, NH 03064 or Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Dr., Merrimack, NH 03054. Donation links are also available at www.kevinslattery.org. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

    Alice L. Nolan, 89, of Nashua and more recently of Hudson, passed away Thursday morning, June 4, 2020 at Laurel Place, after a period of declining health.  Alice was the widow of John E. Nolan, Jr.     

   A Nashua native, Mrs. Nolan was born on December 13, 1930, a daughter of the late Rudy and Josephine (Lippi) Barsanti, and her step-mother, Lucia Barsanti, who raised Alice and her sister, after their own mother passed. A graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1948, Alice furthered her education at Rivier College now Rivier University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1952.

   After raising her two children, Alice worked as a para-professional for the Nashua School District for 17 years. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alice was a fabulous cook and she learned all the old Italian recipes from her much loved stepmother Lucia after her own mother passed. She enjoyed traveling with her husband as well as many of their dear friends and loved her weekly bridge games. A hobby she developed late in life was to walk three miles a day which she did into her early 80’s. Another hobby she indulged in was reading and she was a life-long learner. Alice donated many hours crocheting prayer shawls and was a devout Catholic, as a communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection. She was a quiet and humble woman who was loved by all who met her.

   Alice and John were married on May 14, 1955 and shared 61 years together until his passing on August 8, 2016.

   Members of her family include her children and their spouses, John E. III and Kim Nolan of Amherst, Kathleen and Dana Sidilau of Hudson and the late Thomas Gregory Nolan who died in infancy; three grandchildren, Gregory Nolan of Nashua, Kelly Janco and her husband Stephen of Windham and Matthew Sidilau and his fiancée Liz Davila of West Chester, PA; four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Kate and  Noah Janco, and Mia Nolan; two sisters and a brother, Doris Dichaira and Doris Powers; and the late Joseph Simonetti; two nephews, James and Michael Dichaira; four nieces, Ann-Marie McManus, Nancy Plourde, Susan Richard and Brenda Ball.

    The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the entire staff at Laurel Place Assisted Living facility in Hudson, with special thanks to the loving and compassionate care and support given to our mother since receiving her cancer diagnosis two years ago. The nurses, nursing assistants and entire staff treated her as lovingly as they would their own mothers. We cannot express in words how blessed we have felt with her care. We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to the nurses from Home Health & Hospice Care who worked collaboratively with Laurel Place to allow Mom to pass in the comfort of her own home at Laurel Place.

   A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection followed by interment at St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Alice to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110.     

  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Walter George Esty, 91, a long-time Hudson resident, passed away Tuesday evening, June 2, 2020 at Greenbriar Healthcare in Nashua after a period of declining health.

Born in Nashua on January 15, 1929, he was one of four children of the late Ernest G. and Mary (Baker) Esty. Walter was a graduate of Nashua High School Class 1947 and furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire.

Mr. Esty lived on Griffin Road in Hudson for many years. He assisted his uncle Nate on the family farm with dairy farming, and beef cattle. Later he concentrated on gardening and mowing hay. Throughout his life he had a mechanical bent for tinkering and repairing equipment.

In his spare time, Walter enjoyed reading fiction and especially appreciated the humor in the funnies in the Nashua Telegraph. He knew how to stretch the value of his clothing by darning and patching.

He was always ready to help anyone with a problem such as a flat tire or broken car and would drop everything to help someone in need.  He could revive just about anything that had a motor.  He could think outside the box and often had novel approaches to problem solving. In his later years he enjoyed talking with people he’d meet while walking in his neighborhood.

Members of his family include three sisters, Shirley Binari of Pennsylvania, Elaine Hardy of Florida and the late Norma Esty, who passed away in 2001; his nieces and nephews, Cynthia (Hardy) Bothwick and her husband Harry of NH, Judith (Hardy) Boykin, widow of Donnie of TX, Tom Hardy and his wife Robin of NH, Tim Hardy and Cathy of ME and Lavinia (White) Miller and her husband William of Hudson; also many grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

A private graveside service will take place at the family lot in Westview Cemetery in Hudson. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Bryan Paul Lyons, DMD, 50, died peacefully on May 31, 2020, at his home in Methuen, Ma.  He was the devoted and loving son of John & Patricia (Yamello) Lyons of Nashua, New Hampshire, adoring partner of Sandra Wood Lehane, mother to Patrick & Sean, cherished brother to John Lyons, Serena (Bergeron) Lyons, Beth and Robert Schneider, and Mark and Jennifer (Giaimo) Lyons, and doting uncle to Kathleen, Christopher, Nicholas, Christina, and Vincent.  He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

Dr. Lyons attended Nashua High School and the University of New Hampshire before attending Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he graduated in 1995.  He went on to start his own practice, Lyons Dental, which has served the Billerica, Ma. community for 25 years.  During his early years of dentistry, he also taught Dental Hygienist classes at Middlesex Community College.  Staff and patients of Lyons Dental have for years praised Bryan’s kind-hearted nature and charming disposition.  His life-long ambition to be a dentist earned him the title of Uncle Herbie to his dear nieces and nephews, who named him, aptly, after the lovable elf who wanted to be a dentist in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Dr. Lyons was an avid runner and triathlete who dedicated his athletic talents to numerous charitable causes including most prominently The Hoyt Foundation to which he devoted his life for over a decade to promote the inclusion of disabled individuals in sporting events.  He became an intimate companion to Rick Hoyt, whose strength and spirit Bryan not only revered but emulated.  Bryan’s tenacity and brawn led him to achieve the extraordinary feats of completing eleven Boston Marathons and of becoming a multi-time Iron Man Triathlon finisher.

Dr. Lyons has always been and will continue to be known for his limitless generosity, profound altruism, boundless energy, and, mostly, his contagious and stunning smile.  His impact on the community of family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and everyone who was fortunate enough to come to know this incredible man has been expressed in hundreds of social media posts.  Some of the most befitting comments include that “he made everyone around him better,” “he was a gift to the world,” “I was privileged to have known him,” and “he was an incredible human we were all so fortunate to know.”  His parents have been praised for “raising an amazing son who always brought a smile to everyone’s face.”  He was thanked by many for “the laughs,” for “making a difference in this world,” and for “making people smile everywhere he went.”  One man in particular, who was both a friend and patient, astutely expressed the loss by declaring that his heart was heavy and his teeth were white.

Bryan has touched hundreds if not thousands of people in the world during the short time he was in it.  His accomplishments have been noted by the Boston Globe, ESPN, and Katie Couric, and his passing has been commemorated by Runner’s World, CBS Boston, and Boston.com.  He is being appropriately revered as a giver and altogether special person.

Bryan’s passions were Sandy, Rick Hoyt, running, giving back through charitable endeavors, the Red Sox, family, and, lastly, his beloved recently deceased Pug, Larry, who is surely being enveloped in Bryan’s loving arms in Heaven today.  The world has lost an extraordinary man, but Heaven has been gifted with another Angel.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Bryan’s name to The Michael Lisnow Respite Center, 112 Main St., Hopkinton, MA 01748, www.hopkintonrespite.com.  In light of Covid-19, a family funeral will be held.  Bryan’s final resting place will be Pinewood Cemetery of Nashua at 98 Pine Hill Road, Nashua, NH. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

     Richard B. Johnson, 57, of Nashua, passed away at his home, Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2020 after a period of declining health.

    A lifelong Nashua resident, he was born December 19, 1962, a son of Wayne L. Johnson and the late Ruth (Goyette) Johnson. Rich was educated in the Nashua School System.

     Rich enjoyed camping, hiking, walking and cars. He loved animals, especially his cats “Baby” and “Gizmo”.

     Members of his family include his father and step-mother, Wayne and Ella Johnson; three daughters, Tasha Hutchinson, Melissa Lacasse and Crystal Roy; a son, Adam Johnson; two grandchildren, Kylie and Hunter Hutchinson; a sister, Marjorie Kaplan; a brother, Ronald Johnson; and a niece, Abigail Kaplan.   

    There are no services at this time.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Rita G. Matte, 98, of Nashua, widow of Walter B. Matte, passed away peacefully at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.        

   Mrs. Matte was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on November 27, 1921, one of eight children of the late Emile and Marie Octavie (Duchesne) Ninteau. Rita was educated in the Lowell School System.  

   Rita and Walter were married in Lowell on September 5, 1942. They resided in Dracut, MA for several years before moving to Nashua in 1963 and then made their home in Merrimack in the mid 1980s. The couple shared over 70 years together until Walter’s passing on June 17, 2013.

    In her leisure time, she loved to crochet and needlepoint, make puzzles and most important of all was spending time with her grandchildren.  

    Members of her family include a daughter and son-in-law, Pauline and Frank Alphonse of Casco, Michigan; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Walter A. and Peggy Matte, and William Matte all of Nashua; six grandchildren and their spouses, Roger and Robin Fugere of Rawlings, MD, Peter Matte of Nashua, Gregory and Bridget Matte of Bolton, MA, Edward and Mary Matte of Hillsboro, John and Stacy Matte  of Milford, and Ian Matte of Berlin, NH; twenty three great-grandchildren; twenty four great- great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

   In addition to her husband and parents, Rita was predeceased by her son, Edward R. Matte, who died in August 2004; her brothers, Lucien, Rene, Raymond, Armand and Eugene Ninteau; and sisters, Cecile Gates and Doris Grimard.

   There are no calling hours and a celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Rita will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA.    

  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Evelyn Veronica (Rush) McLaughlin, 97, of Nashua, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, May 21, 2020 at Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson.        

   Born in Benedicta, Maine on September 18, 1922, she was the third of eleven children of Daniel B. and Ora (Theriault) Rush. Evelyn received a Bachelor of Art degree in education from Saint Joseph College (Standish, Maine) in 1944.

   She subsequently taught English, Latin and French at Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, NH, Easton High School in Easton, ME and Orono High School in Orono, ME. In the year 2000, she was the special guest of honor at the 50^th anniversary celebration of Orono High School’s Class of 1950.

    In 1954, she married Robert James McLaughlin of Laconia, NH, a lieutenant in the US Navy during World War II. They settled in Nashua and had four children. Evelyn lived in their home on Atherton Avenue for nearly 60 years.

    Evelyn loved music, cooking and baking for her family (everything homemade and always from scratch!) and socializing with family and friends – whether it be over morning coffee, family barbecues, or cookouts at the beach. Her famous macaroni and cheese and pistachio cake were must-haves at all family gatherings. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing golf with her husband and friends. In the 1970’s, Evelyn worked in the catalog department at Sears Roebuck and Company in Nashua, and in the mid 1980’s through the 1990’s, she was a popular substitute teacher at Nashua High School. A devout Catholic, she was a parishioner of St. Christopher Church in Nashua for many years.

    She was a loving and loyal daughter, sister and friend. But most of all, she was a beautiful, loving, caring and supportive mother whose children meant the world to her. Though she suffered much tragedy in her life—the untimely deaths of her husband and three of her four children—she never complained or lost her enthusiasm and zest for life. Her glass was always half full; never half empty. She will be greatly missed and in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, she will remain forever young.

   Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Robert in October 1972, her children, Patricia A. McLaughlin in March 1983, Brian J. McLaughlin in August 2006 and Paul G. McLaughlin in October 2017; four sisters and two brothers, Mary Harding, Bernadine Morris, Theresa Landers, Edward Rush, Donald Rush and Leah MacKnight.

    She is survived by her daughter, Mary J. McLaughlin and her husband Michael of Alexandria, VA; brother, Richard Rush and his wife Celine of Arundel, ME; sisters, Lynn Peters and Donna Puckett of Nashua, and Jean Crouse of Great Bend, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

   A visitation for family will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, May 28^th at 10:30 a.m. Graveside prayers and interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Evelyn’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Kenneth F. Morman, 83, of Bedford and formerly of Nashua, NH passed away Sunday morning, May 17, 2020 at his home at Bedford Falls, after a period of declining health.        

   A native of Chicago, Illinois, he was born on February 16, 1937, son of the late Frank John and Marie Catherine (Mauch) Morman. Ken grew up on the South side of Chicago and was a graduate of Carmel High School Class of 1954. He went on to attend General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan and earned degrees from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.   

   After relocating from Ann Arbor, MI to Weymouth, MA,  Ken put his skills as an electrical engineer to work at Raytheon. In 1970, Ken and his family moved to Nashua, NH and worked at Nashua Corporation for ten years, then for Wang Labs and finished his career at Flir Systems in North Billerica, MA.

    Ken met his future wife, Katherine A. “Kate” Gallagher on a blind date through a friend who loaned him test equipment to complete a project. They were married in Holyoke, MA on June 6, 1964 and shared 55 years together until her passing on October 29, 2019.

     Ken and Kate travelled to Lecanto, FL annually and cruises were favorite means of travel on both East and West Coasts. Ken was fortunate to have “kissed” the Original Blarney Stone while in Ireland and loved boating in New Hampshire on Lake Sunapee and Newfound Lake. In his leisure time, he loved to tinker around his home and yard using his engineering talents to create modern-day fixes for everything.

    He held lifetime memberships with Tau Beta Pi as well as the National Rifle Association. Ken had a great love of classical music and operas and supported the Nashua Symphony Orchestra and PBS. Ken fell in love with his first cat, Tigger, and then Dylan, a white coon cat who came from Santa Monica to claim Nashua as his home.

     Members of his family include his son and daughter-in-law, Neal and Hali Morell of Santa Monica, CA; his sisters, Jean Morman Unsworth of Chicago, IL widow of Richard “Tim” Unsworth and Dolores M. Rapoport of Carlsbad, CA, widow of Edwin Rapoport; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.   

     Ken will be laid to rest with his wife Kate in the Mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashua. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

  Mark “Sparky” L’Ecuyer, 56, of Nashua, died Monday, May 11, 2020 at his residence.        

  Born in Nashua, NH on March 27, 1964, he was the youngest son of the late Jack and Peggy (Churchill) L’Ecuyer. Mark was a fun loving, kind and caring man, who enjoyed cooking and listening to the Grateful Dead, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.  

   Mark had some serious health problems the last few years, but survived them (up until now anyway) with the help of brothers, Jeffery and wife Colleen, Leslie and wife Carolyn, ex-wife Sherri; sister-in-law Yoshiko; nieces, Angela, Jen, Laurie and Sara; nephews, Josh and Nick; Pastor Mark Jackson; confidant Kristi and lifelong friends, Meri Reid and Mike Patti.

   Following his wishes, there will not be a service, but well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a Bud Light beer can and drink it in his honor.   

   Arrangements were in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com