Author Archives: Dana Farwell

Barbara Frances Leuci, 81, of Nashua, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 8, 2019 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center after a period of declining health.

A resident of Nashua for the past 38 years, she was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts on February 17, 1937, a daughter of the late James and Mary (Ruggiero) Leuci. During her youth, Barbara resided in Chelsea and Everett, MA and attended Our Lady of Grace School in Everett. She later made her home in Malden, MA for a time before moving to Orlando, Florida in 1973 and then to Nashua in August of 1980.

In addition to raising her eight children, Barbara was employed in the imaging department at Teradyne in Nashua for 14 years until her retirement in 1997.

She had been an active volunteer and did charitable work for the Nashua Soup Kitchen and helping with shut-ins. She was a member of INSPIRE and enjoyed knitting mittens and hats for the group fondly known as “Yarn It All”

Members of her family include her eight children and their spouses, Joseph and Maryjane Gifford of Merrimack, Mary Gifford of Hudson, Michael Gifford of Nashua, Donnamarie and Jeff Rajaniemi of Croydon, NH, Joanne and Michael Adams of Weare, NH, Laurie Farnum of Nashua, Darrin Demo of Hillsboro, NH and Matina and Dave Lee of Greenland, NH; 14 grandchildren, Maria, Isabel, Michael, Samuel, Jonathan, Aaron, Daniel, Esther, Kathryn, Lilly, Amanda, Joseph, Deanna and Matthew; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert Leuci Sr. of Lanson, SC, Paul Leuci of Saugus, MA and Walter Leuci of Colorado; a sister, Marie Levanti of Gardner, MA; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased by a brother, Xavier “Jackie” Leuci; and two sisters, Anne LeBlanc and Lorraine Nugent.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, January 11^th from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to INSPIRE, P.O. Box 117, Nashua, NH 03061.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Richard A. Guilmette, 79, of Hudson, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 8, 2019.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late Oliver and Dorothy (Brooks) Guilmette.  Richard was a graduate of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River and served with the Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he furthered his education at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Richard began his career in electronics with the former Sanders Associates in Nashua, then at Agfa Corporation of Wilmington, MA and later at Andover Controls of Andover, MA.

A resident of Hudson for the past 48 years, Mr. Guilmette previously made his home in Fall River, MA and Virginia. He taught genealogy at Rivier University in Nashua and served on the Board of Directors of the Manchester Genealogical Society. In his leisure time, Richard enjoyed scuba diving, hiking and mountain climbing. He also played guitar and the mandolin and loved Blue Grass music.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Louise (Manahan) Guilmette, whom he married on May 5, 1962; three sons, Gary Guilmette and his wife Beth, Brian Guilmette and his wife Song, and Dennis Guilmette; five grandchildren, David, Audrey, Megan, Amanda and Jennifer; five great-grandchildren, Joshua, Charlotte, Jonah, Joel and Adrien; two brothers, Paul Guilmette and Frank Guilmette; two sisters, Janet Brewer and Diane Roxburgh; also many nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, there are no calling hours or services. Donations may be made in his memory to the Manchester Genealogical Society, 4 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03103.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

William J. Holloran, 77, of The Villages, FL, formerly of Nashua, NH passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 27, 2018 at his home in Florida.

Billy was recently predeceased by his loving wife Joyce, who passed away on March 12, 2018. They shared over 56 years of faithful marriage together providing each other constant companionship as they enjoyed their many common interests.

Born on November 24, 1941 in Brookline, MA to the late William and Mary Alice (Mahoney) Holloran, Billy moved to the Nashua area when he was younger and graduated from Nashua High School, with the class of 1959. Following high school, Billy served in the Army National Guard.  For the past 43 years, he was the proud owner and operator of Kerry Fire Protection in Nashua, which he ran as a traditional family business employing his sons Michael, Patrick, and Timothy, as well as Mark Hoffein, who Billy always considered as part of his family.

A devoted husband, father and “Granka”, Billy enjoyed golf, attending shows, going to yard sales and flea markets, and especially traveling with his wife to many places, local and distant including Ireland, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii. He enjoyed traveling back to New Hampshire each summer with his wife to spend time with his family and friends at the lake. Many will miss those special times with Joyce and Billy at the lake.

Billy had a strong exterior, but a soft heart. His family will always remember his love of AM radio, static and all, being a weather buff, always being on time, always doing the right thing, and of course his love of diners, popcorn, and donuts. Billy also had a distinctive whistle that many in the family will always remember as one of his signature traits.

Members of his family include his four children and their families, Michael Holloran and his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Katherine of Nashua, NH; Patrick Holloran and his wife Betty Anne and their daughters Erin and Bridget of Ashland, NH; Timothy Holloran and his wife JoAnn and their son Maximilian of San Antonio, TX; Daughter, Kerry Jean Holloran of Manchester, NH; his  brother Robert Holloran and his wife Margaret of Nashua, NH; his sister, Mary Alice Dow and her husband James of Dunstable, MA and sister in law Eleanor Holloran of Lowell, MA. Billy was predeceased by his wife Joyce, and his brother Francis (“Spanky”) Holloran. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, January 24th from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Friday, January 25^th at 11 a.m. Friends are invited to attend. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Michael Lane Smokler, 32 of Nashua, died unexpectedly on December 13, 2018.  A native of Framingham, Michael was born on September 17, 1986.   He was raised by his mother Karen Ann Smokler and his grandfather, the Late Paul Smokler, along with his younger brother, Fredrick. His cat “Schmutz” and dogs “Fudgie” and “Mika” were also beloved members of his family.

Family was very important to Michael and he always wanted to be with his.   He will be remembered as a caring kid with a heart of gold.  Michael was also funny and a big joker.  His personality could light up a room.

Michael aspired to be a barber.  He had recently worked for United Parcel Service at their Nashua facility.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing and watching sports, especially basketball.  Call of Duty was his favorite Xbox game.  He loved to fish and then grill his catch.  Among his favorite places to visit were Six Flags, Hampton Beach and Cape Cod. In recent years, Michael found God and religion.  He attended the Downtown Campus of Crossway Christian Church and was part of a men’s bible study and prayer small group.

Michael is survived by his mother, Karen Ann Smokler of West Yarmouth, MA; his brother, Fredrick John Tawa of Oregon; his aunt, Judith L. Smokler of Brighton, MA.; his cousin, Meagan Smokler; his girlfriend, Jill Lapierre of Nashua; his Crossway Christian family and many friends.

Michael will be laid to rest with his grandparents in the Framingham-Natick Hebrew Cemetery in Natick, MA.   His family and friends hope to hold a service to celebrate Michael’s life, at a later date.

The Farwell Funeral Service, Inc.  18 Lock St.  Nashua, NH is in charge of arrangements. 603-882-0591,

www.farwellfuneralservice.com.

Roland G. Ravenelle, 92, of Nashua, passed away Wednesday evening, January 2, 2019, after a period of declining health.

Born in Nashua on April 3, 1926, he was a son of the late Nashua City Clerk Irenee and Antoinette (Burque) Ravenelle.  Roland attended the Brothers of the Sacred Heart School and graduated from Nashua High School in 1944. He entered the U.S. Army in September 1944 and served in the 30^th Division and fought in Germany, France and Belgium during World War II. Upon his discharge, in 1946, he went to watchmaking school in Boston, MA and was employed as a watchmaker by Burque Jewelers of Nashua for his adult life. Roland also took a camera repair course in New Haven, CT, and owned his own business, Ideal Camera Service.

Roland married Janile (Phaneuf) on May 30^th, 1949. In addition to his wife of 69 years; he is also survived by two daughters and their husbands, Diane and James Falls of Salem, NH and Judith and James Seager of Hampton, NH; two sons, Daniel “David” Ravenelle of Kansas City, MO and Charles Ravenelle and his wife Jeanine of Pleasant Valley, NY; four grandchildren, Alison and her husband Michael Golosovker  and Charles and his wife Samantha Goulet all of Nashua, Jocelyn Seager of Portsmouth, NH and Alex Ravenelle of Pleasant Valley, NY; seven great-grandchildren, Savannah, Arndrea, Gena, Julie, Jaydyn, Laura and Everly; two sisters-in-law, Magella “Midge” Ravenelle of Nashua and Eleanor Phaneuf of Hudson, NH; also many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Roland was predeceased by his brother, Leo A. Ravenelle of Nashua; a grandson, Christopher Cournoyer of Westford, MA; three sisters-in-law and their husbands, Albertine and William Wicher, Claire and Ralph Boucher, and Constance and Lt. Colonel Laval Tremblay; a brother-in-law and his wife, Albert S. and Pauline Phaneuf.

Roland thoroughly enjoyed several Boston area professional sports teams including the Red Sox and the Patriots. He enjoyed following the stock market and investing and keeping up with financial news. It gave him great pleasure to play golf with his brother, Leo, and his cousin, Bob Burque, and his best friend, Bill Dobens, for a number of years. Roland liked visiting beaches in New Hampshire and Maine and eating lobster. He and his wife Janile, traveled in the US and Europe, including Paris, which was his favorite. They spent some winter months in Florida. His Roman Catholic faith comforted him and was his moral compass. Roland’s family and friends will miss his smile and agreeable nature.

There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Wednesday morning, January 9^th at 11 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made in Roland’s name to the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, NH 03063.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Paul Frederick Burton, 93, of Hudson, husband of Myrtie Mae (Marshall) Burton, passed away at his home, early New Year’s Day morning, after a period of declining health.

Born in Nashua on November 25, 1925, he was a son of the late Erving and Mary (Prince) Burton. Paul and his family moved to Ferry Street in Hudson after the Great Flood in March of 1936 and has made his home in Hudson for over 80 years. He attended the former Sacred Heart School of St. Patrick Church and served with the Navy as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class during World War II.
After the war, Paul worked for a time at  Tate’s Garage near the Taylor Falls Bridge and then owned and operated Ten Ten Lube Center in Hudson. He later worked as a truck driver for Continental Paving Company until he retired at age 75.

Paul was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5741 and the American Legion Post 48 both of Hudson; and was a life-member of Nashua Lodge #720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. In his leisure time, Paul and his wife enjoyed camping and traveling throughout the USA, Alaska and Canada. He also enjoyed boating on Lake Winnipesaukee and while camping, was a member of the Seacoast Connections.

Members of his family include his wife Myrtie, whom he married on July 5, 1949 and would have celebrated their 70^th anniversary this summer; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Susan and Arthur McCann, JoAnn M. Smith and Kelly and Norman Nantel all of Hudson; four grandchildren, Jason Burton and his wife Donna of Holly Springs, NC, Lisa Toomey-Klein and her husband Tim of Nashua, Katie Toomey-Lindsay and her husband Sean of Newton, MA, Jenna Quigley and her husband Todd of Plymouth, MA; nine great-grandchildren, Abbie, Emma and Nathan Burton, Matthew, Ben and Libby Kate Klein, Matthew Paul Butt, Andrew and Gabriel Lindsay; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Paul was also predeceased by his son and daughter-in-law, Paul K. and Joanne (Potter) Burton; a sister and eight brothers.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday evening, January 7^th from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to the New Hampshire Veterans Home, 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Robert D. Dionne, Jr., 52, of Londonderry and formerly of Nashua, passed away at his home on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Born in Nashua on December 4, 1966, he is a son of Cynthia (Gott) Merrifield and the late Robert D. Dionne, Sr., who passed away in October 2014. Educated in local schools, Robert furthered his education at a Culinary school in Houston, Texas.

A resident of San Antonio, Texas for nine years, Robert also made his home in Florida for many years before moving back to Nashua. He has been employed as a Chef at Rig A Tony’s in Derry, NH.

Robert was always smiling, happy and loved being a chef. During his youth, he enjoyed ice skating, biking and going to the beach. He also enjoyed going to the movies, spending money and talking to his mother and stepfather. Robert loved his children, Dylan and Nikki dearly and was very proud of both of them.

Members of his family include his mother and step-father, Cynthia and Warren H. Merrifield of Nashua; his son, Dylan Dionne of Manchester; his daughter, Nikki Dionne of Nashua; his brother, Anthony Dionne of Bedford; his sisters, Tracy Couture and her husband Gerald of Hudson and Angela Carbone and her husband John of Nashua; his step-brother, Kenneth Merrifield of Franklin, NH; also many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

There are no calling hours. A Prayer Service will be held in the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Tuesday morning, January 8^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Barbara A. Arnott, age 80, of Nashua, passed away at her home on December 21, 2018, after a brief illness and surrounded by her loving family.  She leaves behind her devoted husband, James H. Arnott, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage and commitment.

Members of her family also include two daughters, Dixie Garner and her husband Chris and Pennie Reitano, widow of Thomas J. Reitano; grandchildren Amanda Schneck and her husband Kyle; Katie Hackett and her husband Eric; Nathan Garner and his significant other Allie Briggs; Alyse Reitano; Nicole Reitano-Urquhart and her husband Steven; and her great grandchildren Alexa and Austin Schneck who she adored and cared for when they were young children.
Barbara was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on March 12, 1938, a daughter of the late Everett and Doris (Ellis) Vient. She grew up in California and moved back to New England in 1968 relocating to Nashua. Barbara and her husband “Jimmy” owned and operated the Topiary at the Nashua Mall for many years. Barbara was caring, thoughtful and elegant in her appearance and demeanor. She was the matriarch and soul of her extended family, loved having events at her home and in particular enjoyed family time during the summer season at their pool on Dublin Avenue. She loved to decorate, entertain, cook and provide for everyone in her life. She and Jimmy enjoyed dancing and gardening.  Barbara was known to make gourmet lunches and snacks for Jimmy and his fishing buddy Armand on their weekly saltwater fishing excursions to the coast. Alexa and Austin would tell you that her broccoli soup was the best! Barbara would literally give you the shirt off her back or her brand new purse if you liked it. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and in particular her husband, children and grandchildren.
Her family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Sunday, January 6th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanks to Home Health and Hospice for their kind and supportive care.  Donations may be made in her memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, N.H. 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Adella “Bunny” Stulgis, 100, a native and former Nashua resident, widow of Bruno Stulgis, passed away at her home at Bentley Commons in Bedford on Thursday afternoon, December 20, 2018.

Mrs. Stulgis was born in Nashua on March 3, 1918, a daughter of the late Edward and Katherine Jazukiavich. She was educated in the Nashua School System and was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1936. For many years, Bunny owned and operated the New Method Laundry in Nashua. She later worked as a secretarial aide at New Searles Elementary School and also served as a substitute monitor for the Nashua School District.

A communicant of the former St. Casimir Church, Bunny was a member of the St. Joseph Society and a Past President of the St. Casmir Ladies Guild. For twenty- five years, she was a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital. In her leisure time, she enjoyed crocheting and cross word puzzles.

Bunny was predeceased by her husband Bruno, who passed away in March of 1981 and her brother, Veto Jazel in April 1996.

Members of her family include nieces, Lisa Jazel and Karen Merluzzi; a nephew, Steve Jazel; and several cousins.

A Graveside Service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Ledge Road in Hudson, Wednesday morning, January 2^nd at 11 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Gloria G. (Labrie) McIlveen, 84, a longtime Hudson resident and widow of William S. McIlveen, passed away peacefully Monday evening, December 17, 2018 at the Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, after a period of declining health.

Mrs. McIlveen was born in Nashua on October 6, 1934, a daughter of the late Edward F. and Laureanne (Fortin) Labrie. Educated in local schools, she was graduate of the former St. Louis High School and attended Rivier College. In addition to raising her family, Gloria managed Anton’s Cleaners and also worked as a sales lady at the former Miller’s clothing store and Ruth’s dress shop.

She was a member of the Lions Club and enjoyed ceramics, knitting, loved the beach and taught and played piano. Always a very loving person, Gloria loved children and always helped and cared for others. Mrs. McIlveen was a communicant of St. John The Evangelist Church in Hudson.

Gloria and her husband Bill were married on October 25, 1952 and resided in Nashua for ten years before moving to A Street in Hudson where they made their home for many years. The couple shared 59 years together until his passing on Valentines Day in 2012. She was also predeceased by her son, William E. McIlveen; her granddaughter, Amy Beth (Stone) Deuso; two brothers, George J. Labrie and Paul Burns; and her sister, Marie Hancock.

Members of her family include two daughters, Donna M. Stone of Bristol and Catherine M. Sargent and her husband Duane of Bow; a son, John M. McIlveen and his wife, Roberta Colasanti of Haverhill, MA; nine grandchildren, Angela Stone, Andrea Stone, David Reynolds Jr, William Reynolds, Heidi, Heather, Kayleigh, Kyrie and Lara McIlveen; five great-grandchildren, Christian Thompson, Leo and Logan Reynolds, Isabelle and Julian; a sister-in-law, Armande Labrie of Bedford; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday evening, December 21^st from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Parish at St. John The Evangelist church, 25 Library Street, Hudson, Saturday morning at 9 o’clock. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Nashua. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Cystic Fibrosis or the Leukemia Foundation.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Joseph Bishop, 90, of Nashua, passed away at his home, Sunday afternoon, December 16, 2018, after a period of declining health.

A native of Chelsea, Massachusetts, he was born on October 7, 1928, a son of the late John and Helen Bishop. “Joe” was a graduate of Chelsea High School and played on the varsity football and basketball teams. An Army veteran, Mr. Bishop served during the Korean War from January 1951 to January 1953.

Joe was employed with the United States Postal Service in Arlington, MA for several years.

In his leisure time, Joe enjoyed dancing, card games, fishing, watching football and baseball, playing cribbage and solving puzzles. He also enjoyed traveling, visiting Hawaii, The Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Mr. Bishop held membership in the Loyal Order of Moose.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, M. Jean LeShana) McQuinn Bishop, whom he married in Nashua on October 20, 1984 and shared 27 years together until her passing in 2011.

Members of his family include four children, Deborah Follansbee and her husband Wayne of Cape Coral, FL, Maureen Russo of Lowell, MA, John Bishop of Land O’ Lakes, FL and Helena Bishop of Lowell, MA; four step-children, Sharon Blekitas and her husband David of Merrimack, Richard McQuinn and his wife Deborah of Jensen Beach, FL, Robert McQuinn and his wife Patricia of Salem, NH, and Brian McQuinn and his wife Lisa of Wilmington, MA; his very loving and caring companion, Yvonne Murphy of Nashua; 21 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward Bishop and his wife Marilyn of Billerica, MA; a sister, Lynne “Nina” Jackson and her husband Tom of Seaford, VA;  also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was predeceased by a son, Rudolph Ludemann; a sister, Anne; and three brothers, John and Michael Bishop and Walter “Bill” Cherbitsky.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to his Hospice nurse, Kristen Goodwin, and his Social worker, Susan Coveno.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Wednesday evening, December 19^th from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road in Salem, NH, Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lynn, MA. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in his memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

John R. Stansfield (January 15, 1947 – December 16, 2018)

Retired National Weather Service Meteorologist John Stansfield of Nashua passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on Sunday, December 16.  He was 71 years old.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on January 15, 1947, son of the late Nancy Milne and Alfred J. Stansfield, John worked as a meteorologist for the majority of his life.

John’s parents moved from Chicago to Massapequa Park, New York when he was very young, and this is where he and his sister, Lori, lived and attended school throughout their childhood years.  After graduating from high school in 1965, John attended Belknap College, a now defunct institution, in Center Harbor, New Hampshire where he acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology.

Immediately following his graduation from college, John joined the Air Force as a weather officer where he spent a year at the Thule Air Base in Greenland.  During his time in the service, John earned the rank of Captain, and, while in Thule, John wrote an article about the second highest wind (207 mph) ever recorded on Earth.  The article appeared in the October 1972 issue of WeatherWise magazine.  In 1973, John was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service as a weather officer at the Thule Air Base.

After his time in the Air Force, John moved back to New Hampshire where he formed a partnership with Bill Hovey, his former college professor from Meredith.  For several years, John and Bill successfully provided weather forecasts to many radio stations from New England Weather Service, Inc., their co-owned business located in Center Harbor, New Hampshire.

John met his wife, Patricia, better known as Trish, in 1976.  The couple was married in September 1977 and lived in Meredith for a year until John decided to leave his business to pursue a career with the National Weather Service (NWS), an agency under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) branch of the Department of Commerce.  To that end, John and Trish moved to Long Island to live with John’s parents for a year in order for John to be closer to the NWS Eastern Region Headquarters.  In the spring of 1979, John was offered a position at the Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City Missouri.  The couple lived there until September 1980 when John was given an opportunity to move back to New Hampshire and take a position at the FAA Center in Nashua as an aviation forecaster in a Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU).  Nashua quickly became home for John and Trish where they have resided for the past 38 years.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, there were many attempts to privatize the CWSU’s, the units located inside each of the Federal Aviation Administration’s 22 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC).  John’s efforts to thwart these misguided attempts were instrumental in keeping the CWSU’s under governmental control, and, in turn, ensuring the safety of the flying public.  He received two awards from the NWS Employees Organization (NWSEO) for his tireless work in this endeavor.

John received several certificates of outstanding performance while working for the NWS, a career that spanned over 40 years.  He was also a member of several clubs and organizations including the American Meteorological Society, The Astronomical League, and the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston.

Aside from John’s work history, he was an avid amateur astronomer and had a particular interest in astrophotography.  He took many pictures of celestial objects through one of his telescopes.  John also shared his knowledge by teaching enrichment classes in meteorology and astronomy to young elementary students while his daughter, Jill, attended school.

He was very proud of his home and all of the work he did to improve his property.  John loved working in the yard planting flowers and taking care of the shrubbery and lawn.  Many friends and family members would comment about how John had the greenest and best looking lawn in the neighborhood.

Family was extremely important to John.  He was a very loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  More recently, he loved taking his granddaughters to Fun World and watching them play games and frolic in the giant playground.  John was lovingly called P-pa, a name given to him by his granddaughter, Amy, when she was very young.

John is predeceased by his son, Brad Richard Stansfield, who passed away in March 1982, his parents, Alfred and Nancy Stansfield, who passed in 2006 and 2007 respectively, his father in law, Philip Hobbs who passed in 2013, and his mother-in-law Mildred Hobbs, who passed away in October of this year.

Surviving family members include his wife, Trish, of 41 years, his son, Adam, his daughter, Jill and her fiancé Todd Patti, his two granddaughters, Amy and Emily, his sister Lori Scoones and her husband, Warren, and his brother-in-law Brian Hobbs and his partner Robert Monteleone.

Calling hours will take place at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, in Nashua on Thursday, December 27 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a tribute to John between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.   A private burial will take place at the Edgewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718 or online at http://mda.org/ in memory of John and his late son Brad Richard Stansfield.

To leave a note of condolence  go to www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Eulalie (Fellows) Cogswell of Nashua, N.H., passed away at her home on December 16, 2018.  She was 93 years old. Beloved wife of the late Walter C. Cogswell, to whom she was married for 64 years, she was the devoted mother of Martha (Cogswell) LaMontagne and her husband, Henry, of Reading, MA, Laura Cogswell and her husband, John Thorson, of Croydon, NH, and W. Cleveland Cogswell and his wife, Baysie Wightman, of Boston, MA. Grandmother of Christine (LaMontagne) and her husband,  David Carosella, Brian LaMontagne and his wife, Rebecca Kelley, Kathryn (Thorson) and her husband, Ryan Flatley, Jill Thorson and her husband, Paul Robertson, James Cogswell and his wife, Danielle Castrechini, and Joshua Cogswell.  Great- grandmother of Madeleine and Phillip Carosella, Spencer and Mabel Flatley, Nathan and Addison Cogswell, and Alexis Sheehan.  Also survived by a dear sister, Priscilla (Fellows) Carpenter, of Manchester, N.H. and many nieces and nephews.

Daughter of the late Carroll E. and Ruth (Kane) Fellows, she grew up in Dover, N.H., and was one of seven daughters. She was predeceased by her sisters, Velma Richards, Ellen Pinkham, Genevieve Taylor, Ione Cogswell, and Marilyn Coffey.  Eulalie graduated from Dover High School and Keene State College. She was an elementary school teacher in Nashua, Brookline, and Hudson, N.H. , for many years.

Eulalie was a long time member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Nashua. In earlier years, she served as President of the United Methodist Women, Chairperson of the Religious Education Board, and was a Sunday School teacher. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Nashua Y.W.C.A.  and was a past member of the Nashua Women’s Club, the Nashua College Club, the Nashua Retired Teachers Association, and volunteered in the coffee shop at the N.H. Southern Medical Center. She and Walter were long time members of the Nashua Country Club.  Eulalie was proud to have been one of the founders of the former Greater Nashua Child Care Center and served on its board for many years.

In their retirement years, Eulalie and Walter enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Clearwater Beach, Florida, attending auctions and flea markets, and spending time with family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 5^th, 2019 from 11am to 1pm, with a service beginning at 1pm. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  A luncheon will follow at the Nashua Country Club.  Private burial services will take place in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Salvation Army, 1 Montgomery St., Nashua, N.H. 03060.  For directions, obituary, and online condolences visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

    Michael K. Dirubbo, 66, of Nashua, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 11, 2018 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a period of declining health.

Born in Nashua on June 16, 1952, he was the son of Mary E. (Colletta) Dirubbo and the late Ralph T. Dirubbo, who passed away on December 3, 2012. Michael attended St. Christopher School and graduated from Bishop Guertin High School Class of 1970. He furthered his education at Merrimack College of North Andover, MA where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. Michael had been employed as a property appraiser for several years.

Michael was a Boston sports fan, who enjoyed following the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox.

One June 27, 1987, Michael married Karon J. Stanley of Bangor, Maine. The couple shared over 30 years together until her passing on September 30, 2017.

Members of his family include his mother, Mary E. Dirubbo of Nashua; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen B. and Daniel Cronin of Nashua; a niece, Kaitlin E. Cronin; a nephew, Ryan D. Cronin; his Godfather and uncle, Charles T. Colletta of Nashua; his uncle, John Dulgarian of Tewksbury, MA; and cousins.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and nurses of Greenbriar Healthcare for their kindness and care of Michael.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Thursday evening, December 13^th from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Milford. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made to Corpus Christi Food Pantry, 3 Crown Street, Nashua, NH 03060 or to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Alfred Leo Poulin, 91, a longtime Hollis resident, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 11, 2018 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, after a brief illness.

Born in Nashua on September 25, 1927, he was a son of the late Alfred and Mae T. (Milliken) Poulin. Educated in local schools, “Leo” was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1945. A machinist by trade, he began his career at the former International Paper Box Machine Company and then worked at the former Sanders Associates, Inc. and its successor BAE Systems for many years.

An avid skier, Leo was a member of the Wamesit Ski Club of Nashua and was a Ham Radio operator with call letters K1SKW.

Members of his family include his wife, Marcia (Boulton) Poulin, whom he married in January of 1966 and would have celebrated their 53^rd anniversary next month; his son, Robert R. Poulin and his wife Zina; his daughter, Bethany M. Poulin; two grandchildren, Madison and Garrett Poulin; a brother, Robert J. Poulin of Bayfield, CO; also nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Thursday morning, December 20^th at 11 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at East Cemetery in Hollis in the Spring of 2019. Donations may be made in his memory to a Charity of One’s Choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Ronald Leo Cote, 90, of Townsend, MA and formerly of Peach Drive in Nashua, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 9, 2018 at his home.

Born in Nashua on September 9, 1928, he was a son of the late Adelard and Irma Marie (Grandmaison) Cote. Educated in local schools, Ron was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1947 and served with the Navy during the Korean War.

Ron was a component engineer with the former Sanders Associates, Inc. for many years and later worked for Kollsman Instruments in Merrimack. He also worked as a part-time driver and funeral assistant for the Farwell Funeral Service, Inc. in Nashua for over thirty years.

In his leisure time, Ron enjoyed watching football and golf and spending time with his family.

Members of his family include his three children and their spouses, Kevin N. and Janet Cote, Sharon and John Araujo, and Sandra and Darin Ouellette; six grandchildren, Deven and Corey Ouellette, Ian and Shayne Araujo, Nina Cote, and Benjamin Cote and his wife Alicia, who are the parents of his great-grandchildren, Samuel and Jaxson Cote; his sister, Claudette Warrington (widow of John) of Maryland; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Alvin N. and Francine Cote of Nashua and Norbert and Deborah Cote of Merrimack; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Ron’s wishes, there will be no formal services at this time.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com