Obituaries

Robert R. "Bird" Wirtanen

Robert R. "Bird" Wirtanen

Aug 27, 2025

Robert R. “Bird” Wirtanen, 70, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 27, 2025. Born on November 20, 1954, he was the son of the late Edwin J. Wirtanen and Jeannine Desrosiers. Robert was known to many by his cherished nicknames—Papa, Dadda Big Guy, Bobby, and Bird. However people knew him, all will remember his warmth, humor, and generous spirit....

Anthony Vincent Lang

Anthony Vincent Lang

Aug 25, 2025

Anthony Vincent Lang — known as Tony, Dad, Grampy, and Fahmah

He was the beloved husband for 42 years of Mary M (Corrigan) Lang of Templeton, MA.

Tony is survived by his wife, Mary M (Corrigan) Lang; his children: Deborah A Lang of Hanover; Francis J Lang and his wife Christine of Forestdale; Dianne M Little and her husband James of Middleboro;...

William "Bill" Landry

William "Bill" Landry

Aug 23, 2025

We are here to remember the life of William Landry, who left us on August 23, 2025. Born in Gardner, Massachusetts, on December 7, 1958, to the late Louis and Marjorie Landry, William, fondly known as Bill, was a beacon of reliability and generosity to his many friends and neighbors. Bill dedicated his life to making his corner of the...

Barbara Lawrence

Barbara Lawrence

Aug 23, 2025

Barbara Lawrence, October 15, 1931 – August 23, 2025Barbara Lawrence, 93, of Gardner and surrounding towns, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at Health Alliance in Baldwinville, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Leominster on October 15, 1931, Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Jack Lawrence. Together they built a life centered on faith,...

Christopher John Knight

Christopher John Knight

Aug 20, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher John Knight, on August 20, 2025. He brought fun, generosity, and love into the lives of everyone who knew him. Born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on August 9, 1960, Christopher was a man of many passions and talents—but above all, he was a devoted Father and Papa.

For more...

Edmund (Gus) Landry

Edmund (Gus) Landry

Aug 18, 2025

Gardner – Edmund (Gus) J. Landry, 93, of Gardner, Ma. passed away on August 18, 2025.

He was born on March 25, 1932, in Ashburnham, the son of Edgar and Melina (Morse) Landry. Edmund (Gus) was a respected figure in his hometown Gardner. He was a man of integrity known for his commitment to the people and institutions he held dear.

Edmund...

Kenneth F. Fortin

Kenneth F. Fortin

Aug 15, 2025

Kenneth F. Fortin, Jr, 78, died Friday, August 15, 2025, at Heywood Hospital after an illness.

He was born in Fitchburg, on June 14, 1947, a son of the late Kenneth F. Sr, and Alice (Raymond) Fortin. 

He worked in IT for Digital and NetScout. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

Kenneth leaves his two sisters, Donna Reynolds and...

Barbara Ann Bergeron

Barbara Ann Bergeron

Aug 7, 2025

Barbara Ann Bergeron, an embodiment of love, compassion, and unwavering support, was born on February 8, 1942, in Fitchburg, MA. She went on to illuminate countless lives with her warm presence, leaving us to join the stars on August 7, 2025. A loving Mother, Aunt and Grandmother, Barbara's spirit will continue to guide those who were lucky enough to know...

Linda Peterson

Linda Peterson

Aug 4, 2025

Surrounded by her family Linda peacefully was called home on August 4, 2025 at the age of 78. Linda was an avid crafter and enjoyed making plastic canvas, decorations, crocheting, and puzzle books. She loves seeing the joy and smiles on the faces of those she gave her trinkets to. She liked to travel and go on car trips. She...

Raymond O. Dufort

Raymond O. Dufort

Jul 31, 2025

Raymond Dufort, 82, of Athol Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital on July 31, 2025.

The only child of the late Ovila and Blanche Dufort, Raymond was born in Central Falls, Rhode Island in 1942.

There he attended parochial schools in Central Falls including Sacred Heart Academy from which he entered the order of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart...

Henry B. Metevia

Henry B. Metevia

Jul 29, 2025

Henry Brian Metevia, passed on July 29, 2025. 

A Graveside service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 11:00AM at Silver Lake Cemetery, Silver Lake Street, Athol, MA.

Mack Family Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA is assisting with Henry's arrangements.

James F. Woodford

James F. Woodford

Jul 26, 2025

James F. Woodford, 78, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 26, 2025, at home with his family following an illness. He was born on September 1, 1946, the son of the late Gregory and Aline (Vautour) Woodford, and grew up in Gardner, Ma. Following high school, he proudly served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War for six years. He...

Dorothy Marie Walters DeGrace

Dorothy Marie Walters DeGrace

Jul 24, 2025

Dorothy Marie Walters DeGrace

10 December 1923 – 24 July 2025

Dotte was many things to her family and friends, but mostly she was Dotte, Mom, Nana, Great Nana and the DeGrace family’s matriarch. She left this world to begin a new adventure in the eternities. We honor her. We love her. We dearly miss her. Dotte lived on this earth for...

Barry A. Glinski

Barry A. Glinski

Jul 22, 2025

Barry A. Glinski, 83, of Worcester, died, surrounded by his loved ones, on July 22, 2025 at St.Vincent's Hospital after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Barry was born in Gardner, MA, in 1942 and graduated from Gardner High School in 1960. Barry was an outstanding baseball player, swimmer, and played football all four years of high school. He was inducted into...

Kenneth "Scoop" Fish

Kenneth "Scoop" Fish

Jul 19, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a remarkable man, Kenneth "Scoop" Fish, who left us on July 19, 2025. Born on June 23, 1968, in Athol, Massachusetts, Kenneth lived a life that was as vibrant and engaging as his personality. A loving son, husband, father, and friend, Kenneth was the embodiment of dedication, love, and ambition. He was...

Frank J. Gelsomini

Frank J. Gelsomini

Jul 14, 2025

Frank J. Gelsomini went to meet Our Lord on July 14, 2025, at his daughter Debbie Sargent’s residence in Gardner, MA surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born in Wakefield, MA on February 7, 1928, to Elpidio and Filomena (Annie) Gelsomini. Frank leaves behind his two children: Debbie Sargent and her husband Dan, and John Gelsomini and his wife...

Nancy J. Purdie

Nancy J. Purdie

Jul 13, 2025

We are sad to announce the passing of Nancy J. Purdie on July 13, 2025. Born on December 31, 1946 in Gardner, MA, Nancy was a friend to all who were privileged to know her. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, whose quick wit and compassionate heart were cherished by all who knew her. A resident...

Patricia Ann Ploof

Patricia Ann Ploof

Jul 12, 2025

Patricia Ploof, 76, died on Saturday, July 12, 2025. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Timothy Ploof, their son, David Ploof, and his wife, Keila, and her grandchildren, Michael Ploof and Fletcher Sheinheit. She also left her much loved dog, Blossom.

She was born on November 26, 1948 in Springfield, MA the daughter of the late John F Ferris...

Ann E. "Annie" Chapman

Ann E. "Annie" Chapman

Jul 12, 2025

Ann E. (Esposito) "Annie" Chapman, 89, of Gardner, MA, passed away in Heywood Hospital, with her family by her side, on July 12th, 2025.

The daughter of the late Dominic and Josephine (Silvestri) Esposito, she was born on June 6, 1936, in Shrewsbury, MA. She graduated from Worcester Girls Trade School in 1955. On September 5, 1955, she married the love...

Agnes Hamilton Piscopo

Agnes Hamilton Piscopo

Jul 8, 2025

Agnes H. Piscopo went to be with the Lord peacefully and comfortably at home on Tuesday July 8, 2025. Born in Englewood, New Jersey to William and Catherine Thomson, Agnes spent her childhood and early adult years on Staten Island NY. She married John “Johnny” Piscopo in 1949. The couple moved to the Newfield/Ithaca NY area (an area they visited...