Obituaries

Charles Tutlis

Charles Tutlis

Sep 3, 2025

Charles Tutlis passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Charles, known to his family and friends as Chuck, was born on November 30, 1941, and grew up in Gardner on Pine Street. He had fond memories of his family, biking, sledding, and spending time at his uncle Tovio’s house. He often recalled these times spent here and...

Theresa Pauline Rice

Theresa Pauline Rice

Sep 2, 2025

Theresa Pauline Rice, (Leger) passed away peacefully at the age of 101 at Life Care Center of Leominster, Massachusetts. A long-time resident of Leominster, Theresa was known for her quiet strength and gentle presence that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born in Leominster MA on February 16, 1924, Theresa was the beloved daughter of Alphonse Leger and Eva...

Dorothy J. Norton

Dorothy J. Norton

Sep 1, 2025

Dorothy JoAnn Norton, 90, of Athol, Massachusetts died peacefully September 1, 2025. She was the daughter of Wallace and Marjorie Avery (Bernard). 

She married her high school sweetheart, Frank Norton in 1952. They had two children, Frank and Rhonda. She enjoyed sports, particularly basketball and softball. She enjoyed sewing and making stuffed animals, especially sock monkeys. She liked to garden, as...

Steven John Daniels, Sr

Steven John Daniels, Sr

Sep 1, 2025

Steven John Daniels Sr, 59, of Broad Brook, CT, passed away unexpectedly on September 1st, 2025. He was born on November 30, 1965, to James Francis Daniels Jr and MaryAnn (Daniels) Dykeman in Athol, Massachusetts.

He married Jean Patterson in 1992 and they had one child, Steven Daniels Jr. Steven is survived by his mother, MaryAnn (Daniels) Dykeman and her husband...

Harold Fontaine

Harold Fontaine

Aug 30, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harold B. Fontaine, who left us on Saturday, August 30, 2025. He was 83 years young. Harold was born on June 5, 1942, in Gardner, Massachusetts, to Romeo and Mary Fontaine. He was the epitome of hard work, dedication, and love, building a life that touched countless people with...

Shelby L. Oakland

Shelby L. Oakland

Aug 29, 2025

Shelby L. Oakland (81) died on August 29, 2025. She was born in Worcester, MA, on September 27, 1943, to Uno Oakland and Aili (Paasonen) Oakland. Shelby lived in Gardner, MA, all her life. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1961.

Shelby's first job was at Heywood Wakefield Furniture Company. She also worked at Gardner Junior High School and Wironen's...

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...