Winter Park, Florida: Robert Dell Fitzgerald was born in Westfield Massachusetts on August 12, 1938 to parents James F. and Bernice (DelMedico) Fitzgerald. Bob graduated from Westfield High School in 1956 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy. He completed his basic training at the naval base in Bainbridge Maryland and was then assigned to the Naval Air Station in Sanford Florida. In 1962 he met and married Sylvia Whitaker and they moved to West Palm Beach where he was employed with Pratt and Whitney. He was then transferred to Ohio where their three children were born. In time, they ended up back in Florida where he purchased the Sun Motel in Winter Park Florida which they operated for several years, and later worked at the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club. After his first marriage dissolved, he met a woman named Joan Galgano, they went on their first date in 1986 and have been together ever since. Robert Fitzgerald passed away peacefully in his home on the evening of December 11, 2014. He is survived by his partner Joan Galgano, three daughters Eva Fitzgerald, Colleen Mastrobuono, her husband Richard along with their three children Alexandra, Jacob and Adam; Lesley Villarino, along with her daughter Amber and her twin boys Ethan and Nathan Snipes. Robert is also survived by his sister Ellaine Cicerchia and her husband Arthur of Holyoke,MA, along with their family. Robert also leaves behind his most trusted companion, his dog Trixie. A memorial service will be held in Winter Park, Florida in January for the family. Donations may be made to Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield.

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SOUTHWICK:  Charlotte M. (Depping) Brown passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on December 16, 2014 at Westfield Center for Genesis. She was the daughter of August and Anne (Briggs) Depping. Charlotte was born on December 4^th, 1920 and graduated from Westfield Schools in 1938. In 1942 she married David H. Brown, who was a member of the Army Air Corps and later the Air Force. During his 21 years of military service she accompanied him to various stations which included Chicopee, MA, Saudi Arabia, New Mexico, Alaska, and Maine. During that time they had four children: Sandra, an infant daughter who died shortly after birth, James, and Judith. Upon David’s retirement in 1961 they returned to live in Southwick, MA in the home Charlotte’s father August built, which she loved so much. Charlotte assisted her parents who owned Depping and Moore Hardware Store of Westfield and much later worked at Ames Department Store in Westfield until her retirement. Charlotte and David were active square dancers and were members of the Town and Country Square Dance Club and The Storrowton Village Dancers. She was also a member of The Eastern Star, Grange, and the Southwick Senior Center. Charlotte and David enjoyed spending time vacationing on the coast of Maine and took every opportunity to do so. Charlotte is survived by her son James Brown and his wife Mildred of Wilton, ME, her daughter Judith Frenetteand her husband James of Southwick. She also leaves her grandchildren which she loved so much: Candance Mefford and her husband Randall of Lakewood, WA; Allyson Frenette and her husband John of Layton, UT; James O’Hara and his wife Karen of Enfield, CT; Scott O’Hara of Utah; James Brown and his wife Shye of Southwick; Christopher Brown and his wife Meghan of Holyoke; Sabrina Avezzie and her husband Harley of Westfield; Amanda Whitfield and her husband Justin of Billerica, MA; and Robert Frenette of Southwick. She also has twenty great grandchildren and three great- great grandsons that affectionately called her GG. She enjoyed watching them as they entertained her whenever they had their Christmas Eve get togethers or other family gatherings. She was predeceased by her husband David in 1996, her daughter Sandra Marshall in 2013 and Sandra’s husband Alan in 2014, a grandson Dana Oberheim in 1980, and her daughter-in-law Mary Brown 2010. Family and friends will gather on Monday (Dec. 22) from 4pm until 7pm in the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home and Cremation, (413) 569-5306, 624 College Highway (Route 202/10) Southwick. Burial will be held at the conveniences of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwick Dollars for Scholars – Ron Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 838, Southwick, MA 01077 or the Southwick Ambulance Fund, c/o Southwick Fire Department, 15 Depot St., Southwick, MA 01077. The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Westfield Center who showed so much patience with Charlotte while she adjusted to long term care. Also thank you to the many friends she made while adjusting especially Ethel and Frank. For additional information please visit www.forastierefuneralhome.com.

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SOUTHWICK: Helen T. (Kysiel) Anson, 85, a resident of Southwick for 58-years, died late Friday evening, December 19, 2014 at Genesis Health Care Center of Westfield. She was born in Clinton, MA a daughter of the late Alexander and Ceclia (Konkowska) Kysiel and was a graduate of the Springfield School system. Helen was employed for several businesses including the Strathmore Paper Company, Savage Arms, and retired in February of 1995 from the Hartford Insurance Company after twelve years of service. She leaves four children, William Anson of Alfred, ME, Jane Anson of Lyons, CO, Christine Anson with whom she made her home in Southwick, and Kellie Eades of North Carolina; three grandchildren, Jason LaVertue and his wife Nicole of Suffolk, VA, Sarah LaVertue of Easthampton, Jody Anson of ME, and Troy Putman of NC; and 2 great-grandchildren. “Although we are apart, your spirit lives with us, forever in our hearts.” At her family’s request all services will be private and there will be no calling hours. Contributions in her memory may be directed to Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 50 Maple St., Springfield, MA 01102. Arrangements are by the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick. For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com

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SOUTHWICK—Sandra L. (Baker) Bremner, 73, (1941-2014) a resident of this town for almost 50 years, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Friday, December 12, 2014. She is survived by her three children, George “Tiger” Bremner, Sheri Falbo, and Debbie Robey, her brother Robert Baker,her grandson Jake, and her longtime companion Bill Shopey.

Life is hard sometimes. In a world where suffering is too often necessary, Sandy was put on this earth to make us laugh at the hard things in life.

Born in Springfield, MA, Sandy was the daughter of the late Robert and Gladys Baker. After having three children, she went to live and work in Southwick as a bartender. Sandy’s labors began when most ended theirs. With a quick wit, and self-deprecating style, she served the Southwick faithful drinks and laughter for decades and we all loved her for it and knew that she cared deeply for all of her many, many friends.

Sandy wasn’t a closet comedian, she was just being herself. The things she said were hilarious, but on deeper level you just liked her and wanted to go to that funny place you hoped she would take you, softening the hardness of life, if only for moment. Her cousin Lynda summed it best, “It was hard not to have a good time with her”. Continuing in that spirit, Sandy has posthumously invited family, friends and anyone not having a good time to attend her Celebration of Life Service, which will be held at The Southwick VFW Post #872, 151 Point Grove Road, Southwick, MA 01077, on January 17, 2015 from 1 to 4pm.

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WESTFIELD: Samuel F. Genovese Jr., 62, of Westfield died Tuesday December 23, 2014 in Mercy Hospital. He was born in Springfield on October 30, 1952 to Samuel F. Genovese Sr. and Lorraine F. (Mesick) Genovese. Sam was a lifelong resident of Westfield and attended local schools. He worked for thirty eight years as an equipment operator for the city of Westfield DPW Dept. Sam was a member of the Italian Fraternal Club, enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a NASCAR enthusiast. He leaves a son Anthony Genovese of Westfield, a daughter Nicole Murray of Easthampton, two grandchildren, Jocelyn and Gabriella and several aunts, uncles, cousins and loved ones. The funeral will be Friday December 26th at 6 PM at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St. Westfield. Calling hours will precede the service at the funeral home from 4-6 PM. Firtionadams.com

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WESTFIELD: Joan Marie (Puza) Slipkowski, 80, died Monday, December 22, 2014 in a local nursing home. She was formerly of Rogers Ave. She was born in Westfield on August 16, 1934 to the late William J. Sr. and Victoria A. (Kuzel) Puza. She was a lifelong resident and a 1952 graduate of Westfield High School. She was a co-owner with her brothers and sisters of Pure Food Market after taking over their fathers business. Joan also worked at Preferred Electronics in Westfield, C&D Electronics in Springfield in the sales and procurement dept. and retired in 1998. She was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church and a member of the Holy Rosary Society. Joan leaves her husband of 59 years Kenneth J. Slipkowski, her son Michael L. Slipkowski Sr. of Westfield, her grandson Michael L. Slipkowski Jr. of Westfield, her great-grandaughterAdalina, her brother Donald Puza and his wife Theresa of Southampton, her sisters Dolores Wolfe and her friend Richard Zapert of Southampton, Marcia Placzek of Westfield and her sister-in-laws Pat Puza of Westfield and Ruth and Mary Puza both of N.H. and many nieces nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Joan was pre-deceased by her sons Kenneth G. Slipkowski and Joseph Slipkowski, her brothers William Puza Jr., Leonard Puza and her brother-in-law David Placzek. The funeral for Joan will be held on Monday,December 29^th at 8:30 am from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in Holy Trinity Church. Burial will follow in the Agawam Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11 am. Calling hours will be held on Sunday at the funeral home from 3-5 pm. Donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or to the Noble VNA and Hospice, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085.

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POTTSTOWN, PA: Thomas Ashton Garrettson, age 19, of Pottstown, PA and Westfield, MA, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at home.  Born in Bethlehem, PA, he was the son of Susan C. Leggett of Westfield, MA and Dr. Charles L. Garrettson, III of Pottstown, PA. He was the step son of Denny Robinson, Gary Jones and the late Kiki Michele Felix. Ash graduated from the 21^st Century Cyber Charter School in 2014. His interests included art, music, animal-care (a virtual dog whisperer) epic tales, hiking and walking. In addition to his parents, survivors include: siblings: Hadley Garrettson and Emily Rose Jones, his grandparents: Betty Garrettson, John and Joan Leggett and Cynthia and Larry Palmer, aunts: Linda Garrettson Pizzica, Carrie Leggett, Eleanor Sweeney, Dana Weber and uncles: John Leggett and John Sweeney, cousins: Kristin Pizzica, Lindsey Pizzica Rotollo, Ben Wilmot; Henry Wilmot; Ian Sweeney, Kate Sweeney, Gregory & Peter & Charlotte & Jack Leggett. He was preceded in death by his grandfather – Charles Garrettson. A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2914 at the United Church of Christ Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.houckgofusfuneralhome.com

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Jeremy B. Johnson                                                                                                                        1980 – 2014

SOUTHWICK—Jeremy B. Johnson, 34, lifelong resident of this town, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA.Born in Holyoke, he was the son of Elmer T. & Donna L. (Roberts) Johnson of Southwick, MA. In his youth, Jeremy enjoyed playing soccer and baseball and was a 1999 graduate of Southwick High School. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. He was also involved at the Southwick Recreational Center in many sporting programs. He was a landscaper by trade and a communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Church.

He leaves his parents, Elmer T. and Donna L. Johnson of Southwick, MA, a son, Jesse T. Johnson of Southwick, MA, two brothers, Kevin Johnson of Westfield, MA, and Jeffrey Johnson and his wife Erica of Milwaukee, WI, a sister Amy Johnson of Southwick, MA and his maternal grandmother Elaine Roberts of Southwick, MA.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Liturgy of Christian Burial for Jeremy on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sheep Pasture Rd., Southwick, MA. Burial will follow in New Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Southwick-Forastiere Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwick Recreation Center, PO Box 101, Southwick, MA 01077.

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WESTFIELD: Josephine “Joy” C. (Proto) Bixby, 77, passed away peacefully at home. She was born in New Haven, CT on December 17, 1937 to the late Frank and Ebbe (Serafini) Proto. She was a 1955 graduate of Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, CT. She was a graduate of University of Hartford and Yale School of Music, receiving her Masters in Music Education from University of Hartford. She was employed as a music teacher for public schools for many years and also taught piano privately. Josephine is survived by her husband, Richard H. Bixby of Westfield, her sons, Robert T. Shaw III and Michael J. Shaw, both of Atlanta, GA and Richard F. Bixby of Westfield and Anthony P. Bixby and his wife Jody of Chicopee, her cherished granddaughter, Isabella and a close friend, Joyce Koske of Chicopee. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11 AM in Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church, Holyoke Rd. Westfield. There are no calling hours. Firtion-Adams Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

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Westfield, MA:  Ted Carey, 82, a resident of Westfield, MA for most of his life, died suddenly but peacefully on Dec. 24, 2014 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, surrounded by his loving family. Ted was a generous man who loved his family, friends and a good song. He regaled guests at many family weddings and parties with his rendition of “Yankee Doodle.” Born Sept. 28, 1932, in Westfield, Ted was the second of Grace (Ferriter) and Jeremiah Edward Carey’s three children. He attended Westfield schools and graduated from Monson (MA) Academy in 1950 as Valedictorian of his class. Ted received his AB in Biochemistry from Harvard College (he thought he wanted to go to medical school) in 1954. He won the 165-pound boxing championship and played football at Harvard. After duty with the Army Counter Intelligence Corps in Europe for two years, where he learned how to ski in the Austrian Alps, he joined J.E. Carey Co. of Springfield, MA. A 53-year career in construction management included Ivy Engineering, West Springfield, MA (1961-1977); Gilbane Building Company, Providence, RI (1977-1983); and The Carey Group Consulting (1984-2014). In addition, Ted served as director of facilities at Regis College, Weston, MA and Newton (MA) Country Day School. Ted was appointed to serve on his local Selective Service Board by General Lewis B. Hershey in 1965. He was president of the Westfield YMCA board of directors (1973-1976) and the Building Fund Campaign Chairman (1973) which raised money for the new YMCA addition that added 24,000 square feet of space, including an Olympic-size pool and a running track on the roof. Ted was also an adjunct lecturer at the MIT Center for Real Estate and sang with the Dan Kane Singers. Ted loved Matunuck, RI, where he swam, sailed his Sunfish and taught his children and grandchildren how to fish, waterski and drive his beloved Boston Whaler. He was a loyal Red Sox fan, grumbling about the losses but always watching. He will truly be missed by his wife of 57 years, Louise Babcock Carey, and his children and their spouses: four sons, Timothy (Katherine) Carey of San Marino, CA; Christopher (Marilee Bowles) Carey of Evanston, IL; Norman (Susanne) Carey of Winchester, MA; and Matthew (Heidi) Carey of Pelham, NY; and three daughters, Anne R. Carey of Washington, DC; Catherine (Mark) Mercurio of Rumford, RI; and Sarah (Brian) Sullivano of Marlton, NJ. Ted is also survived by his 19 grandchildren: Madison, Thomas McCutchan “Mac”, Grace and Taylor Carey of San Marino; Frank Bowles of Queens, NY and Katherine Bowles of Brooklyn, NY; Captain Andrew Mercurio, USMC, of Alexandria, VA, Connor Mercurio of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Matthew, Nicholas and Anna Mercurio of Rumford; Evan and Christopher Parkhill “Parker” of Winchester; Blair, Edward J. “Teddy” and Christopher “Fa” of Pelham; and Abigail, Nathaniel “Nate” and Nolan of Marlton; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA on Friday, Jan. 2, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield, immediately following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085; or YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085.

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SOUTHWICK—Carl K. Pease, 68, (1946-2014) a resident of this town for over 40 years, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield surrounded by his loving family. Born in Westfield, MA, Carl was the son of the late Harold K. and Doris L. (Sherwood) Pease, and was a 1964 graduate of Chester High School.

Carl was the former superintendent of Westfield River Paper Co. in Russell and retired after 25 years of employment. He was an Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War, was an avid golfer who belonged to Southwick Country Club, who also enjoyed camping and woodworking.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Anna Mae (Jasmin) Pease, a son Scott Rice of Southwick, MA, two daughters, Laura Stoops and her husband Dennis of Huntington, MA, and Karla Schoenthal and her husband Louis of Southwick, MA, a brother Ronald Pease and his companion Cindy Hube of Chester, MA, a sister Ora Lee of Westfield, MA, eight grandchildren; Brittany Cox, Curtis Cox, Alex Joaquin, Olivia Joaquin, Evelynn, Rachel, Abigail, Ilaina, and two great-grandchildren; Annalise and Jayden.

Funeral services and burial in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors are private. There are no calling hours. Southwick-Forastiere Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UCONN Cancer Center in Farmington, CT

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WESTFIELD: Johanna T. (Courtney) Moquin, 63, of Westfield died Friday, December 26th in Noble Hospital. She was born in Springfield on September 13, 1951 the daughter of George Courtney and the late Genevieve (Warren ) Courtney. Johanna was employed for several years at Old Colony Envelope of Westfield, She was a wonderful homemaker, and enjoyed gardening, reading, bowling and going to tag sales. She is survived by her husband William, a step-daughter, Sarah Moquin and her husband Jeremy of Westfield, three loving grandchildren, Laila, Ayden, and Noah, a sister Judy Bleau of Agawam, a sister-in- law, Esther Courtney of Westfield, her father, George Courtney of Florida, her father in-law Raymond and her mother in-law Evelyn, brother in-law James Moquin and his wife Jessica of Westfield, her sister-in-laws Susan Nieves of Westfield and Sally Bein and her husband Darren of Westfield, many nieces and nephews and a special friend Jane. Her funeral will be held on Monday at 1pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St, Westfield, Burial will be private .Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 11am until 1pm. Donations may be made in memory of Johanna to a charity of one’s choice.

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WESTFIELD: Anna M. (Carvey) Licence, 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 in Heritage Hall Nursing Home. She was born in Castleton, VT to the late Patrick H. And Anna A. (Delehanty) Carvey and was a 1940 graduate of W. Rutland, VT High School. Anna was a member of the General Shepherd Association and a communicant of ST. Mary’s Church, Westfield. She enjoyed reading, gambling, bingo and cards. Beside her parents, Anna was predeceased by her husband, Clayton H. Licence, three sisters, Bernice K. Sweeney and Alice T. Zanlunghi and Mary Costanza and her two brothers, Joseph Carvey and Edward Carvey. She is survived by her loving children, Gary P. Lane of Agawam, Shirley A. Bergeron of Stafford Springs, CT, Maureen M. Hickey of Bondsville, MA, Karen E. Sullivan of Agawam and Laurie P. Crowe of Westfield, her sisters, Rita B. Sabatino-Herbert and Marguerite “Peggy” Fisher, both of Vermont, and her 12 cherished grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Anna’s funeral will be held on Monday at 9:30AM from the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St. Westfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30AM in St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett St. Westfield. Rites of Committal will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Tinkham Rd. Springfield. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 1-4PM in the funeral home. Contributions in Anna’s name may be directed to St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett St. Westfield, MA 01085.

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WESTFIELD; Shirley I. (Raczynski) Cornelius, 85, passed away on January 1, 2015 at her daughter’s home in West Virginia. She was born in Westfield to the late Alexander and Josefa Raczynski. She was predeceased by her husband Richard L. Cornelius and is survived by her children, Mary Thayer of Culloden, WV, Richard Cornelius of Westfield, and Robert Cornelius of Springfield, five grandchildren, one great grandchild and one brother. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Tuesday at 1PM at the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 11AM-1PM in the funeral home. www.firtionadams.com

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WESTFIELD: Kevin J. Regan, of Westfield, died tragically on December 27^th in Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Kevin was born in Springfield, MA on February 25, 1952 to the late Daniel and Elizabeth Ann (Hoar) Regan. Kevin was a 43 year veteran of the Westfield Fire Department. At the time of his death he was the most senior member of WFD, and thus had the honor of wearing badge #1.

Kevin leaves his longtime sweetheart, Lynda Cavanaugh, both of whom were the children of Westfield firefighters. From the local coffee shops of Westfield, to the beaches of Cape Cod, their love only grew with time. They had been together for nearly 33 years, were engaged and had planned to wed. During their time together, they enjoyed spending time with family, and traveling across the country. They were both involved in local and national events to pay tribute to their Irish heritage, including organizing the annual float for The Sons of Erin during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Holyoke, Mass. Most important to both Kevin and Lynda, was their love of Cape Cod. From tailgating on the beach during their younger years, to enjoying simple, quiet nights at their condo, Cape Cod was truly the place where they were at their best.

Kevin was very active in the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 1111 of Westfield. He served the IAFF, Local 1111, as President, Vice-President, and was a member of the Executive Board for over 20 years. Kevin proudly served Westfield and was an advocate for worker’s rights and benefits throughout the Commonwealth.

Kevin was a longtime elected member of the Westfield Retirement Board and the Westfield Insurance Advisory Committee. He also served as President and Event Planner for the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems (MACRS). He was well known for his union activism at the local, state, and national levels.

Kevin was one of the original founding fathers of the Sons of Erin of Westfield, a charter member. He held many positions in the club including treasurer, and member of the board of directors. In addition, he was a charter, and lifetime member of the Sons of Erin Cape Cod. Kevin was very proud of his Irish heritage. He always marched with the Westfield contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and traveled to Ireland several times.

Kevin leaves behind his five brothers, Thomas, Terrence (Georganna), Gerald, Christopher [Captain WFD] (Francine) all of Westfield and Michael of Holbrook, and three sisters, JoAnne Podolski (Donald), Mary [Chief WFD] and Katherine Wailgum (Brian) of Westfield. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Kevin also leaves behind members of the Cavanaugh family, Lynda’s brother Gerald of Hudson, FL and Lynda’s sisters Valerie Zelez (Joe) of Westfield, Maureen Fairlie (Henry) of Florence, MA, Janet Clayman (Alan) of Fort Pierce, FL and was predeceased by Lynda’s brother Joseph. Kevin will also be dearly missed by his many good friends.

Calling hours will be held at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA on Friday, January 9th, 3 pm – 7 pm, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 10^th at 10:00 am, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield, immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the National M.S. Society, Greater New England, 101A First Ave, Waltham, MA 02451, or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or The Hundred Club of Massachusetts, Inc., 17 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA 02115.    Firtionadams.com

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TAMPA, FL: Clark, Raymond Arthur, 79, of Tampa, surrounded by his loving family, took his final journey to join the Lord in heaven Dec. 31, 2014. Ray was born April 30, 1935 in Westfield, MA and after attending college, he opened a TV and appliance store. A year later, he joined the Air National Guard. After his service, he opened several other stores in MA. He and Marie were married May 3, 1958. They lived in Westfield with their 7 children until he began working with Gulf Industries (Signtronix) and moved to Tampa. Ray was not only a sales manager and entrepreneur; he became a mentor and life-long friend to many. Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was predeceased by his loving wife Sheila Marie Clark, parents Arthur and Rita Clark, his brother Richard Clark, and dear son-in-law Roel Ramos. He leaves 7 children, Lisa (Steve) Harris, Kim (Anthony) Caruso, Dawn Ramos, Mark (Lisa) Clark, Scott (Belen) Clark, Todd Clark, and Doug (Jennifer) Clark, and is survived by his loving and caring wife Elaine Belba, and brothers Arthur (Sandy) Clark and James Clark. Ray has 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends 5-7 pm Wed. Jan. 7 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, Fl. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:30 am Thurs. Jan. 8, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow the Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

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WESTFIELD: Dorothy S. (Stine) Burkhart, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2015. She was born in Rush Township, Ohio to the late Robert and Helen (Barton) Stine and was a graduate of Beallsville High School, Ohio. Dorothy was an avid painter and quilter, she made quilts with the “Blanketeers” at the Westfield Senior Center. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John L. Burkhart in 1983, and two daughters, Susan Burkhart in 2011 and Adele Ross in 1993, she is survived by two daughters, Gina Burkhart and Amy Modena, both of Westfield, her grandson, Carey Ross and his wife Anne of Dover, NH and three great-grandchildren, Nathan, Emilia and Katherine. Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Mercy Adult Day Health and Noble VNA and Hospice for the care and support given to Dorothy and her family. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday at 2PM at the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA. A visiting hour will precede the service from 1-2PM. Burial will be private and Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband in Arlington National Cemetery. Donations in Dorothy’s name may be directed to the Food Bank of Western Mass, 97 N. Hatfield Rd. Hatfield, MA 01038.  www.firtionadams.com

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WESTFIELD: Alan A Daigneau, 69, presently of Westfield, devoted and beloved husband for 46 yrs to Ruth (Harrington) Daigneau, passed away Saturday (January 3,2015) surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 20,1945 in Springfield. He attended Agawam High School then immediately enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1966 through 1969. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was assigned to the USS Dewey DLG14 a guided missile destroyer. During this time he was involved with the international incident of the USS Pueblo and the successful release off the coast of North Korea. He was a licensed electrician for nearly 40 years and became the Electrical Inspector for the towns of Granville and Tolland MA. As a 35 year resident of Granville, he selflessly volunteered on the Granville Police Department and retired as Captain with 20 years of service in 2006. He was the Electrical Facility Engineer for International Fuel Cells South Windsor CT, retiring in 2007. As a husband, father and grandfather, Alan’s greatest passion was his family. Besides his wife, Ruthie, he leaves his 4 precious daughters; Julie L Barnes and her husband, Brian of Westfield; Jeanne E Daigneau and her partner Joanne Levine of Auburn MA; Noreen R Reeder and her husband Nathanael of Longmont CO; Joanne M Fox and her husband Matthew of Granville MA; his beloved grandchildren, Nathan, Grace,William, Frederick, Xander, Devan and Zachary; and his brother, Thomas G Daigneau and his husband John Doyle of Springfield MA.Funeral services will be held at 8:15AM on Thursday (Jan. 8, 2015) from the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, (413) 569-5306, 624 College Highway, (Highway 202/10), Southwick.This will be followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial, celebrated at 9:30 AM, in St. John the Evangelist Church, 833 Main St., Agawam. Burial with military honor will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St.,  Agawam. His family will gather from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Wednesday (Jan.7, 2015) in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield MA 01104-2396or the Springfield Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9045, Springfield MA 01102-9045. www.forastierefuneralhome.com

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AUBURNDALE, FL: Edward (Rollo) Royland, 78, formerly of Westfield, was called home to heaven on December 4, 2014. He was born on March 15, 1936 to Frank and Lillian (Janse) Royland in Northampton. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1953 to 1957. He was employed by the City of Westfield for 32 years and Highland Fairways of Florida for 17 years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with his family. He is survived by his daughters, Lillian Royland and Renee Royland-Sanchez and her husband JR. He also leaves behind 7 step-children, Ray, Charlie, Michael and Richard Riel, Mary Griswold, Lisa Hampton and Betty Lou Riel-Layne. He leaves 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his brothers, Jack Royland of Westerly, RI, Ralph and Michael Royland of Westfield and a sister, Karen Falcetti, also of Westfield. Rollo also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his wife Betty Riel Royland and sons Edward Royland Jr. and Carl Riel, two brothers, Sonny and Bill Royland and a sister, Carol Kososki. Rollo was a kind and God-loving man and a true gentleman who was devoted to his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Mass will be held at Pioneer Valley Baptist Church, 265 Ponders Hollow Road, Westfield, MA on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 12 noon.

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SOUTHWICK—Rita B. (Benoit) Halla, 1924-2015, 90, formerly of Granville Rd. Southwick for 53 years, and most recently of Westfield, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Born in Chicopee, MA, Rita was the daughter of the late Joseph and Victerine Benoit.

Rita was employed for 25 years as a sales associate at Andrew Grant Jewelers of Westfield until her retirement in 2008. She was a communicant and a “founding sister” of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Southwick. Rita was an avid golfer and an active member of the Westfield YMCA, and was a regular volunteer at West Fest at Stanley Park in Westfield.

She is survived by three sons, James P. Halla of Ocean Isle, NC, David J. Halla and his wife Sylvia of Norfolk, VA, and Robert M. Halla and his wife Beth of Whately, MA, a sister Lucille Gintowt of Westfield, MA, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Etienne J. Halla in 1991, a brother Gerald Benoit and a sister Jacqueline Plaice.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 10^th, 2015 at 9:00AM from the Southwick-Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sheep Pasture Rd., Southwick, MA. Burial in New Cemetery will be in the spring. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Friday, Jan. 9^th from 4:00-7:00 PM

Memorial contributions may be made to Noble Hospice, Westfield, Ma.

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