Obituaries Of Notables
Stevens, Michael Ernest Lee 7/22/07
OBITUARY FOR FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007 - NEWBURYPORT NEWS STEVENS, “Michael” Ernest Lee Stevens, age 82, Poet Laureate of Newburyport, died Sunday, July 22, 2007 at Kindred Hospital in Peabody. He was the husband of the late Marion D. (Schauland) Stevens, who died January 17, 1991.
Born in Medford, September 20, 1924, he was the son of the late Michael M. and Elizabeth C. (Isenbeck) Stevens. Michael had been the owner the Looking Glass Bookstore in Boston, and in more recent years had worked in various restaurants.
He was a member of the Odd Fellows of Newburyport as well as the Newburyport Grange.
Many people will remember Michael for his sensitivity and caring ways, and for his poetic nature, writing poetry whenever the spirit moved him. This past April, Mayor John Moak presented him the Newburyport Literary Festival Award in recognition of his literary works.
He will be missed by all who knew him, but his poetry will live on forever.
A graveside service will be held Monday, July 30, 2007 at 11 A.M. at Bridge Street Cemetery, West Newbury. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport.
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Roger J. Shaheen
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. - Roger J. Shaheen, entrepreneur, died recently at age 85. He was formerly of Salisbury Beach and recently lived in Newburyport.
He was the husband of the late Jayne E. (Kelleher) Shaheen. Roger and his wife became well known for their civic-mindedness and philanthropy.
He was born in Lawrence, Mass. July 20, 1920, son of the late Ablin and Clemence (Simard) Shaheen.
A graduate of Newburyport High School class of 1938 and an attendant of the Governor Dummer Academy, Roger was a former automobile franchise dealer, a retail package store owner and was the owner and developer of Shaheen’s Fun Park. He was referred to as a “legend” in the field of amusements and entertainment environments. Shaheen’s was named in Amusement Business as “One of the most unique attractions in the country.”
Roger established the Reptilarium, an educational reptile exhibit, appearing on national TV, as well as sport and talk shows throughout the country.
He was a past president of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, served as a consultant to major amusement parks internationally, at one time representing the City of New York, and was active in an international “think tank.” His professional recognition includes the 1976 “Outstanding Service to the Industry” Award of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; the Vatican Medal, personally presented by Pope Paul VI; special citations from every Massachusetts governor from 1962-98; and numerous awards and commendations from various city government officials throughout the world.
He was the first inductee into the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame in 1998 and the second person to receive the “100 Club of Massachusetts Special Service Award,” the first being House Speaker Thomas P. O’Neil and the third being astronaut Frank Bowman.
Roger served on the Planning Board and Newburyport Area Redevelopment Board, the Executive Board of the Anna Jaques Hospital, the Governor’s Tourist Development Advisory Commission, the Essex County Board of Trade; was the chairman of the Town of Salisbury Parking Commission, was president of the Salisbury Merchants Association, the Salisbury Development and Industrial Committee and the project director for the town of Salisbury mall restoration.
He served on the board of investment of the Institution for Savings Bank of Newburyport, was a member of the Elks Lodge, the D.A.V., and the American Legion, a charter member of the Salisbury Lions Club, and the Exchange Club, and also a veteran of the Second World War.
Roger assisted hundreds through their college funding, by employment, loans and outright grants. He made the Governor Dummer access road a reality, led the fight in the Statehouse to reverse Salisbury’s “No Liquor” vote, led the fight for a better road access to the beach, led the parking lot acquisition from the Commonwealth, and also led the proposed Casino project for Salisbury Beach.
Roger was known to say, “I’ve had an interesting and fantastic career, lived various lifestyles in various social circles, knew a little of many professions and was a master of none, always felt the secret of success was integrity, unlimited hard work, attention to details, being a doer, taking risks, while remembering that the man that does nothing is never criticized.”
He is survived by two daughters, Jilda Patten and her husband, James, of Seabrook Beach and Julie Tammeny and her husband, Edward, of South Pasadena, Fla.; four grandchildren: J.R. Patten of Plaistow, Jarrod Patten of North Hampton, Janel Patten of Orlando, Fla. and Paige Ward of Parrish, Fla.; five great-grandchildren; and a 20-year companion and best friend “Cissy” Margaret Boggiano of Neposet, N.Y.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005 in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Green Street, Newburyport, Mass. At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours; please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anna Jaques Hospital, c/o Jay McGovern, Highland Avenue, Newburyport, MA 01950.
Funeral arrangements are by the Twomey-LeBlanc Funeral Home, 193 High St., Newburyport, Mass.
Source Exeter News -NH
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