Obituaries Of Notables

 Leo J. Gagnon, Sr., 79

Born: June 13, 1934

Died: April 10, 2014

Location: Bartow, Fl

Many will remember Mr. Gagnon as one half of the operation of Port Bowling Lanes on Storey Ave.  The other half his wife Sandy.  Together they owned and operated the Port Bowling Lanes and created an atmosphere that allowed a great many memorable moments for Newburyporters.  The Newburyport Belleville PTA had a bowling league at the Port Lanes that elementary school kids competed against one another.  At the end of the season they received trophies or either Gold, Silver or Bronze.  Mr Gagnon also worked at Towle Silversmiths and the Newburyport Department of Public Works prior to the Port Lanes.  Leo was a member the American Legion Post #150 in Newburyport and Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Bartow, Fla where he and his wife moved to later in life.

Mr. Gagnon is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sandy Gagnon of Bartow; daughter, Michelle Moberly (Mark) of Columbus, Ohio; son, Leo Gagnon, Jr. (Lori) of Stratham, N.H.; brother, Donald Wing (Doris) of Exeter, N.H.; three sisters, Jean Adams of Windsor, Maine, Carol Conner of Clifton Forge, Va., Barbara Fortune of Windsor, Maine and most proudly, three grandchildren, Matthew (Melissa), Marla and Manda Moberly, all of Columbus, Ohio; as well as many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and adoring “adopted” grandchildren.

He will be buried at the Belleville Cemetery in Newburyport.  He will be missed by a great many friends and family, and by those who remember Mr Gagnon as a fixture in everyday Newburyport… back in the day.  God Bless…

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Frank Dalton / Frances Dalton, 81

BORN: October 17, 1928
DIED: July 17, 2010
LOCATION: Rowley, MA

Frank & Fran Dalton was a longtime resident of Newburyport.  He was a well known local artist and photographer.  Fran past away in Rowley at the Seaview Retreat.  During his mid life Frank underwent sex reassignment surgery and lived the remainder of his life as Frances.

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Charles W. Howard Jr., 62

NEWBURYPORT: Charles W. Howard Jr., 63, passed away May 13, 2015 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston as a result of a fall. He was born in Newburyport on May 5, 1952 son of the late Charles and Margaret (Murphy) Howard.

Charlie was a lifelong resident of Newburyport and attended Newburyport public schools. He worked at a number of jobs through his life that always involved helping people, including Worcester Park Nursing Home, Friendly’s Ice Cream and his last job before becoming disabled was Market Basket of Newburyport.

He was a lifetime member of the North End Boat Club and enjoyed gardening, taking great pride in his perennials. He was known for his quick wittiness, his social hours at Steve’s barbershop in Merrimac, and his love for cooking.

He will be remembered for his warm loving heart and his ability to see the best in people. For those who had the pleasure of knowing Charlie, he will be sadly missed.

Charlie is survived by his siblings, Marjorie Howard of Newburyport, Charlene and the late Joseph Reilly of Newburyport, Lawrence Howard of Newburyport, Thomas and Michelle Howard of Newbury, and James and Judy Howard of Amesbury; nephews, T.J. and Chad Howard of Newbury, James Howard Jr. of Haverhill, William Howard of Merrimac, and nieces, Jennifer Reilly of Haverhill and Susan Howard of Amesbury.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, May 17, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. Parking available behind the funeral home. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, at Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, also in Newburyport.  Memorial contributions may be made in Charlie’s name to the charity of one’s choice. For directions or to offer online condolences, please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.

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Bruce M. Bear Jr., 80

BORN: October 4, 1929
DIED: July 4, 2010
LOCATION: Newburyport, Ma

Bruce was a longtime resident of Newburyport and a winter resident of Bartow Fla.  Bruce was a well known and trusted Metropolitan Life Insurance Sales Representative from 1957 – 1994. Prior to Met Life he worked at Whitefield Launderers in sales.  Later  following his retirement from Met Life he was a Realtor at Richard E. Sullivan Real Estate.  Bruce was a kind and giving individual who contributed greatly to the growth  of the Newburyport community.  He will be missed.

Clubs: Newburyport Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge.

Chairman of the Newburyport Board of Registrars of Voters

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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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Brent Francis Paulhus, 47

Newburyport, MA — Brent Francis Paulhus, 47, passed away peacefully on May 28, with his brothers by his side after a 12-year battle with ALS.

Brent was born in Newburyport, attended the Davenport School, Rupert A. Nock Middle School, Newburyport High School, and Northeastern University. He became a stockbroker at Stock Cross in Boston.

Brent appreciated living in the moment, valued personal interaction with everyone he met, enjoyed dancing and music, sappy movies, and trivia. Known for being an avid sports fan, Brent believed in fighting to the end, and his courageous bout with ALS lasted much longer than odds would have predicted. Brent’s optimism was reflected in everything that he did, such as attending Games 4 and 5 of the Red Sox’s 2004 American League Championship Series against the Yankees – a match-up that also involved long odds.

Brent touched many lives with his kindness, courage and humor, inspiring all who knew him. He was quick to make new friends, and was always there when you needed a laugh. His generosity was on display each workday morning, when he would stop to share a laugh, a kind word, or a few bucks with the homeless friends he made as part of his daily commute to work in Boston. This concern for the well-being of all those around him resonated every day of his life. His ability to create spontaneous, memorable moments will be sorely missed.

Brent was predeceased by his father, Francis W. Paulhus, and is survived by twin brother, Bryan Paulhus and his wife, Gina, of Haverhill, Mass.; brother, Jeffrey Paulhus and his wife, Meridith, of Cambridge, Mass.; sister, Brandy Lattime of Seabrook, N.H.; stepbrother, Tommy Lattime of Seabrook; sister, Lisa Keegan and her husband, Michael Hickey, of Salisbury, Mass.; and his mother, Linda Paulhus and longtime companion, Herbert Crooks, of Newburyport.

ARRANGEMENTS: A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Brent’s life will be held at the Ale House in Amesbury, Mass., on June 18, beginning at 6 p.m.

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Source: The Newburyport Daily News July 2009

Richard F. Walsh
NEWBURY — Dick Walsh, a lifelong farmer and Newbury fixture, died on Independence Day in Newburyport. Though he kept an apartment in Newburyport, his heart was in Newbury. He was 85 and had been at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm for 65 years.Dick was born on March 27, 1924 in Holbrook, the youngest of seven children born to Anna and Michael Walsh. Dick first came to Newbury in 1944 to work for the Suffolk Packing Company, which rented fields from the Little family to grow spinach for the war effort.The following year, Suffolk did not renew their lease, and Dick took over several fields at the invitation of the Little family, who owned the farm, and Jacob Stekionis, who lived at the farm with his family and farmed the land with Dick until the 1980s.Generations of Newbury teenagers weeded rows for Dick, with one such farmhand, the children’s author David McPhail, recalling,”He would set you down at the head of a row that stretched from High Road to Plum Island and say ‘weed that row,’and you did, and it took you a week.”Dick eventually changed to flowers, which he grew for the last 29 years. He was known especially for his sunflowers and his dahlias, both favorites of florists from Portsmouth, N.H. to Boston. When Dick was not farming, he traveled the world, spending winter months in Antarctica, New Zealand, Africa and countries on all seven continents.Dick was also very active in town government, leading the local effort for John F. Kennedy’s presidential election campaign in 1960. He was a member of the Ould Newbury Hand-tub Association,a firemen’s hand-pump muster company, and also served on the boards of the Topsfield Fair and Essex County Horseman’s Association. Dick had offered bulbs, advice, flowers, and friendship to staff and visitors at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm since it became a property of Historic New England in 1986. He was known and loved by countless neighbors and friends. He is survived by his sister, Rita Millette of Brockton; and 10 nieces and nephews with numerous children and grandchildren. Near the end of his life, Dick was asked how he felt about his time at the farm. “I lucked out all around,” he said.”I didn’t plan anything. It just fell together. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.” ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm on Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. Guests are asked to bring photographs and memories to share. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Historic New England, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury, MA 01951.

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Todd Woodworth, funeral director, 85

The Boston Globe, November 9th, 2006

Partial Obit

GLOBE NORTH 1 / OBITUARIES NEWBURYPORT – Todd C. Woodworth, a Newburyport funeral director, local historian, and lifelong resident, died Oct. 28 at his home. He was 85. Mr. Woodworth was born in Boston. He graduated from Newburyport High School in 1939, and stayed active with his class, helping to plan reunions and find classmates who had moved away. In 2002, Mr. Woodworth was named Alumnus of the Year for his efforts. After the outbreak of World War II, he joined the Coast Guard, serving from Dec. 11, 1942, until his honorable discharge in 1945.

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Dennis W. Brown The Newburyport Daily News May 26, 2009
SALISBURY — Dennis Wayne Brown, 52, of Salisbury, died Thursday evening, May 21, 2009 at his home in Salisbury, with his family by his side.Born in Bristol, Conn., March 4, 1957, he was the son of Patricia A. (Moyer) Brown of Salisbury and the late Henry W. Brown, III.Dennis was a man like no other. He had a charisma and presence that lit up a room. In his early years he served his country, he was a local business owner and entrepreneur who enjoyed giving back to the community. A loving father, grandfather, son, and brother, family and friends were most important to him. He will always be missed and remembered. Those who knew him, were better for having known him.He is survived by his family, including his mother Patricia (Moyer) Brown; his companion Kristen Jeuvelis; his five children, Jason Brown, Jaime Brown, Josh Brown, Justine Davis-Brown, Jade Davis-Brown; their mothers Heidi Fairweather and Tracy Davis; brothers, Stephen M. Brown and wife Deanna; David W. Brown; Douglas C. Brown, along with grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.ARRANGEMENTS: A private graveside service for the family will be held at Belleville Cemetery, Newburyport. There will be no visiting hours. Arrangements are by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green St., Newburyport.———————————————————————————————————————- John J. O’Neil Copyright Boston Globe Newspaper Sep 30, 1981 (abridged) John J. O’Neil, editor of The Daily News of Newburyport, died of (omitted) early yesterday in Anna Jaques Hospital. He was 54. Mr. O’Neil joined The Daily News as a sports reporter in 1962. He became sports editor two years later and managing editor in 1966. He was made editor last year. He leaves his wife, Paula A. (Boutin); a son, Timothy S. O’Neil and three daughters, Donna, Deborah and Kathleen O’Neil, all of Newburyport; a brother, Francis E. O’Neil of Vienna, Va., and a sister, Dorothy Sullivan of Newburyport. A funeral Mass will be said tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. JOHN O’NEIL, NEWBURYPORT EDITOR :[FIRST Edition]. (1981, September 30). Boston Globe (pre-1997 Fulltext),p. 1.  Retrieved November 29, 2009, from Boston Globe. (Document ID: 684426071). ——————————————————————————————————————— More Obituaries added by friends and family below.  God Bless.

Robert John Welch
June 23, 1934 ~ May 29, 2018 (age 83)
Provided by Twomey-LeBlanc and Conte Services
CALLING HOURS
Sunday June 3, 2018
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Twomey-LeBlanc and Conte
Newburyport, MA
FUNERAL MASS
Monday
June 4, 2018 10:30 AM
Immaculate Conception Church
Newburyport, MA
BURIAL FOLLOWING MASS.
St. Mary Cemetery Newburyport, MA

Robert John Welch of Newburyport, after a courageous battle with
Parkinson Disease past away at his home on May 29, 2018 surrounded
by his loving family.
Robert was the beloved husband of Josephine Theresa (Vitiello) Welch
and loving father of Karen Murphy of Newburyport, Robert John(R.J.)
Welch and wife Helen of Connecticut, M.E. Wells of Newburyport,
Margaret Welch and the late John Notargiacomo of Newburyport, Lori
(Welch) Parolisi and husband Joe of Newburyport; adored grandfather to eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren; as well as many
nieces and nephews; dear brother of Patricia Driscoll, and late husband
George of Whitman, James and late wife Theresa of Marshfield, William and wife Camille of North Reading; the late Richard Welch and late wife
Loraine of Burlington and the late Francis Welch of Tennessee.
Robert was a 1954 graduate of Boston High School of Commerce. He
went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of
Education Degree at Boston University in 1969. He came to Newburyport
in 1959 and began his career as a High School Science teacher later
Physical Education teacher and Coach. Within 2 years he became the
Physical Educational Director of all public schools in the city. He provided
exceptional leadership during his tenure as a teacher, coach, and
administrator. He was a pioneer for many of the advancements in the
Physical Education and Health Curriculums in the Newburyport schools.
Some of Roberts accomplishments include; organized a curriculum
around project adventure including outdoor education and recreational
lifetime sports; developed a program of lifetime fitness and health
including testing and evaluation; named citywide director of intramural
sports; organized a boys’ leaders club program within the physical
education curriculum at the High School; Built the first outdoor hockey
rink in Newburyport with Community help and Student Volunteers;
established the first tennis program at Newburyport High School,
Coached tennis, football, baseball and basketball and was named Coach
Of The Year multiple times; and named to the Newburyport High School
Wall of Fame in 2003. In 2014 the Fitness Center at Newburyport High
School, was named after Robert J Welch, with donations to the NEF, from
colleagues, friends and family.
Robert left a beautiful legacy of what a man should be. Simply a true
gentleman.
Family and friends may call on Sunday June 3, 2018 from 2:00 to 6:00
PM at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St.
Newburyport, MA 01950. Parking available behind the Funeral Home. His
2/6/22, 8:42 PM Obituary for Robert John Welch | Twomey-LeBlanc and Conte
https://www.tlcfuneralhome.com/printnotice/Robert-Welch/1o/1c/0q/0d/0b 2/4
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Monday June 4, 2018 at
Immaculate Conception Church, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery
both in Newburyport.
In lieu of flowers please make all donations to the Michael J Fox
Parkinson’s Foundation at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s
Research Grand Central Station PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163

Obit C/O: https://www.tlcfuneralhome.com/obituary/Robert-Welch

George Cashman

Dec. 29, 2006, age 81

The Cashman name is synonymous with Newburyport.  George was a past president of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, member of the Rotary club of which he held quite a few positions one being club president.  He served in the Navy in WW2 and worked in the Cashman Brothers family oil business and became a Deputy Sheriff in Essex County.  He served his community with pride helping others.  Back in the day, his name was frequently associated as a contributor or committee member in numerous events around Newburyport.

Small Print:  If you wish to have your loved one displayed on this site please contact us.  Some obits are from the Daily News of Newburyport of which are told by the deceased loved ones to the paper or to us directly.  If you have recently had a loss of a loved one, or parent we are sorry for your loss.

Shawn Gearin of NBPTMA.com

Duncan K. Chase October 19, 1919 – September 22, 1980

Duncan Chase was known around town as the Town Drunk. Everyone has to be something and he played the part well. On any typical Newburyport day, Duncan could be seen sleeping in alley ways on Inn Street, in public doorways and on park benches. (Obit pending)

Carolyn Mae Garr

Carolyn Mae Garr, 90 years, a resident of Wells, ME, formerly of Newburyport, MA, died Monday, January 23, 2023, at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, ME. Carolyn was born in Newburyport, MA, on November 26, 2023, attended Newburyport schools and the daughter of Frank and Blanche (Chase) Packer.

Morningstar-Corning of Kennebunk employed her as an assembler for many years. Carolyn liked to spend her time at the beach enjoying a cup of her favorite coffee. In her early years, she loved to tap dance at the Margaret Leary Dance Studio in Newburyport, MA. Above all else, she cherished the moments she shared with her family and close friends.

Her parents, Frank and Blanche Packer predeceased Carolyn; three of her daughters: Margie Lewis, Sherry Leighton and Cheryl St. Germain; and several brothers and sisters.

Carolyn is survived by her three sons: Wayne Garr and his wife, Susan, of Wells, David Driscoll and his wife, Marsha, of Newburyport, MA, and Alvin Lind of Haverhill, MA; her two daughters, Becky Jeannette and her husband, Chris, of Farmington, ME, and Carolyn Henley-Tapley and her husband, Scott, of Salisbury, MA; her 22 grandchildren; her 13 great-grandchildren; her 3 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held in the spring of 2023 at Ocean View Cemetery in Wells, ME.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence please visit Carolyn’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells, ME 04090. Source credit: https://www.bibberfuneral.com/memorials/carolyn-garr/5127923/index.php