Rockport, MA — Willard Choate Trafton, 87, husband of Patricia (Grier) Trafton, of Rockport, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Twin Oaks Care and Rehabilitation Center in Danvers after a long illness.

View Full Information → Willard C. Trafton, 87

GLOUCESTER: Anna E. (Shields) Kendall, 98, died Monday July 9, 2012 in the Golden Living Center following an extended illness. She was the wife of the late Horace H. Kendall who died in February of 1972.
Born in Gloucester on August 18, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Amelia (Bowers) Shields. She was a lifelong resident and a graduate of Gloucester public schools. Early in her life Anna received training and was employed as a nurse’s aide. She worked at the former Birsdeye General Seafood as well as Gorton’s of Gloucester. Anna was later employed as a clerk and security person for the former Mal’s and Ames Department Store until her retirement in 1975.
Anna loved knitting and crocheting and made beautiful Afghans, slipper socks and baby clothes for her family. An avid bowler, she belonged to several bowling leagues winning many trophies over the years for her excellent skills. She and her entire family loved celebrating birthdays as they were always a big event. Anna also enjoyed taking trips to visit her daughter, Diane and her family in New Jersey.
During Anna’s residency at Golden Living Center, she was a member of the Resident Council, enjoyed the many activities available and making the many craft and art projects. Anna also participated in the Horrible’s Parade with the Golden Living Center and her quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by everyone there. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her two daughters, Emma Tarantino of Gloucester and Diane, wife of Frank Risdon of New Jersey; two sons, Horace “Skip” Kendall, Jr., companion of Nancy Richmond and William, Sr., husband of Nina (Scola) Kendall all of Gloucester; eight grandchildren, Pauline Tarantino, companion of Michael Horgan, Salvatore Tarantino, companion of Diane Brancaleone, Annette Tarantino, wife of Erin Penders, Megan Kendall, Lindsay, wife of Matthew Lee, Ann Marie, wife of Robert Delvin, all of Gloucester, Kelli, wife of Edward Friebel of New Jersey and William, “Bee Jay” Kendall, Jr., of Gloucester; ten great-grandchildren, Michael and Salvatore Tarantino, Robert, Diana and Brittany Devlin, all of Gloucester, Chad Risdon-Friebel of New Jersey, Devin Aiello, Khole Kendall, Olivia Kendall-Sclafani and Violet Lee, all of Gloucester; three great-great-grandchildren, Marissa Stuart, Kaitlyn Devlin and Jameson Lee, all of Gloucester; and former daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Kendall. She was also predeceased by her brother William J. Shields.
Her funeral service will be held on Thursday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday evening at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to the Golden Living Center, Resident Activity Fund, 272 Washington Street, Gloucester. Interment will be held in the Beechbrook Cemetery.

View Full Information → Anna E. (Shields) Kendall 7/9/2012 Gloucester, MA

Gloucester — Anna E. (Shields) Kendall, 98, died Monday July 9, 2012 in the Golden Living Center. She was the wife of the late Horace H. Kendall who died in February of 1972.

Born in Gloucester on August 18, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Amelia (Bowers) Shields. She was a lifelong resident and a graduate of Gloucester public schools. Early in her life Anna received training and was employed as a nurse’s aide. She worked at the former Birsdeye General Seafood as well as Gorton’s of Gloucester. Anna was later employed as a clerk and security person for the former Mal’s and Ames Department Store until her retirement in 1975.

View Full Information → Anna E. (Shields) Kendall, 98

Tewksbury — Attorney John D. “Jack” Hodges, Jr., age 67, of Tewksbury, formerly of Manchester, died at the Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston, Tuesday morning, July 10, 2012.

View Full Information → Attorney John D. “Jack” Hodges, Jr., 67

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — John (Bernie) Gero, 93, beloved husband of the late Mary (Manning) Gero, passed away on Tuesday, July 10th at the Atrium in Danvers. Born in Louisville, Ohio, he is the son of the late George and Elizabeth (Paumier) Gero.

View Full Information → John B. Gero, 93

GLOUCESTER: Gertrude (Fosberry) Benjamin, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at home. She was the wife of Robert W. Benjamin, with whom she shared sixty-one years of marriage.
Gertrude was born on September 15, 1926 to the late Charles F. and Margaret (Campbell) Fosberry. She grew up in a large and loving family on Colonial Street and attended the Maplewood School. At Gloucester High School, Gertrude made lifetime friendships with her “club” girls. They continue to meet regularly to this day.
Gertrude and Robert met in 1946 at the dance pavilion on Little Neck in Ipswich. He won her heart and they were married in November of 1950. With his encouragement, Gert became an avid skier and they enjoyed many years on the slopes. They were members of the Cape Ann Ski Gulls. Gert and Bob were at home on the dance floor; attending dances regularly throughout their lifetime together. Gert could always have fun, wherever she was.
Gertrude began her career as a legal secretary. After marriage, she worked part time at home for many years while raising her family of four children. She ran her home and family as efficiently as her former office. Gert resumed her career in the legal department of the local NOAA fisheries office, retiring in 1994. In her retirement, she was active in the lives of her children and her nine grandchildren. She supported their many interests and activities. She also enjoyed days at “her” Good Harbor Beach.
Gertrude is survived by her husband Robert and their four children: David Benjamin and his wife Sally of Gloucester, Donna Foley and her husband Michael of Gardner, Joan Houghton and her husband Chuck of Manchester-by-the-Sea and Nancy Benjamin of Gloucester. Gertrude is survived by grandchildren Gregory and Katy Foley; Alyssa (Benjamin) Teixeira and her husband Aaron, Jonathan Benjamin and fiancé Megin Sherry and Jesse Benjamin; Hayley, William, Thomas and Christine Houghton. Additionally she is survived by two great-grandchildren; Kenney Houghton and Franklin “Frankie” Benjamin. She is also survived by two sisters: Doris Murphy and Mildred Sanborn, as well as her sister-in-law Claire Fosberry, all of Gloucester. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and close friends. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Charles, Margaret, Robert and William Fosberry and Mary Azevedo.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 17th in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle St., Gloucester at 11 am. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, July 16th from 4-7 pm. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Donations may be made in her memory to the Oncology Dept. of the Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, or The Cape Ann Symphony, PO Box 1343, Gloucester, MA 01930.

View Full Information → Gertrude (Fosberry) Benjamin 7/12/2012 Gloucester, MA

Gloucester, MA — Gayle Willman, 62, passed away July 9, 2012, of complications from kidney disease in her home in Gloucester, MA.

Born in Boston, daughter of the late Robert and Ruth Willman, Gayle graduated Medfield High School and lived most of her adult life on the north shore of Massachusetts. Intelligent, artistic, and warm-hearted, Gayle was an active member of many communities. A strong advocate of technology, Gayle was an IT consultant and graphic designer, having previously spent time teaching in public schools, and working at MIT on Y2K and distance learning projects. Her designs have delighted causes, publications and events throughout the United States.

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Gloucester — Gertrude (Fosberry) Benjamin, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at home. She was the wife of Robert W. Benjamin, with whom she shared sixty-one years of marriage.

View Full Information → Gertrude Benjamin, 85

Sarasota, FL — Ingvar E. Tornberg, 81, of Sarasota, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

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Lanesville — Cornelius “Keats” Gallagher Jr., 51, of Lanesville, most beloved husband of Marion Felder, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, July 10, 2012 in Dover Foxcroft, Maine.

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Wenham, MA — Gardner W. (Tucky) Holmes, Jr., 95, a safety engineer for Commercial Union Insurance Company, died on June 13, 2012 at the Sterling Village Nursing Home after comp lications with Diabetes and Dementia.

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GLOUCESTER, MA — John H. Bevilacqua, Sr., 85, of Gloucester, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, following a brief illness. He was the husband for over 60 years of Ruth E. (Oakes) Bevilacqua.

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North Haven, CT and Gloucester, MA — John E. Mulcahey, 93, of North Haven, Connecticut and Gloucester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Connecticut, on July 10, 2012. He was the husband of Gail (Nearis) Mulcahey. John was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts on August 17, 1918 to John C. and M. Elizabeth (Aptt) Mulcahey. The youngest of three siblings, he was predeceased by his brother Clayton J. Mulcahey and his sister Margaret F. (Mulcahey) LaPointe. He grew up in Manchester, Massachusetts and graduated from the former Story High School in 1937. IN 1951, John moved to Connecticut to sail on the M/V Excello, transporting chemicals between New Haven and Corpus Christi, Texas. Later, he worked ashore at the New Haven Terminal, Inc., dispatching imports and retiring after 35 years. John was an avid golfer and gardener, spending his retirement years enjoying those passions between North Haven and Gloucester. Besides his wife of 55 years, John is survived by his five children – John Mulcahey, Jr. (Ann), Sharon Martin (Wayne), and Diane Juden (Daniel), all of Gloucester, Massachusetts; Susan Mulcahey (Jamie Burnett) of Durham, Connecticut, and Holly Mulcahey of New Haven, Connecticut. He also leaves six grandchildren – J. Michael Mulcahey (Paula), Bridgette Mathews (Neil), Colleen Moceri (Joseph), Wendy Murrin (Peter), Daniel Juden, and Jay Juden, all of Gloucester, Massachusetts, eight great-grandchildren, many devoted nieces, nephews, and friends, including special friends Robert and Marilyn Terry, of Durham, Connecticut. His kind and gentle spirit will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

View Full Information → John E. Mulcahey, 93

Beverly Farms — Susan Elizabeth Connolly passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2012, at the Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Concord following a lengthy illness. She was 64. Born in Munich, Germany, while her father was serving in the Army, she was the cherished daughter of Mary (Lydon) Connolly of Beverly Farms and the late Thomas H. Connolly. Susan was a lifelong resident of Beverly Farms, attending St. Margaret’s School and graduating from Bishop Fenwick High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Art from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. Susan worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Gloucester for 18 years. An accomplished artist, she enjoyed painting, and for a time, she was a member of the Beverly Artist’s Guild where her paintings were exhibited. An active and independent women she enjoyed traveling, especially throughout Europe. She also earned a Black Belt, with two degrees, in Karate and hosted a meditation group in her home for many years. Susan loved music, swimming, doing embroidery, playing Scrabble, bowling and reading, but mostly enjoyed time spent with her family and friends.

View Full Information → Susan Elizabeth Connolly, 64

Wellesley, MA — Parry, Robert Thorndike of Needham, formerly of Wellesley, Belmont and Sagamore Beach, 92, died peacefully on Sunday, July 15, at North Hill. Devoted husband of 62 years of Peg “Marmie” Lydon Parry, who died in March, 2009. Robert leaves his children Janet Parry Ware and her husband Dwight of Gloucester, Nancy Parry Doran and her husband George of Wayland, Dr. Robert Lydon Parry and his wife Jennifer of Hudson, Ohio.

View Full Information → Robert Thorndike Parry, 92

GLOUCESTER – Valdor L. Burgess, Sr., 84, of Cleveland Place died Sunday afternoon, July 15, 2012. He was the husband of Helen J. (Clooney) Burgess.
Born in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia, Canada on May 5, 1928, he was the son of the late Reginal and Lillian (Dory) Burgess. At the age of eight, he came to Gloucester and had attended Gloucester public schools.
In his early years, he fished out of Boston with his father for General Seafoods aboard the f/v Yale and Amherst, among others. He later worked as a fish cutter at numerous plants along the Gloucester waterfront, including Fabet’s and as a foreman for Empire Fish.
To say he was an avid outdoorsman would be understating his love of the natural world. Every year Val summered Down Maine, where he grew hollyhocks and asparagus, among other things. Based on his hunting, gardening and cooking abilities, he could easily live off the land. He had great respect for all animals and was especially devoted to his dogs, which were not only his companions, but his ears as well.
Family and friends were blessed to spend time at his camp, where they swam, picked blueberries, looked for deer each evening and enjoyed eating the wonderful food cooked on the old wood stove. His talent for working with wood was so great he could take a piece of oak and turn it into a custom gun stock.
Due to the times, he lacked a formal education; however was a voracious reader and self-taught history buff. He especially reveled in his ancestral heritage from Nova Scotia and the history of the Schooner Blue Nose. He played chess, with few victorious challengers, and loved classical music, as well as Nat King Cole. He was a special man, who mastered every endeavor he pursued, and he will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife of sixty-four years, he is survived by his children, Valerie, wife of Ernest Sadler, Beverly, wife of Ronald Horvitz, Valdor L. Jr., husband of Karen Sue (Moore) Burgess, and Linda, wife of Michael Lasley; nine grandchildren, Melanie, wife of Tom Johnson, Andrea Sadler, Joy, wife of Ben James, Jennifer Thornton, Kenneth J. Taylor, Jr., Aron M., husband of Mandy Burgess, Eric L., husband of Jessica Burgess, Derek, husband of Karen Reed, and Joshua Maderios; sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by two grandsons, Ryan S. Burgess and Damon Lasley; three sisters and three brothers.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday morning at the North Shore Bible Church, 65 Eastern Avenue, Essex at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. Prayers of committal will be held privately in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

View Full Information → Valdor L. Burgess, Sr. 7/15/2012 Gloucester, MA

Titusville, FL — Harriet Boyer Frost, 83, of Titusville FL, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2012. She was born March 6, 1929, in Gloucester, MA, to the late Joseph and Blanche Boyer. Harriet graduated from Gloucester High School where she was Secretary of the class and a member of National Honor Society. She then graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, with her English Literature Degree with Distinction of Course. She was resident of Titusville for the last 23 years where she and her husband, Warren, enjoyed spending time bird watching at Merritt Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Her hobbies included playing bridge, quilting, reading and Bible study. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she will be deeply missed.

View Full Information → Harriet Boyer Frost, 83

Gloucester — Valdor L. Burgess, Sr., 84, of Cleveland Place died Sunday afternoon, July 15, 2012. He was the husband of Helen J. (Clooney) Burgess.

Born in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia, Canada on May 5, 1928, he was the son of the late Reginal and Lillian (Dory) Burgess. At the age of eight, he came to Gloucester and had attended Gloucester public schools.

View Full Information → Valdor L. Burgess, Sr., 84

Essex, MA — Walter W. Andrew, 86, longtime resident of Story Street, Essex, and husband of Effie M. (Story) Andrews, died Monday, July 16, 2012 in the Beverly Hospital following his sudden illness.

View Full Information → Walter W. Andrews, 86

GLOUCESTER: Donald E. Greeke, 69, of Elizabeth Road died at home surrounded by his family on Friday, July 20, 2012, following a courageous battle with cancer. It was the eve of his 70th birthday. He was the beloved husband of Ann (Ward) Greeke.
Born in Gloucester on July 21, 1942, he was the son of the late Dell E. and Martha (Koski) Greeke. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1960. One month after graduating, Don was inducted into the U.S. Air Force and he served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in April of 1965.
Subsequently, Don returned to Gloucester to work with his father at the Independent Machine Shop and for the last thirty years he had been employed as a machinist and welder at Bomco, Inc. Ultimately, he retired on November 11, 2011 due to his illness.
Don loved spending time at the beach, boating and walking the boulevard. He was Gloucester’s biggest fan. You would often hear him say how beautiful his Gloucester was and that it was God’s country. He loved giving his Southern relatives and friends the twenty-five cent tour.
A longtime active member of the Assembly of God Church, he personally welded the foundation of the church during the building process. Don’s abounding faith led him to become a missionary for Jesus. Where ever he found himself, be it at a hospital, a local store or even a yard sale, he literally passed out hundreds of copies of “The Late Great Planet Earth.” Having done so, he changed many peoples’ lives.
In addition to his wife, Ann, with whom he celebrated his 48th wedding anniversary in June, he is survived by his son, William D. and daughter-in-law, Maria (Melo) Greeke; two grandchildren, Joshua and Mallory who he adored; his mother-in-law, Sallie Connor; his special niece, Carrie, whom he and Ann raised since the age of eleven, wife of Christopher Michaud of Texas; and their children, Casey, Aaron and Nikia; sister-in-law, Carol Maciel of Texas; his siblings, Sandra, wife of the late Joseph Guelpa, Peter, husband of Billie Ann Greeke, Paul, husband of Kathy Greeke, Sheila, wife of Adelard “Bo” Danjou, and Daniel, husband of Joan Greeke. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his sister, Linda E. Baptiste and his father-in-law, J.W. Ward.
Visiting hours will be held in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester on Tuesday from 5 – 8 p.m. His funeral service will be held at the Assembly of God Church, 211 Washington Street, Gloucester on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interment will be held in the Dolliver Memorial Cemetery, 13-15 Lincoln Street off Essex Avenue)West Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham , MA 01701.

View Full Information → Donald E. Greeke 7/20/2012 Gloucester, MA