JOSEPH KOTOCH
1947 ~ February 1, 2021 (Age 73)

Fitchburg -- Joseph George Kotoch, 73, passed February 1, in Leominster Hospital. Joe was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1947 to George N. Kotoch and Yasmine A. Khoury Kotoch. He immigrated to the United States in 1970 to join his parents and three of his four siblings. Joe returned to Lebanon in 1976 amidst a civil war to escort his oldest brother, Najib Kotoch and his family, out of the country, reuniting everyone in Fitchburg, MA later that year.

Joe lives on through his wife of 44 years, Pamela Jo Mathena Kotoch of Fitchburg, his two sons, Jason Joseph Kotoch of Northampton and Gregory Joseph Kotoch of Fitchburg, his brother Wagih "Tony" Kotoch and wife Colette of Winchendon, Adel "Artie" Kotoch and wife Christie of Fitchburg, his sister Marie Elmasri and husband Saf of Fitchburg, and many nieces and nephews.

A machinist at Plastican Inc. in Leominster for almost 20 years, he possessed a preternatural understanding of the way things worked. His engineering genius found its way into hobbies that included gunsmithing and tuning the engines of muscle cars. He was a joker and smiled with his whole body; he had the ability to bring an entire room to tears with laughter. He balanced humor with a kind of humble emotional wisdom that was authentic and reassuring.

Nothing meant more to Joe than his faith. He worshipped at Bethany Baptist Church in Gardner, MA where he played music and sang in the church choir and with the Greater Gardner Community Choir. Joe's faith in Christ was constant and unwavering and gave him strength after suffering from a severe stroke in 2015.

Joe will be remembered for his smile, generosity, and a selflessness that always put the needs of others before his own. We mourn the loss of his body, but find joy in the fact that he has gone on to delight the heavens. Joe was predeceased by a brother, Najib Kotoch and a niece, Elaine Kotoch.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bethany Baptist Church in Gardner MA at www.bethanygardner.org. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner is assisting with arrangements.

ALAN DOUGLAS CLAPP
February 5, 2021 (Age 64)

Alan Douglas Clapp, age 64, of Winchendon, died February 5, 2021, at Mass Medical Center, Worcester, after bravely fighting a long illness. Born in Boston, MA; he was the son of the late Albert J. and Phyllis J. (Lacey) Clapp.

Alan was raised and lived for may years in Stoneham and he was a graduate of Stoneham High School in the class of 1975. He had been living in Winchendon since 2013 with his brother Bruce Clapp and sister-in-law Avril Wilson. Alan is also survived by two other brothers and their wives, Jim Clapp and Stephanie Merfeld of Concord, NH and Neil and Ginny Clapp of Wilmington. He was the uncle of Nathan Clapp of Malden, Emily Callahan of Malden and Elizabeth Clapp of Burlington, VT. He will be fondly remembered by many friends and family.

Alan worked for years with his brothers in the painting and decorating trade "Clapp Painting". As recreation, he loved fishing and, when younger, biked a great deal, tried his "wings" at hang gliding, archery, crafting stained glass, was an avid practitioner of karate and always loved to listen to music especially "The Blues". Recently, during the pandemic, he and his brothers met virtually many evenings via conference calls to "watch" Jeopardy together. Alan was an excellent player. He will be sorely missed.

Donations may be made to honor Alan's memory to the National Kidney Association. https://www/kidney.org/

Alan would also encourage all who are willing, to consider registering as an organ donor. https://www.organdonor.gov/register.html

ERIC JAMES "PAPA" SWAN
January 14, 1950 ~ January 30, 2021 (Age 71)

Eric James Swan passed away on January 30, 2021 after a brief period of declining health.

Eric was born to Richard C. and Marie (Wikel) Swan on January 14, 1950 in Winchendon, Massachusetts. He graduated from Mahar Regional High School in Orange, Massachusetts where he was active in many sports and an accomplished trombone player in the high school band. Not many knew this, but Eric excelled in ballroom dancing and went on to win a New England Championship. He attended Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH before attending and graduating from Leicester/Becker college in 1971. It was in college where Eric met his lifelong mate, Jean Burdette Swan.

He joined Northeast Utilities in 1971 and served in a number of accounting and supervisory positions before retiring in 2013. Eric enjoyed being Santa at the NU children's Christmas party for over ten years and was able to tell you what the most popular kid's toys were for that year.

He raised his family in Moodus, Connecticut where he spent his spare time playing softball, fishing, camping and enjoying family and friends. He spent some time coaching girls' softball, where he was able to share some of his love and knowledge for the sport with his two daughters. After moving to Marstons Mills in 2013 Eric enjoyed bicycling the Cape Cod Canal paths, clamming and especially golf. Deciding that the winters were pretty quiet on the Cape and once they had seen all the movies they wanted, it was time to take up bowling. The Senior Mixed Bowing League in Hyannis was just the right place to fill a Tuesday and meet new friends. They enjoyed many years of bowling and these new friends lead him and Jean to join The Villagers Social club. This especially provided new faces and many hours of enjoyment to which Eric was elected Chairmen of the Club.

Eric was predeceased by his parents, step mom Roberta Baxter Swan, and brother Kurt Swan. Eric is survived by his wife Jean of 49 years, his two daughters Erica Jean Swan of Colchester, CT and Kara Marie Swan of Moodus, CT. and his very special mother-in-law Jean Burdette of Moodus, CT. He is also survived by his sister's Carla and her husband Jon Sudsbury of Vernon, CT, Kirsten Swan of Farmington, ME, Gretchen and Lance Dallaire of Haverhill, MA and Ingrid and Scott Whitten of Orange, MA, and his sister-in-law Cheri and her husband Ed Wood of Colchester. In addition, Eric is survived by his grandchildren Caitlyn Swan, Hunter Mansfield and his extended grandchildren Mallory Gowac, Madeline Gowac, Nicholas Sherman, Patrick Sherman and Hanna Culbert. He loved his family and the many nieces, nephews and cousins he leaves.

Eric's and Jean's ashes will one day be scattered together, off the coast of Cape Cod, as is their wish. In lieu of a gathering Eric asked that when you think of him, smile and as he used to say, "Have a sparkling day".

PHYLLIS L. (MARQUIS) MORRIS
August 30, 1928 ~ February 9, 2021 (Age 92)

Phyllis L. (Marquis) Morris, 92, passed away peacefully during the early hours of February 9, 2021.

She was born in Winchendon, a daughter of the late William and Gertrude (Lambert) Marquis on August 30, 1928. She was the fourth of nine children. Phyllis was the wife of Charles B. Morris who passed away on September 30, 2020. Phyllis joins Charles in heaven after only four months of being separated from each other. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on August 1, 2020.

Phyllis leaves three children, Debra L. Johnson and her husband Dean of Westminster, Heidi J. Brown and her husband Robert of Fitchburg and David C. Morris and his wife Joanne of Leominster; seven beloved grandchildren, Nathaniel Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Carrie Brown Orlowski, James Brown, Erik Brown, Darren Morris and Ryan Morris and seven adorable great-grandchildren, Norah, Aili, Jack, Milena, Mason, Vivian and Penelope.

Phyllis also leaves two sisters, Jeannette Roy of Winchendon and Elizabeth Martin of New York; two sisters-in-law, Sis (Forestine) and her husband Gerard Richard of Leominster and Kathy of South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.

She is also predeceased by her siblings, Lillian and her husband Bruno Diotalevi, Walter Marquis, Shirley and her husband Roger Cochran, William Marquis, Alfred Marquis and Carol and her husband Bob Richards, also, two brothers-in-law Paul and Forrest as well.

Phyllis attended Winchendon schools and worked for ten years in a wooden toy factory in Winchendon before meeting Charlie at a dance. They were married in August of 1953, settling in Fitchburg where Charlie was raised.

Phyllis was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary church in Winchendon. After marriage she and Charlie attended St. Bernard's parish where Charlie was a lifelong member.

Phyllis stayed home to raise their children, while Charlie worked to provide for the family. Phyllis helped Charlie when they had a house built and finished it themselves. She enjoyed working with her flowers and vegetable garden. She liked to read novels and took craft classes with her daughters where she was the best student in the class. Phyllis enjoyed vacationing with her children and grandchildren in Florida, Maine and Cape Cod.

Phyllis and Charlie took many bus trips first with Russ Cook and then with Wilson Bus Tours. They traveled to Branson MO, Florida, Bermuda, Maine and Canada meeting many friends. They went to Hawaii with a group from the Fitchburg Elks. They enjoyed eating out at many of the local restaurants.

The family would like to thank the staff in the Harbor unit at Leominster Crossings for all the wonderful care they gave our mom, Phyllis. Also, thanks to Lydia, Sharon and the staff from Notre Dame Hospice for the comfort they provided mom. A special thanks to Eric Stein and Genevieve form Palliative Personal Care (Worcester Home Care) for stepping in on such short notice to stay with mom overnight.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude's Place Memphis, TN 38105.

There are no calling hours.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Bernard Parish @ St. Camillus Church, 333 Mechanic Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Burial will follow in the St. Bernard Cemetery, Fitchburg, MA.

Please visit our website to leave a condolence and for further information (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net).

John F. Masciarelli, James M. Hebert, Walter C. Taylor and Olivia L. Willett funeral directors.

DANIEL T. LASHUA
December 27, 1964 ~ February 5, 2021 (Age 56)

Daniel T. Lashua 56 of South Rd, Templeton died February 5, 2021 at Boston Medical Center following a short illness and now is home with his Lord and Savior Jesus whom he prayed to very often.

Born if Fitchburg, MA December 27, 1964. Dan grew up in Ashburnham and attended Oakmont High School.

Dan was a developmentally disabled individual who had an infectious laugh, enjoyed life, and loved spending time with his foster family. Dan enjoyed Camp Allen for many years, a camp for special need individuals. Dan touched the lives of many with his beautiful smile and kind spirit. Dan attended day program for many years at Center Place in Fitchburg, Ma.

Dan loved volunteering at the Warwick fire station with Uncle Ronnie, and setting up tables for Starrett Memorial's Church suppers. Dan also loved going on vacation to Maine.

'Dan the Man' will be missed dearly.

He leaves behind his brother Christopher Lashua of Athol, sister-in-law Caron Lashua of Leominster, foster father and mother of 19+ yrs Don and Sue Bouchard of Templeton and his puppies, foster brother Sam Garneau and his wife Esther of SC, foster sisters Melody Scoville and husband Ryan of Winchendon, Vanessa Gray and husband Jeff of Athol, and Angelina Smith and husband Jon of Ohio. He also leaves grandparents, Lee and Marcia Legassey of Athol; Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Lori of Warwick, Aunt Beckie and Uncle Dave of Ohio, and his dear friend Gabby Lee (Gladdy) of Winchendon and many extended family members as well as many friends.

Daniel was predeceased by his father Penrod Lashua and his Marjorie Leville, stepfather Eddie Leville, and brother David Lashua.

There are no calling hours.

A grave side service will be held on Saturday, February 20th at 10 a.m, in Silver Lake Cemetery in Athol with Pastor Mary Owen of the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church officiating.

In Lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Camp Allen: 56 Camp Allen Rd. Bedford, NH 03110 in memory of Daniel Lashua.

Witty's Funeral Home: 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.