The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of July 29 to August 5, 2021

Obituaries

Lorraine J. Cooper

LORRAINE J. COOPER
August 26, 1953 ~ July 22, 2021 (Age 67)

WINCHENDON - Lorraine J. (Manning) Cooper, 67, of 39 Whitney Street, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 22, 2021 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

She was born in Clinton, MA on August 26, 1953, daughter of the late Henry E. and Marjorie (Moore) Manning and was a graduate of Clinton High School and Fitchburg State College. She had lived in Winchendon since 1986.

Lorraine worked for many years as a data entry specialist for Internal Revenue Service until her retirement. Active in community affairs, Lorraine was an adviser for the Order of DeMolay and Rainbow for Girls. She was also active in the American Red Cross and CAC of Winchendon.

She leaves four children, Carl D. Cooper and his wife Christina of Winchendon, Denis G. Cooper of Winchendon, Brian Cooper of Winchendon and Nicole Morgan of PA; a sister, Roberta Manning of Clinton; her significant other, Mark Latimer of Winchendon; seven grandchildren and a nephew.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross or to the Winchendon CAC.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Ronald B. Progen

RONALD B. PROGEN
August 10, 1950 ~ July 21, 2021 (Age 70)

Ronald B. Progen, 70, of Conway, SC, passed away in his sleep Wednesday morning July 21, 2021.

Ron was born on August 10, 1950 in Gardner, MA to the late Ralph and Elvi (Santa) Progen.

Ron spent most of his life in Central Mass - with a notable exception for his service in Vietnam with the US Army's 101st Airborne Division and, later in life, retiring with his wife, Lois, to Conway, SC. Ron enjoyed fishing, traveling, and trying new craft beers.

Ron will be sadly missed by his wife, Lois Progen of Conway, SC; and his three children, Matthew Progen and his wife Erin of Virginia Beach, VA, Adam Progen and his wife Lindsey, of Centerville, VA, and Karyn Progen of West Boylston, MA. Ron's two granddaughters, Jacklyn and Natalie will miss their Papi. Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Dick Progen of Doylestown, PA and two sisters, Alice (Progen) Brand and Blanche (Progen) Austin, of Winchendon, MA.

Military funeral services will be held on Friday July 30, 2021 at 11:00AM in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron's memory may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org.

Richard D. Benoit

RICHARD D. BENOIT
April 30, 1932 ~ July 25, 2021 (Age 89)

WESTMINSTER - Richard D. Benoit, 89, of 21 Miles Avenue, died peacefully Sunday morning, July 25, 2021 in Life Care Center of Leominster.

He was born in Gardner on April 30, 1932, son of the late Dolor and Priscilla (Kennedy) Benoit and grew up in Gardner. He was a resident of Westminster since 1958.

Richard worked in various paper mills in Fitchburg for many years until his retirement. He enjoyed western television shows and movies and shooting his guns. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.

He leaves his wife of 69 years, Thelma (Blake) Benoit; three children, Deborah Aubin of Winchendon, Robert Benoit of Westminster and Shawn Benoit of San Diego, CA; two grandchildren, Stacey Aubin of Winchendon and Sherri Carpenter of TX and two great grandchildren, Izaria Alcantara and Izayah Alcantara. He was predeceased by a brother, Dolor Benoit Jr.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Robert John Blaney

ROBERT JOHN BLANEY
July 27, 2021 (Age 74)

Robert John Blaney, 74, of Statesville, NC and formally of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on July 27th, 2021 at the Gordon Hospice House, surrounded by his daughters.

Robert had many loves in life that included his family, gaming, military and his Dodge Charger.

He was a graduate of Marblehead High School, class of 1964. He proudly served in the US Navy as an E-4 Aviation Machinist's Mate during the Vietnam War. He then became a journeyman Electrician. He went on to become an Electrical Engineer with Osram Sylvania where he spent thirty years of employment upon his retirement.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents John Florence Blaney and Isabelle Margaret Canavan-Blaney, both of Waterboro, ME., as well as his wife of fifty-two years, Cynthia Ann Blaney of Mooresville, NC. He is survived by his children, Andrea M. Ulutas (Christopher) of Haverhill, Christine A. Bradley (Michael) of Statesville, NC and Meredith J. Hamel (Gary) of Winchendon. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Abigail Bradley, Rose Hamel, Madison Bradley and James Hamel.

Services will be private at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Diabetes Foundation, The American Kidney Foundation or The American Liver Foundation in his memory. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the Blaney family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Norman S. Jason

NORMAN S. JASON
May 16, 1936 ~ July 18, 2021 (Age 84)

Norman S. Jason, most recently of Crystal River, Florida, passed away after a brief illness on July 18, 2021, surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Linda M. Jason.

Norman was born on May 16, 1936, the only child of George and Marjorie Jason and grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts. He remained deeply and actively connected to his close-knit Cohasset community throughout his life. He graduated from Cohasset High School in 1954, where he excelled at football, baseball and basketball, and developed his life-long passion for singing and theater. He continued to shine in athletics and performance at Bates College, graduating in 1958, and earned his Master of Education degree from Northeastern University in 1960.

Norman held a long and distinguished career in education, first as a history teacher, then as an administrator of independent schools. His service as Headmaster of Pine Point School (Stonington, CT, 1971-1979), The Independent Day School (Middlefield, CT, 1979-1985), and the Crossroads School (Paoli, PA, 1986-1991) transformed these schools in enduring ways. In his later years, Norman served as Admissions Director at The Winchendon School in Winchendon, MA and The Marvelwood School in Kent, CA.

Whether working as a teacher or administrator, Norman always made time to coach athletic teams and direct musical theater productions, cherishing these opportunities to develop personal relationships with students at his schools. The significance of Norman's influence on the lives of generations of students, families, and colleagues cannot be understated.

Norman and Linda retired to Durham, CT, where he immersed himself in the community, participating in the Exchange Club and serving on the local historic district commission, among other activities. He was an active member of the Middlefield Federated Church where he sang in the choir. He moved to Crystal River, FL in 2017 where he quickly built a full life playing golf with his buddies, volunteering in the local library and soup kitchen, and contributing his beautiful tenor voice to the choirs of both the Crystal River United Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church of Crystal River.

Norman was a long-suffering but devoted Red Sox fan, whose loyalty paid off with their successes in his later years.

Norman is survived by his six children, Cynthia Sullivan (David) of Higganum, CT; Bonnie Jason (David Schneider) of Homer, AK; Meredith Jason (Chris Conte) of Washington, D.C.; Wendy Jason of Takoma Park, MD; Christina Cook (Jeffrey) of State College, PA; and Jeffrey Nelson (Jennifer) of Berkeley, CA, as well as his 11 grandchildren, Carter and Kyle Sullivan; Patrick (Elizabeth), Kenneth, and Emily Schneider; Alex and Billy Conte; Liam and Kieron Cook; and Leif and Elin Nelson. Norman's love of sports and music and his commitment to education has been passed down through two generations. He supported and took great pride in his children's and grandchildren's endeavors, whether on the playing field, on stage, or in the classroom. His family loved him dearly and treasured every moment they spent with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be sent to the Norman S. Jason Endowment Fund at Pine Point School (https://www.pinepoint.org/support/endowment) or the Middlefield Federated Church (http://www.mfcct.org/home.html). A graveside service will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 250 Gypsy Ln, Meriden, CT 06450 on Saturday, July 31st at 10:30 am. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home 88 E. Main St., Meriden. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.

Marcos Parrilla Rodriguez

MARCOS PARRILLA RODRIGUEZ
July 24, 2021 (Age 73)

Clinton - Marcos Parrilla Rodriguez, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 24, 2021. He is survived by his children, Tamar Kuipers & husband Peter, with whom he lived, of Winchendon; Catherine Parrilla Trinidad & husband Juan Ayala; and Marcos A. Parrilla Trinidad & wife Luz Rosario, all of Worcester; two step-children, Clara Luz Battista of Puerto Rico; and Oscar Perez of Worcester; grandchildren: Kassandra Salcedo, Caroline, Katiria, Juan, and Coralis Ayala, Jornali, Alexander, Alexi, Marc Anthony, and Michael Parrilla; 5 great-grandchilden Camil, Victor, Jabneel, Gabriel Marcos, and Leilanna. He leaves his siblings: Antonia, Pablo, Leonor, Juana, and David Parrilla Rodriguez, Maria Teresa Mateo, Miguel, Ana Luiza, and Cecilio Elicier Rodriguez, and Sheila Alvarez; generations of nieces and nephews, extended family and many dear friends. He is pre-deceased by siblings, Erasto, Florencio, Emanuel, Isaias, and Jacobo Parrilla Rodriguez.

Marcos was born Loiza, Puerto Rico, son of the late Antonio Parrilla & Paula Rodriguez de Jesus. Blessed with a beautiful life, Marcos lived every day with great devotion to God, family, and fishing. Known by all in his hometown in Puerto Rico as "Marcos el Tiburon," he was a larger than life figure and famous for his generosity and kind heart. A talented fisherman, he was always excited to share his "catch of the day" and provide a festive feast for family and friends. A hard working and talented stone mason by trade, Marcos always gave of himself to help another in need. He lived life with a positive spirit, and was a devoted son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Calling hours will be held from 1 until 3PM on Sunday, August 1, 2021 in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Funeral services and burial will later be held in Puerto Rico. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.

Angelina I. Gallup

ANGELINA I. (CLOUTIER) GALLUP
February 19, 1930 ~ July 24, 2021 (Age 91)

Athol, MA - Angelina I. (Cloutier) Gallup, 91, of Athol, died peacefully Saturday afternoon, July 24, 2021 in The Highlands, Fitchburg.

She was born in Winchendon on February 19, 1930, daughter of the late Joseph E. and Lillian E. (Tatro) Cloutier and was a 1948 graduate of Murdock High School. She was a resident of Athol for many years.

Angelina worked as a dental assistant many years ago and then worked as a secretary at L.S. Starrett Co. from 1956 until her retirement in 1993. She was a member of the L.S. Starrett 25 Year Club, Athol Bird and Nature Club, Winchendon Historical Society and the Athol Animal Shelter.

Her husband of 40 years, Alfred B. Gallup, died in 1991. She leaves a sister, Dorothy "Dolly" Boutelle of Winchendon and two brothers, Joseph Cloutier and Frederick Cloutier, both of Winchendon and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Jane Cloutier, Virginia Hardy and Lillian Bateman.

Graveside services will be held Friday, July 30, 2021 at 1 P.M. in Calvary Cemetery, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to Athol Animal Shelter.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Kenneth J. Shampine Jr.

KENNETH J. SHAMPINE JR.
December 16, 1956 ~ July 26, 2021 (Age 64)

WINCHENDON - Kenneth J. Shampine Jr., 64, of 63A Mill Street, died peacefully Monday, July 26, 2021 in HealthAlliance Leominster Hospital, with his family at his side.

He was born in Fitchburg on December 16, 1956, son of the late Kenneth J. Shampine and Jeannine (Campbell) Cassis and grew up in Leominster. He was a resident of Winchendon since 2000.

Ken had worked at Bay State Plastics and later worked as a construction worker and sheet metal worker. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards with his son and enjoyed spending time in Wells, Maine. He had been a ham radio operator at one time. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He leaves his wife of 42 years, Linda (Wells) Shampine; two children, Jason A. Shampine of Las Vegas, NV and Stefanie M. Shampine of Winchendon and four grandchildren, Aleksander, Jason Jr., Jayden and Sofia. A sister, Sally Williams, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Loriann Hawkins

LORIANN HAWKINS
July 25, 2021 (Age 40)

East Brookfield - Loriann Hawkins 40, passed away on July 25, 2021 at UMass Memorial Health at Harrington in Southbridge after a year and a half battle with breast cancer.

Loriann was born in Leominster, resided in East Brookfield for the past 3 years; having previously lived in Charlton for 7 years. She was employed as Officer Manager for McDonald Heating in Auburn, MA. Loriann was a 1999 graduate of Leominster High School and attended Northeastern University in Boston.

In addition to her devoted and loving partner Justin Martel of 10 years Loriann is survived by her son Levi Martel; her step son Hylan Decoff of NY; her Paternal aunt Bobbi Hawkins of NY; her Maternal grandmother Jeannine Murphy of Winchendon; Justin's parents, Susan and Joseph Martel of East Brookfield; her furry baby Vienna; her cousin Jasmine Barry of Princeton whom was like a sister as well aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends and co-workers. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Dick Murphy, with whom she had a very special bond.

Loriann will be remembered for her love of dancing, her infectious smile, her wit and humor, her unconditional love for Levi, her love for ice cream and a rare steak with sour cream, car karaoke with her cousin Jasmine, gardening, but most of all being surrounded by her dear family and friends.

A celebration of her life is being planned and will be announced. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made to GoFundMe https://gofund.me/7a533ab2 Pillsbury Funeral Home, North Brookfield is entrusted with arrangements. To leave a note of condolence please visit pillsburyfuneralhome.com.