The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 27 to February 3, 2022

Obituaries

Robert W. Batchelder

ROBERT W. BATCHELDER
April 8, 1959 ~ January 20, 2022 (Age 62)

WINCHENDON – Robert W. Batchelder, 62, of Winchendon, died peacefully Thursday, January 20, 2022 in Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gardner, with his family at his side.

He was born in Concord, MA on April 8, 1959, son of the late Albert and Lillian (Sweeney) Batchelder and was a resident of Winchendon for many years.

Bob was a truck driver for many years and retired from New England Woodenware. He previously worked as a crane operator for Garboose and had worked for the Town of Winchendon DPW as well as Pratts Trucking. He attended The United Parish and greatly enjoyed spending time with his family. His nickname was "Beef Back."

He leaves his wife of 16 years, Bonnie S. (Lemmer) Batchelder; 4 children, Bobby Batchelder Jr and his wife Kristen of Winchendon, Kyle Batchelder of Winchendon, Jeremy Batchelder and wife Jamie of N.C. and Christopher William Batchelder of Winchendon; four grandchildren, Lucy, Max, Rocco and Kylie; two sisters, Lorraine Metzger and Patricia Fothergill and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Chase and Betty Rodgers and a brother, Albert W. Batchelder Jr.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

A calling hour will precede the service in the funeral home Saturday from 1 to 2 P.M.

David W. Gregory

DAVID W. GREGORY
January 11, 2022 (Age 82)

BOXFORD, MA - Family and friends mourn the passing of David Warren Gregory, 82 of Boxford. David passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at home after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born in 1939 in Winchendon, Massachusetts, David was the son of George and Elizabeth Gregory. He grew up in Brimfield, MA with his siblings Nancy, Ann and John. He graduated from Tantasqua High School in 1957 and Tufts University in 1961. He served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1964 as a first lieutenant. He worked as an electrical engineer for the New England Gas Company, then joined James O. Carter Company in 1967 as a manufacturer's representative and systems designer. David earned his pilot's license in 1970 at Beverly Airport and that same year bought his very own 1967 Mooney.

He married the love of his life Carolyn Ruchala in June 1967 in the first ecumenical ceremony ever at Our Lady of Czestochowa in Worcester, MA. They were married for 53 years until Carrie's death in 2020-David was completely devoted to Carrie's care and comfort during her long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

A beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and friend, David had a quick wit, warm smile, and easy laugh that made all around him feel immediately welcome. He demonstrated his love for family and friends through his generosity-whether giving of his time through shared experiences, his handyman's expertise, his sage advice, or as an earnest listener. He loved Boston sports teams (Go Patriots!), jazz, flying, boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, drinking single-malt scotch or gin & tonics, spending time outdoors and in the woods hunting, and a good game of cribbage by the lake. What he cherished most, however was time spent with his family, dogs and friends, including dear friends Peter & Jayne Greaves of Boxford and long-time friends Herb & Sheila Healy of Stoddard, NH. David served as a Boy Scout leader, sports coach, and youth group leader. He was active in the Second Congregational Church in West Boxford, MA where he sang in the choir and served on the diaconate committee.

He was a bright, kind and indomitable spirit, and we are grateful for the time we shared with him. He is survived by his son Todd Gregory and his wife Carolyn of North Clarendon VT; daughter Jill Feron and her husband Stephen of Hamilton, MA; grandsons William and Thomas Gregory and Benjamin, Andrew and Christopher Feron; sisters Ann and Nancy Gregory, sister-in-law Marlene Ruchala, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn Gregory, brother John Gregory and brother-in-law Edward Ruchala.

ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4-7 P.M. at O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) Danvers, MA. Face coverings must be worn in the funeral home. A service will be held Saturday, January 29th at 11 A.M. at the Second Congregational Church in West Boxford, MA followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Black Swan Country Club, 258 Andover St, Georgetown, MA. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society (donate3.cancer.org) on David's behalf. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David W. Gregory, please visit our floral store.

Diane I. Horgan

DIANE I. HORGAN
June 11, 1948 ~ January 19, 2022 (Age 73)

ASHBURNHAM-Diane I. (Mason) Horgan, 73, of Ashburnham, died Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Heywood Hospital in Gardner following a courageous battle with cancer. Diane was born in Worcester on June 11, 1948, a daughter of the late Daniel and Irene (Gedriatis) Mason and grew up in Auburn and graduated from Auburn High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College. She began her teaching career in the town of Sterling before leaving to raise her family. In later years, she taught in Winchendon and was a substitute teacher in the Ashby and Ashburnham/Westminster schools.

Diane cherished her family and always opened her home to all of their friends, making them feel like family. She was a friend to many, from high school to college friends, who she saw regularly. She frequented hockey rinks, soccer fields, and cheerleading competitions, proudly watching her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her husband yearly to Myrtle Beach. She also enjoyed European River trips, cruises, and time spent on Cape Cod and area beaches.

She leaves her husband of 50 years, Paul A. Horgan of Ashburnham; two sons, Daniel M. Horgan and his wife Katie of Plainville, Ryan P. Horgan and his wife Kathryn of Grafton; a daughter, Ashley B. Kopley and her husband Keith of Westminster; a sister, Laurie Toloczko and her husband Geno of Auburn; five grandchildren, Paige Horgan, Madison & Myles Horgan, Chase & Kian Kopley; and many nephews and nieces.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 5 to 7 PM in the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated in the spring at St. Denis Church in Ashburnham followed by a burial in New Cemetery. For further information or to leave online condolence please visit www.andersonfuneral.com.

Jerry A. Rocheleau

JERRY A. ROCHELEAU
November 15, 1999 ~ January 23, 2022 (Age 31)

WINCHENDON - Jerry A. Rocheleau, 31, of 17 Old Gardner Road, died Sunday, January 23, 2022.

He was born in Worcester on November 15, 1990, son of Dennis J. Rocheleau of Winchendon and Tammy (Rastley) Bartlett of Winchendon and was a resident of Winchendon for most of his life.

Jerry worked in construction for many years. He had a passion for motorsports and was an avid dirt biker and jet skier. An avid outdoorsman, Jerry enjoyed hiking and camping.

In addition to his parents, he leaves his siblings, Terri Stewart and significant other Danny Lynch of Winchendon, Chad Bartlett of Jaffrey, NH, Kelsey Hanan of Fitzwilliam, NH, Nikia Donaldson of Winchester, NH and Keara Whipple of Fitzwillliam, NH; four nephews and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 1 to 4 PM, followed by a funeral service at 4 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

Ronald L. Mustakangas

RONALD L. MUSTAKANGAS
November 1, 1941 ~ January 24, 2022 (Age 80)

PHILLIPSTON - Ronald L. Mustakangas, 80, of Phillipston, passed away peacefully Monday, January 24, 2022 in Athol Memorial Hospital, Athol.

He was born in Phillipston on November 1, 1941, son of the late Eugene and Jennie (Skon) Mustakangas and was a lifelong resident of Phillipston.

In the early 70s, Ron started his business, Queen Lake Auto Repair in Phillipston. For 50 years, you could always find him in his garage with his blue work shirt and blue jeans on, his dog by his side, old country or the Boston Red Sox on the radio. He always wore a smile and had a story for his friends. He especially enjoyed time with his family and friends.

He leaves his wife of 59 years, Dolores (Caron) Mustakangas; four children, Shelly Mustakangas of Phillipston, John Mustakangas of Winchendon, Lori Mustakangas of Gardner and Mark Mustakangas of South Royalston; a brother, Carl Mustakangas of Worcester; five grandchildren, Ryan, Leah, Lynn, Taryn and Hailey and two great grandchildren, Tanner and Lukas; a close friend, Ed Oliver of Phillipston. A brother, Eugene Mustakangas Jr., preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

A calling hour will precede the funeral Monday from 1 to 2 P.M.

Burial will be in Lower Cemetery in the spring.

The family has requested that masks be worn by all attendees.

Donald L. Santini

DONALD L. SANTINI
May 30, 1947 ~ January 22, 2022 (Age 74)

WINCHENDON - Donald L. "Don" Santini, 74, of Winchendon, died peacefully Saturday evening, January 22, 2022 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Fitchburg on May 30, 1947, son of the late Nestore and Erminia (Capodagli) Santini. He is survived by his brothers, Robert J. Santini and wife Tania of Mendon, VT and Dennis Santini and his wife Jean of AuSable Forks, NY; nephews, Jason and Peter Santini; nieces Jessica and Christina Santini and three great nephews.

Don was a 1965 graduate of Murdock High School and earned a ROTC scholarship to Northeastern University, where he graduated in 1970. Upon graduation, he was stationed in Germany for four years, where he was a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army and Unit Commander of the 1542 Infantry. He was a member of Eugene M. Connor Post #193 American Legion.

Don was a Professor of Finance at Boston University and Harvard, where his students described him as knowledgeable, caring, an absolute legend, and likened him to Robert DiNiro with a PHD. He holds Masters and Doctorate degrees and published a book on Finance.

Don had a passion for flying his 1969 single engine Cessna Skyhawk. Don flew his Cessna to visit his brother Dennis Santini and family in AuSable Forks, NY to meet his grandnephew, Cole Santini the day he was born in Burlington, VT. When Don was at the height of his bobsledding career, he often took his Cessna to his home in Lake Placid, NY to train and compete.

In 1993, Don won the National 2 Man Bobsled Championship in Lake Placid, New York.

Don's unique personality and fantastic story telling will leave his family and everyone, who knew him, with treasured memories.

Military funeral services will be held in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon, at a date and time to be announced in the future.

Memorial donations may be made to Winchendon Fire Department, 405 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

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

Deborah Moore-Percival

DEBORAH MOORE-PERCIVAL
February 7, 1953 ~ January 24, 2022 (Age 68)

WINCHENDON - Deborah Moore-Percival, 68, of 20 Poland Avenue, died peacefully Monday, January 24, 2022 in Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gardner.

She was born in Malden, MA on February 7, 1953, daughter of the late Arthur and Mary (Fiore) Moore and grew up in Medford and Burlington, where she was a graduate of Burlington High School. She had lived in Winchendon since 2001.

Debbie had worked as a security guard for the Department of Mental Health many years ago. She was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. An avid fan of the New England Patriots, she particularly enjoyed cooking.

Her husband, Richard A. Percival, died in 2012. She leaves three sons, Michael R.M. Percival of Winchendon, Mark A. Percival of Winchendon and Christopher A. Percival of Gardner. A brother, Alan Moore, preceded her in death.

Graveside funeral services will be held in the spring in Riverside Cemetery, Winchendon.

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

Julie Ann Horman

JULIE ANN HORMAN
March 7, 1962 ~ January 24, 2022 (Age 59)

HORMAN, Julie Ann Age 59, of Winchendon, MA, formerly of Maynard, MA, died peacefully on Monday, January 24, 2022, at Brigham and Women's Hospital with family by her side.

Julie was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 7, 1962, the daughter of S. Dean and Barbara J. (McCann) Horman. She was raised and educated in Maynard, graduating from Maynard High School in 1980. Julie worked in the retail industry for over twenty years, and most recently was employed with the United States Postal Service. Family was most important to Julie. Anyone who knew Julie knew that her boys were her world. She cherished attending her sons' sporting events over the years, and was involved heavily with the Boy Scouts of America and Assabet Valley Little League. She was also a member of the Maynard Elks Club.

Julie was an avid New England sports fan, supporting the Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots. She also rooted for the Green Bay Packers by virtue of her father who cheered them on every Sunday. Julie had a soft spot for her dog Wyatt James, a Black Mouth Cur that she rescued from a shelter in Florida. Julie loved to read the latest John Grisham book, especially by the ocean. Her favorite place was Ogunquit Beach, where she frequented every year.

Julie is survived by her three sons, Christopher M. Kapsimalis and wife Katie (Sluyski) of Bolton, MA, Dennis R. Kapsimalis of Boston, MA, Jimmy L. Kapsimalis of Stow, MA; her parents, S. Dean and Barbara Horman of Maynard, MA; her brother, Mark R. Horman and wife Catina of Columbia, SC; her two grandchildren, Lucas and Amelia; her nieces and nephews, Marley, Taylor, William, Brittany, and Patrick; as well as her partner, Jerry M. Caisey of Winchendon, MA.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Julie on Friday, January 28th from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, MAYNARD, MA 01754. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Julie to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift Arrangements under the care of Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Maynard. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.fowler-kennedy.com Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home A Life Celebration Home Maynard, MA 978-897-7343