JOSEPH "JOE" DeSTADIO
(Age 87)

Ashburnham - Joseph, known to all as "Joe" or "Joe D" proudly hailed as Italian descent, 87 years of age, passed away from a long term illness in his home as per his expressed wishes, lovingly cared for by his niece, Debra Letellier Auvinen, and Care Central VNA & Hospice.

He resided at 15 - 3 Jays Road in Ashburnham, MA since 1975. He was born and raised in Brooklyn New York by his Mother Lena (Balzano) DeStadio-Teroni, an immigrant of Naples, Italy. Joe's father, Giorgio (George) DeStadio, who was a tailor, passed away unexpectedly at an early age.

Joe, was predeceased by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Doris "Dottie" - Girouard after a brief illness (11/19/2019); a son, Stevie DeStadio (7/15/2003), his beloved mama Lena (3/28/1969), his brothers and sisters: August (Auggie), Nicholina (Nicky) Calone, George, Julia (DeMarco), Dominique, Jennie (Foster) and Theresa (Melascaglia).

Joe is survived by his three children, Joseph J DeStadio Jr., of Winchendon, (Wife Kathy and their two sons); Scott J. DeStadio of Athol, Shelly Wilson (DeStadio) of Winchendon, her husband Charles Wilson, a Daughter In-Law Donna (Maxfield) DeStadio and two grandchildren Tyler and Chad DeStadio all of Lakeland Florida. He has several nieces and nephews whom he adored, from both near and far (Massachusetts, Arizona, New York, Michigan and Florida)

Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran.7/13/1954 - 6/12/1956.

Joe was an accomplished drummer, singer and entertainer throughout his entire life. Most notedly with "The Sundowners", receiving a prestigious Massachusetts Country Music Association "Hall of Fame" award in 2011.

Joe performed throughout Brooklyn New York at many venues. At an early age he even performed at Carnegie Hall for a talent show, with hopes to bring home the first prize of $300, to help his "Mamma" with expenses in raising her children after being twice widowed. Of course, Joe did win first prize, which he relinquished to a 12 year old female tap dancer, since the prize was for $300 worth of "singing lessons". Joe fought the organization who refused to pay a monetary prize, but gladly exchanged the singing lessons for tap dancing lessons! Joe later expressed what a great honor it was to meet with, have his photo taken and then hear the "great drummer" Gene Krupa perform in New York City.

Joe had many hobbies, such as dancing, fixing anything electronic (mostly VCRs), loved to be on the computer and download Western Films. He could name every western star and even their horses. He was an avid fan of John Wayne. His tastes in movies was extensive from Greta Garbo, Marlena Dietrich to Abbot and Costello, The Three Stooges and the Marx Brothers. He loved Mobster movies and could recall each an every Mobster, the date of their death, how they died and even where they were buried. His taste in music was just as extensive, from rock and roll, to "The Rat Pack" to crooners, such as Al Martino, Bing Crosby and Perry Como, but his favorites were Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin whom he loved to impersonate. He enjoyed telling stories and jokes to whomever would listen. His greatest love was his wife Dottie.

Joe was also an accomplished auto technician, and there was not an auto he couldn't fix, or at least try, although he hated fords…he did his best. He held various positions over his lifetime, beginning with "Matthieu Motor Company" in Fitchburg as Assistant Manager; "Gannon Motors" as Assistant Manager; "English Chevrolet" as the Manager; "Troki Chevrolet" as Service and Parts Manager; "Crocker Technical Paper" as a paper Manufacturer/Inspector; "United Co-Operative Farmers" as a Grain Truck Loader, and most notably, the "Institute of Professional Practice" as a life instructor for mentally and physically disabled/handicapped adults in a residential setting. His entire life was dedicated to caring for his family, friends, the infirm, music and although working full time, he would perform nights and week-ends with The Sundowners and Trail Riders as a singer/drummer to ensure his wife and children were cared for.

A funeral mass will be held on February 23, 2023, 10:00 A.M. at St. Denis Church, 85 Main Street, Ashburnham MA. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.

PAUL B. GEMBORYS
January 27, 1944 ~ February 11, 2023 (Age 79)

Hubbardston, MA - Paul B. Gemborys,79, died Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner.

He was born in Winchendon on January 27, 1944, a son of the late Bronislaw M. Gemborys and Angela C. (Novisky) Gemborys.

He grew up in Athol and graduated from Athol High School, received his Assoicate's Degree from Mount Wachusett Community College, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Mr. Gemborys worked as a Chapter 1 Teacher for the State of Massachusetts for many years. He was an avid guitar aficionado, enjoyed boating, spending time with his grandchildren, summers in Maine, enjoying the finer aspects of life. He also collected coins and was a diehard New England Patriots fan.

He leaves two sons, Matt Gemborys of Pensacola, FL; Eric Gemborys of Hubbardston; one sister, Margaret Lapointe of Cape Coral, FL; three grandchildren, Andrew James Gemborys, Abigail Jane Gemborys both of Holden, Sophie Ann Gemborys of Pensacola, FL two nieces, Jesamyn Angelica Rogers of Hayward, CA, Heather Lee Rogers Kerwin of N. Fort Myers, FL.

He was predeceased by his wife, Cheryl Joy (Webber) Gemborys.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 5 to 7 pm in the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner. Services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Paul's memory be made to the Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or to the MSPCA 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.

RALPH ALTON BROWN
February 3, 1948 ~ February 11, 2023 (Age 75)

Baldwinville - Ralph Atlon Brown, 75, died Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston.

He leaves four daughters, Jennifer Bourgeois, Susan Mills, Melissa Marien, and Amber Brown; many grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, June Hennessey, Elaine Donaldson, and Patricia Bloom; several nieces and one nephew.

He is predeceased by a daughter, Tracy Mei, and a sister, Carolyn Zalewski.

Ralph was born in Winchendon on February 3, 1948, a son of the late Alton LaForest and Ruth Catherine (Hemmings) Brown. He was a graduate of Narragansett Regional High School. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War as an SP-4. He worked for the Pipefitters Union Local #4. He was a member of the Baldwinville American Legion and enjoyed playing cribbage.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.stone-ladeau.com

The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 has been entrusted with Ralph's funeral arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.

LOIS RAY
September 17, 1940 ~ February 8, 2023 (Age 82)

Fitzwilliam, NH - Lois (Blaisdell) Ray, 82, died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at her home after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

She leaves her husband Donald E. Ray, and one son, Philip A. Ray and his wife Cindi of Winchendon; two grandsons, Andrew, and Benjamin Crawford; two great-grandsons, Wyatt and Clay Crawford; her son-in-law, Barry Thompson.

She is predeceased by a daughter Janet (Ray) Thompson who died in 2019.

She was born in Fitchburg on September 17, 1940, a daughter of the late Paul and Edith (Bradshaw) Blaisdell. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1958, where she played the Saxophone. Lois also graduated from Fitchburg State College with a bachelor's degree. She worked in the business office of the Templeton Housing Authority. Lois was a former member of the Chestnut Street Methodist Church in Gardner and a member of the Richmond Community United Methodist Church in Richmond, NH where she was the church's pianist. They were involved in the rebuilding of the church as well as many fundraisers for it.

She and Don belonged to the Appalachian Trail Association, where they were leaders and organizers of many hiking trips in and around NH, as well as retreats to the Virgin Islands.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Burial will follow in the Crystal Lake Cemetery, Gardner, MA

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.stone_ladeau.com

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors