The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of September 7 to September 14, 2023

Obituaries

Bradley Ernest Lehtonen

BRADLEY ERNEST LEHTONEN
July 1, 1943 ~ August 31, 2023 (Age 81)

Bradley Ernest Lehtonen, also known as Brad, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023, at the age of 80. Born on July 1, 1943, in Fitchburg, MA, he resided in Templeton, Massachusetts. He was a cherished son to his late parents, Ernest and Valma Lehtonen, and a devoted husband to his late wife, Glenna Lehtonen, whom he married on October 4, 1969.

He was a 1961 graduate of Gardner High School and then from Worcester Junior College with an associate's degree. Brad served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, from 1965-1967. Bradley worked in sales for Adam's Printing for 20 years and Hudson Appliance until his retirement in 2011, a role that he dedicated much of his life to and found great satisfaction in.

He was an avid Golfer and Billards player, and Sports fan, watching many televised sporting events. He was a member of the Gardner Municipal Golf Course, the Ridgely Club, and the Templeton American Legion.

His greatest joy was the time he spent with his sons and grandchildren.

Bradley is survived by his two sons, Matthew D and his wife Danielle of Gardner, and Andrew Lehtonen of Templeton, and his significant other, Heidi Nano of Fitchburg; four grandchildren, Bradley Lehtonen, Mark Lehtonen, Charlotte Ares, and Sydney Ares; nieces and nephews and his cat April. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Glenna (Morse) Lehtonen who died on December 13, 2021, and his parents, Ernest and Valma Lehtonen.

A calling hour will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475.

A funeral service will take place at the same location on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service with Military honors will follow at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475, at 11:00 a.m.

In memory of Bradley Lehtonen, we encourage friends and family to share their memories and upload photos on the memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a testament to Bradley's life, preserving his legacy for future generations to come.

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

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.

Richard P. Vaillancourt

RICHARD P. VAILLANCOURT
September 30, 1959 ~ September 2, 2023 (Age 63)

Gardner - Richard P. Vaillancourt, 63, passed from this life into eternal life Saturday, September 2, 2023, at UMass Medical Center in Worcester after a sudden illness.

He leaves his daughter, Rebecca Mikuszewski, and her husband, Dana; two granddaughters, Dana Lynn and Moriah Mikuszewski, all of Gardner; five brothers, Randall Vaillancourt of Gardner, Raymond Vaillancourt, and his wife, Susan of Winchendon, Roger Vaillancourt of Gardner, Russell Vaillancourt of Fitchburg and Rene Vaillancourt of Baldwinville; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two brothers, Ronald Vaillancourt and Robert Vaillancourt.

Richard was born in Winchendon, on September 30, 1959, a son of the late Ronald H. and Rosalie (Therrien) Vaillancourt. He was a 1978 graduate of Murdock High School and he served in the Army National Guard.

Richard worked as a machine operator in the plastic manufacturing industry for Ray Plastics and for Bell Craft Woodworking Co.

He enjoyed watching and rooting for the Patriots, and Red Sox. He loved to listen to music and collected many different CDs, cassettes, and albums. The most important part of his life was his family and friends who meant so much to him. He will be sadly missed by all of them.

Calling hours for Richard will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. followed by a Prayer service at 7:00 p.m. n the Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

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

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.

Richard T. Boisvert

RICHARD T. BOISVERT
May 15, 1938 ~ August 29, 2023 (Age 85)

Winchendon - Richard T. Boisvert, Sr. 85, died Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Alliance at Baldwinville after an illness.

He was the husband of 66 years to the late Betty Ann (Christian) Boisvert, who died on June 3, 2023.

He leaves his three children, Richard T. Boisvert, Jr. of Gardner, Sharon Boisvert of Winchendon, and Darin Boisvert and his wife Christine of Westminster and his ten Grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren . He is pre-deceased by his siblings.

Richard was born in Gardner, on May 15, 1938, a son of the late Joseph J. and Adelade (LaBelle) Boisvert. He lived most of his life in Winchendon, after he served in the US Air Force during the Korean War where he was presented an accommodation for preventing a massive explosion by using his body to stop a 500 lb. bomb that had broke free from its cradle and would have detonated the hundreds of bombs waiting on the tarmac to be loaded for a bombing mission. His heroic act saved the lives of hundreds located on the base.

He worked for H & R of Gardner as an engraver for many years and had the distinct privilege of designing and engraving guns for the late John Wayne and the late Mayor White of Boston. He also owned and operated Boisvert's aquarium that he started in his basement on Whitney St. In Winchendon and then expanded to a store front on Central Street. He retired from Simplex as a machine operator.

Richard enjoyed his many years of saltwater fishing on the banks of the Cape Cod Canal and loved working in his garden and yard. A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

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

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

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.

Joshua Robichaud

JOSHUA ROBICHAUD
August 30, 1989 ~ August 31, 2023 (Age 34)

It's with Great sadness that my son "ROBIE" struggled and lost his battle to Mental health and Addiction.

He was on the road to recovery and so proud of himself for everything he accomplished and was looking forward to a sober life and to reunite with his 3 children, Kayden 12, Benjamin 8 from Athol and also their mom (Katie) and Cecelia 9, from Virginia.

He leaves his mother Marie Robichaud and his only brother Travis Robichaud and extended family here and Canada.

Robie's greatest enjoyments was playing his guitar with his best buddy Tom Lafrennie , and the group in Worcester and especially playing video games with his brother Travis.

He was the life of the party, always making everyone laugh no matter what the situation was. He was an avid fisherman and loved animals and the outdoors, swimming, biking, skateboarding and drinking beer and Hennessy honey nips.

But most of all, he enjoyed hanging out with all of his homies, as he would call them. Especially Pops(Mike),Mama Duke(Jess), Autumn(best friend),Nick, Amelia and his buddy Parker. ROBIE also holds dear to his heart and a special place for all of his friends. Especially Tom and his sidekick Abby (Abigail).

He also made a great impact on so many people, Especially at "The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Worcester. Special thank you to all that help with his recovery.

He also leaves a niece Zelda 4 and a nephew Landon 1. He was predeceased by his Papa(Alonzo) and his Gram( June Sawyer), and by his angel Shelby C. He will be greatly missed by many but never forgotten.

Calling hours, Celebration of life and Burial with be at a later date.

The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchednon, MA has been entrusted with Joshua's care.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors

Mary Rose Herbert

MARY ROSE HERBERT
November 11, 1949 ~ September 1, 2023 (Age 73)

Mary Rose Herbert, born on November 11, 1949, in Winchendon, departed from us on September 1, 2023. A lifelong resident of Gardner, Mary Rose spent over four decades in Gardner, creating a rich and vibrant life. Known for her charismatic personality and her infectious love for life, she brought joy and laughter to everyone who was fortunate to know her.

Mary Rose, a dedicated property manager in the real estate industry, she worked for Washington Park Apartments, Ridgewood Condominiums, and Westminster Woods. Mary Gave many people a chance that others might not have; most of them thrived and thanked her many many years later. They said that they just needed to be given a chance. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, and her hobbies ranged from the simplicity of jigsaw puzzles to the meticulousness of crocheting. She found peace tending to her garden, nurturing it as she did with all relationships in her life. As Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." Also, her granddaughter Jackie described her in her online tribute; Altruism: The principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others. This quote was the essence of Mary Rose's life; she believed in the beauty of feelings and left a warm imprint on every heart she touched.

Mary Rose was widowed by her beloved husband, Gilbert Jr. who died in 2015, and is survived by her caring daughter, Michele R. Cormier, and her husband Rheal Cormier, and her son, Jerrett M. Herbert; her two granddaughters, Jackie Cormier and Janelle Cormier; one brother, Fred Nalette, and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, Medric and Cecelia Nalette, her brother Donald Nalette, and her sister Jeanette Helie preceded her in death.

Mary's family would like to thank Lori, Jackie, and the Staff of the Applewood Home for Elders for their compassion and care for Mary while she lived there.

Her life will be celebrated at the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475. Calling hours will be on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the burial at 11:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mary's name to the Dementia Society, https://www.dementiasociety.org/

We encourage all who knew and loved Mary Rose to leave memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Let's remember her life, not with grief, but with the same joy and warmth she shared with us.

Please visit www.stone-ladeau.com to leave an online condolence Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors

Kimberly Ann Porter

KIMBERLY ANN PORTER
July 15, 1970 ~ September 5, 2023 (Age 53)

Winchendon- Kimberly Ann (Rocheleau) Porter, 53 died at her home after an illness.

She leaves her husband, John F. Porter, Jr.; two children, Brian Lafrennie of Winchendon, and Tia Covey of Winchendon; her two grandchildren, Jordan Peterson, Jr. and Brayden Peterson, both of Winchendon; her very close nephew whom she grew up with, Chris Duval; and many other nieces and nephews.

Kimberly graduated from Murdock High School in 1988 and dedicated over 25 years of her life to MBW Inc., where she worked as a Supervisor. A testament to her commitment and diligence, Kimberly was known for her relentless work ethic, which was only rivaled by her immense love for her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Kimberly's life was a testament to the power of love and dedication. She enjoyed playing Bingo. You would always catch Kim with a Dunkin's coffee in one hand, and her scratch tickets in the other.

Kimberly was a lifelong resident of Winchendon, born on July 15, 1970.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Claire Rocheleau; a son, Joshua Covey; one brother, Bruce Rocheleau; and three sisters, Darlene Suits, Deborah Menear, and Wanda Watson. As we gather to say our goodbyes, on Saturday, 16 Sep 2023 calling hours will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 4:00 p.m. in the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475.

Let us remember Kimberly for the dedicated, hardworking, and loving woman she was. To commemorate her life, we encourage you to share memories, stories, and photos of Kim on her memorial page. In this way, her spirit lives on, reminding us to live our lives with passion, dedication, and love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Kimbely's name to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors