The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of November 2 to November 9, 2023

Obituaries

Bonita Marie Agnelli

BONITA MARIE AGNELLI
June 12, 1954 ~ October 24, 2023 (Age 69)

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Bonita (Bonnie) Marie Agnelli, a loving and devoted wife, mother, and friend to all whose lives she touched. Born on June 12, 1954, in Middlebury, VT. Bonnie was a beacon of light and love in our world. She retired from a successful career at Simplex Time Recorder Co., where she was known for her meticulous approach and perfectionist nature. Her commitment to excellence was not limited to her work alone; it extended to every aspect of her life. Bonnie's dedication to her family was unwavering, and her love for them came before anything.

Bonnie had a beautiful spirit that was reflected in her various passions. She loved baking, crafting, and decorating, and was a fanatic for Halloween. Her home was always adorned with an array of festive decorations that brought joy to all who visited. She also deeply appreciated flowers and culinary arts, often combining these passions to create beautifully presented and delicious meals. She was known by many for her impeccable baked goods. Family & friends looked forward to the holidays, patiently waiting for her delivered platter of specialty baked goods.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, James Agnelli, and their children, Jayson Agnelli, Jody Flanagan, and her husband Daniel, Kristy Burby, and her husband Jeremy; 11 grandchildren, Stephanie, Ashley, Karrisa, Kayla, Trevor, Khouri, Keely, Alex, Dominic Alexander, and Lauren; one brother, Ronald Quesnel and his wife Peggy; many sister and brother in laws, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Anna (Fay) Quesnel, two brothers and a sister, Roger, Robert, and Brenda Quesnel.

Calling hours will be held at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475 on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Her funeral service will be on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial to follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475.

Bonnie’s family would like to express a special thank you to her caregiver for the past 15+ years, Heather Nasiaka. Heather was devoted to Bonnie as if she were her own mother. Heather and Bonnie traveled all over shopping, eating out, visiting friends and family where Bonnie would create mischief for Heather, giving everyone a good laugh. Bonnie always looked forward to Heather bringing her to her weekly hair appointment at Kathy’s, who she loved and respected immensely. The family would also like to thank Dr. John Harrington, Eliot Nottleson PA, for their generosity and private time over the past 21 years. They always checked on Bonnie even when they were not contacted first.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate

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

Robert Donald Smith

ROBERT DONALD SMITH
September 12, 1932 ~ October 29, 2023 (Age 91)

Robert Donald Smith (Bob), 91 years old, passed away peacefully in his sleep while surrounded by his loving family on October 29, 2023. Bob was the husband of Nancy Ann Pearson Smith, the love of his life. Bob and Nancy met on a blind date, and ended up sharing sixty-seven years together in a loving, devoted and blessed marriage.

Bob was born in Groton, Massachusetts, and was raised in that area. He graduated from Becker College in Worcester, MA. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. Bob became a resident of Broward County FL in 1967, living 10 years in Hollywood Hills before building his dream home in Davie. He and Nancy resided there for 47 years.

Bob was a successful business owner who spent his entire career in the building supply, door and window industry. He left his position as the President of Cheney Lumber in Winchendon, MA, to join his father at the family business, Seaboard Lumber Company, in Hollywood. Bob later purchased his own business, Jiffy Door Company, which eventually became Window Classics, a business that is still thriving today.

Bob was involved in many community organizations and causes, both in Massachusetts and Florida. He served on the Board of Directors for a local bank, President of the Jaycees, was active in the Congregational Church, and became a Life Member of American Legion Post #193 in Winchendon. In July, 2022, after fifty years of membership, a Veterans Medal was presented to Bob as he became a Grand Lodge Life Member in Artisan Lodge, A.F. & F.M., Winchendon. Bob was a decades-long member of the Hollywood Kiwanis Club, and was a lay leader at the First United Church of Christ in Hollywood, where he maintained an active membership for 56 years.

Bob will be remembered for his good humor and wit, strong business acumen, community service, charitable nature, love of family and friends, and maintaining a life-long and profound commitment of faith to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a man of high moral character and integrity, who was respected and appreciated by everyone he came in contact with. Bob liked nothing more than spending time with his family, both at the Smith weekend getaway home at Indian Hammock in Okeechobee, as well as sponsoring family cruises to exotic destinations.

Bob was also a world traveler who, with Nancy, visited many continents and countries around the world. These included several "Santa Trips", where they met with impoverished children to present them with toys during the Christmas season.

A beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bob is survived by his loving wife, his four sons, Gregory and wife Patricia of Hoschton, GA; Thomas and wife Olga of Okeechobee, FL; Steven and wife Cynthia of Plantation, FL; and Andrew and wife Emilie of Sunrise, FL; and he was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Marchese, and her husband, Victor Marchese of Nashville, TN. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Esther Smith, and his brothers, David Smith and Eugene Smith.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Robert on November 5 at First United Church of Christ in Hollywood. Fellowship will begin at 2:00 PM, with a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM. A Graveside Service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon will also be held in the coming weeks. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Church of Christ, 200 N. 46th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33021, or the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.

Robert E. Hanks

ROBERT E. HANKS
September 23, 1954 ~ October 26, 2023 (Age 69)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert E. Hanks on October 26, 2023, at Heywood Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Rob's laugh could brighten the gloomiest days, and his work ethic was second to none. He was born in Gardiner, ME, on September 23, 1954, to the late Clayton E. and Iris M. (Gyles) Hanks.

Rob was a proud veteran of the US Air Force, climbing the ranks to SGT during his service from 1973 to 1977. After his military service, he embarked on a 28-year journey with Saint-Gobain Abrasives, where he excelled in machinery maintenance.

Despite his busy work schedule, Rob always made room for his hobbies. His passions were as diverse as they were vibrant: a NASCAR enthusiast, an aficionado of vehicles, and the fabricator of countless items. He had an insatiable appetite for learning and loved his coffee and music.

Rob's quick wit and incredible sense of humor were matched only by his humility and generosity. He was always there for others, selflessly offering support without expecting anything in return.

In 2009, Rob married his forever partner, Shari, and they spent many joyful years together. He was also the beloved father to Keri and a loving grandfather to Rylie, Noah, Jackson, and Layla. As a stepfather, he welcomed Kathleen Young, Dustin Young and his wife Jenna with open arms. He is also survived by his siblings, Clayton E. Hanks Jr and his wife Judy, Susan Stockwell and her husband Robert, Roger E. Hanks and his wife Sandra, his beloved dog, Emmie, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Calvin E. Hanks.

Please join us in celebrating Rob's life during calling hours on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA. A funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, November 10, at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. A graveside service will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

American Red Cross- Service to Armed Forces redcross.org/donations/your-gift-matters/donating-to-veterans.html or Lymphoma Research Foundation lymphoma.org

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