The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 11 to January 18, 2024

Obituaries

Jane Ann Webber

JANE ANN WEBBER
December 18, 1929 ~ January 2, 2024 (Age 94)

Winchendon - Jane Ann Webber, 94, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024 in Leominster.

Jane was born in Winchendon, MA on December 28, 1929, the sixth child of nine of Rose Helena and Thaddeus Webber. She lived most of her life in Winchendon. She is survived by her daughter Charlene Terravecchia and siblings Agnes Thompson and William Webber. She is also survived by Robert Terravecchia, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She graduated from Murdock High School in 1947 and later graduated from Eastman Dental School in Rochester, New York. She worked for many years as a dental hygienist. Besides being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was a special "Auntie Jay" to forty nieces and nephews and their spouses and their children.

Calling hours will be at Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon on Sunday, January 14th from 3 to 5 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Denis Church in Ashburnham on Monday, January 15th at 11 AM.

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

Stone Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central St., Winchendon has been entrusted with her care.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.

Kevin R. Turcotte

KEVIN R. TURCOTTE
February 23, 1961 ~ January 4, 2024 (Age 62)

Kevin R. Turcotte, 62 of Winchendon, died Thursday, January 4, 2024.

He was born in Leominster, MA on February 23, 1961; a son of the late Robert and Estelle Turcotte. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1979. Kevin worked as a truck driver for Tonkin Paper, Consumer Auto Parts and Auto Plus. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching the Patriots and the Red Sox, playing XBox, vacationing at Moody Beach, Maine, walking the bike path in town, and listening to his favorite band the Beatles.

He leaves his loving wife, Sharon and his daughter, Jillian, brother Rob (Donna) Turcotte of Henniker, NH, twin sister, Karen (Denis) Turgeon of Lancaster, MA, sister, Missy Lancieri of Port St. Lucie, Fl; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sister Lisa Freedman of Shrewsbury, MA

Kevin's funeral services will be private at his request.

If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider one of the following; the ALS foundation, www.alshf.org/donate, or the Dementia Society of America, https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 has been entrusted with Kevin's Care.

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

John A. LaPointe

JOHN A. LAPOINTE
September 29, 1933 ~ January 3, 2024 (Age 90)

John A. LaPointe, born on a crisp autumn day on September 29, 1933, in Winchendon, Massachusetts, was a man of immense strength and immeasurable love. His life was a testament to the words of Abraham Lincoln, "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." John lived a full and vibrant life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His passion for life and unwavering commitment to his family were the hallmarks of his existence.

John's accomplishments in life were numerous and varied. A proud veteran, John served in the US Army as a Corporal during the Korean War, displaying the same dedication and resilience that would define his entire life. He later joined the Peterborough Ball Bearing Co., where he worked in many different job capacities. His dedication to his work was only surpassed by his love for his hobbies - fishing, and golfing, and he was an avid woodworker, especially at Christmas time as his garage was deemed Santa's workshop. He was also an avid Red Sox Fan. And most importantly, spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. In his retirement, John's indefatigable spirit led him to work for Market Basket, a testament to his constant desire to stay active and involved.

John is survived by his loving wife, Lucille of 42 yrs, his children, Curtis LaPointe (Donna), Craig LaPointe, Keith LaPointe (Jane), David Gormley, Debra Stroschine (Kevin), Michael Gormley (Lori), Steven Gormley, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren and his siblings, Donald, Gary, Katherine, and Charlene. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raoul and Mildred, and his brother, Richard.

John, however, lived every moment to its fullest, ensuring that nothing within him died while he lived. His life serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope for all of us left behind.

A graveside service was held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, Massachusetts to honor John's life and legacy.

The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 has been entrusted with John's care.

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

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

David C. Michniewicz

DAVID C. MICHNIEWICZ
January 27, 1940 ~ December 12, 2023 (Age 83)

David Charles Michniewicz, 83, passed away on Tuesday December 12, 2023. David was born in Winchendon Massachusetts on January 27, 1940 to John and Marion Michniewicz.

David grew up in Winchendon and attended school there. After graduating high school his lifelong love of travel was sparked when he drove to California and hitchhiked his way back to Massachusetts. This passion continued when he joined the Army in 1959 and spent 3 years in Panama and Costa Rica as a topographical engineer, helping lay the groundwork for the Pan American highway. On this tropical tour he obtained the nickname "Alphabet" because the Army couldn't pronounce Michniewicz.

Upon his return to Massachusetts he met the woman who would take that name, Sandra Tourtellot of Baldwinville. They married in 1964 and Sandi remained the love of his life for 59 years of marriage. Together they raised four children, and traveled far and wide.

A self-described nomad at heart, David eventually visited every state in the continental United States and all of the Canadian provinces. He often spoke fondly of the time he and Sandi drove his 81 year old mother-in-law across the country and back in a small motor home just because she had always wanted to visit Lake Louise.

Their married travels together began after David had parlayed his hands-on Army experience into a successful engineering career, beginning with surveying, mapping and construction inspection for the City of Gardner and Boston-area engineering firms, including Fay, Spofford and Thorndike Consulting Engineers and SEA Consultants. David's curiosity, drive to learn, foresight, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life came naturally and took him further than a college degree could have.

In the mid-1970's while working for SEA David traveled to York, Maine as the manager overseeing a large sewer project. While collaborating with York's water district, he saw an opportunity to pursue his love of engineering, critical thinking, and conservation; instead of accepting an offer to become a partner at SEA, he chose to move his young family to York and began his 30-year career as Superintendent of the York Water District.

David was immediately dedicated to the long-term health and safety of York's water supply. Under his leadership the District soon adopted a 20-year master plan that led to the rebuilding of York's water distribution system and the construction of a modern treatment plant. One of his proudest achievements was securing the future of Chase's Pond, the District's sole water source, by protecting its watershed through responsible forest management and strategic land acquisition.

He also worked closely with the Kittery Water District to develop a special Resource Protection District, one of the first of its kind in Maine. He was a longtime member of the Maine Water Utilities Association and served as president of its board of directors in 1995, and on the board of the York Center for Wildlife in 2004.

David was the embodiment of empathy for people, children, and animals of all kinds. Over the years he adopted several rescue dogs, and loved all of his grand-pets.

In 2006 David retired from the York Water District but remained as busy and inquisitive as ever. He continued to be a staunch steward of the environment, serving on the Board of the York Land Trust, including in the role of board president, and taking on projects big and small, from leading nature hikes and maintaining trails to renovating the Trust's offices and installing a new sign. As a tribute to David's legacy, the York Land Trust has dedicated its Stewardship Wing to him "For his outstanding preemptive planning and care for our conserved lands."

He continued traveling down both new and familiar roads, meeting new people and spending time with old friends, reading incessantly and learning, ever ready for the next adventure. David never could pass up a yard sale or flea market, and he was collecting, repairing, and trading things rustic, antique, and unusual until the end.

But most important to David, retirement gave him more time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and sister. He loved all of them dearly, and never missed a chance to tell them so.

David is predeceased by his parents John and Marion Michniewicz and his sister Linda.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, sons David and John (Ellen), daughters Sarah (Jim) and Cheryl, granddaughters Emerson, Raigen, Larkin, and Edie, and grandson Tiller.

In lieu of flowers please remember David with donations to HART of Maine (Homeless Animal Rescue Team), Good Shepherd Food Bank, The York Center for Wildlife, and the York Land Trust.

Michael Herr Brewer

MICHAEL HERR BREWER
October 28, 1955 ~ January 3, 2024 (Age 68)

We mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Michael Brewer, known affectionately by many as Mike, who left us on January 3rd, 2024. Born on October 28, 1955, in Winchendon, Massachusetts, Michael lived a life full of love, dedication, and hearty laughter.

Michael was a graduate of Murdock High School with the Class of 1974. He was a stalwart fixture in the local community, dedicating many years to working as a machine maintenance professional at Urquhart LLC, Royco and Table Talk Pie factory in Worcester, Massachusetts, before retiring in 2021. He was known for his diligent work ethic and his knack for fixing things, whether it was a piece of machinery at the factory or a child's broken toy at home. His devoted wife, Anne Brewer, whom he married on the 21st of September 2002, often fondly described him as "the man who could mend anything." He enjoyed riding ATVs, woodworking, Gardening, working on old cars, the great outdoors and rides with his wife Anne.

Michael is survived by his loving family; his wife Anne Brewer, his step-daughter Heidi Sugalski (Derek), his children Lisa (Magnus) Johannsson, Michael (Katherine) Brewer Jr, Jason Brewer, Crystal Brewer, Christopher Brewer, and step-son Christopher Bachelder. Michael's legacy will also live on through his grandchildren; Kyle Bergquist, Jordan Johannsson, Sidney Brewer, Jayson Brewer, Charisma Brewer, Julia Sugalski, and great-grandchildren; Josiah Brewer and Amari Brewer. Michael also leaves behind his brothers James, Jeffrey, Paul, and Daniel Brewer, and his sister Elizabeth Taft. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Louise Brewer, and his sister Nellie Brewer. Each of them held a special place in his heart and contributed to the rich tapestry of his life.

The family invites you to join them in celebrating Michael's life during calling hours on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm, both to be held at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts.

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

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

James A. Bevilacqua

JAMES A. BEVILACQUA
December 31, 2023 (Age 64)

Winchendon/Royalston - James A. Bevilacqua died Sunday, December 31, 2023, in the Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, surrounded by loved ones and family, after being stricken ill. His family made the selfless and courageous decision to allow Jim to live on in the lives of others, both literally and figuratively, through the gift of organ donation. He was 64.

Jim leaves a son, Ryan J.R. Bevilacqua, of Hubbardston; a daughter, Brittney M.R. Bevilacqua, and her fiancé, Paul Sebring, of Texas; two grandchildren: Lincoln and Spencer Bevilacqua, of Hubbardston, whom he adored; three brothers: Raymond J. Bevilacqua, Jr., of Clinton, Gary J. Bevilacqua, of Spencer, and David P. Bevilacqua, of Amesbury; a brother-in-law, Ricky A. Watimar, of Maui, HI; his lifelong partner, best friend and mother of his children, Jennifer L. (Rouleau) Bevilacqua, of Winchendon; nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Diane P. Bevilacqua, who died in 2022.

Born in Clinton and raised in Lancaster, son of the late Raymond J. and Sophie (Serwecki) Bevilacqua, Jimmy, as he was also affectionately known, was a graduate of Nashoba Regional High School, Class of 1977. He was a long-time resident of Winchendon, before recently residing in Royalston.

For 46 years, he worked in the construction industry. Jim had a passion for building things, from making furniture and toys for his children and grandchildren, to residential and commercial buildings.

A member of the Winchendon Fire Department for 15 years, he was also on the Winchendon Dive Rescue Team for nearly 20 years, during which time he achieved Divemaster status. Jim's love of fire service, and underwater skills made him a natural fit to become a trainer for many area firefighters, teaching them ice and water rescue. In addition, he was a member of Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club, Station 857, since 2012, and volunteered his time in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

When not working or giving of his time for the betterment of others, Jim could often be found outdoors, grilling and cooking for family, riding his Harley, scuba diving, boating, fishing and hunting.

Jim's family and friends will gather to honor and remember his life on Saturday, January 13, 2023, with a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. in the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Saturday morning, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., prior to the service. For those who wish, the Bevilacqua family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Winchendon Fire Department, 405 Central St., Winchendon, MA 01475.