The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of March 7 to March 14, 2024

Obituaries

Russell T. Henderson

RUSSELL T. HENDERSON
February 28, 2024 (Age 86)

RUTLAND - Russell T. Henderson, Sr., 86, of Rutland, departed this life on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Westborough Healthcare. Mr. Henderson was born in Worcester to the late George W. Henderson and Helen E. (Lawlor) Henderson.

A distinguished veteran, Russell served as a United States Navy Corpsman during the Korean War. He pursued academic excellence, attending Saint Stephen's in Worcester for high school and subsequently enrolling in Pharmacy School. His commitment to his country and pursuit of knowledge set the foundation for a life devoted to public service and community service.

In 1957, Russell's life took a beautiful turn when he encountered the love of his life, Grace (Alger), through mutual acquaintances. Their union blossomed into a lifelong partnership marked by love and shared experiences. The Henderson family flourished in Worcester, Bellingham, and Holden, as Russell embarked on a multifaceted career path.

Russell served as a police officer in Bellingham before transitioning to roles as a Health Inspector for the City of Worcester and a Lab Technician at Hahnemann Hospital. His unwavering commitment to public safety and healthcare underscored his dedication to the well-being of his community.

Russell is survived by his beloved wife, Grace (Alger) Henderson, and his cherished children: Russell T. Henderson, Jr. and wife Deborah of Franklin, Christopher Henderson of Rutland, Kathy A. Henderson-Poe and husband Jonathan of Jefferson, Sherry A. Haley and husband Nate of Winchendon, and Linda Meunier and husband Robert of Lancaster, PA. His legacy extends to a loving array of grandchildren - Garrett Henderson, Jessica Henderson, Zachary Henderson, Marissa Williams, Christopher Poe, Jacob Haley, Rachel Strout, Samantha Haley, Emily Haley, Joshua Meunier, Alex Meunier, and Cory Meunier - as well as six great-grandchildren. Russell is predeceased by his brother George Henderson and sister Mary (Henderson) Mezzano.

Beyond his familial roles, Russell took profound pride in his work with the Disabled American Veterans Organization, where he served as the State Commander for an extended tenure. His advocacy for veterans' rights also found expression in his involvement with Veterans Affairs and membership in the esteemed American Legion "Rats."

Known for his vibrant personality, Russell found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether traversing the aisles of local grocery stores or savoring his favorite Rum Raisin Ice Cream from Rota Springs.

Russell's family would like to thank the nurses with MetroWest Hospice for their love and care towards Russell during his time with them.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, located at 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA. A solemn Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM in Saint Patrick's Parish, 258 Main Street, Rutland, MA. Following the Mass, interment will take place at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions be made to the Disabled Veterans of America organization through the following link: https://help.dav.org/page/53019/donate. This gesture will honor Russell's enduring commitment to the well-being of veterans and their families.

Barbara E. Burbank

BARBARA E. BURBANK
December 10, 1945 ~ March 1, 2024 (Age 78)

Barbara Elizabeth Burbank born December 10, 1945 in Biloxi, Mississippi, died March 1, 2024 in Westmoreland, NH after a long illness.

She is survived by her son Tom Borden, his wife Wendy of Winchendon, MA, two grandsons Jake Borden, Virginia Beach, VA, and Justin Borden, Keene, NH, a brother Davis Burbank, Amelia Island, FL, nephews Bill Burbank, Nottingham, NH, Nathan Burbank, NYC, pre-deceased Jon Burbank and niece Elizabeth Towle, Henniker, NH.

Barbara graduated from Murdock HS graduating in 1963. She attended UMass/Stockbridge majoring in Floriculture. She was a successful business person owning Tom's Nursery, Dublin, NH, The Strawberry Patch in Keene, NH and managing the Floral Dept. at Edwards Supermarket, Keene, NH.

Battling MS for 30 years, Barbara died peacefully at Maplewood Nursing Home, Westmoreland, NH where she had resided for the last 10 years. Barbara and the family are very grateful for the excellent care given to her and residents. They deserve much overdue praise. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Maplewood Nursing Home Activities Department. A celebration of Life late Spring early summer.

Tristan Cody Cutting

TRISTAN CODY CUTTING
October 13, 1996 ~ February 29, 2024 (Age 27)

Tristan Cody Cutting, 27, died unexpectedly in Candia, NH, on February 29, 2024.

Tristan was born on October 13, 1996, in Gardner, MA to the late Angela Cutting Collier and Adam Morris.

Tristan graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA in 2015. He worked for McDonalds for many years where he gained many friendships. He then worked for Taylor New England refrigeration company for the past year.

He was very technically savvy, he was a computer whiz. He enjoyed playing video games. He loved music and also worked as a DJ.

He leaves his grandmother, Cindy May; and her husband Gabba May; his grandmother, Patrica Lemmer; his grandfather, Robert Cutting; his great-grandfather, Ronald Dumont, his three sisters, Mikayla Peabody, Bella Tenney, and Jade Morris; two brothers, Stone Morris, and Adam Morris; his step-father, Scott Collier; his step-mother, Sasha Morris; his three aunts, Missina Cutting, Jennie LeBlanc, and Ticia Conlon; his uncle, Shawn Morris; his guardians from his youth, Jason and Renee Tenney and their two sons, Calvin and Clayton Tenney. He also leaves a very special cousin, Stephanie Tenney, along with many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Along with his parents Tristan is predeceased by his great-grandmother, Mary "Nanny" Dumont.

Calling hours are on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

His burial will be in the Spring at Calvary Cemetery, Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tristan-cutting?modal=donations&tab=all

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

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

Richard Allen McAllister

RICHARD ALLEN MCALLISTER
October 3, 1946 ~ March 2, 2024 (Age 78)

Richard Allen McAllister, Sr. (Mac), 77 of Winchendon, died March 2, 2024 at Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born on October 3, 1946 in Winchendon, the son of Freddie McAllister and Josephine (Mello) McAllister. He was the last born of 5 children.

Following graduation from Murdock High School in Winchendon in 1964, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam Era.

He served the Town of Winchendon for 23 years as a member of the local Police Department, retiring in 1996. Following his retirement, he worked part-time at Market Basket in Rindge.

As a member of the Freemasons for 25 years, he was past Master of Artisan Lodge, Winchendon, St. Paul Lodge, Gardner and Hope Lodge, Gardner. Rick was also a past District Deputy of the 22nd Masonic District. He was the proud recipient of the Joseph Warren Medal. Rick was advisor & Chapter Dad of the Gardner Order of DeMolay. He was also a member of Stiles Brook Lodge.

He enjoyed playing cards, woodworking, horseshoes and helping others. He was very generous with his time and energy, he was a jokester and always had a joke to share. He was very devoted to his family.

He leaves his wife of 54 years: Michelle (Guertin) McAllister and their children: Richard Jr. of Phillipston and Jenn; Holly McAllister of Templeton and Ron; four grandchildren: Amanda LeRay, Kylee-ann McAllister, Kade Vautour and Kaleb Vautour. His brother: Fred McAllister and wife Jeanne of Great Barrington and his sister: Marion Boutelle of Holden , along with many nieces and nephews, his brothers-in-law: John Nicholson of Bossier City, LA and Tony Lafreniere of Winchendon.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters: Louise Nicholson, Doris Lafreniere and Nancy Hemlin.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 11:30am - 1:30 pm in the Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, MA. A Graveside Service will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Gardner Order of DeMolay 42 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the Veterans' Outreach Center 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

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

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon has been entrusted with is service.

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

Richard Allen McAllister

RICHARD ALLEN MCALLISTER
March 1, 2024 (Age 86)

Clarence "Pete" Weston Wentworth passed from this life on March 1, 2024 at the age of 86.

Born in Winchendon, MA, he was son of the late Clarence and Eva Laura "Toini" (Peltola) Wentworth. He grew up in Winchendon and graduated from the Murdock High School where he was a star of the baseball team. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Clarence was employed for many years by the General Electric Company in Pittsfield as a designer/draftsman.

He very much enjoyed watching the NY Yankees and listening to Country Western music.

He was the husband of Priscilla (Palmer) Wentworth for 63 years. He is survived by his children, Douglas (Sue), Heather, Philip and Lynn and his grandchildren, Zachary and Jessica.

Friends are invited to visit with Clarence's family on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11 am until 12:30 pm at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY Route 43 Stephentown, NY. A prayer service will conclude the visiting and interment will immediately follow in Stephentown Cemetery.

Contributions, if desired, may be made to the charity of one's choice in memory of Clarence Wentworth.

Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.