The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of March 14 to March 21, 2024

Obituaries

Eleanor L. Brogan

ELEANOR L. BROGAN
February 25, 1929 ~ March 7, 2024 (Age 95)

Westminster - Eleanor Louise Brogan, 95, left this world peacefully on March 7, 2024, to be reunited in heaven with the love of her life, Bob.

Daughter of the late John and Mary Lee, she was born in Gardner on February 25, 1929. Eleanor was raised and educated in Gardner, MA, where she met her sweetheart and future husband of 69 years, Robert William Brogan. Their love story began when they met at two years old and "ran away" together. They wed on October 8, 1951 and raised their eight children in Westminster, where Eleanor was an active member of the community.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband in February of 2021 and her sister, Marion McQueston in 2002. She leaves her eight children, Deborah Lynn White and her husband Bill of Bandera, TX, Jo-Ellen Shea and her husband Jerry of Westminster, Lee Ann Brogan Gikis and her husband Tony of Westminster, Jeffrey Brogan and his wife Chris of Ashburnham, David Brogan and his wife Peggi of Rindge, NH, Todd Brogan and his wife Jeanine of Kennesaw, GA, Sue Drake and her husband David of Gardner and Shane Brogan and his wife Audrey of Westminster; sixteen grandchildren, Patrick, Meghann, Jenilee, Whitney, Josh, Nathan, Jake, Jordan, Curtis, Katelyn, Alie, Alyssa, Emma, Reese, Robby, and Abby; and twelve great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Eleanor was a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church in Westminster, where she served as a deaconess and on several committees. Eleanor was also a longtime member of the Westminster Historical Society.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed her home and welcomed everyone who came by to visit, encouraging them all to "stop by anytime." She hosted weekly Sunday gatherings with her children and grandchildren, and always made the best chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

She touched many lives with her kindness. Throughout her life, she cared for and truly loved people all around her. She was affectionately known as "Grandma Brogan" to many.

The family was happy to be able to celebrate her 95th birthday just before her passing.

The funeral will be at 11:00 AM at the Westminster First Congregational Church, 138 E. Main Street, Westminster, MA.

There will be a calling hour prior to the service at the church from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM.

Eleanor will be buried alongside her husband in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

The burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Eleanor's name to The First Congregational Church of Westminster.

The family is very grateful for the loving care Eleanor received at Broadview Assisted Living in Winchendon and at Leominster Crossings.

We love you a bushel and a peck, Grandma Brogan!

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

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

Walter A. Zablonski Jr

WALTER A. ZABLONSKI JR.
July 6, 1948 ~ March 3, 2024 (Age 75)

Walter A. Zablonski, Jr., 75, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024 at Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Gardner after a long illness.

Walter was born on July 6, 1948 in Winchendon, son of the late Walter A. Zablonski and Myrtle (Whitney) Zablonski. He lived in Templeton, and then later in Alburgh, Vermont.

Walter graduated from Narragansett Regional High School in 1967. He was a US Navy veteran and proudly served his country aboard the USS Chilton during Vietnam.

Walter worked at Erving Paper Mill in Baldwinville before moving to Vermont. There he worked as a corrections officer at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans where he retired after 18 years. During his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and helping out his parents' at their Elm's Bait and Tackle store, and his sister's Alyce in Flower Land shop.

Walter enjoyed spending time outdoors and was happiest when fishing and spending time with his family. He spent many hours fishing on Lake Champlain and planned fishing trips with his brothers each year. A New England sports fan enthusiast, Walter attended every Red Sox opening day game when he lived in Massachusetts. He also enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and golfing. He was a long-time member of the Pulaski Guards in Baldwinville.

Walter is survived by his brothers, Alan M. and his wife, Joyce (Vandemark) Zablonski of Monterey; Marc J. and his wife, Nancy (Foley) Zablonski of Gardner; and his sister Alyce F. LaDeau and her fiancé, Michael Bouthot of Templeton. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, whom he cherished dearly and knew him as Uncle Wally.

A memorial service and burial will be held in Walter's honor on March 20, 2024 at 10am at Greenlawn Cemetery on 39 Bridge Street in Baldwinville, MA. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To order memorial trees or send flowers in memory of Walter A. Zablonski, Jr., please visit our flower store. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

We invite you to share your memories, stories, and pictures of Walter A. on his memorial page. Each shared memory is a testament to a life well-lived and a man well-loved. Let us celebrate him.

Ronald F. Webster

RONALD F. WEBSTER
December 14, 1949 ~ March 2, 2024 (Age 74)

Winchendon, Massachusetts - Kalispell, Montana - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald F. Webster, who passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell, Montana, after a long illness. Born and raised in his beloved hometown of Winchendon, Massachusetts, Ronald touched the lives of many with his warmth, dedication, and unwavering spirit.

Ronald is now reunited with his beloved wife, Donna Webster, and his dear sister, Rosalie Anderson, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his cherished sister, Janice Fratoni (wife of John Fratoni) of Winchendon, Massachusetts, as well as several nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends and colleagues. Ronald was the son of the late Floyd and Olive Webster, both of Winchendon.

During the Vietnam War, Ronald demonstrated his unwavering dedication to serving his country and comrades as a Switchboard Operator in the U.S. Army, at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, from 1967 to 1970.

A respected figure in his community, Ronald was the owner of Glacier Drywall Company, where his dedication and expertise made a lasting impact on those around him. His commitment to his craft and his generous spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.

Ronald will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire and uplift those whose lives he touched.

A memorial service to honor Ronald's life will be held, and in honor of his service to our country, a funeral service with military honors will be conducted at a later date and time.