Mary J. (Cormier) DeBigare - 75
July 21 2000
Worcester - Mary J. (Cormier) DeBigare, 75, of 39 Westminster St., died Friday July 21 in Memorial Hospital after an illness. She leaves three sons, Richard McKenna, Robert Johnston and Brian DeBigare, all of Worcester, two daughters Diane Fulton and Jean Nowalski, both of Worcester, 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Another son, Norman Saucier died in 1997. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Philip Cormier and Lucy (Burke) McKenna and lived here all her life. Mrs. DeBigare attended Sacred Heart Academy. She worked for the former OK Wool Company of Worcester and Parker Metals, retiring many years ago. The funeral will be Tuesday July 25 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Paul's Cathedral, 15 Chatham St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Monday July 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Dorothy C. Deedy - 85
Aug. 5, 2000
Boca Raton - Dorothy C. Deedy, 85, formerly of Jamaica Plain, died Saturday Aug.5 In Hospice By The Sea in Boca Raton, FL. Born in Cambridge, MA. she was the daughter of Francis and Gertrude Harney and lived in Jamaica Plain for many years before moving to Florida. She served as a 2nd Lt.Army Nurse Corps during W.W. II. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston College and a Masters degree Public Health from Simmons College. She was supervisor of Public Health in the Boston Public Schools for many years. Her husband, the honorable John J. Deedy, former city couselor and state representative of Worcester, was killed in action in France in 1944. She leaves a daughter, Dorothy Carol Deedy of Boca Raton and a sister, Claire Rehm of St. Louis, MO., one niece and three nephews, all of Worcester. Another daughter, Mary Catherine Deedy died in infancy. Funeral services were held in Florida. Burial will be in Worcester. There will be a committal service at 11 a.m. Thursday Aug 10 in St. John's Cemetery. The family request flowers be omitted and memorial donations be made to Christ the King Monastery (Poor Claire Nuns) 3900 Sherwood Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33445 or to Women in Military Service Memorial Foundation, Dept 560, Washington, DC. 20042-0560. Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. directing local arrangements.

H. Josephine Delaney
May 4, 2001
Worcester - H. Josephine Delaney of 12 Howland Terrace, died Friday May 4 in her home after an illness. She leaves her sister, Mary C. Fessenden with whom she lived, three nieces and two nephews, nine grandnieces and grandnephews, and 2 great grandnieces. Her brother, Henry Delaney predeceased her. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Michael J. and Delia Bridget (Barrett) Delaney and lived here all of her life. Miss Delaney was a graduate of North High School. She worked in the accounting department at the United States Steel Company for many years retiring in 1971. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church. The funeral was Monday May 7 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a Mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial donations be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA. 01602.

Martha J. (Hippert) Desmarais
April 15, 2000
Worcester - Martha J. (Hippert) Desmarais, 76, of 324 Millbury St., died Sat. April 15 in Memorial Hospital after an illness. She leaves four sons, Dennis Burns, James Burns, George "Roy" Desmarais and Richard A. Desmarais, two daughters, Martha O'Connell and Janice Desmarais, two brothers, James Hippert and Donald Hippert, two sisters, Helen Goozey and Gloria Dempsey, all of Worcester, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her husband, Albert H. Kerswell died in 1981. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Leon G. and Nellie M. (Hannon) Hippert and lived here all her life. She worked for several years at Parker Manufacturing Co. until 1974. The funeral was Wednesday April 19 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a service at 9:30 a.m. in St. John's Church, 40 Temple St. Burial was in St. John Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial donations be made to Catholic Charities, 10 Hammond St., Worcester, MA. 01610.

Germania Laura Dillon
April 5, 2000
Worcester - Germania Laura Dillon, 80, of 86 Austin St., a retired factory worker, died Wednesday, April 5 at Sunbridge Rehabilitation Center. Her husband, of 20 years, Carlos Alin, died in 1988. She leaves a son, Enrique Alin Dillon of Guayaquil, Ecuador, two daughters, Dr. Victoria Alin de Campozano and Margarita Alin Dillon, both of Guayaquil, Ecuador, two brothers, Juan Dillon of New York and Frank Dillon of New Jersey, sister, Frances Dillon of Guayaquil, Ecuador, a daughter-in-law, Eva P. Alin of Worcester, 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Another son, Jorge W. Alin died in 1987. Born in Guayaquil, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Juan Dillon and came to the United States in 1976. She lived in Montclair, NJ and worked at the Mar-Kal Company there, before moving to Worcester in 1978. She was an expert seamstress and a long time volunteer for the Catholic Diocese of Worcester and a member of St. Peter's Church. The funeral will be Friday, April 7 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main St. Burial will be in St.John's Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Today (Thursday Apr 6) at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Massachusetts Memorial Processing Center, P.O. Box 31160, Hartford, CT. 06150-1160.

David T. Drohan
September 12, 2000
Worcester - David T. Drohan, 89, of 8 Pelham St., died Tuesday Sept. 12 in Saint Mary Health Care Center after an illness. He leaves two brothers, Rev. Joseph J. Drohan of Worcester and Rev. James J. Drohan, S.J. of Weston, nieces and nephews.A sister, Helen M. Drohan of Worcester died in 1999 and a brother, Richard F. Drohan, also of Worcester died in 1998. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Patrick and Frances (Wharton) Drohan and lived here most of his life. He was a World War II Army veteran. Mr. Drohan worked for the U. S. Postal Service for 40 years and then for the Worcester Art Museum for 10 years. He was a member of St. Paul's parish. The funeral was Friday Sept 15 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass in St. Paul's Cathedral, 15 Chatham St. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. The family requests flowers be omitted.

Martha Duplessie
February 10, 2001
Worcester - Martha Duplessie,88, of 751 Grove St., formerly of 2 King St., died Saturday, February 10, in UMass Memorial Medical Center- Memorial Campus after an illness. She leaves a brother Adolphe Duplessie of Connecticut; four sister, Madeline Stauch, Marie Lavoie, Dora Groves, all of Connecticut and Germaine Acevedo of Florida; several nieces and nephews. She was born in Van Buren, ME., daughter of Willie and Adele (Violette)Duplessie. Ms. Duplessie worked as a housekeeper and cook for many years at Various Church Rectories in Maine and Massachusetts for several years before moving to Worcester in 1975. Burial Was in Hope Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The Jewish Family Service, 646 Salisbury St., Worcester Ma, 01609. Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., is directing the arrangements.

Anastasia (Commatas) Economou - 99
October 21, 2000
Worcester - Anastasia Economou, 99, formerly of Sever St., died Saturday Oct. 21 in Holy Trinity Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She is survived by her son, Solon S. Economou of South Dennis, MA. and a daughter, Virginia Fotos, of Enfield, CT, two grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her husband of 46 years, Nicholas Economou died in 1965. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Sophia Vranos and Aliki Commatas, who was her twin and her brother, Agamemnon Commatas. Born in Epirus, Greece, she was the daughter of Arthur and Efrosini Commatas and came to America following World War I. She lived most of her life in Worcester. She was a member of St. Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the St. Spyridon Philoptochos Society. The funeral was Tuesday Oct. 24 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a Service in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell St. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Ave., Worcester, MA. 01606 or to St. Spyridon Philoptochos Society, 102 Russell St., Worcester, MA. 01609.

Thomas J. Falvey
August 28. 2000
Worcester - Thomas J. Falvey, 68, of 80 Salisbury St., died Monday Aug. 28 in his home after an illness. He leaves his wife of 23 years, Janet M. (Warpula) Falvey, two daughters, Sandra Mazzadra of Connecticut and JoAnne McTiernan of New Jersey, a brother, Francis A. Falvey of Worcester and two grandchildren. Another brother, William P. Falvey of Worcester died before him. Born in Worcester, he was the son of William G. and Marion V. (Brennan) Falvey and lived here most of his life. He attended Worcester schools and was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. Mr. Falvey retired many years ago. The funeral will be Thursday Aug. 31 with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. John's Church, 40 Temple St. After cremation, burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. There are no calling hours. Flowers are to be omitted. Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Church, Fund for the Poor, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA. 01605.

JAMES R. FENNER
October 10, 2000
WORCESTER - James R. Fenner, 47, of 16 Sigel St. died Saturday Oct. 7 at St. Vincent Hospital after an illness. He leaves two sons, James R. Fenner Jr. and Jason P. Fenner,one daughter, Michelle L. Fenner, his mother, Ethel B. (Seagrave) Fenner,four brothers, Walter A Fenner, Glen E Fenner Jr., Raymond E. Fenner and Leo E. Fenner; one sister, Berniece A. Alcorn, five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews all of Worcester. His wife Kathleen (Bruzas) Fenner died in 1988 and his Father Glenn E. Fenner died in 1996.He was born in Worcester. Mr. Fenner was a truck driver for the former Yankee Produce Co. for many years retiring several years ago due to illness. He was a member of the Polish National Alliance of Worcester. The funeral was Wednesday Oct.11 from Callahan Bros. Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a Mass in St. John's Church, 44 Temple St.

Rosaleen R. Flynn
March 19, 2000
EAST DENNIS - Rosaleen R. Flynn of 94 Bradford Road, East Dennis, formerly of Barnard Road in Worcester, a retired senior clerk, died at home. She leaves two sisters, Hazel R. Gallo, with' whom she lived, and Virginia M. Johnson of Wor-T cester; nieces and nephews. She was born in Worcester, daughter of James P. and Mary T. (Sheehan) Flynn, and moved to Cape Cod in 1986. She graduated from Ascension High School and the Salter Secretarial School. Ms. Flynn was a senior clerk at New England Power and Service Co., Westboro, for 22 years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of Our Lady of the Cape Church, Brewster, and the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The funeral Mass was held in St. Bernard's Church, 228 Lincoln St., Worcester. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, 559 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. 01605.

FELIX J. "PHIL" FONTAINE - 91
May 21, 2000
Worcester - Felix J."Phil" Fontaine, 91, of Worcester died Sunday May 21, 2000 at UMass Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He leaves his wife of 66 years, Helen F. (Halley) Fontaine of Worcester, one son Donald F. Fontaine of Rutland, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Fontaine owned and operated the Atlas Rubber Stamp Co. of Worcester, which he started in 1929 and worked until recently. Born in Worcester he was the son of Dennis and Ella (Freeman) Fontaine and lived here all his life. Mr. Fontaine was a graduate of the former Worcester Boys Trade School and he was an avid sports fan. The funeral service was private and the burial is Notre Dame Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations be made to the Odd Fellows Residents Activity Fund, 104 Randolph Rd. Worcester ma. 01606.

Francis J. Gagan, 81
February 17, 2001
Worcester - Francis J. Gagan, 81, of 1 Alcott St., died Saturday Feb. 17, in Providence Extended Care after an illness. He leaves his wife of 46 years, Marie (Murphy) Gagan, a son, Michael F. Gagan of Auburn and a daughter, Mary-Ellen Gagan of Worcester and many nieces and nephews. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Michael and Nora (Hassett) Gagan and lived here all his life. He was a graduate of Commerce High School. He was a tool room supervisor at Harrington Richardson Arms Co., Inc. in Worcester and New England Firearms in Gardner for over 50 years. Mr.Gagan was an avid sports fan, a member of the Auburn Lodge of Elks BPOE #2118 and a member of Ascension Church. The funeral was Wednesday, Feb. 21 from Callahan Bros. Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass in the Ascension Church; 40 Vernon St. Burial was in St. John Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Ascension Church.

Agnes J. (Donahue) Gagne, 77
January 9, 2000
Worcester - Agnes J.(Donahue)Gagne,77,of 104 Randolph Rd., formerly of Epworth St., died in Umass Memorial hospital after an illness. She leaves five sisters, Grace Kristolaitis of Rochdale, Theresa Dangredo, Josephine Baillargeon, Marion King, and Geraldine Villnave all of Worcester, several neices and nephews. Her husband of 35 years Alfred R. Gagne died in 1979. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Timothy F. and Rose A.(Morrissey)and lived here all her life. Mrs Gagne worked for 34 years as a clerk for the former Clafflin and Donahue Co., retiring in 1974. She was a long time member of St.Catherine of Sweden Church. The funeral was held in St.Catherine of Sweden Church, 1 Wiser Ave. Burial was in St.John's Cemetery.

Dr. Emilio Galindo - 81
April 15, 2000
Dr. Emilio Galindo, 81, of 19 May St., died Saturday, April 15, in UMass Memorial Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue. He leaves his wife of 36 years, Edicta (Moreno) Galindo and two sons, Miguel M. Galindo and Alberto M. Galindo, all of Worcester, and one grandson. Born in Salamanca, Spain, he was the son of Luis Galindo-Diaz and Maria Beltran Galindo. Dr. Galindo was a graduate of the University of Madrid Medical School. He was a Lieutenant in the Spanish Army medical corps during W.W.II. and until 1954. He then moved to Venezuela where he was in private practice until retiring and coming to the U.S. in 1969 and moved to Worcester in 1970. Dr. Galindo moved to Worcester in 1970. He was a community advocate for Central Los Americas. Dr. Galindo was a gifted artist painting in oil both landscapes and portraits. In 1976 he had showings at Mechanics Hall and the Worcester Public Library. The funeral was Wednesday April 19 with a service at 11 a.m. in Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. Burial was in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday April 18 at the funeral home.

Israel "Rocky" Gonzalez
June 9, 2000
Worcester - Israel "Rocky" Gonzalez, 44, of 29 Oxford St., died Friday (June 9) in UMass Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus after a battle with heart disease. He leaves three sons, Israel Gonzalez, Jr., Isaac "Rocky" Gonzalez and Nathan Otero, all of Worcester, three daughters, Phoebe Gonzalez, Sara Jessica Gonzalez and Nicole Peterson all of Worcester, five sisters, Maggie Gonzalez, Ruth Gonzalez, Raquel Rivera, Sarai Rivera, and Cheryl Ortiz, all of Worcester, five grandchildren, five nephews and one niece. Born in Bronx, NY., he was the son of Miguel A. and Natividad (Sandoz) Rivera and lived here for many years. He worked as a patient care worker at Worcester State Hospital. He was a semi-professional boxer and wrestler in the New England area. He was a member and trained at the YWCA. He was served 4 years in the National Guard. Mr. Gonzalez was a member of the Christian Community Church, for many years and played the guitar at church services. The funeral was Monday, June 12 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a service in the Christian Community Church, 89 Austin St. Burial was in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

Jule F. Goodney - 100
March 28, 2000
Worcester - Jule F. Goodney, 100, formerly of 26 Sterling St., died Tuesday March 28 in Salisbury Nursing Home. His wife of 40 years, Winifred Goodney, died in 1989. He leaves a nephew, Robert F. Goodney of Akron, Ohio and two nieces, Marion E. Goodney and M. Virginia Quinn, both of Worcester. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Jule and Addie (Jones) Goodney and lived here all his life. He was an expediter and then assistant foreman at Crompton & Knowles in the motor and chain department. He was a former member of the United Steelworkers Union. He was a long time member of the Alhambra Council of the Knights of Columbus and a long time member of Sacred Heart Church. The funeral was Friday,March 31, from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 600 Cambridge St. Burial was in St. John Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday March 30 at the funeral home. The family request flowers be omitted and memorial donations be made to a charity of one's choice.

Rev. Francis P. Harrity - 92
February 20, 2000
Clinton - Rev. Francis P. Harrity, 92, of 115 Prescott St., died Tuesday Feb. 20, in Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester, after an illness. Fr. Harrity was the first diocesan director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, a position he held from 1950, when the Worcester Diocese was established, to 1959.He was also the first Director of the Diocesan Apostolate for the Elderly and former Dean of the Spencer Deanery. He was founder and Director of the Critics Forum and the Veritas Forum. Born in Clinton on April 6, 1908, the son of Timothy J. and Bridget E. (Burke) Harrity, Fr. Harrity graduated from St. John's Grammar School in Clinton and Clinton High School. He attended the College of the Holy Cross for two years before entering the Seminary of Philosophy in Montreal. He completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, and was ordained on June 10, 1933 in St. Michael's Cathedral, Springfield, by then Bishop Thomas M. O'Leary. His first assignment after ordination was on loan as an assistant in Immaculate Conception Parish in Washington, DC. He then served as assistant in Sacred Heart parish, Holyoke and St. Peter's, Christ the King, and St. Stephen's parishes, all in Worcester, before he was appointed pastor of Holy Rosary parish, Spencer. Fr. Harrity was pastor and administrator in the Ascension parish, Worcester from 1971 until he retired in 1982. Fr. Harrity leaves several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, great grandnieces and great grandnephews. Two brothers, Joseph T. Harrity of Clinton and Richard T. Harrity of Hudson, and two sisters, Mary C. Harrity of Clinton and Josephine T. Harrington of Hudson predeceased him. The funeral will be Friday Feb. 23 with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union Street. Bishop Daniel Reilly will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours are Thursday Feb. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. Fr. Harrity will lie in state from 7 - 9 p.m. in Ascension Church, 40 Vernon St., Worcester with a wake service a 7.p.m. (Auxiliary Bishop George Rueger will do wake service).

Claire G. Griffin
March 24 2000
Auburn - Claire G. Griffin of 669 Washington St. formerly of Gediminas St, Worcester, Ma. Died March 24 in St.Vincent Hospital after an illness. She leaves a sister, Shirley C. Lariviere of Auburn; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Raymond Griffin of Auburn who died in 1996 and two sisters, Rita A. Griffin of Auburn who died in 1992 and Marian R. O'Brien of Worcester who died in 1988. She was born in Worcester daughter of Patrick and Sarah G.(Reynolds) Griffin and lived here all her life. Ms. Griffin was an office Manager at the Stop and Shop Super market at Webster Square for 45 years retiring in 1991. She was a life time member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Worcester. She was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Ms. Griffin was an avid music and animal lover. The funeral service was held Tuesday March 28, from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 600 Cambridge St., Worcester. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham,Ma 01701-4680.

Paul R. Grogan, 65
July 29, 2000
Worcester - Paul R. Grogan, 65, of 197 Providence St., died Saturday July 29 in St. Vincent Hosptial at Worcester Medical Center after an illness. He leaves three cousins, George L. Mahoney of Katonah, NY, John O'Connor of Yardley, PA. and Richard Hedlund of Campton, Michigan. Born in Denver, Colorado, he was the son of James E. and Mary "Mae" (Mahoney) Grogan and lived here most of his life. He did gardening at Therapeutic Work Options in West Boylston. He enjoyed music, bowling, sports and traveling. He was a member of Ascension Church. The funeral will be Thursday Aug. 3 from Callahan Brothers funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Ascension Church, 40 Vernon St. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Wednesday Aug. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The family request flowers be omitted and memorial donations be made to D.M.R. - Woodland Apts., c/o Gail Noone, 197-199 Providence St., Worcester, MA. 01604.

Queenie Hagopian
August 6, 2000
Worcester - Queenie Hagopian, of 962 Pleasant St., died Sunday evening Aug. 6 in Memorial Hospital after an illness. She leaves her husband of 54 years, Edward W. Hagopian and a daughter, Lila L. Jankowski of Baldwinville, three sisters, Armen Khoshabjian of Woburn, Shake' Derderian of Leominster, and Louise Arslen of Worcester, many nieces and nephews. Born in Olean, NY., she was the daughter of James H. and Victoria (Mazgerdian) Donoian and lived in Worcester most of her life. She was a graduate of the New England School of Accounting. Mrs. Hagopian worked for the Mass. Division of Employment Security for 40 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1990. Previously she worked (as a civilian) for the U.S. Air Force in Washington for several years. She was a member of the Mass. Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association and a long time member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. The funeral will be Wednesday Aug.9 from Callahan Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., with a service at 11 a.m. in The Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are 9 to 10:30 am Wednesday Aug.9 at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA. 01609.