Elaine D. Biron
Enjoyed cats, flowers and knitting
Elaine D. Biron, 59, of Jason Drive, Goffstown, died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla., following a lengthy illness. She was born in Cambridge, Mass., daughter of Norman Boisse Sr. of Davenport, Fla., and the late Ruth (Leslie) Boisse. Mrs. Biron was formerly employed at RDF Corp. of Hudson, as a quality control inspector. She had a fondness for cats, flowers and knitting and she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include three sons, Anthony DeNapoli of Goffstown, Michael DeNapoli of Tampa and Joseph DeNapoli of Oak Grove, Ky.; two daughters, Sharon Brewster of Harrisburg, Pa. and Angela Cloutier of Clarksville, Tenn.; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman Boisse Jr. of Merrimack; a sister, Carol Bannister of Londonderry; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merrimack. Following cremation burial will take place at Last Rest Cemetery, Merrimack, at the convenience of the family. The George R. Rivet Funeral Home in Merrimack is in charge of arrangements.

William A. Billy Byrnes
Loving brother, beloved uncle
William A. Billy Byrnes, 71, of Vagge Drive, Nashua, died Sunday morning, April 14, 2002, at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua after an unexpected illness. Mr. Byrnes was born Sept. 12, 1930, son of the late Thomas A. and Margaret M. (Nash) Byrnes. He was a lifelong resident of Nashua. He had been employed by the Nashua school department and had previously worked at Sanders Associates, now BAE Systems. Mr. Byrnes was a former member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge in Nashua. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years and was an avid football fan. He was a communicant of St. Patrick Church. Mr. Byrnes was educated in Nashua schools. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas E. Byrne Sr., and a brother-in-law, Paul L.J. Blow. Survivors include a brother, John P. Jack Byrnes of Nashua; a sister, Phyllis M. Blow of Merrimack; a sister-in-law, Helen Byrne of Nashua; six nephews, Thomas Byrne Jr., Bruce Byrne and Anthony Blow, all of Nashua, Paul and Daniel Blow of Merrimack, and Thomas Blow of Latham, N.Y.; two nieces, Brenda Byrne of Nashua and Kathleen Narducci of Merrimack; three great-nephews and two great-nieces. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Patrick Church in Nashua. Burial followed in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. The Farwell Funeral Service in Nashua is in charge of arrangements.

William R. Call
Bicycled across the United States
William R. Billy Call, 59, of S. Guildhall, Vt., son of the late R.J. Bill Call and Esther Beach Call, died in his sleep peacefully on April 15, 2002. He was born in Lancaster on Oct. 10, 1942, and completed eighth grade at the Guildhall Middle School. Mr. Call worked on his father s farm his entire life. In later years, he helped his brother, Don, with his business. He loved old cars and trucks, and worked on his own car as well as his large collection of bicycles. He loved all animals, and was particularly fond of llamas. He was delighted to see an entire herd recently on a trip with his sister. His greatest joy in life was bicycling. His proudest achievement was bicycling across the United States in 1992 with his twin sister. He had many friends in this area with which he greatly enjoyed visiting. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle and caring person. Family members include his twin sister Elizabeth Betty Streeter of Wilton; a brother Don H. Call of Guildhall, Vt.; a sister-in-law Nancy Call of Guildhall, Vt.; a brother-in-law Prescott Put Streeter of Merrimack; six nieces; one nephew; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A graveside service was held April 20, at the Ridgwell Cemetery, Guildhall. Memorial donations may be made to the Lancaster Ambulance Association, c/o Ron Wert, 25 Main St., Lancaster, NH 03584 The Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster was in charge of arrangements.

William M. Carrigan
Green Beret; served in Vietnam with Special Forces
William M. Bill Carrigan, 55, of 162 Armory Road, Milford, died April 18, 2002, at his home. Mr. Carrigan was born Sept. 4, 1946, in Nashua, son of the late Albert Bud Carrigan and Doris (Wellhausen) Gould. He resided in Milford most of his life, and also lived in California. He was the North Coast wrestling champion for his weight class while living in California. Also, he was helped form the wrestling program at Milford High School. Mr. Carrigan was an Army veteran, having served as a second lieutenant in Vietnam and as a Green Beret in the Special Forces Paratrooper Division. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 13, in Greenville. Mr. Carrigan was educated in both Milford and California schools. He attended the New England Aeronautical Institute in Nashua and Officer s Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga. Survivors include a son, Ryan M. Carrigan of Wilton; a stepmother, Betty Carrigan of Milford; a stepfather, Albert Gould of Novato, Calif.; a sister, Joanne Carrigan of Chester; a special friend, Bette Lorette of Wilton; and two nieces. Memorial visiting hours are Thursday, April 25, from 6-9 p.m., in The Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm St., Milford. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library, 7 Forest Road, PO Box 420, Wilton, NH 03086.

Marion I. Casten
Lived with daughter in Milford
Marion I. Casten, 86, of Milford died on April 17, 2002, at Villa Crest Nursing Home in Manchester after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Casten was born on July 4, 1915 in Worcester, Mass., the daughter of the late Arthur and Mable (Hicks) Richards. She graduated from West Boylston High School and Becker Junior College in Worcester. She was a medical secretary for several years in Worcester and then went on to spend 15 years with the Shrewsbury School Department where she was also employed as a secretary. She made her home in Shrewsbury for many years. She was a member of the Shrewsbury Business Girls Club. Mrs. Casten relocated in the late 1970s to Southern New Hampshire, residing in New lpswich and then Milford, eventually living with her daughter for the past seven years. For approximately 20 years she spent her winters in Palm Harbor, Fla. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching and loved her cats. Mrs. Casten was a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother and great grandmother. Family members include a daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Fred Salisbury of Milford; 10 grandchildren, James Bellamy of Mont Vernon, Marlene Gardiner of San Jose, Calif., David Bellamy of Amherst, Ralph Bellamy of Orlando, Fla., Keith Salisbury of Milford, Kenneth Salisbury of Hudson, Debra Scripter of Nashville, Tenn., Carmen LaPlante of Mont Vernon, Scott Salisbury and Matthew Salisbury, both of Milford; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. After 30 years of marriage, she became the widow of Lyle Casten who died in 1968. She was also predeseased in 1980 by her sister, Hazel Wirths, of Paxton, Mass. Graveside services was held April 20 at Mountain View Cemetary in Shrewsbury, Mass. Memorial donations may be made to The Messiah Lutheran Church Building Fund, 303 Route 101 East, PO Box 488, Amherst, NH 03031; or the Day Away Program at St. John Neumann Church, 1 Milford Road, Merrimack, NH 03054. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire was in charge of arrangements.

Ralph L. Chandler
Built cottage and lived in Mason
Ralph L. Chandler, 86, of Campbell Mill Road in Mason died on April 8, 2002 at his home after a lengthy illness. Mr. Chandler was born on Sept. 12, 1915, in Presque Isle, Maine, the son of the late Harvey and Georgia (Levesque) Chandler. He was a machinist for Manney Maxwell & Moore in Watertown, Mass., during World War II, and later became a custodian for the Arlington School District. In 1936, he built a cottage in Mason where he enjoyed spending his summers. He retired in 1964 and became a permanent residence of Mason. Mr. Chandler was predeceased by his wife, Catherine (Murphy) Chandler, on Nov. 26, 2000, and by a sister, Ruth Bird. Family members include a son and his wife, Carl and Mary Chandler of Mason; a daughter, Mrs. Alfred (Carol) Somers of Naples, Fla.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. There will be no services. Interment will take place at Fairmount Cemetery in Presque Isle, Maine, at a later date. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is in charge of arrangements.

Jean L. Davis
Former credit manager for Sears Roebuck
Jean L. (Barrington) Davis, 82, of Nashua, died April 20, 2002, at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua. Mrs. Davis was born Dec. 2, 1919, in Cambridge, Mass., daughter of the late Kendrick P. and Mildred L. (Chapin) Barrington. She had lived in Auburn for 58 years, before moving to Nashua three years ago. She was the wife of Lt. Col. Earl J. Davis of Nashua, her husband of 61 years. She was a 1937 graduate of Pinkerton Academy in Derry. Mrs. Davis had worked as a credit manager for Sears Roebuck before her retirement in 1981. Since moving to the Hunt Community in Nashua, she had been an active volunteer tour guide and a member of the gardening, exercise, walking, knitting and cribbage groups and had served as an RSVP volunteer. She was renowned for her devotion to her husband and family and had been, throughout her adult life, a constant hostess for frequent family parties. She was an excellent cook, an avid gardener and had an inexhaustible gift for mirth that she shared with everyone around her. Mrs. Davis was a member of the Church of the Transfiguration in Derry. Mrs. Davis was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Jean Yanuszewski, who died in 1978. Besides her husband, survivors include a son, Roger E. Davis of Auburn; a daughter and son-in-law, Janet D. and Kenneth M. Brown of Hollis; five grandchildren, Michael Cadieux and his wife, Karen, of Auburn, Jennifer Brown of Natick, Mass., Matthew Brown of Hollis, and Benjamin and Rebecca Davis, both of Dudley, Mass.; a sister, Ruth C. Folger of Nashua; a sister-in-law, Addie Davis of Manchester; and several nieces and nephews. The Peabody Funeral Home in Derry is in charge of arrangements.

Brian J. Flannery
Car enthusiast; enjoyed working on sports cars
Brian J. Flannery, 40, of Nashua, died April 7, 2002. Born Dec. 19, 1961, in Boston, Mass., he was the son of Ruth (Terry) Flannery and Robert E. Flannery of West Roxbury, Mass. Mr. Flannery worked for South Middlesex Opportunity Council of Framingham, Mass., as a residential counselor. He was known as a kind, giving person who loved to help others. He was always willing to lend a hand. A car enthusiast, Mr. Flannery enjoyed working on sports cars. He also loved spending time with his dog, a boxer, named Jake. Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife, Tami (Hansen) Flannery of Nashua, formerly of Amherst; a brother, Michael Flannery of Quincy, Mass.; and nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held April 22 at the Gormley Funeral Home in West Roxbury, Mass. Memorial donations may be sent to Boston Children s Hospital, Cardiovascular ICU, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115.

Gail M. LaBrie
Nursery specialist at local hospitals
Gail M. LaBrie, 66, of Litchfield, died April 12, 2002, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester after a lengthy illness. Born in Haverhill, Mass., on Dec. 10, 1935, she was the daughter of Albert and Leona (Lucier) Walsh. She lived in Manchester for many years and had been a resident of Litchfield for the past 25 years. She was a graduate of Central High School and in 1956 graduated from Boston City School of Nursing. A registered nurse, she worked as a nursery specialist at the former Sacred Heart Hospital, Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospital. Mrs. LaBrie was a member of the Boston City School of Nursing Alumni Association. She was a communicant of St. Francis Church in Litchfield. She actively volunteered in various community organizations. Family members include her husband of 28 years, Francis 0. LaBrie of Litchfield; three sons, Matthew Labore of Candia, Christopher Labore and Thomas Labore, both of Manchester; three daughters, Mrs. William (Tracy) Gassek and Mrs. Patrick (Dianne) Connolly, both of Hooksett, and Mrs. Mark (Paula) Gambeski of Bedford; nine grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 16 in St. Francis Church in Litchfield. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Manchester. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

Alfred J. Lajoie
Enjoyed ice-fishing, gardening and traveling
Alfred J. Lajoie, 74, of Nashua, died April 15, 2002, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Dublin after a lengthy illness. Mr. Lajoie was born Sept. 30, 1927, in Nashua, son of the late Ernest and Alice (Bechard) Lajoie. He was a lifelong Nashua resident. He was widower of Irene D. (Rowe) Lajoie, who died July 4, 1993. They were married at St. Patrick Church in Nashua on Nov. 4, 1950, and had celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. Mr. Lajoie had been employed with Nashua Corp. as a foreman for 42 years, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed ice-fishing, gardening, traveling and walking. Mr. Lajoie was an Army veteran, having served near the end of World War II. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Normand Lajoie; and a sister, Estelle A. Brodeur. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Melanie A. Giftos of Nashua and Marlene A. and Daniel French of Dublin; a former son-in-law, Dr. Dean A. Giftos of Nashua; six grandchildren, Sonja, Erik and Daniel French of Dublin and Jonathan, Kathryn and Matthew Giftos of Nashua; a brother and sister-in-law, retired Maj. Gen. Roland and Joanne Lajoie of Wilton; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Rita and Garland Jaquith of Franklin, Mass., and Madeleine Lajoie of Nashua; a dear friend, Carmen Putnam of Nashua; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 19 in St. Patrick Church, Spring Street, Nashua. Burial followed in St. Louis Cemetery. The Farwell Funeral Service in Nashua was in charge of arrangements.

Patricia C. Lambert
Worked as a nurse in Peterborough
Patricia C. Lambert, 77, of Jaffrey, died April 10, 2002, at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough after abrief illness. She was born on July 4, 1924, in Winchendon, Mass., daughter of Alphonse and Corrinnea (Forcier) Belanger. She was a graduate of Conant High School in Jaffrey and received her registered nurse degree from the former Henry Heywood School of Nursing in Gardner, Mass. Mrs. Lambert worked for more than 30 years at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, retiring in 1987. She enjoyed reading and attending yard sales. She also had a very special love for her cat. She was involved and interested in both local and national politics. Her husband of 52 years, Theodore R. Lambert, died in 2001. The family includes two daughters, Deborah P. Jean of Derry, and Rebecca Lambert-Lustman of Merrimack; three grandsons; and a granddaughter. There are no calling hours. A memorial service was held April 14 at Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jaffrey. The Rev. Seamus MacCormack, pastor of St. Patrick Church, Jaffrey, officiated. Following cremation, burial was be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Jaffrey. Memorial donations may be made to Jaffrey-Rindge VFW Memorial Ambulance Fund, PO Box 107, Jaffrey, NH 03452-0107.

Roland E. Tonto Levesque Jr.
Enjoyed cribbage, going to Rockingham Park
Roland E. Tonto Levesque Jr., 69, of Conant Road, Nashua, died Sunday, April 21, 2002, at the Ridgewood Center in Bedford. Mr. Levesque was born May 14, 1932, in Nashua, son of the late Roland and Violet (Charbonneau) Levesque. He was a lifelong resident of Nashua. He worked at Whitney Screw in Nashua for the past five years. Previously, he had worked for the City of Nashua for 10 years. Mr. Levesque enjoyed playing cribbage and going to Rockingham Park. He attended St. Louis de Gonzague Church. Mr. Levesque attended Nashua schools. He was predeceased by a sister, Theresa. Survivors include two sons, Theodore Levesque of Nashua and Michael Levesque of Hudson; two daughters, Jeanne Levesque of Nashua and Suzanne Levesque of Merrimack; and two grandchildren. The St. Laurent Funeral Home in Nashua is in charge of arrangements.

Rita J. Morin
Lifelong resident of Manchester
Rita J. (Giguere) Morin, 78, of Manchester, died April 20, 2002, at the Elliot Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Born in Manchester on Dec. 4, 1923, she was the daughter of Arthur and Marie (Messier) Giguere, She had been a lifelong resident of Manchester. Mrs. Morin had worked for J.J. Moreau Company and the Londondery Country Club. She was a devoted wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. Family members include her husband of 57 years, Robert N. Morin of Manchester; two sons, Richard Morin of Goffstown and Marc Morin of Manchester; two daughters, Mrs. Nicolal (Linda) Ramos of Dorchester, Mass., and Donna Letson of Merrimack; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Carol Ross of North Carolina; and several nephews, nieces and cousins. Funeral services were April 23 in the Phaneuf Funeral Home Chapel in Manchester. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford 03110.

William A. Pare
Enjoyed collecting and reading comics
William A. Bill Pare, 32, of Brookline, died April 16, 2002, in an automobile accident in Hollis. Mr. Pare was born May 3, 1969, in Lowell, Mass., son of Donald and Therese (Letendre) Pare of Nashua. He was the husband of Anne (Bell) Pare of Brookline, to whom he was married 61&Mac218;2 years. They were married Oct. 7, 1995. Mr. Pare had been employed by Ameriquest Mortgage Co. in Nashua as a branch manager since August 2000, and as an account executive since March 1998. He also worked at WCAP in Lowell from 1995-1998 in sales. He enjoyed friends, family, collecting and reading comic books, collecting videos and pewter pieces, bowling, pool, gambling, Elmo, traveling and relaxing times at home. Mr. Pare received his education in the Lowell Catholic school system and was graduated Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Mass., in 1987. He went on to earn an associate degree in business from Middlesex Community College in 1993 and a bachelor degree in business from Rivier College in Nashua. Besides his wife and parents, survivors include a daughter, Mary Pare of Brookline; his mother- and father-in-law, Edward and Anne Bell of Brookline; three sisters-in-law, Maura Suprenant of New Ipswich, Kathy Denis and her husband, Doug, of Brookline and Colleen Falardeau and her husband, Mark, of Litchfield; three nephews, Jeff and Greg Denis, and Michael Falardeau; five nieces, Jessica and Heather Suprenant, Stephanie and Michelle Desrochers and Laura Denis; a good friend of the family, Sister Lucille Bernard; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends and co-workers. Funeral services were held from The Dracut Funeral Home in Dracut, Mass., on April 22. A Funeral Mass followed in St. Louis Church, Lowell. Interment was in Gibson Cemetery in Pelham. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Pare College Fund, c/o Jason Tucker at Ameriquest Mortgage Co., 61 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03060.

Phyllis H. Perkins
Retired registered nurse
Phyllis Harriet (Cullington) Perkins, 79, formerly of Reading and Wakefield, Mass., and Merrimack, died Sunday morning, April 21, 2002, at the Greenbriar Terrace Reflections Unit in Nashua. Mrs. Perkins was born Jan. 31, 1923, in Watertown, Mass., daughter of the late Victor E. and Marion (Bissett) Cullington. She was a registered nurse and worked for many years as a private duty nurse in Wakefield, Mass. She then worked as an IV Therapist at the Atlantic Care Hospital in Lynn, Mass., for 22 years, retiring from nursing in 1987. All who knew Mrs. Perkins will miss her remarkable, infectious laughter and sense of humor. She will also be remembered by the fine handwork and paintings she created over the years. She graduated from Reading High School. She then graduated from the Waltham Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1944. Survivors include four daughters and two sons-in-law, Deborah Wall, Leslee and Joseph Steele and Dana and George Dahl, all of Merrimack, and Jennifer Perry of Nashua; eight grandchildren, Charles Chuck Perry and his wife, Sue, of Santa Cruz, Calif., Stephen Meier and his wife, Tricia, of Sunbury, Pa., Andrew Meier and his fiancee, Jenny Campanelli, of Natick, Mass., Pamela Cassidy and her son, Tyler, of Revere, Mass., Ashley Steele, Phyllis Wall, George Dahl Jr. and David Steele, all of Merrimack; three brothers, Robert Cullington of Texas, Stanley Buster Cullington of Washington and Ralph Cullington of Maine; two sisters, Arlene Deane Perry of Reading, Mass., and Janice Greene of Hudson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service was held April 25 in the First Baptist Church in Nashua. A graveside service will take place today at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown, Mass., at 10 a.m. Donations in her memory may be made to the Music Program at the First Baptist Church, 121 Manchester St., Nashua, NH 03064; or the New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer s Association, 10 Ferry St., Suite 419, Concord, NH 03301. The Farwell Funeral Service in Nashua is in charge of arrangements.

Vera A. Quinlan
Leaves a son in Bedford
Vera A. (Cadigan) Quinlan, 78, a resident of the Highlands section, Lowell, Mass., died April 16, 2002, at Saints Memorial Medical Center in Lowell, after a brief illness. Born in Holyoke, Mass., on Jan. 16, 1924, she was the daughter of Thomas E. and Laura (Handley) Cadigan. She was the niece of the late superintendent of police of Lowell, and his wife, Michael H. and Winifred (Handley) Winn, who raised her after the death of her mother when she was nine years old. She attended the Blessed Sacrament Grammar School in Holyoke, graduated from Lowell High School in 1941 and attended Lowell Commercial College. She was employed as a service representative by the New England Telephone Company until her marriage. Mrs. Quinlan was a devout advocate of the Order of Poor Clare Nuns, a member of St. Margaret Sodality, the National Organization of Mothers of Twins, as well as the Merrimack Valley Chapter of Mothers of Multiples, which honored her in 1997 for more than 30 years of support. She was a vice president of the Seton Guild and belonged to the Keith Academy and Keith Hall Parents Guild. For many years she was a member of the reunion committee for the LHS class of 41. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Francis X. Quinlan Sr., on April 13, 2001. Family members include three sons, Francis X. Quinlan Jr. and Patrick T. Quinlan, both of Lowell, Mass., and Michael H.W. Quinlan of Bedford; six daughters, Mary Margaret Ahearn, Vera A. Gallagher, Laurie E. Quinlan, Rosemary B. Brewster, Katherine W. Breen, all of Lowell, Mass., and Kerry A. Deveau of Andover; 12 grandchildren; a sister, Laurie A. Burgoyne of Metuchen, N.J.; many cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral was held April 19 from the O Donnell Funeral Home, Fletcher, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Margaret Church. Burial was in St. Patrick Cemetery. Send e-condolences to condolence@odonnellfuneralhome.com.

William F. Radford
Leaves a daughter in Merrimack
William Francis Radford, 79, of Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg, Mass., and formerly of Framingham, Mass., died April 15, 2002, at the Providence House in Worcester after an illness. He was born in Leominster on Jan.19, 1923, the son of George and Julia (Moran) Radford. Mr. Radford attended local schools. He was a truck driver for many years and was a member of Local 170 Teamsters Union. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of War. He was also a member of St Bernard s Church. Family members include four daughters, Ellen Amblo of Merrimack, Kathleen Scarale of Lunenburg, Donna Hay of Fitchburg and Debra Fitzgerald of Roslindale; one brother, Donald Radford of Leominster; three sisters, Katherine Schwaber of Westfield, Mary Buono of Fitchburg and Theresa Toner of Ridley Park, Pa.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his former wife, Theresa (Jenness) Radford of Hudson. A Funeral Mass was celebrated April 18 in St. Bernard s Church in Fitchburg. Burial followed in St. Bernard s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Society, 1 Bromfield St., Boston, MA 02108; or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. The Smith-Mallahy Masciarelli Funeral Home, Fitchburg, was in charge of arrangements.

Milda P. Ringenwald
Worked in Manchester shoe manufacturing company
Milda P. Ringenwald, 96, of Manchester, died April 4, 2002, at a local hospital. Miss Ringenwald was born in Manchester on Jan. 23, 1906, the daughter of Emile and Ida (Babel) Ringenwald. She was a lifelong resident of Manchester, and was a graduate of Central High School. Before her retirement from McLane Law Office in Manchester, she worked 25 years at a shoe manufacturing company in Manchester. Miss Ringenwald was a longtime member of the Manchester Women s Club. The family includes a niece, Nancy MacKenney of Wenham, Mass.; cousins, Elaine Murphy of Manchester, Robert and Maureen Poehlman of Bedford; and several other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great-nephews, and cousins. A funeral service was held April 8 in the Goodwin Funeral Home in Manchester. The Rev. Douglas Rickard, minister of First Presbyterian Church in Manchester, officiated. Burial followed in Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one s choice.

William J. Speck
Army veteran of World War II
William Joseph Speck, 88, of Contoocook, died April 4, 2002, at the Concord Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 4, 1913, and lived in Contoocook for more than 30 years with a longtime friend, Ray Davis. He was the son of William A. and Matilda (McGiff) Speck. When his mother died, he was raised by George Cyclone and Mary Smith of Warner. Mr. Speck was an Army veteran of World War II. He served as a PFC combat infantryman in the European Theater, and received the Bronze Star for bravery in action on the Rhine River and three battle stars, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Ruhr Pocket. He was a self-employed logger and woodsman throughout New Hampshire. He had the ability to name correctly all of the New Hampshire wood species and easily gauge what one tree or stand of trees would produce in cut lumber. He grew up in the Warner area, played school baseball with Clark Sargent, worked as a caretaker at the Lars Anderson Estate known as Big Box and Little Box, and was happy about having owned and rode very early motorcycles, both Harleys and Indians. He was an avid deer hunter and passed on those skills to his sons. The family includes his longtime friend and former wife, Verna Presby Speck McCue of New Boston; three daughters, Margaret Morrisette of Amherst, Dorothy Luongo of Weare, and Brenda Margoffin of Wilton; three sons, William G. Speck of Whitewood, S.D., Gerald Speck and Thomas J. Speck, both of New Boston; a sister, Marge Magoffin of Spencerport, N.Y.; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held April 6 in Schoodac Cemetery, Warner. The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Contoocook, was in charge of arrangements.

Jacqueline Streitburger
Volunteer for New Horizons in Manchester
Jacqueline P. (Matthews) Streitburger, 79, died April 18, 2002, at Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, after a long illness. Born in Valley Stream, N.Y., on May 20, 1922, she was the daughter of Michael and Mae (Donavan) Matthews. She lived in Wantagh, N.Y., for many years before moving to Bedford in 1967. She graduated from Central High School in Valley Stream, and then attended Hunter College in New York, N.Y. Mrs. Streitburger worked in the insurance industry for many years, including 10 years at Home Insurance in Manchester. She was a longtime communicant of St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford. After retiring, she volunteered at New Horizons for N.H. in Manchester. The family includes her husband of 53 years, Herman C. Streitburger of Bedford; two daughters, Jan Streitburger Consilvio of Arlington, Mass., and Kim Streitburger Thibeault of Stratham; two sons, Guy J. Streitburger of Goffstown and Ross M. Streitburger of Weare; seven grandchildren; and a nephew. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 23 in Sacred Heart Church, Manchester. Burial will be in New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen. Memorial donations may be made to Let the Dream Continue Building Fund, c/o St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, NH 03110.

Kenneth A. Taylor
Served with the 157th Infantry Regiment during World War II
Kenneth A. Taylor, 75, of Knight Street, Milford, died Thursday, April 18, 2002, at Greenbriar Healthcare Terrace in Nashua. Mr. Taylor was born June 28, 1926, in Rutland, Vt., son of the late Rupert and Anita (Pigeon) Taylor. He had been a resident of Milford for more than 30 years and had formerly resided in Rutland for many years. He retired from P&C Foods in Milford after 21 years of work. In Rutland, he was employed as a telegrapher for Rutland Railroad for more than 20 years. Mr. Taylor was a life member of Harley Sanford Post 4368 Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of Ricciardi Hartshorn Post 23, American Legion, in Milford. He was well-known for calling bingo for 30 years. He was also an avid Boston sports fan. Mr. Taylor was an Army veteran, having served in the 157th Infantry Regiment during World War II. He was a recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Taylor and Donald Taylor, both of Rutland. Survivors include a brother, Robert Taylor of Columbia, S.C.; two sisters, Dorothy Pelkey of Berlin and Jean A. LaBelle of Milford, with whom he resided; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held April 22 in the Smith and Heald Funeral Home, Milford. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Milford. Donations may be made to the SHARE Program, PO Box 27, Milford, NH 03055.

William A. Watson
Army veteran, former welder
William A. Watson, 82, of Bedford, and formerly of Nashua, died April 4, 2002, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester after a lengthy illness. Mr. Watson was born April 27, 1919, in Littleton, son of the late Wallace A. and Mertie (Brown) Watson. He had been a resident of Nashua for the majority of his life, before moving to Bedford. He was the widower of Arline (Roth) Watson, who died June 21, 1977. Mr. Watson had been a welder at Nashua Fabrication. He was an Army veteran. Mr. Watson was educated in Nashua. He was predeceased by two brothers-in-law, Bob Hammond and Gerald Claussen; and a sister-in-law, Suzie Claussen. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Louise E. (Dubois) Watson, who died March 6, 1963. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Kathy Roth of Encinitas, Calif.; one grandson, Michael Roth; a brother and sister-in-law, Franklin and Charlotte Watson of Nashua; and a sister-in-law, Lilla Hammond of Dayton Beach, Fla. The Davis Funeral Home in Nashua is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth T. Wheeler Sr.
Farmer, legislator and civic leader
Kenneth T. Wheeler Sr., 90, of 128 Amherst St., Milford, died April 18, 2002, at his home. Mr. Wheeler was born Dec. 23, 1911, in Milford, the son of the late Albert F. and Emogene E. (Perry) Wheeler. He was the widower of Emma Belle (Yeaton) Wheeler, to whom he was married for 60 years. She died in February 2000. After a variety of jobs during the Depression years, Mr. Wheeler owned and operated a poultry farm in Amherst and Milford from 1943 to 1963. He also taught junior and senior high school students in New Ipswich and Pelham, sold insurance, and worked for the Lorden Lumber Co. in Milford prior to his retirement in 1975. He was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives for four terms beginning in 1978. He and his wife, Emma, were the first husband and wife to serve together in a state legislature in the United States. While in the legislature, Mr. Wheeler was instrumental in bringing the New Hampshire State Police Barracks and motor vehicle substation to Milford. This included finding both the site and the funding through the capital budget prior to his retirement from the Legislature. He was also a member and delegate of the Milford Republican Committee, the Hillsborough County Republican Committee, and the State Republican Committee. Locally, he served on the Milford Planning Board, Budget Committee, and Water Study Committee. Mr. Wheeler belonged to a number of civic organizations. He was a 66-year member of the John W. Spaulding Camp 38 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Milford. He also served as New Hampshire department commander, 1949-1950, and national commander-in-chief, 1976-1977. He was a past commander of the New Hampshire Veterans Association. He was a member of the Joe English Grange, the Hillsborough County Pomona Grange, the New Hampshire State Grange, the National Grange, the Milford Historical Society and the Souhegan Valley Chapter of AARP. Mr. Wheeler was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He played baseball and basketball in high school, ran cross country and track in college, and formed, coached and funded youth teams in Milford before such organizations as Little League existed. He was a graduate of the class of 1930 at Milford High School in Milford and received his bachelor of science degree in Forestry in 1935 from the University of New Hampshire. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by the following brothers and sisters: Elmer Wheeler, Howard Wheeler, Edwin Wheeler, Karl Wheeler, Mark Wheeler, Oren Wheeler, Ruth Wheeler, Gertrude Wheeler, Maud Wheeler and Marion Wheeler. Survivors include a son, Kenneth T. Wheeler Jr. of Winston-Salem, N.C.; a daughter and son-in-law, Jacquelyn and Kemp Johnston of Amherst; four grandchildren and their families, Capt. Kevin L. and Stacy Johnston, of Geissen, Germany; Keith A. and Shannon Johnston, of Hinesburg, Vt.; Kenneth T. Wheeler III and Virginia D. Wheeler, both of Winston-Salem; a great-granddaughter, Katherine F. Johnston, of Hinesburg, Vt.; a brother, Everett Wheeler of Milford; two sisters, Madelon Wheeler Clough and Alice Wheeler of Chelmsford, Mass., and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours are from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at The Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. with interment following at the Riverside Cemetery in Milford. Donations in his memory may be made to Souhegan Home and Hospice Care, 24 North River Road, Milford, NH 03055; or to The First Baptist Church of Milford, 65 West Street, Milford, NH 03055.