DEATH
|
Peter Franceschina
Sep 09, 2025 |
Peter Franceschina did not so much live by his own rules as relish breaking the rules of others.
His problem with authority was colossal. His appetite for mischief, insatiable. The qualities combined might easily have landed him in trouble had he not found a useful outlet for them -- as a journalist in Florida, where he became one of the most dogged and creative investigative reporters of his generation.
Across thousands of stories filed from the late 1980s to the early 2010s, Peter, who died of liver failure last week at 60, was a relentless challenger of conventional wisdom, a devoted tormenter of crooked officials and a vivid chronicler of the serial killings, hurricanes, scandals, Ponzi schemes and abuses of power that shaped life in Florida at the turn of the 21st century.
He was also, more quietly, a generous mentor to younger reporters, a loving son and brother and a loyal and caring friend.
On or off the job, he was stubborn, profane, contrarian and fiercely principled, with zero patience for the dishonest, the petty, the puffed-up or the unkind.
Screaming around turns in his red Alfa Romeo Spider, top down, hair flying, cigarette dangling from his mouth, he could cut a dashing if sometimes lopsided figure, the result of a hip gone bad after too many days spent windsurfing on the choppy waters of southwest Florida.
It gave him the rolling gait of a pirate as he moved through the newsroom or down the halls of the county courthouse, armed with a notepad and a red Bic Flair, always in pursuit of his next big story. It rarely took him long to find it.
Once, he elicited a murder confession while drinking beer in a buddy's kitchen, cradling the phone in one hand and a bottle of Heineken in the other.
On another occasion, he was subpoenaed by prosecutors who were furious over his refusal to disclose the whereabouts of an itinerant victim of police corruption.
Not long after that, they subpoenaed him again over a different story, about the illegal phone tapping of public officials, and he chose to risk jail time rather than give up the name of a confidential source.
A judge ruled in his favor both times.
Peter John Franceschina was born in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3, 1964, the son of Louis Franceschina, a manager for Giant Foods, and his wife Helen, a public health nurse.
He attended Centennial High School in Columbia, Md., where he was a standout on the lacrosse team, and studied engineering and English literature at the University of Pittsburgh.
He began his newspaper career at the lowest rung, as a clerk in a remote bureau of the Fort Myers News-Press, in 1987.
His first story was about politicians smoking pot. Within three years, he was the paper's star courthouse reporter and on his way to becoming one of its most formidable diggers.
He avoided press conferences, making no effort to ingratiate himself with the elected leaders, developers and moneymen in power. Instead, he wrote about a former dean of the state legislature who let drug smugglers land planes on his ranch in Glades County; documented the plight of migrant workers in the tomato fields of Immokalee; and penned a series on the wanderings of a serial killer who reached out from jail.
His trademark was the tight, unadorned sentence, and even his workaday cops items had the power to stop the reader short.
"Crawl inside the mind of Robert Cline Clay," began one story about a murder suspect in April 1992. "His passions are aroused by an obsession with young boys, images of violence, torn emotions. He writes breathlessly of handcuffs and love. His desires, he reminds himself, are powerful enough to kill for."
When not on deadline or windsurfing, he was usually in the garage. A believer in buying cars he couldn't afford - at least two Alfa Romeos, a handful of BMWs, including one M3 in striking Estoril Blue - he made up the difference by doing the repairs himself, no matter how complex or intensive.
His fluency in wrenches, bolts and gaskets and his utter lack of pretension belied an intellect of frightening power. He might have been the only person his friends knew who could change a clutch slave cylinder in the afternoon and then, over stiff drinks, riff on Bukowski, Pynchon and Gaddis late into the night.
He was also a skilled cook, and his seafood gumbo, pan-seared snapper and expertly sauced scallopini were often better than any restaurant's around.
In the early 2000s, he was recruited to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, one of the largest newspapers in the state, where he covered courts in Palm Beach County.
When The Boston Globe broke the Catholic Church abuse scandal soon after, he was among the first reporters to document its reach into Florida, and into the Archdiocese of Miami in particular.
But it was after he was promoted to the paper's investigations team that he made his biggest mark.
A master of finding and parsing stacks of arcane records, he worked with other reporters to expose inequities within the cloistered world of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and abuses stemming from the state's lax regulation of daycares and nursing homes.
Still, he kept a hand in breaking news, dominating coverage of the $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme perpetrated by a former Florida lawyer, Scott Rothstein.
Then one day in 2012, as the local news industry was imploding, he became fed up with the endless cuts and the constant more-with-lessisms. He used his company's generous health plan to get his busted hip fixed and then politely gave it the finger, moving back to Mattapoisett, Mass., where he is survived today by his father, Lou, and brother, Paul.
He cashed out his 401k and, after months spent scouring business filings and other records, decided to dump a big chunk of it into shares of a company he thought might do well for itself - Nvidia.
Before long he had taken up the lifestyle of one of his favorite literary characters, the antihero Travis McGee from the novels of John D. MacDonald. Mornings he would don his threadbare T-shirts, old cargo shorts and beat-up loafers, light a Marlboro and spend time wandering the local beaches.
He painted yachts and historical buildings. Pulled blue crabs from the marshes and ate them. Flirted with the waitresses at Turk's Seafood around the corner.
And, without heed to town regulations, he went to war with several stands of white poplar, an invasive species that had cropped up in his backyard to block his views of Buzzards Bay, felling one after another with a whisper-quiet electric chainsaw.
Seeing the trees come down, one especially testy neighbor turned him in to the conservation commission, leading to a protracted battle and the specter of hefty fines.
Outraged at the injustice of it all, at the idea of an environmental board punishing the removal of a harmful invader, Peter marshaled his resources. He put in hundreds of hours of botanical research and tracked down an expert witness, an arborist, to testify on his behalf.
In the end, as always, he prevailed.
A private service will be held in the future. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
His problem with authority was colossal. His appetite for mischief, insatiable. The qualities combined might easily have landed him in trouble had he not found a useful outlet for them -- as a journalist in Florida, where he became one of the most dogged and creative investigative reporters of his generation.
Across thousands of stories filed from the late 1980s to the early 2010s, Peter, who died of liver failure last week at 60, was a relentless challenger of conventional wisdom, a devoted tormenter of crooked officials and a vivid chronicler of the serial killings, hurricanes, scandals, Ponzi schemes and abuses of power that shaped life in Florida at the turn of the 21st century.
He was also, more quietly, a generous mentor to younger reporters, a loving son and brother and a loyal and caring friend.
On or off the job, he was stubborn, profane, contrarian and fiercely principled, with zero patience for the dishonest, the petty, the puffed-up or the unkind.
Screaming around turns in his red Alfa Romeo Spider, top down, hair flying, cigarette dangling from his mouth, he could cut a dashing if sometimes lopsided figure, the result of a hip gone bad after too many days spent windsurfing on the choppy waters of southwest Florida.
It gave him the rolling gait of a pirate as he moved through the newsroom or down the halls of the county courthouse, armed with a notepad and a red Bic Flair, always in pursuit of his next big story. It rarely took him long to find it.
Once, he elicited a murder confession while drinking beer in a buddy's kitchen, cradling the phone in one hand and a bottle of Heineken in the other.
On another occasion, he was subpoenaed by prosecutors who were furious over his refusal to disclose the whereabouts of an itinerant victim of police corruption.
Not long after that, they subpoenaed him again over a different story, about the illegal phone tapping of public officials, and he chose to risk jail time rather than give up the name of a confidential source.
A judge ruled in his favor both times.
Peter John Franceschina was born in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3, 1964, the son of Louis Franceschina, a manager for Giant Foods, and his wife Helen, a public health nurse.
He attended Centennial High School in Columbia, Md., where he was a standout on the lacrosse team, and studied engineering and English literature at the University of Pittsburgh.
He began his newspaper career at the lowest rung, as a clerk in a remote bureau of the Fort Myers News-Press, in 1987.
His first story was about politicians smoking pot. Within three years, he was the paper's star courthouse reporter and on his way to becoming one of its most formidable diggers.
He avoided press conferences, making no effort to ingratiate himself with the elected leaders, developers and moneymen in power. Instead, he wrote about a former dean of the state legislature who let drug smugglers land planes on his ranch in Glades County; documented the plight of migrant workers in the tomato fields of Immokalee; and penned a series on the wanderings of a serial killer who reached out from jail.
His trademark was the tight, unadorned sentence, and even his workaday cops items had the power to stop the reader short.
"Crawl inside the mind of Robert Cline Clay," began one story about a murder suspect in April 1992. "His passions are aroused by an obsession with young boys, images of violence, torn emotions. He writes breathlessly of handcuffs and love. His desires, he reminds himself, are powerful enough to kill for."
When not on deadline or windsurfing, he was usually in the garage. A believer in buying cars he couldn't afford - at least two Alfa Romeos, a handful of BMWs, including one M3 in striking Estoril Blue - he made up the difference by doing the repairs himself, no matter how complex or intensive.
His fluency in wrenches, bolts and gaskets and his utter lack of pretension belied an intellect of frightening power. He might have been the only person his friends knew who could change a clutch slave cylinder in the afternoon and then, over stiff drinks, riff on Bukowski, Pynchon and Gaddis late into the night.
He was also a skilled cook, and his seafood gumbo, pan-seared snapper and expertly sauced scallopini were often better than any restaurant's around.
In the early 2000s, he was recruited to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, one of the largest newspapers in the state, where he covered courts in Palm Beach County.
When The Boston Globe broke the Catholic Church abuse scandal soon after, he was among the first reporters to document its reach into Florida, and into the Archdiocese of Miami in particular.
But it was after he was promoted to the paper's investigations team that he made his biggest mark.
A master of finding and parsing stacks of arcane records, he worked with other reporters to expose inequities within the cloistered world of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and abuses stemming from the state's lax regulation of daycares and nursing homes.
Still, he kept a hand in breaking news, dominating coverage of the $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme perpetrated by a former Florida lawyer, Scott Rothstein.
Then one day in 2012, as the local news industry was imploding, he became fed up with the endless cuts and the constant more-with-lessisms. He used his company's generous health plan to get his busted hip fixed and then politely gave it the finger, moving back to Mattapoisett, Mass., where he is survived today by his father, Lou, and brother, Paul.
He cashed out his 401k and, after months spent scouring business filings and other records, decided to dump a big chunk of it into shares of a company he thought might do well for itself - Nvidia.
Before long he had taken up the lifestyle of one of his favorite literary characters, the antihero Travis McGee from the novels of John D. MacDonald. Mornings he would don his threadbare T-shirts, old cargo shorts and beat-up loafers, light a Marlboro and spend time wandering the local beaches.
He painted yachts and historical buildings. Pulled blue crabs from the marshes and ate them. Flirted with the waitresses at Turk's Seafood around the corner.
And, without heed to town regulations, he went to war with several stands of white poplar, an invasive species that had cropped up in his backyard to block his views of Buzzards Bay, felling one after another with a whisper-quiet electric chainsaw.
Seeing the trees come down, one especially testy neighbor turned him in to the conservation commission, leading to a protracted battle and the specter of hefty fines.
Outraged at the injustice of it all, at the idea of an environmental board punishing the removal of a harmful invader, Peter marshaled his resources. He put in hundreds of hours of botanical research and tracked down an expert witness, an arborist, to testify on his behalf.
In the end, as always, he prevailed.
A private service will be held in the future. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
DEATH
|
Kevin W. Taylor
Sep 08, 2025 |
Kevin W. Taylor, 59, of Rochester, passed away after battling a long illness on Monday, September 8, 2025. He was the loving husband of Louise (Mattos) Taylor for 37 years.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Muriel Taylor, he lived in Rochester most of his life.
Kevin was a strong, dependable, and loving husband and father who devoted his life to his family. He was always there when you needed him-whether it was fixing something around the house, offering wise advice, or teaching his sons life lessons that will stay with them forever. Kevin had an off the cuff sense of humor that those close to him could appreciate. His quick wit often brought joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to his family and friends. Family meant everything to Kevin. Every year, he hosted Thanksgiving dinner, a tradition that brought everyone together and filled the home with love, laughter, and gratitude. He found joy in the simple things-time spent camping, talking on his CB radio, and pursuing his passion as an avid gun collector.
For nearly 30 years, Kevin worked at Onset Bay Marina, where his unmatched ability to fix anything made him not only a trusted worker but also a friend to many. His hard work, steady presence, and willingness to help others reflected a life lived with purpose.
Though Kevin will be deeply missed, we take comfort in God's promises: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). And we find hope in the words of Jesus: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25). Kevin's legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in his family and in the countless lives he touched. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Until we are reunited, his memory will forever be a blessing to us all.
Survivors include his wife, Louise; his children, Joel Taylor and his fiancee Muriel Carle of Acushnet, Jeffrey Taylor and his wife Kate of Fairhaven, and Ryan Taylor of Rochester; his brother, Christopher Taylor and his wife Rebecca; his grandchildren, Wesson Taylor and Liam Taylor; his best friend Mike Cifuni; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog Snoopy.
His visiting hours will be held on Monday September 15, 2025 from 4-7:30 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Muriel Taylor, he lived in Rochester most of his life.
Kevin was a strong, dependable, and loving husband and father who devoted his life to his family. He was always there when you needed him-whether it was fixing something around the house, offering wise advice, or teaching his sons life lessons that will stay with them forever. Kevin had an off the cuff sense of humor that those close to him could appreciate. His quick wit often brought joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to his family and friends. Family meant everything to Kevin. Every year, he hosted Thanksgiving dinner, a tradition that brought everyone together and filled the home with love, laughter, and gratitude. He found joy in the simple things-time spent camping, talking on his CB radio, and pursuing his passion as an avid gun collector.
For nearly 30 years, Kevin worked at Onset Bay Marina, where his unmatched ability to fix anything made him not only a trusted worker but also a friend to many. His hard work, steady presence, and willingness to help others reflected a life lived with purpose.
Though Kevin will be deeply missed, we take comfort in God's promises: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). And we find hope in the words of Jesus: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25). Kevin's legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in his family and in the countless lives he touched. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Until we are reunited, his memory will forever be a blessing to us all.
Survivors include his wife, Louise; his children, Joel Taylor and his fiancee Muriel Carle of Acushnet, Jeffrey Taylor and his wife Kate of Fairhaven, and Ryan Taylor of Rochester; his brother, Christopher Taylor and his wife Rebecca; his grandchildren, Wesson Taylor and Liam Taylor; his best friend Mike Cifuni; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog Snoopy.
His visiting hours will be held on Monday September 15, 2025 from 4-7:30 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
DEATH
|
Mary E. (Clarke) Kelleher
Aug 29, 2025 |
Mary E. (Clarke) Kelleher, 70, of Mattapoisett died Friday, August 29, 2025 at home after a period of declining health.
She was born and raised in New Bedford and graduated from Holy Name Grammar School and Holy Family High School. Mary graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University (UMass Dartmouth) and received her Doctor of Laws degree from Boston College Law School. Known for her strong work ethic and commitment to justice, she practiced law for more than 40 years. She served as fishing industry liaison to the U.S. Small Business Administration and concentrated in business law, administrative law and civil litigation. She was a partner of the law firm Koldys and Kelleher, P.C.
Mary was a gifted athlete from early on. In grade school, neighborhood boys would knock on the door, looking for Mary to join them in a game of football or basketball. Later, she excelled at tennis, winning numerous citywide tournaments. Eventually, she would meet her husband Steve on a tennis court and they often golfed together.
A talented musician, Mary enjoyed playing guitar for friends and church services. She often performed blues and folk music at coffee houses with her sister Fran. Fishing and relaxing at the cottage in Brewster were other favorite pastimes.
Mary had a true gift for bringing people together. She loved cooking and hosted countless gatherings, big and small. Her kitchen was always filled with delicious aromas, laughter, and the comforting sense of home. She made everyone feel welcome, and her meals were made with love.
In recent years she was devoted to her family and was very proud of her daughters Katherine and Laura. She cherished every moment spent with family. Her grandchildren, Elias and Ayla held a special place in her heart. Her face would light up with every tale of their adventures--whether it was a new sport they tried, a funny moment at school, or a skill they proudly mastered. Her love for them was deep and unwavering, and they brought her endless joy and pride.
Mary is survived by her husband of 36 years, Stephen Kelleher, daughter Katherine Gonzalez and her husband Jonathan, daughter Laura Kelleher, and grandchildren Elias and Ayla. She is also survived by her sister Frances Guilbert, brother John Clarke, and her three nephews, Matthew, Christopher, and John. She was pre-deceased by her parents John and Rita (Swistak) Clarke of New Bedford, and her sister Christina Clarke.
Her Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 1 PM at St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be held Friday, September 5th from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Flowers and/or memorial contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Mattapoisett YMCA are equally welcome.
She was born and raised in New Bedford and graduated from Holy Name Grammar School and Holy Family High School. Mary graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University (UMass Dartmouth) and received her Doctor of Laws degree from Boston College Law School. Known for her strong work ethic and commitment to justice, she practiced law for more than 40 years. She served as fishing industry liaison to the U.S. Small Business Administration and concentrated in business law, administrative law and civil litigation. She was a partner of the law firm Koldys and Kelleher, P.C.
Mary was a gifted athlete from early on. In grade school, neighborhood boys would knock on the door, looking for Mary to join them in a game of football or basketball. Later, she excelled at tennis, winning numerous citywide tournaments. Eventually, she would meet her husband Steve on a tennis court and they often golfed together.
A talented musician, Mary enjoyed playing guitar for friends and church services. She often performed blues and folk music at coffee houses with her sister Fran. Fishing and relaxing at the cottage in Brewster were other favorite pastimes.
Mary had a true gift for bringing people together. She loved cooking and hosted countless gatherings, big and small. Her kitchen was always filled with delicious aromas, laughter, and the comforting sense of home. She made everyone feel welcome, and her meals were made with love.
In recent years she was devoted to her family and was very proud of her daughters Katherine and Laura. She cherished every moment spent with family. Her grandchildren, Elias and Ayla held a special place in her heart. Her face would light up with every tale of their adventures--whether it was a new sport they tried, a funny moment at school, or a skill they proudly mastered. Her love for them was deep and unwavering, and they brought her endless joy and pride.
Mary is survived by her husband of 36 years, Stephen Kelleher, daughter Katherine Gonzalez and her husband Jonathan, daughter Laura Kelleher, and grandchildren Elias and Ayla. She is also survived by her sister Frances Guilbert, brother John Clarke, and her three nephews, Matthew, Christopher, and John. She was pre-deceased by her parents John and Rita (Swistak) Clarke of New Bedford, and her sister Christina Clarke.
Her Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 1 PM at St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be held Friday, September 5th from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Flowers and/or memorial contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Mattapoisett YMCA are equally welcome.
DEATH
|
Dora Kate (Vollgraff) Doubrava
Aug 25, 2025 |
Dora Kate (Vollgraff) Doubrava, 96 of Mattapoisett, MA, died peacefully at her home on August 25, 2025. Dora Kate was born in then-rural Lake Grove, New York. Depending on whether she or her twin brother was telling the story, she was the fourth or fifth of the six Vollgraff children. She grew up in the house adjacent to her grandparent's farm on Hawkins Avenue, the street named for her extended family.
As she would say, Dora Kate was a lot of name for a little girl and she was called DK by her father, which became Dukie to her siblings and friends. Dukie met and married Joseph Doubrava of Bohemia, NY in 1953. The couple shared almost 67 years of marriage, living in Bellport, Lake Grove and Mattituck, NY before moving to Mattapoisett, MA in 2013. Together they raised four children, witnessed the birth and growth of five grandchildren as well as the birth of four great-grandchildren.
Following the path of her mother, older sister, grandfather, aunt and uncle, Dora Kate became an elementary school teacher, and taught until the birth of her first child. After spending thirty years raising her family, she became a realtor working in the Hamptons for her third career.
Dora Kate was known for her love of animals, starting from the time on her grandparent's farm. She helped raise or host a series of animals including chickens, cows, horses, a donkey and a long series of dogs and cats. As an adult she always had several cats, all of whom adopted her, showing up on her back deck and staying for the party. She also loved the water, beginning with long road trips to Florida as a child (6 children in one car, driving 1,500 miles on Route 1!) and continuing during her time in Mattituck and Mattapoisett.
Dora Kate was predeceased by her husband Joe in 2020. She is survived by her four children: Tim Doubrava and his wife Christina of Riverhead, NY, Jeff Doubrava and his wife Beth of Marion, MA, Derrick Doubrava and his wife Debbie of Clintondale, NY and Tracey Doubrava of Newport, RI; five grandchildren Andrew Doubrava and his wife Tiffani Ortiz, Alex Doubrava and his wife Renata, Erin Buboltz and her husband Billy, Matthew Doubrava and his wife Hailey, and Emma Finnerty; and four great grandchildren Isabella Doubrava, Alexander Doubrava, Riley Buboltz and Carson Buboltz. Dora Kate was also predeceased by her five siblings and their spouses - she was the last of her generation.
The family would like to express its thanks to the caregivers who helped Dora Kate remain comfortable and independent in her last years: Darlene Oliveria; Erin Spooner; the Community Nurse hospice team - most notably Sandi Diaz; and the FCP team - most particularly Valura Robinson.
A joint memorial service for Dora Kate and Joseph Doubrava will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals at 50 County Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
As she would say, Dora Kate was a lot of name for a little girl and she was called DK by her father, which became Dukie to her siblings and friends. Dukie met and married Joseph Doubrava of Bohemia, NY in 1953. The couple shared almost 67 years of marriage, living in Bellport, Lake Grove and Mattituck, NY before moving to Mattapoisett, MA in 2013. Together they raised four children, witnessed the birth and growth of five grandchildren as well as the birth of four great-grandchildren.
Following the path of her mother, older sister, grandfather, aunt and uncle, Dora Kate became an elementary school teacher, and taught until the birth of her first child. After spending thirty years raising her family, she became a realtor working in the Hamptons for her third career.
Dora Kate was known for her love of animals, starting from the time on her grandparent's farm. She helped raise or host a series of animals including chickens, cows, horses, a donkey and a long series of dogs and cats. As an adult she always had several cats, all of whom adopted her, showing up on her back deck and staying for the party. She also loved the water, beginning with long road trips to Florida as a child (6 children in one car, driving 1,500 miles on Route 1!) and continuing during her time in Mattituck and Mattapoisett.
Dora Kate was predeceased by her husband Joe in 2020. She is survived by her four children: Tim Doubrava and his wife Christina of Riverhead, NY, Jeff Doubrava and his wife Beth of Marion, MA, Derrick Doubrava and his wife Debbie of Clintondale, NY and Tracey Doubrava of Newport, RI; five grandchildren Andrew Doubrava and his wife Tiffani Ortiz, Alex Doubrava and his wife Renata, Erin Buboltz and her husband Billy, Matthew Doubrava and his wife Hailey, and Emma Finnerty; and four great grandchildren Isabella Doubrava, Alexander Doubrava, Riley Buboltz and Carson Buboltz. Dora Kate was also predeceased by her five siblings and their spouses - she was the last of her generation.
The family would like to express its thanks to the caregivers who helped Dora Kate remain comfortable and independent in her last years: Darlene Oliveria; Erin Spooner; the Community Nurse hospice team - most notably Sandi Diaz; and the FCP team - most particularly Valura Robinson.
A joint memorial service for Dora Kate and Joseph Doubrava will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals at 50 County Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
|
Vivian Dalee Jones
Aug 22, 2025 |
Our hearts are broken as we share the passing of our beloved Vivian Dalee Jones on Friday, August 22, 2025, after a yearlong battle with cancer. Vivian's time with us was far too short but she filled our lives with joy, laughter, love and a little sass every single day.
Anyone that met Vivian knew that animals were at the center of her world; she hoped to be a zoologist someday and knew so many facts about so many animals. Vivian enjoyed all things outdoors; camping, riding her bike, riding her horse Max and always loved a good playground. Many family vacations created endless memories, Vivian's favorite was always Disney World.
Vivian's desire to learn was evident in how much she enjoyed school; she wanted to understand how things worked, created beautiful art and loved to read. Vivian was lucky to have wonderful teachers, counselors and an incredible group of friends, all of whom supported her while she battled cancer.
Although only here for a short 11 years, Vivian was a precious gift to our world and a reminder to be curious, be brave, laugh a lot and dance in rain.
Vivian was deeply loved by her mother Jennifer and her sister Everly, who will always remember her as Sissy. She was so loved by her dear grandparents, F. David and Sandra Jones, uncle Jeremie and his wife Danielle and her two cousins Emma and Jacob Jones, all of Rochester.
There will never be enough words to express the gratitude the family has over these last impossible months; the aunties and their families, extended family, amazing friends that are now family, the Dark Horse family, the entire team at Rochester Memorial and the incredible care teams at Dana Farber/Jimmy Fund and Boston Children's sixth floor.
Vivian was so proud of her Beads of Courage during the last year. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to this amazing organization in her name at beadsofcourage.org.
Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11 am at St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Visiting hours will also be held at St. Anthony's Church on Thursday, August 28th from 4-8 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Anyone that met Vivian knew that animals were at the center of her world; she hoped to be a zoologist someday and knew so many facts about so many animals. Vivian enjoyed all things outdoors; camping, riding her bike, riding her horse Max and always loved a good playground. Many family vacations created endless memories, Vivian's favorite was always Disney World.
Vivian's desire to learn was evident in how much she enjoyed school; she wanted to understand how things worked, created beautiful art and loved to read. Vivian was lucky to have wonderful teachers, counselors and an incredible group of friends, all of whom supported her while she battled cancer.
Although only here for a short 11 years, Vivian was a precious gift to our world and a reminder to be curious, be brave, laugh a lot and dance in rain.
Vivian was deeply loved by her mother Jennifer and her sister Everly, who will always remember her as Sissy. She was so loved by her dear grandparents, F. David and Sandra Jones, uncle Jeremie and his wife Danielle and her two cousins Emma and Jacob Jones, all of Rochester.
There will never be enough words to express the gratitude the family has over these last impossible months; the aunties and their families, extended family, amazing friends that are now family, the Dark Horse family, the entire team at Rochester Memorial and the incredible care teams at Dana Farber/Jimmy Fund and Boston Children's sixth floor.
Vivian was so proud of her Beads of Courage during the last year. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to this amazing organization in her name at beadsofcourage.org.
Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11 am at St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Visiting hours will also be held at St. Anthony's Church on Thursday, August 28th from 4-8 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Col. Robert Francis Paling
Aug 21, 2025 |
Col. Robert Francis Paling, Ret. USAF, 73, of Wareham, passed away on August 21, 2025, at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Westborough. He was the husband of Yvette Renee (D'Harlingue) Paling. They were married for fifty years. He was the son of the late William H. and Barbara K. (Marble) Paling.
He was born in Brookline, raised in Wareham, and retired in Nashua, NH before moving back to Wareham in 2018 to enjoy the beaches he grew up on with his family.
Col. Paling graduated from the Air Force Academy and received master's degrees from Southern Illinois University and Rivier University in NH. He was a passionate lifelong learner.
He proudly served active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 until 1998. After a distinguished career, receiving multiple awards including the Meritorious Service Medal twice, he retired as a Colonel. He served as navigator in multiple international conflicts.
Bob's accomplishments and interests were far too many to list, but among the notable include: he belonged to International Foster Parents Plan for over 40 years, coached T-Ball for all three of his children, was a Boy Scout leader from Tiger Scouts to Eagle Scouts, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Nashua, NH. In 1979, he was recognized by the Jaycee's in Dover, DE as one of the "Outstanding Young Men of America" in the military category. He loved travelling and visited all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, and coin collecting. Above all, though, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Yvette Renee (D'Harlingue) Paling; a son, Jason Paling and his wife, Siobhan Kemezys of Nashua, NH; his daughters, Sarah Paling Cardoso and her husband, Tiago Cardoso of Nashua, NH, and Kathryn Donovan and her husband, Matthew Donovan of Mattapoisett; 2 brothers, David Paling and Richard Paling both of Wareham; a sister, Judy Santangelo of Wareham and their families; 4 grandchildren, Gabriel Buxton, Harper Cardoso, Eleanor Cardoso, and Jeannette Donovan.
Visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Plan International (formerly International Foster Plan) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
He was born in Brookline, raised in Wareham, and retired in Nashua, NH before moving back to Wareham in 2018 to enjoy the beaches he grew up on with his family.
Col. Paling graduated from the Air Force Academy and received master's degrees from Southern Illinois University and Rivier University in NH. He was a passionate lifelong learner.
He proudly served active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 until 1998. After a distinguished career, receiving multiple awards including the Meritorious Service Medal twice, he retired as a Colonel. He served as navigator in multiple international conflicts.
Bob's accomplishments and interests were far too many to list, but among the notable include: he belonged to International Foster Parents Plan for over 40 years, coached T-Ball for all three of his children, was a Boy Scout leader from Tiger Scouts to Eagle Scouts, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Nashua, NH. In 1979, he was recognized by the Jaycee's in Dover, DE as one of the "Outstanding Young Men of America" in the military category. He loved travelling and visited all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, and coin collecting. Above all, though, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Yvette Renee (D'Harlingue) Paling; a son, Jason Paling and his wife, Siobhan Kemezys of Nashua, NH; his daughters, Sarah Paling Cardoso and her husband, Tiago Cardoso of Nashua, NH, and Kathryn Donovan and her husband, Matthew Donovan of Mattapoisett; 2 brothers, David Paling and Richard Paling both of Wareham; a sister, Judy Santangelo of Wareham and their families; 4 grandchildren, Gabriel Buxton, Harper Cardoso, Eleanor Cardoso, and Jeannette Donovan.
Visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Plan International (formerly International Foster Plan) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
DEATH
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Richard Weston Straffin
Aug 12, 2025 |
Richard Weston Straffin, 85, of Rochester passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025. He had been married for 48 years to the late Lois Carol Phillips Straffin. He was the son of the late Weston and Irene (Reeves) Straffin.
Born in Brockton, he raised a family of 8 in Middleboro, where he was a volunteer fireman. Richard built the home that he and his wife shared in Rochester for 39 years.
Richard retired from Sears at the age of 54 after 35 years of service, but he was far from retiring. He spent some time as a pipe insulation inspector, he and a friend/partner opened an Orvis store "Henry Weston Outfitters", and he worked for the Town of Rochester for many years - mowing lawns and driving the recycle truck.
Richard was a family man. He spent "quality" time with each and every one of us. He was the strong silent type - never the center of attention but always there in quiet support. He loved camping, bird watching, organic gardening, wood crafting, fishing, and grilling - pig roasts and meat on a stick anybody?! Each of Richard's grandchildren have experienced the "crusher" handshake.
Survivors include his children: Donna Nichols of West Bridgewater, Patricia DeNardo and her husband Marc of Mashpee, Glenn Jutras of Middleboro, Michael Straffin of Sarasota, and Eric Jutras of Utah, 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Also, his sister Virginia Conefrey of Pocasset. He was the father of the late Scott Jutras, and brother of the late Lennie Lee.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on September 27, 2025 at the First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or Damien's Place Food Pantry of Wareham.
Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.
Born in Brockton, he raised a family of 8 in Middleboro, where he was a volunteer fireman. Richard built the home that he and his wife shared in Rochester for 39 years.
Richard retired from Sears at the age of 54 after 35 years of service, but he was far from retiring. He spent some time as a pipe insulation inspector, he and a friend/partner opened an Orvis store "Henry Weston Outfitters", and he worked for the Town of Rochester for many years - mowing lawns and driving the recycle truck.
Richard was a family man. He spent "quality" time with each and every one of us. He was the strong silent type - never the center of attention but always there in quiet support. He loved camping, bird watching, organic gardening, wood crafting, fishing, and grilling - pig roasts and meat on a stick anybody?! Each of Richard's grandchildren have experienced the "crusher" handshake.
Survivors include his children: Donna Nichols of West Bridgewater, Patricia DeNardo and her husband Marc of Mashpee, Glenn Jutras of Middleboro, Michael Straffin of Sarasota, and Eric Jutras of Utah, 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Also, his sister Virginia Conefrey of Pocasset. He was the father of the late Scott Jutras, and brother of the late Lennie Lee.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on September 27, 2025 at the First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or Damien's Place Food Pantry of Wareham.
Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.
DEATH
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Eleanor Bradford (Luther) Johansen
Aug 08, 2025 |
Eleanor Bradford (Luther) Johansen, 94, of Mattapoisett, died peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025. Eleanor was born in New Bedford on December 29, 1930, the daughter of the late Bradford Wheeler Luther and Elva Woodworth (Fairbairn) Luther. Eleanor grew up in Fairhaven and graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1948. She married the late Robert Garner Johansen in September 1951, and subsequently moved to Mattapoisett, which became her home for over seventy years.
Her life's passion was her handwork. She enjoyed painting, knitting, weaving and embroidery. But her true love was making quilts, and she devoted most of her time to designing and creating exquisitely beautiful, unique quilts.
She is survived by her son, Jon Benjamin Johansen and his wife, Ann, of Winterport, Maine; her daughter, Donna Goldman and her husband, Ted, of Bethesda, Maryland; four grandchildren: Jessica Alexandria Whynot, Andrew Silva, Molly Goldman and Kara Young; and four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Donahue, Brody Donahue, Nathan Young and Jacob Young.
She was the mother of the late Susan Johansen-Silva, the grandmother of the late Jeremiah Johansen-Silva, and the sister of the late Bradford Wheeler Luther, Jr.
Her graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19, at 2:00 pm in Cushing Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Her life's passion was her handwork. She enjoyed painting, knitting, weaving and embroidery. But her true love was making quilts, and she devoted most of her time to designing and creating exquisitely beautiful, unique quilts.
She is survived by her son, Jon Benjamin Johansen and his wife, Ann, of Winterport, Maine; her daughter, Donna Goldman and her husband, Ted, of Bethesda, Maryland; four grandchildren: Jessica Alexandria Whynot, Andrew Silva, Molly Goldman and Kara Young; and four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Donahue, Brody Donahue, Nathan Young and Jacob Young.
She was the mother of the late Susan Johansen-Silva, the grandmother of the late Jeremiah Johansen-Silva, and the sister of the late Bradford Wheeler Luther, Jr.
Her graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19, at 2:00 pm in Cushing Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Jo-Anne M. (Sites) Lombardo
Aug 07, 2025 |
Jo-Anne M. (Sites) Lombardo, age 70, of East Providence, Rhode Island, formerly of Brockton, East Taunton, Boston, Northbridge, and Nashua, NH, passed away at the Evergreen Nursing Health Center of East Providence.
The daughter of the late Roger F. and Rosemarie F. (Sullivan) Sites, she was a 1973 graduate of Brockton High School. She attended Boston College. She worked in the data processing field for numerous companies, then worked as a Financial Adviser with Ameriprise. She was predeceased by her husband, John Lombardo.
She is survived by her brother, Michael G. Sites and his wife, Kathleen A. Flaherty Sites, of Mattapoisett. She leaves behind numerous cousins, and is greatly appreciative of the efforts and support of the Lombardo family.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. She will be interred at Pine Hill Cemtery in West Bridgewater, MA. Services provided by Conley Funeral and Cremation Service, 138 Belmont Street, Brockton.
The daughter of the late Roger F. and Rosemarie F. (Sullivan) Sites, she was a 1973 graduate of Brockton High School. She attended Boston College. She worked in the data processing field for numerous companies, then worked as a Financial Adviser with Ameriprise. She was predeceased by her husband, John Lombardo.
She is survived by her brother, Michael G. Sites and his wife, Kathleen A. Flaherty Sites, of Mattapoisett. She leaves behind numerous cousins, and is greatly appreciative of the efforts and support of the Lombardo family.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. She will be interred at Pine Hill Cemtery in West Bridgewater, MA. Services provided by Conley Funeral and Cremation Service, 138 Belmont Street, Brockton.
DEATH
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Paul Martin McCabe
Aug 06, 2025 |
Paul Martin McCabe, age 82, of Mattapoisett passed away on August 6, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Gail McCabe for 59 years. Paul was a loving father to his three children and seven grandchildren; Sean McCabe and his wife Judith, their children, Jack, Colin and Bridget of Dartmouth; Ericka and her son, Alexander of Mattapoisett; Kristian and his wife, Michelle and their children, Madeline, Edith and Ryan of Norwell. Paul was also the proud family member of four late brothers - Frank, Steve, Phil, and John; and one sister Martha of Manchester, VT.
Born in Boston on December 5, 1942, he was the son of the late John F. McCabe and Frances M. McCabe. Paul graduated from English High in 1961, where he captained the football team and he was eventually inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to Holy Cross College after earning a full football scholarship where he received a BS in Social Studies in 1965. He later earned a master's degree in counseling and guidance in 1971. His career started as a history teacher and football/track coach. From there his focus was as a guidance counselor and he retired as the Guidance Director at Fairhaven High School. He loved and respected his students and that was fully reciprocated.
Paul was an avid reader, especially nonfiction history. He also enjoyed sailing for many years, and he especially enjoyed his golf games with family and friends.
There was always a card game he never passed up with the brothers. He and Gail loved their winters in Ft. Myers Beach for over 20 years, inviting anyone who could join them. He traveled to Ireland with family to golf and with Gail to tour.
His main focus was family and attended all sporting events and recitals of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews alike. Paul's warmth and kindness touched everyone he met, and the sound of his laughter will echo in our hearts forever, a cherished reminder of the joy he brought to his family and friends. Fair winds and following seas always.
His Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11am at St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be Thursday, August 21st from 9:30-10:30am, prior to the Mass, in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Born in Boston on December 5, 1942, he was the son of the late John F. McCabe and Frances M. McCabe. Paul graduated from English High in 1961, where he captained the football team and he was eventually inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to Holy Cross College after earning a full football scholarship where he received a BS in Social Studies in 1965. He later earned a master's degree in counseling and guidance in 1971. His career started as a history teacher and football/track coach. From there his focus was as a guidance counselor and he retired as the Guidance Director at Fairhaven High School. He loved and respected his students and that was fully reciprocated.
Paul was an avid reader, especially nonfiction history. He also enjoyed sailing for many years, and he especially enjoyed his golf games with family and friends.
There was always a card game he never passed up with the brothers. He and Gail loved their winters in Ft. Myers Beach for over 20 years, inviting anyone who could join them. He traveled to Ireland with family to golf and with Gail to tour.
His main focus was family and attended all sporting events and recitals of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews alike. Paul's warmth and kindness touched everyone he met, and the sound of his laughter will echo in our hearts forever, a cherished reminder of the joy he brought to his family and friends. Fair winds and following seas always.
His Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11am at St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be Thursday, August 21st from 9:30-10:30am, prior to the Mass, in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.