Michael J. Paolella, 77, of Wareham, passed away on May 8, 2026, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the beloved husband of Louise A. (Boissoneau) Paolella, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

Born in Queens, New York, Michael was the son of the late Dominick and Rose (Barberine) Paolella. He proudly served his country as a Vietnam War veteran in the United States Air Force.

Michael spent his career at the United States Postal Service, retiring as Manager of Resource Management. Along the way, he led the team that built the agency's first digital HR software program and rolled it out nationally.

But the work that brought him the most joy came after he retired. Michael poured himself into his community on the South Coast of Massachusetts and gave it decades of his time.

He founded the Middleboro Youth Soccer League (MYSL) and secured the land and funding for the town's youth sports fields. He coached in MYSL and Mariner Youth Soccer, taking teams from each to the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions, and at the high school level at Middleboro from 1985 to 1987 and at Old Rochester from 2017 to 2026, carrying more than a few teams to the playoffs (and more than a few snacks to the bench). When he wasn't coaching, he was refereeing soccer and lacrosse across the South Coast and training the officials who came up behind him.

He was the Assistant Harbor Master in Marion, a first responder on the water and a boating safety instructor on land. He led volunteers at Damien's Place Food Pantry and cooked breakfast for the Rochester Council on Aging. And he was a fixture in the stands at Old Rochester Regional games, the loudest Bulldogs fan in the building.

To those who knew him best, Michael was steady and dependable. He showed up for the people he loved, every time, without needing the credit. His family knew they could count on him for guidance, a hand with something practical, or just his quiet presence in the room (especially all the times he fell asleep on the couch).

He was tough when he needed to be, and never far from the people who needed him.

Above all, Michael's greatest pride was his family.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He built his life around the people he loved, and his presence will be deeply felt in the stories, memories, and values he leaves behind.

He is survived by his wife, Louise A. (Boissoneau) Paolella; his children, Tina Rood and her husband, Hal, of Falmouth, Karrie Perry and her husband, Matt, of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Amanda Young and her husband, Rich, of Daniel Island, South Carolina; his nine grandchildren, Troy (and his husband, Oti), Kyle, Megan, Brett, Julia, Ethan, Owen, Gavin, and Quin; and his siblings, D.J. Paolella and his wife, DeDe, Ricky Paolella and his wife, Karen, and Susan Schmitz. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Daisy.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Highway, Wareham. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's memory may be made to a few causes he loved: Old Rochester High School Boys Soccer (ORR Booster Club, Attn: Boys Soccer, PO Box 192, Mattapoisett, MA 02739), Damien's Place Food Pantry, or the Rochester Council on Aging.

Michael's family will carry forward his strength, his love, and the steady example he set every day.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit www.chapmanfuneral.com.

David T. Rocha, 86, of Mattapoisett died Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Tobey Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Elvita (Baptista) Rocha, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph and Maria (Taft) Rocha, he lived in New Bedford and Mattapoisett for most of his life.

He honorably served in the United States Navy from 1963-1966.

David graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 and later graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art with a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1968.

He was formerly employed as an art teacher with New Bedford Public Schools for many years until his retirement.

David was a very talented artist who especially enjoyed creating pastel paintings. He loved to travel, was a great cook, and enjoyed going out to dinner.

He is survived by his wife, Elvita; his son, Sean Rocha; his daughter, Kali Rocha and her husband Michael Krikorian; his sister, Sandra Ayres; two grandchildren, Barlow and Savria Krikorian; and many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, May 13th from 4-7 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Rory Michael McFee, 78, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, May 2, 2026. He was the husband of Christine (Reardon) McFee.

Born in Chicago, IL, son of the late Robert and Virginia (Pugil) McFee, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

Rory bravely lived with Congestive Heart Failure for almost 25 years but he never let it stop him from living and enjoying life.

He attended high school at the Divine Word Seminary, Perrysburg, OH and the Divine Word College in Epworth, IA studying to be a missionary. He earned his master's degree in Special Education with certifications in history, guidance counseling, and rehabilitation counseling at Bridgewater State.

In his early career he helped start an abstinence program in New Bedford, MA for recovering addicts. He worked at Paul Dever State School as a job placement and rehab counselor. Rory helped to start the Collaborative Learning Center (a part of Project Orient, now SMEC), where they worked with expelled students to help them achieve their potential, and he was also a founding board member of Harbor Inc.

Rory was very proud of his career as a teacher and coach at ORRJHS where he worked alongside many stellar educators who he called friends. He was first hired to teach Special Education where he was able to bring his love of sports to the students by coaching them in the Special Olympics for eight years. For the remainder of his career there he taught seventh grade social studies and was very involved with the Survival Program and coaching. His involvement in Survival spanned forty years, ten years as the director, thirty years running the campfire portion, a number of years as base camp director, and always helping in any way he could.

His coaching consisted of not just intramural sports at the junior high but also coaching at the high school where he coached Freshmen Football, Varsity Ice Hockey, JV Boys Soccer, and Varsity Girls Soccer. It was with that last team that he had a lot of success; the 1996 team was inducted into the ORRHS Athletic Hall of Fame, and he was named Boston Globe Girls Soccer D-2 Coach of the Year in 1997. He was inducted into the ORRHS Hall of Fame in 2024 as a Coach and Contributor.

Being so involved in the community, from sports to teaching to Survival, as well as being part of the team that spearheaded the fundraising and construction of the Chuck Michaud Memorial Rink, he was honored as Mattapoisett Man of the Year in 2009.

Rory was an avid boater, always having either a sailboat or power boat since he moved to the area. He also loved playing and watching hockey, playing until he was 50, and watching his Bruins religiously.

Rory is survived by his loving wife Christine (Reardon) McFee, his daughter Carly and her husband Michael Elson, his sons Ryan McFee, and Sean McFee and his wife Kristine, his beloved grandchildren, Alexandra and Andrew Elson, and his sweet cat Sarah and his faithful dog Charlie.

He also leaves behind his sisters Candace (David) Coffey, and Carol (Dan) McCormick, and many brother and sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews who he adored.

Rory's Funeral Service will be held Friday May 8, 2026 at 11 am in the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Mattapoisett, followed by his burial in Cushing Cemetery. Friends are invited to meet directly at Church. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road., Mattaposiett. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Special Olympics, or to ORRJHS Survival Program Checks made out to: AHES, Inc, C/O Bobby Dumas, 6 Kelly Dr., East Freetown MA 02717

Sue Ellen Sullivan, 57, of Rochester passed away peacefully at home Monday, April 27, 2026 with her family by her side after a long courageous battle with Leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer. Born in New Bedford, she was the beloved daughter of Louise C. (Mathieu) Sullivan of Rochester and the late James W. Sullivan.

Sue was a graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and had worked at Tree Land Garden Center in New Bedford for 30 years. Sue loved music, watching Lawrence Welk, going to concerts and shows and watching wrestling. She loved the color purple, playing cards and games, chocolate ice cream and walking. Sue was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and three time Volunteer of the Year.

She is survived by her loving mother, Louise; her siblings, Kathleen Shutts and her husband Jack of Chagrin Falls, OH, Shawn Sullivan and his wife Betty of Plymouth, Kevin Sullivan of Sugar Hill, NH, Betsy Downes and her husband Stephen and Karen Sylvia and her husband Larry all of Rochester. "Beloved Auntie Sue" had 13 nieces and nephews; six great nieces and nephews and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 11am in St. Rita's Church in Marion. Interment will be private. Arrangements are by the Donaghy New Day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford. For memorial register please visit, www.newdayfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sue's name to, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org or Southcoast Health at Home, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Phyllis M. (Mattson) Washburn, 90, of Marion died Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Vantage of New Bedford after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Ralph G. Washburn, with whom she shared 73 years of marriage.

Born in Gloucester, MA, daughter of the late Leonard and Catherine (Perry) Mattson, she was raised by aunt and uncles in Maine after the loss of her mother at age 10. She later relocated to Marion where she lived for most of her life.

She married Ralph G. Washburn on May 16, 1952. They had three children, Peter, Debbie, and Charlie.

After raising her children, Phyllis went back to school and obtained her Medical Assistant certification from Upper Cape Tech. She was then employed by Dr. Baxter in Marion for many years until her retirement.

Phyllis loved family vacations to Vermont, nature and gardening. She was also an avid writer and had some of her work published in writer's magazines.

She and Ralph adopted mute swans in Marion Harbor. They published a book called "Good Morning Sam" about their friendship and adventures with a handicapped swan that couldn't fly. Phyllis wrote the story and Ralph provided the photographs. They were known around Marion as the "Swan People" and often had many onlookers when they fed Sam and his friends at the Old Landing. They launched their son Peter's skiff and rowed it exactly one time to follow Sam. The next time the skiff had a brand-new Honda 5hp outboard! From there, they went to a 27' trawler named Cygnus Olor which is the Latin genus for mute swans, all so they could be closer to Sam and his friends.

She is survived by her three children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her sister, Diana V. Barrows of Mattapoisett.

Her Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Little Neck Cemetery, Marion. Visiting hours will be Saturday from 10-11 AM, prior to the service. A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held over the summer, with details to be annouced once finalized. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Thomas J. Tyson, 80, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Born on May 18, 1945, in New Bedford, Thomas lived in Fairhaven for many years and was a current resident of Mattapoisett. He was the son of the late Joseph and Leonora (DeMello) Tyson. Thomas earned a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute.

Thomas recently retired after a distinguished career as Vice President of Research and Development Manufacturing at Technic, Inc. In that role, he was known for the kind of measured leadership that values both precision and progress--bringing quiet diligence and sound judgment to work that required consistency, expertise, and responsibility.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Barbara (Cullivan) Tyson. He was predeceased by his former wife, Sandra L. (Ingram) Tyson. He is also survived by his children: Daniel Tyson and his wife Kendra; Kelly Mello and her husband Jason; Donna Faucher and her husband Brian; Beth Tyson; and Matthew Soares and his wife April. He is survived by his sister, Judy Bernier and her husband Henry; his cousin and best friend, Fred Jackson and his wife Jeannette; his sisters-in-law, Donna Tyson and Pat Tyson; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Timothy Tyson and Alan Tyson.

Thomas was a proud grandfather to Jack, Alyssa, Nick, Nathan, Cody, Connor, Ryan, Gabriel, Emma, and Ellana. His love for his family and grandchildren was a constant in his life--steady, generous, and deeply felt.

Outside of work, Thomas found lasting enjoyment in boating, fishing, skiing, photography, woodworking, golfing, traveling, reading, and driving his John Deere. He especially loved the White Mountains.

Thomas also gave his time and leadership to youth athletics, serving as former President of Mariner Youth Soccer and former President of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association. He was instrumental in the creation of the current Mariner Youth Soccer fields in Fairhaven, a lasting contribution that reflects his commitment to community and to creating opportunities for young people to grow and thrive.

Visiting hours will be held at Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington Street, Fairhaven, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10 am. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 274 Main St., Fairhaven.

Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to Mount Washington Valley Adaptive Sports Program, www.mwvas.org.

Eugenia Lee "Jeanie" (Robertson) Heys, Mattapoisett died April 17, 2026 at Carvalho Grove Nursing Home.

She was the wife of the late David G. Heys, Jr.

Born in Richmond, VA, daughter of the late Edward L. Robertson and Edith (Martins) Avanzo, she lived in Fairhaven and Mattapoisett most of her life.

Jeanie was a true force of nature-vibrant, generous, and full of life. Proud of her Portuguese heritage, she had an incredible talent for cooking, turning every meal into a celebration and making anyone who gathered around her table feel at home. Always willing to lend a hand, she welcomed anyone in need with open arms and a quick wit that could bring a sense of liveliness to any room.

Playful and funny, Jeanie had an extraordinary knack for finding joy in life's little moments. Her sharp observations and clever quips always a sure fire way to bring on smiles, or head shakes, between family and friends.

A strong-willed woman who lived life on her own terms, she embodied resilience and courage. Her stubbornness-a testament to her strength-revealed her as one of the strongest souls we knew.

With a steel trap memory, she could recall intricate family stories, ensuring our cherished history would never be forgotten. Above all, her deep love for family shone through in everything she did, shaped by kindness and unwavering faith. Though she may no longer be with us, Jeanie's laughter, warmth, and the love she poured into feeding those she cared for will echo in our hearts forever, reminding us that life is best celebrated with family, friends, and a sprinkle of humor.

Survivors include 2 sons, Eric Nightlinger and his wife Karen of Brooklyn, NY and Michael Sullivan of Bradenton, FL; a daughter, Jennifer Nightlinger and her husband Hudson Maynard of Mattapoisett; her former husband, James Nightlinger of New Bedford; 4 siblings, Roy Robertson of New Bedford, Kathleen Pine of Somerset, Brad Robertson of Ocala, FL and Antone Almeida of Fall River; 5 grandchildren, Bryce Nightlinger, Ericson Nightlinger, Sophia Nightlinger, Stella Sullivan and Amanda Sullivan; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Lisa Almeida and Aaron Almeida.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, May 17th at 12 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests from 11:30 - 12 pm prior to her service. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Nancy Tuck, 93, of Wareham, Marion, and Holliston, Massachusetts, passed into peace on April 17, 2026, after a long illness. She was born Nancy Gene Norris on September 18, 1932, to Henry and Ruth Norris and was raised in Holliston. She attended Framingham High School and the Women's College of Greensboro, NC, earning a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry in 1954. She married James Valpey and is survived by their three children: Dawn Ronco of Raleigh, NC; Todd Valpey of Weare, NH; and James Mark Valpey of Raleigh, NC. She had four grandchildren: Ben Ronco, James (Jimmy) Valpey Jr., Jesse Ronco, and Andrew Valpey. Jimmy and his wife, Amanda, gave her three great-granddaughters: Tori, Avery, and Aubrey.

Nancy attended the Boston School of Cytotechnology as part of its first-ever class to graduate in 1965. She became a licensed cytotechnologist and was quickly employed by Framingham Union Laboratory.

After a divorce and marriage to Ralph Tuck, she moved in 1983 to Wareham, the long-loved town where she'd spent vacations on Tempest Knob as a child. She was employed as a medical technologist at St. Luke's in Middleboro until its closing in 1990. By then she was on her own again. She lived for 32 years in her beloved mobile home on Siesta Drive. She worked as a cytotechnologist at Cape Cod Hospital until her retirement in 1999. In 2015, she moved to Little Neck Village in Marion, where she became an active participant with its Council on Aging. Due to declining health, she moved to All American Assisted Living in 2022.

Nancy was a woman of many talents. She loved to bake, and she served up cookies to many groups, worked the Garden Club bake sales, and more than once won first place for her pies at the Rochester Fair. She was an acrylic painter and gardener extraordinaire, tending multiple gardens of flowers, vegetables, and herbs around her mobile home. After taking a book repair class in Boston after retirement, she served many years as the volunteer book-fixer at the Wareham Free Library. In younger years, she completed difficult crossword puzzles in pen, claiming tongue-in-cheek that she was perfect. She probably wasn't. In fact, she wanted this notice to say that she enjoyed living One Day at a Time since Feb. 5, 1976, thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous. She served in that organization's regional delegation for several years and was instrumental in the founding of Evergreen House in Wareham.

Nancy touched many people with her industrious life, and she is already missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2 pm at the First Congregational Church on 11 Gibbs Ave. in Wareham.

Jana (Golan) Cavanaugh, 79, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Born on March 13, 1947, in Rochester, New York, she was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Carol (Bingley) Golan.

Jana was a proud graduate of The Harley School and later earned her degree from Wheelock College. Her passion for education led her to a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher at Rochester Memorial School, where she inspired countless young minds for 27 years with her dedication and love for learning. Beyond her role as an educator, Jana also served as a town assessor for Rochester for 39 years, was a member of the Women's Club, a Friend of the Library, a Library Trustee, and served on various other boards and committees, demonstrating her commitment to her community and its well-being.

Jana's life was deeply enriched by her family, especially in her beloved role as "Nana," which brought her endless joy. She is survived by her brother, Tim Golan; her sons, Matthew Cavanaugh and his wife Paula Cavanaugh, Douglas Cavanaugh and his partner Tammy Noonan, and Brian Cavanaugh and his wife Jessica Cavanaugh; and her former husband, Donald Cavanaugh. She was a cherished grandmother affectionately known as "Nana" to Richard, Nicholas, Logan, Keith, Caeden, and Seamus and a proud great-grandmother to Charlie and Sam. Jana was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Carol Golan, and her daughter-in-law Teresa (Terry) Tansey.

Jana is also lovingly remembered by her closest friends and her RMS teaching family, whose endless support and care meant the world to her.

In addition to her professional accomplishments and devotion to family, Jana found joy in life's simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who loved immersing herself in books. A passionate sports fan, she cheered enthusiastically for the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. Her love for teaching extended beyond the classroom into every aspect of her life--she touched the hearts of all who knew her with kindness and wisdom.

Jana's legacy is one of love--for her family, her friends, her community, and the many lives she influenced through teaching. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

May the memory of Jana bring comfort to those who mourn her passing. A visitation will be held on Thursday April 23, 2026, from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday April 24, 2026, at 10 am at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church 124 Front St., Marion, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jana's memory to The Friends of The Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 69, Rochester, MA 02770 or dropped off at the library. For online condolence book. please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Donald George, 88, of Rochester, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Royal of Fairhaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Fairhaven. He was the husband of the late Margaret M. (Fournier) George. They were married for 54 years. He was the son of the late Howard P. and Marie Louise (Jordanais) George.

He was born in New Bedford and lived in Rochester all his life. He attended the Waterman School.

Mr. George worked at the Rochester Landfill for many years before retiring.

He was a volunteer for the Rochester Fire Department, a member of the Rochester Men's Brotherhood, the Grounds Observers Corps, Wareham Kiwanis, and the Rochester Council on Aging Board of Directors.

Survivors include his sister, Annette Gartner of Iowa; 4 grandchildren, Courtney Gurll of Arlington, Joshua Gurll of Manchester, NH, Patrick Gurll of Seabring, FL, and Jeremy Lindsay of Wareham; 3 nieces, Barbara Erickson of Middleboro, Heidi Fredette of Lexington, SC, Sue Hartman of Wisconsin; 3 nephews, Michael Akins of Bourne, John Temporly of GA and Thomas Hartman of Wisconsin. He was the father of the late Deborah George and uncle of the late Daniel Akins.

His graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Rochester Center Cemetery, Dexter Ln., Rochester.