Robert A. Grome, 84, of Mattapoisett, formerly of Wellesley passed away peacefully on Monday, November 27, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Newton on February 11, 1939, he was the son of the late Andrew and Mabel Grome.

Bob grew up in Wellesley and graduated from Wellesley High School. He was a member of the Air National Guard. Throughout the years he worked as a maintenance machinist for many different companies including Carlings Brewery, Corning, Balzers, and Contravis.

Bob was married for 31 years to the late Dorothy E. Grome and is survived by his sons Robert W. Grome and his wife Sarah, of Franklin, Allen L. Grome and his wife Laura, of Framingham, his daughter, Brenda L. Swartzel and her husband John, of Holliston and seven grandchildren, Andrew and Melissa Swartzel, Christopher and Nicole Grome, and Katherine, Rebecca, and Rachel Grome. He also leaves his sister Carol Passarello and her husband Al and several nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by his dear friend, Jo Ann Giovanella.

Visiting hours will take place on Thursday, November 30th from 4 to 7 pm at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave in Needham, Massachusetts. The funeral service will take place on Friday, December 1st at 1 pm at Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Avenue in Needham.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association.

Polly-Ann (Cotter) Mort, 89, died peacefully at the Mattapoisett home she loved on Thanksgiving morning.

Polly-Ann was an amazing person whose love for her family and thoughtfulness towards others were central to her life. She loved having the family together. She hosted holiday dinners with a house full of people until she was 81 years old and notably, the last holiday dinner she cooked may have been the most delicious one ever. She truly was the backbone and guiding light of our family.

Polly-Ann was active in Mattapoisett having served as the Guidance Secretary & Registrar at Old Rochester and worked at Town Hall. She is a past board member of the Council on Aging and the TriCounty Music Association. She and her husband were previous co-owners of the Harbor Beach Club. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where she previously served on several committees. Polly-Ann graduated from Lasalle University.

Polly-Ann is survived by her daughters Joanna Robbins and her husband Tom and Polly Mac Donald and her partner, Bruce Farrington as well as her beloved six grandchildren and great granddaughter. She is sadly pre-deceased by her husband, John, and her two sons, Jonathan and David. She is survived by her siblings, Suzanne Gulbranson and her husband Gary and her brother, Charles Cotter and his partner, Marilyn Saint Aubin. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Anne Cotter and her siblings, Mary-Lou McNair, James and Peter Cotter.

Prior to passing, Polly-Ann left written thoughts, something for us to consider. "I want you all to remember, life is not about living forever. It's about making the journey count. I hope you all have a great journey."

A wake will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett 50 County Rd. Rt. 6, Mattapoisett. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11:00 am in Grace Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Polly-Ann, the family asks that you perform a simple act of kindness for someone else. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Ralph E. Parsons, 75, aka "Rocky", aka "Ralphy", aka "Dad", aka "Papa Ralph", finally allowed his big, generous, fun loving heart to retire peacefully yesterday at his home at Dexter Beach in Marion. Ralph's heart had quite the amazing history. It took its first marvelous thumps in New Haven, CT. His mother Rita, his father Ralph, his brother Gary and his sister Barbara were the first to experience the joy in Ralphy's heart. It was then stolen early on by his beautiful wife of 57 years, Diana (Hedin) Parsons, in the classrooms and hallways of Natick High School. It entertained and delighted friends and family everywhere he took it. Ralph's heart loved to beat on the dance floor, and pumped laughs and frivolity from him at every party, gathering, cookout or dart night he ever attended. Ralph's heart had no boundaries, and allowed him to make friends wherever he went. As a Purveyor of Pickles, a Package Store Proprietor, a Video Vendor, and an Ice Cream Creator, Ralph never let his heart get bored, as new adventures lay around every corner.

Ralph's heart was broken more than once, especially with the passing of his two beautiful daughters, Lisa and Tracy. But it swelled with pride often, over his son Ken and his wife Darla, Tracy's husband Doug, and Ralph and Diana's 6 wonderful grandchildren - Desera, Travis, Kassidy, Holden, Skyler and Kirsten. Most recently, it nearly burst with love for his 4 great-grandchildren - Ryker, Emry, Everly and Mazen.

Ralph was the man who taught other men how to be friends, husbands and fathers. Suffice to say, if you were lucky enough to love or be loved by this man, then you know the world would be a much better placed if everyone was like him. He (and his beautiful heart) will be missed, but never forgotten...

Services will be private. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Guy Wayne Asker on November 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was determined to reach his 90th birthday, which he did! on July 18, 2023!

Wayne was born in the Campello neighborhood of Brockton MA, and his journey through life was marked by accomplishments, integrity, and a profound love for family, faith, and community. His early years were shaped by his passion for sports, excelling in both football and basketball, which paved the way for his graduation from Brockton High School in 1951. After high school, he continued his education at Storm King Prep School in New York. In 1955, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Joan Walsh, a Brockton High School cheerleader, forming a partnership that would endure for decades.

For over twenty years, Wayne worked diligently at Asker Bakery in Brockton until 1973 when he transitioned his career to become a real estate broker, establishing Realty by Asker. His commitment to the real estate industry led him to become the President of Brockton Board of Realtors in 1977 and President of Brockton MLS in 1985 serving as a longstanding board member. In the 1980s, Wayne furthered his expertise by obtaining a General Certified Real Estate Appraiser license, founding GWA Appraisal Service, where he continued his work as an appraiser until the age of 75.

Wayne's devotion to his faith was evident throughout his life. He served at Trinity Baptist Church in Brockton and later at Church in the Pines in Wareham. He led numerous Bible studies, leaving a lasting impact on the spiritual lives of many.

Beyond his professional and spiritual pursuits, Wayne generously contributed to his community. He served as a basketball coach for Brockton Christian School and various church basketball leagues. In the 1980s, he moved to Marion, becoming an active member of the Sippican Tennis Club and dedicating his time to the town's Conservation Committee.

Wayne's love for travel was evident in the many adventures he shared with his wife, Joan. They explored the beauty of many parts of the world, including Ireland, Italy, France, and England, with a standout memory being their cherished trip to Israel in 1974 with dear friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan, their four children, Joanne, Amy, Jonathan (Pippa), and Sarah (Andy), and their grandchildren Michelle (Russell), Dan, Samantha (Samuel), Oliver, Dean, and Maxwell. Wayne was preceded in death by parents, Guy and Hazel Asker, and his two sisters, Carol and Beverly. His grandchildren and many nieces and nephews will remember Wayne with affection.

Guy Wayne Asker will be remembered for his kindness, his unique sense of humor, unwavering devotion to his Christian faith, his devotion to integrity and honesty, and his profound love for family and friends. His legacy lives on in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his impact will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were touched by his warmth and generosity. He is resting in peace, and his family finds solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, Dec. 2nd at the First Congregational Church of Marion. A luncheon reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, Wayne's desire was to have any gifts go to South Coast VNA Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719. He so appreciated the loving care of each caregiver. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Judge Baron H Martin, loving husband, dedicated father and former Chief Justice of the 4th District Court in Wareham passed away peacefully on November 16 with his beloved wife Joan by his side. He was 97 years old.

Born in Boston, son of the late Baron H. and Margaret Jones Elliot Martin, he lived in Boston until 1972 moving to Wareham. Before becoming ill, he was living at the Bay Club in Mattapoisett.

Survivors include his wife, Joan (Kapolchok) Martin; his daughter Lauren B Martin of New York; his cousin who was like a son to him, Atty. Ralph Martin and his wife Dr. Deborah Martin of Jamaica Plain and their sons Scott and Sam, and daughter Christine (husband Michael Moverman and daughter Simona.)

There is no question that Judge Martin was a brilliant lawyer and Judge. He would have young lawyers, trying a case before him, scurrying back to the law library looking up cases because the ones they were using were no longer applicable.

Judge Martin never forgot his mentors who shaped his life from working as a baggage handler at South Station to becoming the esteemed Chief Justice of the Wareham District Court. They gave him the opportunity to attend Suffolk University Law School while working at the MTA (MBTA) as a clerk. He later became the General Counsel and years later was appointed to the Board of Directors.

He was personal friends with Martin Luther King, while attending Boston University. They belonged to the same fraternity, Boston University's Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. In 1952, he introduced Martin to Coretta.

Baron was very active in politics in the 60's being chair of Ward 12 in Roxbury. He was invited by President Kennedy to participate in the National Conference on Constitutional Rights in New York in 1960. He was greatly influenced by Robert F Kennedy while working on his campaign in 1968. He often quoted Robert F Kennedy as saying that those of us who have something have an obligation to help others. Judge Martin was with Robert Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel on June 5, 1968 when he was shot. He lived by this motto until the day he died.

He was inducted as Special Justice of the Roxbury Court in 1974 by Governor Francis Sargent and to the Wareham District Court in 1977 by Governor Edward King. He was named Associate Justice of the Appellate Division by Chief Justice Samuel Zoll in 1990.

There are countless stories of people that he helped when their lives were falling apart and they were standing before him in the court. He would help them see their value and a better way but they had to put in the work. He was a mentor to young law students, new judges, administrators and court personnel. And even after he retired, he continued, working on a team to bring the University of Massachusetts Law School (Southern New England Law School) to Dartmouth. Giving back is what Judge Martin did be it law students, the kid next door, or a caregiver.

This is his Legacy. His mentors would be proud.

His visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 28th from 4-8pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt.6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 29th at 11:00 am in the funeral Home. For directions and guest book, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Eleanor (Ellie) Haines passed away on Friday November 16 in North Smithfield RI at the age of 91. All of her children were present the week of her passing. She was born on April 28, 1932 in Brookline NY to Ingaborg and Josef Isaksen. She grew up in South Dartmouth, MA. Marrying Gunnar Haines in 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairhaven MA. They moved to California returning to Massachusetts in 1975. A long time resident of Antassawamock her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren loved spending time with her and Papo at their beach house in Mattapoisett, MA. She loved her Lord. Her Bible was always open on the dining room table. She loved music, played the piano, taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, sister and one great grandson. Survived by children Susan (Craig) of North Smithfield, RI, Michael (JoAnn) of Mattapoisett, MA, Heidi (Rob) of Sanborton, NH and John (Melissa) of Elmira, NY, ten grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren with two more on the way.

Ellie's celebration of life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairhaven MA on December 9th at 11:00 am with luncheon to follow. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Steven Johnston Tower of Hingham, Massachusetts, died suddenly on November 15 at his home in Hingham.

Starting his life in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1960, he was the second son of Arthur Tower and Betty (Johnston) Tower. He attended North Adams State College but eventually graduated from Northeastern University. He would go on to spend the majority of his career as an insurance investigator.

He found a sense of calm and excitement on two wheels, whether he was pedaling one of his many bikes or pushing the throttle as hard as it could go on his motorcycle. When not on a bike, he loved to spend time digging up quahogs near the family home in Mattapoisett and assisting with any project the community needed. Throughout his life, he also liked to channel his inner Herb Brooks as a longtime coach and administrator of Braintree Youth Hockey. He could also often be found volunteering his time at the Old Colony Lodge in Hingham, where he was a devoted Masonic member.

He leaves behind his only son, Steven Jr., of Rockland, Massachusetts, and former wife and friend Catherine Nelligan of Venice, Florida. He is also survived by his many cousins with whom he shared many memories in Mattapoisett. He has now joined his late brother Putt Jr. of Fairhaven and his mother and father.

Visiting hours were held at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham, on Monday, November 20th. Relatives and friends were invited to attend a memorial service at Second Parish, 685 Main St. in Hingham on Tuesday, November 21st. Burial was a private ceremony. For additional information and online guestbook please go to www.downingchapel.com

James C. Holden, age 86, of Mattapoisett died peacefully on Saturday November 4, 2023, in his home alongside his loving wife of 63 years Patricia (Fielding) Holden whom he completely adored.

He was born in New Bedford, MA on July 26, 1937, to Gardner and Hilda (Viera) Holden. He was raised in the West End of New Bedford where he later raised his own family. Jim often told his grandchildren stories of hunting with his best friend George just steps from where they both lived. From 1956 -1958, Jim served in the Army Airborne Division as a Paratrooper. He kept his service private for most of his life, but Jim shared his experiences more often during his later years.

Jim spent his life tirelessly working on the shoreside of the fishing industry where he made many memories and close friends. He retired as General Manager of Hathaway Braley Wharf Co. and President of Nice Ice, following a career working for his family business, Holden and Padelford Ice Co. Jim was known as a hardworking, trustworthy and savvy business man, unafraid to say what he believed. Whether by the pool or over a cup of coffee, he enjoyed sharing stories of New Bedford's waterfront. Jim was an avid golfer, outdoorsman, and a friend of Bill W.

Jim's greatest achievement was his family. He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Pat, who cared for him until the moment that he passed. Jim and Pat enjoyed hosting friends and family, dining out, and spending the colder months in Florida. Jim's toughness was only rivaled by his love for his children and their children. He cherished the relationships that he had with each of his daughters. Jim was most proud of his grandchildren. Among the greatest gifts he gave to his family was time - being ever present in moments of need and celebration.

James Holden is survived by his loving wife Patricia; his sister Carolyn (Holden) and her husband Gardner Greany; his children Karen (Holden) Nitsche and Debra (Holden) and husband Robert Gomes; three grandchildren, James Gomes, Justin and his wife Katie Gomes, and Jonathan Gomes; and great-grandchildren, Greyson Ellis Gomes and Josephine Day Gomes. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Craig Nitsche; his brother Richard and his wife Barbara Holden; his sister Constance; and his parents, Gardner and Hilda Holden.

At Jim's request, his services will be private. His family is especially grateful to his care teams at Tufts Medical Center and the Providence VA Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Dr. Clarence John Myatt, known to all as Ben, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023. He was a dedicated dentist, a proud Air Force veteran, and an accomplished athlete. Ben's journey through life was marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

Born on June 16, 1935, Ben was the son of Clarence Benson (CB) Myatt and Margaret (Marge) Doyle Myatt. His siblings include his late brother, Paul Myatt, of Orange, CT. He is survived by his loving sister, Anne Myatt Tetreault, and her husband Tom Tetreault, of Hanover, NH; and his brother Steve Myatt, of San Diego, CA; both of whom shared a special bond of siblinghood that lasted throughout their lives.

Ben was married to his beloved wife, Katherine "Kathy" Salter Myatt, for 59 years. Together, they raised a loving family, including their children, Chris Myatt, and his wife Sarah Hatcher, their children Elena Myatt and Annalise Myatt, all of Boulder, CO; and Janine Myatt, of Bristol VA and her son, Benson Hazelwood, of Memphis, TN.

Ben grew up in Belmont, MA, and Quincy, MA. He graduated from Archbishop Williams Highschool in Braintree, MA, in 1953. He then attended Saint Michael's College in Winooski, VT, and graduated in 1957. He graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1961 followed by a year's residency in oral surgery at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Ben and Kathy raised their family in Bridgewater, MA, and in their later years split their time between a summer house at Harbor Beach, Mattapoisett, MA and The Villages, FL.

Ben was an accomplished athlete. He was an exceptional hockey player and even played semi-pro hockey while attending dental school. His talent and determination on the ice inspired many and left an enduring legacy. He was also passionate about golf and tennis, which he could play well into his '80s. He took up sailing in his 30s, and became a lifelong sailor. He was particularly attached to his 25' sailboat, the Never Again, often seen with a passel of kids from the neighborhood dangling their feet over the gunwale as he buried the bow into the waves.

Ben's passion for service led him to be a dentist in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country at the Lajes Air Force Base on Terceira Island, the Azores. His advanced training in oral surgery helped him in his service in the Azores. His dedication to duty and his commitment to his fellow servicemen and servicewomen left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

After his service in the Air Force, Ben practiced dentistry for 37 years in the town of North Easton, MA. In particular, he was proud to serve the patients in the region with Down syndrome. His dedication to his patients was legendary, once even taking care of a late-night emergency while still dressed in his hockey gear.

In his last months and days, Ben was given wonderful care by Regan's Creative Homecare in Fairhaven, MA. Hospice care by Southcoast Visiting Nurses Association was also exceptional.

A Funeral Mass to honor Ben will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 12:30 pm at St Anthony's Church. Visiting hours will be on Saturday morning prior to his Mass from 10 am-noon at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals in Mattapoisett, and a celebration of life will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis TN www.stjude.org, a cause that was dear to Ben's heart. For on-line guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Helen G. Johnston (Bettencourt, DeConinck) of Clayton NY passed away peacefully Friday, November 3rd at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home in Watertown, NY.

She was born in Watertown on February 29th, 1932, to the late William and Helen (Dygert) Graf. She was a long-time resident of Mattapoisett, MA, where she raised her children and three of her grandchildren.

Helen served as a home health care aide and she loved riding Morgan horses and breeding St. Bernard dogs as well as watching football, basketball, Gunsmoke, and the Kentucky Derby.

Helen is survived by three of her children: Joseph Bettencourt Jr., Carol McCauslin and Katherine Bettencourt, two siblings: Phyllis Johnson and David Graf, six grandchildren: Joeseph Bettencourt III, Ronald Ewan, Carol Leigh Ewan Carvalho, Mike McCauslin, Jim McCauslin and Tony Dewitt, as well as eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Helen is predeceased by her parents, her brother William "Beano" Graf, two children Paul and Debra Bettencourt, one grandson Daniel Ewan, and her best-friend Bubba.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Parish in Mattapoisett, MA on December 16th, 2023 at 10am. Helen will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Bedford, MA.