Amelia M. (Denesha) Murphy

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Amelia M. (Denesha) Murphy, 90, of Marion died July 15, 2015 at Tobey Hospital.

She was the wife of the late Chesley Thomas Murphy.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Theodore and Victoria (Fredette) Denesha, she lived in New Bedford before moving to Rochester in 1969.

She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

She enjoyed cooking and bingo.

Survivors include her 2 daughters, Victoria Brier and her husband Victor of Marion and Diane Harrington and her husband Timothy of West Wareham; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Gene Denesha, Richard Denesha, Wally Denesha and Bertha Bessette.

Her family will receive guests on Tuesday from 1-2 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett followed by her Graveside Service at 2:45 PM in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Elsie (Teixeira) Rego

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Elsie (Teixeira) Rego, 81, of Mattapoisett died July 14, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospital.

She was the wife of Mario V. Rego, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joaquim and Aurora (Gomes) Teixeira, she lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.

She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

Mrs. Rego was formerly employed by Mass Shirt, Center School and Old Hammondtown School for many years until her retirement.

She was a member of Mt. Carmel Seniors Club.

Survivors include her husband; 2 daughters, Deborah Silva and her husband Thomas of Mattapoisett and Kristine Fisher and her husband David of Eatontown, NJ; a sister, Laura Rusinoski of Mattapoisett; a brother, Armand Teixeira of Mattapoisett; 6 grandchildren, Alison Dzerkacz, Adam Silva, Benjamin Fisher, Samuel Fisher, Theodore Fisher and Wendie Fisher; 2 great-grandchildren, Ava Dzerkacz and Zoey Dzerkacz; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Mario Teixeira, Ida Gomez and Antone Teixeira.

Her Funeral will be held on Saturday at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 3-7 PM. Flowers are acceptable or remembrances may be made to the Fall River Diabetes Association, 4 South Main St., Fall River, MA 02721. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Gilbert F. “Gilly” Leonardo

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Gilbert F. “Gilly” Leonardo, 61, of Marion, died Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich. He was the husband of Donna M. (Albert) Leonardo.

Born in New Bedford, Gilly was the son of Bessie R. (Baker) Leonardo of New Bedford and the late Gilbert F. Leonardo, Sr. and has lived in Marion for over 30 years.

Gilly was a foreman for the Town of Marion Department of Public Works where he worked for 34 years. He also was the animal control officer and was a call firefighter for the Marion Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife Donna; his son, Gilbert F. Leonardo, III of Mattapoisett; his brothers and sisters, Sandra Buckles of Marion, Patricia Pereira of Enoree, SC, Debra Ward, Michael Leonardo, Steven Leonardo, Cheryl Sampson and Robert Leonardo all of New Bedford.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 25 at Evergreen Cemetery, Converse Rd., Marion at 10 a.m.

Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham.

David G. Furtado, Sr.

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David G. Furtado, Sr., 71, of Mattapoisett died July 10, 2015 at home after a long illness.

Born in Mattapoisett, the son of the late Antone and Florence (Gallop) Furtado, he lived in Mattapoisett all of his life.

He was the proprietor of Antone’s Restaurant and Furtado’s Concrete Forms.

Survivors include 2 sons, Antone Furtado of Mattapoisett and David Furtado, Jr. of New Bedford; a sister, Judith Talgo of Fairhaven; a brother, Timothy Furtado of Rhode Island; 6 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Nancy Jacques and Anthony Furtado.

His Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 18th at 9:30 AM in St. John’s Cemetery, 664 Allen St. New Bedford. Arrangements are with Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

 

Daniel C. Lee, Jr.

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Daniel C. Lee, Jr. passed away on July 9, 2015 at the age of 78 after a long and brave battle fighting prolonged illness. He was the beloved husband of nearly 53 years of Marilyn (Kinney) Lee, and the son of the late Daniel C. Lee and the late Lois M. (Shaw) Lee.
Born in New Bedford, Dan lived in North Dartmouth for a short time before moving with his family to Portsmouth, New Hampshire for four years because his father was an electrician working on submarines during World War II. During that time, he learned to spot planes. This led him to become an airplane enthusiast and he became a model plane builder and flyer. At the age of 12 he became a national champion control flyer.
After World War II, Dan’s family moved to Florida where his father raised and raced greyhounds for five years. The family then returned to Dartmouth.
Dan graduated from Dartmouth High School, and over the past 60 years enjoyed reminiscing with friends at annual reunions. He received a B.S. in Pharmacy from Northeastern University (New England College of Pharmacy). During and after college, he played semi-pro baseball for the New York Yankees organization. He played two seasons for the Single A Mansfield Yankees. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, and was happily astounded when the Sox won not one but three World Series.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Dan served in United States Army Reserves.
Dan worked at St. Luke’s Hospital, Union Hospital which became Parkwood Hospital, consulted at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Doctor’s Chronic Hospital. He worked at Union/Parkwood for 25 years as Director of Hospital Pharmacy, retiring from there. After retiring, Dan worked at Phoenix Pharmacy in Fairhaven and Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in New Bedford. He also taught Pharmacology at the Salter School in Fall River. He had papers published in Lippincott’s Hospital Magazine on preparing various inhalation (oxygen) supplies.
Dan believed that giving back to the greater New Bedford community, and in particular his adopted hometown of Mattapoisett, was important. His father-in-law, Mattapoisett Chief of Police Alden S. Kinney, was a mentor to him in this regard. For 47 years, Dan was elected to the Mattapoisett Board of Health. He was Chapter Chairman of the New Bedford Chapter of the American Red Cross, started the Visiting Nurses Program in Mattapoisett, was a charter member of Mattapoisett’s Rescue One, which is now Mattapoisett’s Rescue and EMT Service, was a Volunteer Firefighter, was a member of the Mattapoisett Lions Club, and the Florence Eastman Post #280. Dan was also a youth sports coach for Rochester Youth Hockey and Mattapoisett Little League Baseball, and proudly coached his son, Danny, in both organizations. He coached the Mattapoisett Babe Ruth Team in the 1980’s. That team became statewide champions, of which Dan was immensely proud.
Dan, like his father Charlie, was a Master Mason, and Past Master of Star in the East Lodge in New Bedford. Masonry was very important to Dan, and he received his Veteran’s Medal in 2011 for 50 years of service.
For all of his community and volunteer service, President Barack Obama authorized that a President’s Volunteer Service Award be presented to Dan. His daughter, Darcy, the local certifying agent for this award, presented it as a representative of the President of the United States in 2013.
Dan is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Kinney) Lee, his son Daniel C. Lee III and his wife Tracey (Robert) Lee, his daughter Darcy Hope Lee, his grandchildren Casey (Lee) Rogers and her husband Adam Rogers, Owen Kinney Lee, Madeleine Olivier Lee, his great granddaughter Alice Carole Rogers, his brother David Shaw Lee, nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.
The Lee family invites you to visiting hours, the funeral, burial and a celebration of life at the Inn at Shipyard Park. Visiting hours are 4 PM – 8 PM on Tuesday, July 14 at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. Funeral services are at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 15 at the Funeral Home, burial will be at Cushing Cemetery, Mattapoisett and the celebration of life will immediately follow. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Young People’s Concert

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The Marion Concert Band continues its Friday evening concert series with a Young People’s Concert on Friday, July 17. The program, which will include a storyteller, a hands-on “rhythm band” piece, and the opportunity for children in the audience to “guest conduct” the band, is as follows:

Montmartre March – H. Wood

Looney Tunes Overture – B. Holcombe

A Disney Spectacular – arr. J. Moss

Pixar Movie Magic – arr. M. Brown

Jack & the Beanstalk – C. Coons; Paul D’Angelo, storyteller

The Thunderer – J. P. Sousa

Variations on “Bingo” – S. Reisteter

The Candy Man (from Willie Wonka) – A. Newley

The Wizard of Oz Fantasy – H. Arlen

Walt Disney Overture – J. Christensen

Shrek Dance Party – arr. P. Murtha

Paul D’Angelo has extensive experience in music, theater and education. He holds degrees from the University of Miami, New England Conservatory, and Bridgewater State College. Mr. D’Angelo has also written arrangements for the Cape Cod Conservatory Jazz Ensemble.

The concert, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00 pm at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Trees Need Help

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To the Editor:

A few weeks ago as I was entering Marion’s Town House, I stopped for a moment and looked at one of the most magnificent sights in Marion: the beautiful oak tree – at least one hundred years old – standing between the Town House and the Elizabeth Taber Library. It was the middle of June, and I couldn’t see a leaf on the tree. A shiver of despair went down my back. This was an incredibly hard year for oak trees, and if we have another year of defoliation from the gypsy moths or winter moths, these mature trees will die. Unfortunately, many other oak and maple trees in the area are suffering the same stress. I am asking the selectmen to place a warrant article before the town at an up-coming fall special town meeting to discuss and fund, if appropriate, aerial spraying throughout the town before next year’s attack. Many of us with silver hair remember the lovely American elm trees lining our streets and the damage done by the Dutch elm disease of the fifties and early sixties. Marion lost these trees. Let’s take action before it happens with our oaks and maples. If nothing is done, many of the mature trees will be gone.

David K. Pierce, Marion

 

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

July Programs at Plumb Library

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During our Summer Library program, there is something to do every day at Plumb Library. As part of our Fun and Games Fridays, Vinny from “Toe Jam Puppet Band” will be showcasing his new fun gig. “Vinny The Bubble Guy” has created giant bubble wands and provides roaming entertainment for events. On July 10 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Vinny will be at Plumb Library, 17 Constitution Way, Rochester, during our weekly Fun and Games Friday. This is a free event for kids of all ages. Come see Vinny create Giant Bubbles. Kids watch, chase, and pop ‘em, or watch the ones flying up over the trees! Call the library at 508-763-8600 for more information.

The following programs will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30 am to noon. Preregistration is required. July 15: Super Kids Play Day, ages 0-6; July 22: Rethink Your Drink 4-H workshop, ages 8+; July 29: Earth’s Super Heroes 4-H workshop, Grades K-4. For more information or to register, call the library at 508-768-8600 or visit the library’s Events Calendar.

July 18, 10:00 am to noon: Star Wars Symposium. Do you love all things Star Wars? Then register today for the Star Wars symposium led by Star Wars expert Peter Struzziero. Come dressed as your favorite character for a costume contest, bring your items for show and tell, learn about the history of Star Wars, and join in the trivia challenge. For ages 6 and up and their families. Preregistration is required for this program, and it will be held in the Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester. To register, visit the Plumb Library’s Events Calendar (www.plumblibrary.com).

We will be accepting non-perishable food for Damien’s Pantry in Wareham from July 13-25. Donate to the food pantry, and we’ll waive your fines. Some suggested items: peanut butter, whole-wheat pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, oatmeal, toiletries or paper goods. You can also donate food or pet toys for local animal shelters. This does not cover copying or faxing fees, lost card or lost book fees.

Join us on Saturday, July 25 from 10:30 am to noon to share what you’ve been reading, hear what others are recommending, and see what new books the staff recommends. Preregistration is requested. Go to the Events Calendar on the Plumb Library website to register. Refreshments will be provided.

For their July book, “Just the Facts” Nonfiction Book Discussion Group will be reading Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World by Matthew Goodman. On November 14, 1889, crusading reporter for Joseph Pulitzer’s World newspaper Nellie Bly left New York City by steamship on a quest to break the record for the fastest trip around the world. Also departing from New York that day, and heading in the opposite direction by train, was a young journalist from Cosmopolitan magazine, Elizabeth Bisland. Each woman was determined to outdo Jules Verne’s fictional hero Phileas Fogg, and circle the world in less than 80 days. Eighty Days brings these trailblazing women to life as they race against time and each other, unaided and alone. We will discuss this book on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 pm. Copies are available at the desk.

The Café Parlez’ selection for July is Benjamin Franklin’s Bastard by Sally Cabot. Born to a 16-year-old serving girl and with Benjamin Franklin as his father, William grows up with Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, but with Anne, his birth mother, always watching over him in secret. William rises to become Royal Governor of New Jersey, but, when the colonies begin their fight for independence, he is torn between allegiance to his beloved monarchy and his own father. A poignant tale of passion, family, love and war, this book examines a thrilling period of American history. We will discuss this novel on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the desk, or bring your own copy.

Mattapoisett Summer Reading is in Full Swing

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Everyday heroes take center stage this summer at the Mattapoisett Library. The theme “Every Hero Has a Story” is being celebrated through reading, creative writing, arts and crafts, and visits by many local heroes in the community.

Young patron Cameron Weaver has set up a collection bin for donated canned goods and other non-perishable food items to help stock local food pantries. The need for staples and fresh food exists all year long in every community. Everyone is encouraged to help Cameron see that the pantries are well stocked.

On Thursday, July 9 at 1:30 pm, learn how the local organization All Hands Volunteers is aiding in disaster relief in Nepal following the devastating earthquake there. Meet the volunteer “heroes” who are pitching in to support the Nepalese people. An interactive art project for children and their families will enable them to support the people of Nepal, too. Using QR Code technology, we can send our art and a donation to All Hands Volunteers.

Dance educator Kay Alden will present “Fit to Take Action” on Friday, July 10. There will be two sessions of this movement and fitness program. Children ages 4-6 should register for the 10:30 – 11:00 am session. Children ages 7-10 may sign up for the 11:15 am to 12:00 pm session. Stop by the children’s room to register.

The Everyday Heroes Challenge for the week is called “The Chopsticks Challenge.” Children will find this new activity in the children’s room. A new challenge is available each week.

The drop-in craft for the week allows children to create a card to brighten someone’s day. Craft and drawing supplies are available.

Don’t forget to stop in to report reading hours and pick up the weekly button. Reading hours translate into donations to four local charities by a generous donor and supporter of the library’s children’s department. All reading counts, even if your child is read to!

Nancy Lionberger Putnam

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Nancy Lionberger Putnam, 91, of Marion died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 12. She was born in St. Louis, MO where she met her wonderful husband Timothy. They moved to Marion upon his retirement. She leaves behind their three children Nancy MacDonald of Lincoln, VT, John of Carbondale, CO, and Leah Garcia-Blanco of Galveston, TX, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren whom all adored her. A memorial service will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church, 124 Front St., Marion at 3 p.m. on July 19, 2015. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Sippican Lands Trust, 354 Front St., Marion, MA 02738. Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham.