Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home Obituaries

A Legacy of Compassion and Care: Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home

Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, located at 66 Concord Road in Billerica, MA, has been a pillar of support for families in the community for generations. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, this esteemed funeral home has earned a reputation for providing compassionate and personalized services to those who have lost a loved one.

A Family-Owned Tradition of Excellence

As a family-owned and operated funeral home, Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity. The funeral home's owners and staff are deeply rooted in the community, and they understand the importance of providing sensitive and caring support during times of grief. With a focus on building lasting relationships and trust, Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home has become a trusted name in the region.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Anthony Tim Newfell - March 01, 1932 - May 21, 2024

Departed: 05/21/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Anthony “Tim” Newfell, age 92, husband of the late Gertrude “Pat” (Hickey) Newfell died peacefully Tuesday, May 21 at his home.

He was born in Waltham, March 1, 1932, a son of the late Philip and Grace (Williams) Newfell and lived in Billerica all of his life. Tim proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was part of the SAC (Strategic Air Command) and flew on the B-52s during his military career.

Having worked for over 40 years for the U.S. Government, Tim worked for NASA during the Apollo and Gemini and was a leader and team member of those space projects. Tim later worked for the Department of Transportation and was a Technical Advisor for the Defense Nuclear Agency on transporting nuclear missiles from the former Soviet Union. He coordinated with the Naval Ordnance Test Unit in developing a railroad flat car for use in transporting a containerized Trident Missile Motor via a specialized flat car. He was also a leading advisor on several classified projects with The Special Forces and the Department of Transportation and developed the prototype locomotive and support equipment for the U.S. Air Force MX missile program. He enjoyed working in his garden and vacationing in York, ME and was a member of the DAV.

Tim is survived by his daughter, Doreen Parent and her husband (Richard) of Wolfeboro, NH; his sons, Timothy Newfell and his wife Heidi of Newburyport and Philip Newfell and his wife Pam of Billerica; his brother, Charles Newfell of Waltham; his sisters, Mildred Lajoie of NC and Ann O’Reilly of Watertown and is also survived by his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Paul, Philip and James Newfell, Theresa Varriale, Katherine Lorenzo, Lena Collentro, Virginia Newfell, Pauline Zammuto and Mary Desmond. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 24 at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Andrew Church, Talbot Ave., N. Billerica at 12:05 p.m. His burial with Military Honors will take place at the Lowell Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Tim’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org

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Dennis R. Wall - December 10, 1946 - May 18, 2024

Departed: 05/18/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Dennis R. Wall, Age 77, of Billerica, passed away on Saturday, May 18, at the Oak Knoll Healthcare Center in Framingham, MA.

Born in Bainbridge, MD, on December 10, 1946, Dennis was the son of the late William C. and Helen G. (Williams) Wall.

Dennis was born into a military family that traveled, and he eventually grew up in his mother's hometown of Boston. He grew up in Boston and graduated from English High School.

At 20, Dennis proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years as a Military Police officer in Korea and England.

After the Air Force, Dennis studied art at the Art Institute of Boston, Corning Community College, NY (glass engraving), Indian River Community College for his Associate Degree with Honors, and Florida University, Tallahassee, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors from Elmira College.

Dennis loved art, photography, and glasswork, creating works for Rocco’s of Wilmington, MA, Marriott Hotels Boston, and others.

Dennis enjoyed nature and the ocean. After taking a deep-sea diving course in Florida, he spent a few years diving and dodging barracudas, which were always interested in his shiny watch.

Giving back to the community was a passion of Dennis's, not something he always had time for, but he made it happen anyway.

He read to the seniors at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Chelmsford, MA, and volunteered as an English as a second language (ESL) tutor through the Billerica Library.

He also was active in Boy Scouts, supporting the community and his sons as they participated over the years.

Dennis was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; working many years as an industrial painter for manufacturing companies Baird, Lightolier, and Philips.

Dennis was formerly married to Susan Burt Wall. He is survived by his sons, Eric Wall of Raleigh, NC, and Phillip Wall; his wife, Elizabeth of Natick, MA; and their four children, Dennis’s grandchildren, Allison Wall, Evan Chisholm, Shaun Wall, and Darren Wall.

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Samantha Olivia Swanson - July 19, 1991 - May 18, 2024

Departed: 05/18/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Samantha O. Swanson, age 32, beloved companion of Anthony D’Errico died unexpectedly Saturday, May 18, at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

She was born in Lowell the beloved daughter of Paula (Seymour) Keefe and David Swanson both of Billerica and has been a lifelong Billerica resident.

Sam graduated from Shawsheen Valley Technical High School and attended Middlesex Community College before finding her love for landscaping and starting her own landscaping business.

She will be remembered for her love of animals, always bringing home the strays.

Besides her parents and companion she is survived by her two sons, Anthony D’Errico Jr. and Daniel D’Errico both of Billerica; two brothers, Mitchell Swanson of Billerica and Derick Swanson of Dracut; her maternal grandmother, Regina Marsh and her husband Walter of Billerica, her paternal grandparents, Joyce Swanson of Billerica and Walter Swanson of FL as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 3 – 6 p.m. with a prayer service to be held at 5:30 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited.

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Kevin S. Shapleigh - June 29, 1965 - May 17, 2024

Departed: 05/17/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Kevin S. Shapleigh, age 58, beloved husband of Janette M. (MacKenzie) Shapleigh, died Friday May 17 at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, NH after a yearlong battle with cancer.

He was born in Saugus, June 29, 1965 a son of Violet (Careen) Shapleigh of Billerica and the late Kenneth Shapleigh and lived in Malden and Medford before moving to Billerica 24 years ago.

Kevin was the Branch Manager for Beacon Sales at their Lowell Office and in his spare time he enjoyed watching the Boston Bruins as well as vacationing which included, cruises and Las Vegas and attending concerts of his favorite hard rock bands such as Tool.

Besides his wife he is survived by one son, Kevin “KC” Shapleigh and his wife Julia Burt of Leominster; two daughters, Erin Shapleigh and Kelly Shapleigh both of Billerica; one sister, Karen Shapleigh of Billerica as well as his in-laws and many friends.

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William L. Ryan Jr. - April 18, 1940 - May 14, 2024

Departed: 05/14/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: William L. Ryan Jr. – Age 84, husband of the late Carol E. (Doris) Ryan died peacefully Tuesday, May 14 at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading surrounded by his family.

He was born in Boston, April 18, 1940, a son of the late William L. and Helen (Kiley) Ryan and lived in Everett for many years before moving to Falmouth and then to Billerica in 2004. Mr. Ryan proudly served in the Army National Guard.

He was employed as a Truck Driver for Local #25 and worked for Romar Transportation prior to his retirement. Bill enjoyed time with his family, spending many summers on the cape and yelling at the Red Sox for many years.

Mr. Ryan is survived by his daughter, Maureen Ray and her husband Michael of Billerica; his sons, William Ryan III and his wife Rose and John Ryan and his wife Jess both of Tewksbury; his sister, Dorothy Stewart of Middleton and his loving grandchildren, Shawn, Michaela, Samantha, Jake, Grace and Emma. Visiting hours will be held Thursday at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. His burial with Military Honors will take place at the Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. Memorial contributions may be made to the JDRF, www.jdrf.org

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Kenneth G. Brown - August 22, 1941 - May 14, 2024

Departed: 05/14/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth G. Brown – age 82, beloved husband of Helen V. (White) Brown died peacefully Tuesday, May 14 at the Lowell General Hospital.

He was born in Waltham, August 22, 1941, a son of the late Harold F. and Mary E. (Fitzgerald) Brown and lived in Billerica most of his life. Ken proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era.

He was employed as a Tool Maker for General Electric for over 40 years prior to his retirement.

Besides his wife, Ken is survived by his children, Barbara Brown Niles and her husband Scott of Billerica; his son, Robert Brown of Chelmsford; his grandchildren, Pena, Timothy and Ayla; his brothers, Robert Brown of FL and William Brown of Chester, New Hampshire; his sisters, Joy Norton of Bonita Springs FL, Patty Chamberlain of Milford MA and Cindy Goddard of Shirley. He was the brother of the late Richard Brown and Priscilla Ryan. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, May 19 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 1-3 p.m. A service with military honors will be held Monday at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Conory Ave., Bourne at 10:45 a.m., please arrive by 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org

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Richard A. Guertin - April 16, 1942 - May 05, 2024

Departed: 05/05/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Richard A. “Rich” Guertin, age 82, beloved husband of Irene D. (Kallis) Guertin, with whom he celebrated 55 years of marriage, died Sunday at his home with his family by his side.

He was born in Worcester, April 16, 1942 and grew up there before moving to Billerica 51 years ago.

Rich proudly served in the US army during the Vietnam War and went on to have a 35+ year career with General Electric in Lynn, retiring as an Operations Manager. In his spare time he enjoyed going to the movies, pursuing used book stores, and attending concerts and sporting events. Whether you knew him as Mr. Guertin, Rich, Richie, Dick, Dad or Papa, he was always available to share a story (especially about his Army days) and offer great advice. And he always was up for a good time. He loved going to Pats and Celtics games, being the life of the party at every tailgate, and even celebrating his 80th birthday at a Jimmy Buffet concert while reminding everyone around him he was the oldest person there!

Besides his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Michelle Guertin of Sudbury; one son, Tim Guertin and his wife Christina of Parker, CO; two grandchildren Emma and Sean Guertin of Parker, CO; one sister, Sr. Maryanne Guertin of Framingham as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was the brother of the late Marguerite Dupuis.

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Lucille R. Krakowski - June 07, 1945 - April 30, 2024

Departed: 04/30/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Lucille R. (Tranni) Krakowski – Age 78 of Tewksbury, formerly of Billerica, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Born in Somerville on June 7, 1945, Lucille was a daughter to the late Gaetano Tranni and Margaret Henry. She moved to Billerica where she resided for over 50 years and was the owner and president of RST Reclaiming Company in Hudson, NH; a business which her family founded in 1988.

In addition to her parents, Lucille was predeceased by her son, Stephen M. Krakowski.

Lucille is survived by her companion of 25 years, Edward Harty; her son, Paul Krakowski of Hudson, NH; her daughter, Gail M. Parent of Tennessee; her brother Mario Tranni of Arkansas; her grandchildren, Ashley Druin, Matthew Hough, Brianna Hough and Evan Parent.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 6th at Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A chapel service will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel, 96 Riverneck Rd., East Chelmsford at 1:00 p.m.

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Clayton W. Jenkins Jr. - July 31, 1948 - April 27, 2024

Departed: 04/27/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Clayton W. Jenkins Jr., age 75, passed away Saturday, April 27, at Care One in Wilmington after a period of declining health.

He was born in Lowell, July 31, 1948, a son of the late Clayton W. and Julienne (Matte) Jenkins and was a lifelong Billerica resident.

Clay served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era and was employed as a contractor for several local companies.

Clayton enjoyed going to the beach, camping, fishing and boating. He was a huge fan of sci-fi movies. His pride and joy were his two daughters and his grandson.

He is survived by two daughters, Monica Jenkins and her fiancé Josh Bialowans of Jupiter, FL and Courtney Jenkins and her son Mason Ferreira of Santa Monica, CA; one sister Diane and Will Summerhays of Billerica, MA; four brothers, Jeffrey and Sue Jenkins of Ponte Vedra, FL, Jimmy and Arlene Jenkins of Naples, FL, Gary and Brenda Jenkins of Greenwich, CT and David Jenkins of Billerica, MA; as well as many nieces and nephews.

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Herman Tim Goodwin - December 12, 1944 - April 26, 2024

Departed: 04/26/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Herman “Tim” Goodwin, born 12/12/1944 in Arlington, MA, died in Florida on April 26, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by his cherished family.

Son of the late Herman Goodwin and Eleanor (Riley) Goodwin, was a pillar of strength and love in his family. He and his five siblings shared a bond that remained unbreakable throughout their lives.

Tim, a devoted husband to Karen (Kling) Goodwin of Billerica, married in 1968. He proudly served in the Army, Retired from the Mass Bay Commuter Rail after 44 years and coached Pop Warner for many years.

Tim and Karen raised their children, Timmy, Heidi, and Ken, in Billerica and stayed in the area, meaningfully contributing to the upbringing of all three of their grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, Karen and their son Timothy; their daughter, Heidi (Furlong) and her husband, William Furlong, and their two children, TJ and Justin; their youngest son, Ken and his son, Briggs Goodwin and his mom, Amanda Goodwin, his sister, Margaret Keefe, along with dozens of loved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends, former colleagues, and family members.

He was the father of the late Tracy Goodwin and brother of the late Phyllis Cross, Ruth Goodwin, Orrin “Obe” Goodwin and Daniel “Bubba” Goodwin. A Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday May 11 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 1 – 3 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Memorial Contributions may be made in Tim’s name to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

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Karen Dean Bailey - November 17, 1962 - April 25, 2024

Departed: 04/25/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Karen Dean Bailey, age 61, died unexpectedly Thursday at her home.

She was born in Winchendon, November 17, 1962, a daughter of Robert I. and Norma J. (Abare) Bailey and grew up in Billerica before moving to Port St. Lucie, FL for 10 years and more recently moved back to Billerica.

Karen was employed at Nova Biomedical in Billerica as an assembler making Glucose Monitors and Spectrum Analyzers.

Besides her parents she is survived by one sister, Marcy L. C. Bonney and her husband Curtis of Canton, ME; one brother, Mark Robert Bailey and his wife Kristen of Winchendon; one niece, Bailey L. Pratt and her husband Marcus of Gorham, ME; two nephews, Matthew Scott Collins and his wife Josie of Layton, UT and Michael A. R. Bailey and his wife Brielle of Winchendon, MA as well as great nieces and friends.

Services are being planned for a later date.

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Isabella "Bella" Macie Botte - December 21, 2003 - April 23, 2024

Departed: 04/23/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Isabella “Bella” Macie Botte, age 20, died unexpectedly, surrounded by family on Tuesday April 23 at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

Bella was born in Melrose, December 21, 2003. She was the loving and compassionate daughter of Michelle De Meo Della Porta and her husband Stephen of Billerica and Michael Botte of Billerica. She was the loving and kind sister of Giovanni Della Porta of Billerica. She was the cherished granddaughter of Lynda De Meo and the late David De Meo of Billerica, Petrina (Caci) Botte of Tewksbury and Ernest Botte of Nottingham, NH. She was also a niece to many, a cousin to many, and a friend to us all.

Bella lived in Billerica since the start of high school and previously resided in Wilmington and Tewksbury. She graduated from Billerica Memorial High School with the class of 2022 and was currently working as a Universal Banker for Salem Five in Tewksbury where she recently became NMLS Certified while she attended college.

Bella was an intelligent, inquisitive and engaging young woman with the kindest heart. She loved to travel and explore. She was in the process of visiting every US National Park with her Dad. She loved music, especially 90's grunge bands. She was very artistic. She loved to paint and draw with her Mom. She loved her family fiercely which included her two dogs Tika and Angelo.

She was an accomplished guitar player, she had a beautiful singing voice and studied taekwondo for many years where she earned the ranking of black belt from her beloved mentor, Master Justin Garofano. Bella touched so many lives with her loving heart, wonderful sense of humor and unwavering loyalty.

To know her was to love her and to never forget her.

Family and Friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours held Sunday at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 1 – 4 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday at St. Matthew the Evangelist parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. Burial in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester.

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Dina M. Onesty - November 09, 1969 - April 20, 2024

Departed: 04/20/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Dina M. Onesty – Age 54, beloved wife of Michael C. Onesty, Mother of Sean Michael Onesty passed away on Saturday, April 20 at their home with her family at her side.

She was born in Lawrence, November 9, 1969, the daughter of John and Linda (Borelli) Berglund of Billerica and was raised in Billerica and lived in Virginia before moving to Dunstable in 2007.

Dina was a graduate of Billerica Memorial High School class of 1987. Dina graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1998. Dina founded Hood Solutions in 2004, as the President of the company she was an accomplished Business owner and grew the business from its humble beginnings to the highly successful company that it is today.

Besides her husband and parents, Dina is survived by her son, Sean Onesty of Dunstable; her brother, Jay Berglund of Burlington and many other family members and friends. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, April 25 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Concord Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Dina’s name to the Shriners Children’s Hospital Boston, www.shrinerschildrens.org

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Disa M. Berrett - January 27, 1971 - April 20, 2024

Departed: 04/20/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Disa M. Berrett – Age 53, passed away on Saturday, April 20th at Lahey Hospital in Burlington.

Born in Winchester on January 27, 1971, Disa was the daughter to Ralph E. Berrett, III, and the late Patricia L. (Shaw) Berrett.

A lover of the outdoors and traveling, Disa enjoyed taking local trips to go to Laconia, Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire and Nutting Lake in Billerica for kayaking and fishing with her significant other Paul. She always loved to have fun throwing big parties and going to Weirs Beach in New Hampshire to visit her friends.

In addition to her mother, Disa was predeceased by her grandparents: her Nana and Papa Shaw, William Shaw and Margaret Shaw; and her Grammy and Grampy, Ralph E. Berrett, Jr and Kay Berrett.

Disa is survived by her significant other, Paul Tarpy of Woburn; her father, Ralph E. Berrett, III of Billerica; her brother, Ralph E. Berrett, IV of Billerica; and her best friend, Denise and Peter Waddell of Nashua, NH.

A Celebration of Disa’s Life will be held on Sunday, May 5th at the Billerica Elks Lodge #2071, 14 Webb Brook Road, Billerica from 12 - 4 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

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Sandra L. Rideout - July 07, 1940 - April 19, 2024

Departed: 04/19/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Sandra Lee Rideout, “Sandi”, age 83, peacefully passed away on April 19, 2024 while surrounded by her loving family.

Sandra was the daughter of the late Carl and Elizabeth Krinopol and sibling to Carolyn Kemp and John Krinopol. Born in Waltham, Massachusetts on July 7, 1940, her childhood highlights included graduating from Waltham High in 1959, and singing in her church choir. She then began her lifelong career as a nurturer by entering the MGH nursing program in 1960. Sandi worked as a visiting nurse in Newton, until love called upon her to marry Robie Rideout, the man of her dreams. Together, they raised three beautiful children, after which Sandi devoted almost 30 years to teaching children with learning disabilities within the Billerica school system.

After retirement, she fed her spirit of compassion working as a nurse at Billerica Crossings Retirement and volunteering at the Council on Aging.

Sandi had many friends; her closest companion being the late Denise Ross, with whom she lived, traveled, laughed and cried over many years. To her family, she was a beacon of strength and wisdom, never happier than when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and friends. Sandi always loved a day at the beach, where the sun radiated from within her and warming everyone around her.

Sandra was predeceased by her husband Robie Rideout; she is survived by her loving children; her daughter Michaela( Dr. Michael Purnell ), Modesto, CA; her sons Robie “Chip” Rideout, Jr. (late wife Dawn), Pelham, NH; Carl Rideout( Lorette), Middleborough, MA; grandchildren, Conner Purnell ( Roxanne), Jonas Purnell, Darian Rideout, Brad Rideout, Cameron Rideout, Allyson Rideout.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 23 at Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica, from 4-7 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A graveside service will be held in Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Rd. on Wednesday, April 24 at 10 AM.

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Bernadette N. Lemaire - January 01, 1946 - April 17, 2024

Departed: 04/17/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Bernadette N. ‘Bernie’ (Fiore) Lemaire – age 78, passed away on April 17th surrounded by her family at Lowell General Hospital.

Born in Woburn on January 1, 1946, Bernadette was a daughter to the late Louis and Josephine (Baudanza) Fiore and lived in Billerica for many years before moving to Chelmsford with her late husband Lucian. She most recently resided at Westford House in Westford, MA.

For over 20 years, Bernadette was a school bus driver for Billerica Public Schools, before working for Hess Corporation as a manager.

Bernadette was a memorable, personable and loving person who put others before herself. She left an impact on anyone who got to know her. She enjoyed playing bingo with friends and gambling. She was an avid online shopper. Bernadette’s family was number one in her life, and she took great care of them all; she loved her grandchildren more than anything and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She made an impact that will live on for many years to come.

In addition to her parents, Bernadette was predeceased by her husband, Lucian; her son Edward C. Freeland, III; and her sister, Elaine Craig.

Bernadette is survived by her children, Christine Ciano and her husband Michael of Billerica; Donna McAvoy and her husband Scott of North Billerica; Dana and Knicki Foss of NH; step-sons and daughters, Donald and Tina Hopkins of Pfafftown, NC and Deborah Hopkins of NJ; grandchildren, Allyson Rivers and her husband Daniel of Derry, NH, Dylan and Jacob Freeland both of Hollis, NH, Patrick McAvoy of Watertown, Shaun and Sydney McAvoy both of Billerica, and Jarrett Ciano of Billerica; great-granddaughter, Riley Rivers of Derry, NH.

She is also survived by her sisters, Christine Glaeser of Dracut, MA and Lois Queen of Woburn, MA as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 23 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made in Bernadettes’s name to the COPD Foundation.

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Elia Gordon - July 27, 1948 - April 12, 2024

Departed: 04/12/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Elia Gordon – age 75, died peacefully Friday, April 12 at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington with her family at her side.

She was born in Naples, Italy, July 27, 1948, a daughter of the late Michéle and the late Maria (Tromba) DeVescovi. Elia came to the United States with her family in 1959. She grew up in Somerville and lived in Arlington for many years before moving to Billerica in 1978.

Elia worked as an Office Manager for her sons’ company Twin Metals Roofing in Billerica. She was an integral part of building the business from the ground up. She not only enjoyed working with her sons but also enjoyed the wonderful relationships she built with the employees. After 15 years of working at Twin Metals, Elia retired in July 2023. Prior to Twin Metals, Elia worked for many years at BTU International in Billerica.

She is survived by her daughters, Christine Runyan and her husband Keith of Standish, ME and Karen Gordon of Tewksbury; her sons, Thomas Gordon of Millis and James Gordon and his wife Kristen of Auburn, NH; her longtime partner of 30 years, Charles “Chuck” Moran of Billerica; her brother, John DeVescovi and his wife Carol of Shirley, Sister-in-Law Lucille DeVescovi of Medford, nieces Lisa, Tanya, and Michele, and nephews Tony and Johnny; and is also survived by her 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Antonio (“Nino”) DeVescovi.

Elia’s family was her pride and joy. Family gatherings, big or small, was where she was the happiest. Elia was an amazing cook; her famous meatballs and stuffed shells were adored by all who had the pleasure of tasting them. Elia was an avid gardener. If the weather allowed, you would find her in her yard for hours each day. Elia also loved going to the casino, traveling and Michael Jackson. If a Michael Jackson song came on, she was ready to hit the dance floor. Last but not least, Elia loved her dog, Frankie. Visiting hours will be held Monday, April 22 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, April 23 at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. Her burial will take place at the Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. Memorial contributions may be made in Elia’s name to the Shriners Children’s Boston, www.shrinerschildrens.org

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Elizabeth A. Augusta - October 31, 1947 - April 07, 2024

Departed: 04/07/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Elizabeth A. Augusta – age 76, beloved wife of Patrick A. Augusta died peacefully Sunday, April 7 at the Lowell General Hospital.

She was born in Chelsea, October 31, 1947, the daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Douglas) Caputo and lived in Chelsea and Revere before moving to Billerica in 1978.

For many years, Elizabeth worked at Lombardo’s Restaurant and later worked for Café Luigi in Bedford. . Elizabeth was known for her big heart and always went out of her way to help others. Elizabeth had a very strong religious faith. Her happiest times were spending time with her loving family.

Besides her husband, Elizabeth is survived by her daughters, Carrie Fantasia and Nicole Augusta of Billerica; her son, Joseph Fantasia of Dracut; her brother, William Caputo and his wife Susan of Billerica and her grandchildren, Anthony and Adriana. Special to her heart were her niece, nephews and many special friends. She was the sister of the late Frank Caputo Jr. and the late Thomas Caputo. A Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, April 13 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 2-5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s name to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

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Robert J. Duffett - February 22, 1949 - April 06, 2024

Departed: 04/06/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Robert J. Duffett – age 75, beloved husband of Kathleen M. (Winters) Duffett died peacefully surrounded by his wife and 3 daughters, Saturday, April 6 at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Besides his wife, Bob is survived by his daughter’s, Kerry Sullivan and her husband Brian, Stacy Rumley and her husband Scott and Erin Darcey and her husband Tim, all from Billerica, his brother, John Duffett of Chelmsford and his beloved grandchildren, Owen, Chloe, Brenna, Brady, Chase, Kaitlin and Morgan. He was the brother of the late Edward and Richard Duffett and Carolyn Morton.

He was born in Cambridge, February 22, 1949, a son of the late Edward and the late Mary (Harrington) Duffett and was raised in Cambridge and moved to Billerica 51 years ago.

Bob worked for Verizon for many years prior to his retirement and was the former Business Agent for the IBEW Local 2321. He finished his career in marketing for NMTWCU in Lowell, MA.

For many years, Bob and Kathy would spend winters in Naples, FL and summers in Falmouth, MA. He never failed to make a new friend anywhere he went and would always leave an everlasting impact. He made everyone feel like a best friend and a part of his family. With his bright smile and contagious laugh, he will always be remembered.

His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. During holidays, summers in the cape, vacations in Florida, or a spontaneous meal, he wouldn’t have wanted to spend his time any other way. He was always their biggest supporter during sporting events, school activities, etc., whether in person or in spirit, he would never forget to say, “I’m proud of you” or tell you “That made my heart feel good”. Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 12 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://www.nationalmssociety.org

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Cheryl L Scofield - February 23, 1968 - April 04, 2024

Departed: 04/04/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Cheryl L. Scofield, age 56, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on April 4th at Lahey Hospital in Burlington.

She was born in Woburn February 23, 1968 a daughter of Richard A. Scofield and Geraldine “Gerry” (Trant) Scofield, and she was a proud resident of Billerica for most of her life.

Cheryl graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 1986 and went on to attend Katharine Gibbs School in Boston and Middlesex Community College in Bedford. She enjoyed vacationing with her family in Lincoln, NH and Martha’s Vineyard, and she also loved spending as much time as possible at the beach. She was a kind and loving person and was always willing to help anyone who needed it whether she knew them or not.

She is survived by her mother: Geraldine Scofield of Billerica, her father: Richard Scofield of Billerica, one sister: Dawn Morris and her husband Jeff of Billerica, two brothers: Alan Scofield and his wife Kelly of Dracut and Eric Scofield of Woburn, one daughter: AnnMarie Felix and her husband Nuno of Raymond, NH, two nieces: Kayla Lavalle and her husband Michael of New Boston, NH, and Haley Morris of Billerica, two great-nephews Ryan and Mason, three grandchildren Arianna, Dylan and Colton, her lifelong friend Karyn and her very dear friends: Sarah - and her son Aero, Crystal and Dawn-Marie. She is also survived by many lovig relatives, neighbors and friends. She was pre-deceased by her son Thomas “Tucker” Stokes and his father Thomas E. Stokes, and her Stepmother Cris Scofield.

At the request of the family, arrangements will be private.

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Henri W. Gagnon - September 10, 2020 - March 31, 2024

Departed: 03/31/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Henri Wilde Gagnon was born September 10, 2020 in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. He loved dinosaurs and sneaking treats from the kitchen. He always picked dandelions for his mommy to wear in her hair. He loved running to his daddy every day when he came home. He had a special talent of making friends wherever he went. He gave hugs and kisses and snuggles liberally and made sure his family knew he loved them.

Henri adored going to Chick-Fil-A with his mom, snuggles with his Nanna’s and, most of all, he loved being included in anything his six-year-old big brother was doing. He loved his brother most of all.

Henri tragically left this earth on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. He is survived by his mother Kacie, father Christian and brother Walter. He is remembered by dozens of loving family and friends. He is missed by communities in Tewksbury and Leipzig.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 19 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 70 Concord Rd., Billerica from 6-8 p.m. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, April 20 at 10am at the Church. All are invited to attend who knew and loved him and his family.

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Paul D. Sweeney - May 03, 1963 - March 29, 2024

Departed: 03/29/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Paul D. Sweeney of Billerica, MA, a dedicated contractor, passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Laura (Cardone) Sweeney. He was the father of Jayme Sweeney of Saugus and Taylor Sweeney of Billerica.

He was born in Newburyport to Richard Sweeney and Marion (Bergmann) Sweeney. He was the brother to Marie Daigneault of Haverhill, Richard Sweeney, Jr., of Manchester, NH, Kenneth Sweeney and his wife Cheryl of Haverhill, and Donna Titone of Methuen. Paul is also survived by nieces, nephews and good friends.

To honor Paul’s wishes there will be a service held solely for his immediate family. We deeply appreciate your support during this difficult time and due to the private service, ask that you make contributions to The Home for Little Wanderers Inc. at www.thehome.org, in lieu of flowers. Please privately celebrate Paul’s memory in your own ways.

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John W. 'Jack' Fulton, Jr. - October 28, 1949 - March 27, 2024

Departed: 03/27/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: John W. 'Jack' Fulton, Jr. – age 74, of Billerica, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, following a long illness.

He was born in Somerville, Massachusetts on October 28, 1949, to John Fulton Sr. and Grace Sargent Fulton. He grew up in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1968, where he excelled as a gymnast. Throughout his career as a truck driver, he worked for Keith Fulton & Sons Trucking and several other companies. He also worked as a bartender at the Sgt. Harold O. Young VFW in Melrose for nearly 50 years. He is remembered for his sense of humor, care for his loved ones, and bright blue eyes.

Jack’s greatest joy and proudest achievement in life was his family. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Michelle of Billerica, his children Lynne Politis (George) of Dracut, Melanie Lanzo (Sal) of Georgetown, Douglas Burke (Lori) of Andover, Scott Fulton (Allison) of Georgetown, Kaitlin Fulton of Daytona Beach, Florida, and Jacob Fulton of Charlottesville, Virginia. He was a grandpa and great-grandpa to many grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and enjoyed spending time with.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his siblings, Elaine Paquet of Donalsonville, Georgia, Shirley McGeachey of Saco, Maine, Patricia Corbeil (Ron) of Lyman, Maine, William Fulton (Cathi) of Orlando, Florida, and Robert Fulton (Nancy) of Hardeeville, South Carolina, as well as his sister-in-law, Laura Madi of Billerica. He was “Uncle Jack” to his many nieces and nephews, and “Jackie” to his cousins, friends, and neighbors, all of whom could always count on him for a game of cribbage, a laugh, or a Miller Lite.

He is predeceased by his parents, John and Grace, his first wife, Jean McLaughlin, his dear sons Keith Fulton and James “Rusty” Burke, and his sisters Barbara Scott and Doti Ellis. We know they all – and many other loved ones who have departed before Jack – are having a joyful reunion with him.

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Stephen E. Reardon - February 22, 1957 - March 25, 2024

Departed: 03/25/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Stephen E. Reardon – age 67, died on Monday, March 25th at Pine Rock Manor in Warner, NH.

Born in Medford on February 22, 1957, Stephen was a son to the late John F. and Doris (Stafford) Reardon. He was raised in Billerica where after graduating high school, he attended the Mass school of law and the Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina; receiving his bachelor’s degree. He worked as a sanitation supervisor at Kraft Heinz Corporation and had worked as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the town of Billerica. He later moved to Hudson, NH where he lived for almost 30 years.

A lover of animals, Stephen raised peacocks, chickens; many dogs and cats, and a family Parrot named Monty. Stephen was very energetic, and loved life. He enjoyed his frequent visits to England to see his family. In addition, he enjoyed spending time with his best friend Jack. Stephen was very close to Jack and would spend Thanksgivings with him and his family. Stephen will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Stephen was predeceased by his brothers, John and Paul Reardon; and his sister, Julie Reardon.

Stephen is survived by his niece Jessica Bolarinho, and her husband Paul; nephews, John and Matthew Reardon. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles in England, and his longtime friend, Jack Morris.

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Marilyn R. McKay - December 10, 1936 - March 25, 2024

Departed: 03/25/2024 (Billerica)

Obituary Preview: Marilyn R. McKay – age 87, passed on Monday, March 25. She was receiving care at the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littleton.

She was born in Somerville, Massachusetts on December 10, 1936, daughter of the late Clarence and Mary L. (Hartshorn) Hamilton, better known as Grammy and Grampy Lou. She later moved to Billerica, where she lived the remainder of her life.

For many years, Marilyn happily stayed home to raise her eight children and later worked with her daughters at Shear Art Hair Salon in Billerica for 25 years.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Donna Cashin and her husband Robert of Billerica, Lisa Kennedy and her husband Dr. Robert Kennedy of Billerica, Wendy Murray and her husband David of Billerica, Gary McKay and his wife Debi of Billerica and Norman McKay of NH and is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was the former wife of the late Norman McKay, mother of the late Robert McKay, Suzanne Bowden and Kristie Duby and sister of the late Donald Hamilton. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 30 at the Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Rd., Billerica at 12:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org

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A Wide Range of Funeral Services

Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home offers a comprehensive range of funeral services designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebrations of life, the funeral home's experienced staff will guide you through every step of the planning process. They will work closely with you to create a personalized tribute that honors your loved one's memory and provides comfort to those who are grieving.

Cremation Services with Dignity and Respect

For families who choose cremation, Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home offers a range of options to suit their needs. From direct cremation to cremation with a memorial service or celebration of life, the funeral home's staff will ensure that your loved one is treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. They will also help you explore options for memorialization, such as scattering gardens, columbaria, or urn selection.

Personalized Funeral Planning

At Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, the staff understands that every individual is unique, and that their funeral service should reflect their personality, interests, and accomplishments. That's why they offer personalized funeral planning services, which allow families to customize every aspect of the ceremony. From selecting music and flowers to creating a customized video tribute or display of personal mementos, the funeral home's staff will work with you to create a truly meaningful and memorable service.

A Facility Designed for Comfort and Convenience

The funeral home's facility at 66 Concord Road in Billerica is designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families and friends who gather to pay their respects. With ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and spacious visitation rooms, Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home can accommodate large or small gatherings with ease. The facility is also equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, ensuring that music, videos, and other multimedia elements can be seamlessly integrated into the service.

Pre-Planning Services for Peace of Mind

While it may seem difficult to think about planning for one's own funeral, doing so can bring peace of mind and relief to loved ones during an already emotional time. Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home offers pre-planning services that allow individuals to make their wishes known and ensure that their final arrangements are carried out according to their preferences. By pre-planning, you can also lock in costs at today's rates, avoiding future inflation and financial burdens on your family.

A Commitment to Community Involvement

Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the community it serves. The funeral home's staff is actively involved in local organizations and charities, and they regularly host events and seminars aimed at promoting education, awareness, and support for those who are grieving. By fostering strong relationships with community partners and organizations, Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home continues to demonstrate its dedication to serving others with compassion, empathy, and understanding.

A Lasting Legacy of Love and Support

In times of loss, it's comforting to know that there are people who care. At Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, the staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service, compassionate support, and personalized attention to detail. Whether you're planning for yourself or saying goodbye to a loved one, this esteemed funeral home will be there to guide you every step of the way. Trust Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home to help you create a lasting legacy of love and support that will be remembered for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to notify friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a sense of closure and help to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the family of the deceased or a close friend will write the obituary. Funeral homes or mortuaries may also offer assistance in writing and publishing obituaries.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary should include the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service (if applicable), and surviving family members. It may also include hobbies, achievements, and other personal details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform. Typically, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a short paragraph.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can help to personalize the tribute and make it more meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to inquire about their submission process and any specific requirements they may have. Some may accept submissions online, while others may require email or phone submissions.

Is there a cost associated with publishing an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or online platform. Some may charge a fee based on the length of the obituary or the number of photos included, while others may offer free or low-cost options.

Can I edit an obituary after it has been published?

In most cases, it is difficult to make changes to an obituary once it has been published. It's essential to review the content carefully before submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or online platform. Some may publish immediately, while others may take several days or even weeks.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to control how they are remembered and to spare their loved ones from having to do so during a difficult time.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is typically a brief announcement of a person's passing, while an obituary provides more detailed information about their life and accomplishments.

Can I include humor or personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including humor or personal anecdotes can help to make the obituary more engaging and celebratory of the person's life.

Should I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes, this is a common practice. Including information about charitable donations or memorial services can help to honor the person's memory and provide guidance for those who wish to pay their respects.

Can I write an obituary for someone who was not well-known or famous?

Absolutely! Obituaries are not just for celebrities or public figures. They are a way to celebrate and honor anyone's life, regardless of their level of fame or achievement.

How can I ensure that my loved one's obituary is accurate and complete?

Take your time when gathering information and proofread carefully before submission. You may also want to consider having multiple people review the obituary for accuracy and completeness.

Can I publish an obituary online only?

Yes, many online platforms allow you to publish an obituary without printing it in a physical newspaper. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.

How long do online obituaries remain available?

The length of time that online obituaries remain available varies depending on the platform. Some may keep them available indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period.

Can I include links or videos in an online obituary?

Yes, many online platforms allow you to include links to websites, social media profiles, or videos as part of the obituary. This can help to provide additional context and celebrate the person's life.

What if I need to correct an error in an already-published obituary?

Contact the publication or online platform directly as soon as possible to report the error. They may be able to correct it promptly, especially if it's an online publication.

Can I republish an old obituary for a special occasion or anniversary?

Yes, you can republish an old obituary as a way to remember and honor your loved one on special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries of their passing.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an obituary for someone who was young or died suddenly?

YES, when writing an obituary for someone who was young or died suddenly, it's essential to be sensitive to the emotional impact on their loved ones. Focus on celebrating their life and achievements rather than dwelling on the circumstances of their death.

Can I include quotes or poetry in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including quotes or poetry can add depth and meaning to the obituary, making it more personal and celebratory of the person's life.

What if I'm unsure about what information to include in an obituary?

DON'T hesitate to ask for guidance from funeral home staff, friends, or family members who knew the deceased well. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to help you craft a meaningful and accurate tribute.