Obituaries

James H. Doucette

February 2nd, 2012 | Guest Book »
James H. Doucette, a former long-time Wilmington resident, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2012 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester following a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 68. Born on January 19, 1944, in Melrose, James was the son of the late Louis and Alice (Boudreau) Doucette. James spent his early years in Wakefield until his family moved to Wilmington in 1953.As a child, James was very active in the Boy Scouts in Wilmington and that carried throughout his adult years when he spent time volunteering with the Scouts and was a Scout Leader.
Following graduation from Wilmington High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1963, during the Vietnam War.  James was a very talented artist and used his skills as a Medical Illustrator and a Commercial Artist for the Air Force.
In June of 1964, James married the love of his life Cheryl Lundy, they settled in Wilmington following his discharge from the Air Force, they had a wonderful life together, raised three beautiful children, and were proud grandparents to two grandchildren, family was everything to James and his love for them was unconditional.
He was honorably discharged in February of 1971 from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, following 8 years of dedicated service to the country. He continued his medical illustrator career at Children’s Hospital in Boston.
James went on to continue his education and earned a certification as a Medical Coder.James worked for K Force Company as a Medical Coder Consultant, traveling to different hospitals around the country.  In 1999 James and Cheryl relocated to Midland, Texas where James took a job at Midland Hospital.   After residing in Texas for 12 years, the family moved back to the Boston area.
James had many interests and talents, he was an artist and loved to draw. He was always interested in graphic arts and did a lot of work in the field.James was a huge history buff, he especially loved Egyptian artifacts, James would often volunteer to share his artifacts as well as his knowledge by doing many demonstrations in various schools over the years. James also enjoyed fishing and loved to listen tocountry music, especially anything sung by Roy Orbison.
James was also a caretaker and an advocate for special needs children throughout the state of Massachusetts and served on the Special Need PAC in Wilmington.
James will be fondly remembered as a “giver” and a “doer”, he was very devoted to his family and friends, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was truly a wonderful man and will be dearly missed.
James was the beloved husband of Cheryl A. (Lundy) Doucette, devoted father of Christine Connell & her husband Shawn of Chelmsford, Sharon Salvas& her husband Jerry of Midland, TX, and James Doucette of Lunenburg, loving “Papa” of Sarah and Marc Salvas, dear brother of William Doucette of California, Richard Doucette and Peg Delin both of Lowell, the late Mary Philbrick, Dorothy Hilson, and Lillian Burbine, James was the special uncle of Julie Stimpson as well as many other nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) Wilmington, on Saturday, February 4th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Dorothy’s Church, Main Street (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 11:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Friday, February 3rd from 4-8 p.m. Memorial donations in James’ memory may be made to the Fisher House, 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

Katherine “Tina” Hubbard

January 29th, 2012 | Guest Book »

Katherine M. (Boncore) Hubbard fondly known as “Tina” to her family and friends, age 99, a long-time resident of Tewksbury, and a former resident of Wilmington, died peacefully on January 28, 2012, with her family at her side. 

Katherine was born on October 26, 1912, in Boston, MA, she was the cherished daughter of Charles and Louise (Rizzo) Boncore.  Katherine was raised and educated in Boston; she initially grew up in the North End as a young child and then moved with her family to East Boston where she lived for many years. 
Katherine moved to Wilmington in 1946, where she raised her three sons and resided there until 1963 when she moved to Tewksbury.
Katherine was well known for her work ethic, she was a talented seamstress which led her to open “Kay’s Sports Wear” in Wakefield, MA, where she manufactured sports clothes for  women.  Katherine was a very successful businesswoman, always providing for her family.
Before retiring at the age of 72, Tina also worked as a manufacturing Foreman for Transitron, then as a Quality Control Supervisor for Analog Devices in Wilmington.  Tina was very dedicated to her work and was a valued employee.
In her spare time, Tina really enjoyed life, she was an avid gardener creating many beautiful landscapes around her home, she enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, and she loved to dance especially line dancing, Tina was always willing to learn the new steps.  Tina was also very active as the Tewksbury Senior Center, enjoying their many activities and volunteering whenever she could.
Tina will be remembered as a kind and compassionate women, she was caring and giving, as well as strong willed and not afraid to share her opinion. Tina was very dedicated to her family and she loved spending time with her grandchildren, she will be greatly missed by all.
Katherine was the beloved mother of Donald Hubbard and his wife Diana of Atkinson, NH, Allen Hubbard and his wife Sherry of Tewksbury, and the late Earl F. Hubbard, Jr., loving “Grammy Tina” of Donald Hubbard Jr., Joe Hubbard, Allen Hubbard Jr., Lisa Sakurai, Lori Cole, Joseph Hubbard, Amie Hubbard, Elaina Hubbard, Kristopher Hubbard, Justin Hubbard, and great-grandchildren Anthony, Joey, Ava, MaryKate, Jake, Stella, Cody, Ashley, Victoria, Shannon, George, Lynnsey, Tayla, Zac, Dylan, Xavier, Madison, Emma, Juliana, Isabella, Lilly, Kaleigh, and Adien, dear sister of Angelo Boncore of Somerville, Dorothy Blankenship of Tewksbury, the late Pauline Gennaco, Mary Garten, and Louise Puckett, Katherine is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, for a Funeral Service on Wednesday, February 1st at 11:00 a.m.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 31st from 4-8 p.m.

Margaret T. “Peggy” (Kelleher) Melillo

January 23rd, 2012 | Guest Book »

Margaret T. (Kelleher) Melillo, fondly known as “Peggy” and “Nani” to her family and friends, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, January 23, 2012, at the age of 77.
 
Peggy was a resident of Wilmington since 2002, but a former long-time resident of Somerville, where she was born, raised, educated, and was an active communicant of St. Catherine’s Church in Somerville.
Peggy married the love of her life Richard Melillo on June 28, 1953, together they raised three wonderful children, made a loving home, and shared 46 years of marriage before his passing in June of 1999. 
 
Peggy’s house in Somerville, was as warm and welcoming as her personality, she loved people and had an “open door” policy, everyone was welcome. Peggy was a wonderful cook, she loved to entertain, and enjoyed when everyone was together for a meal, family, friends, or neighbors, you never knew who would be at Peggy’s table.  Peggy’s family was very close knit, her love for them was unconditional, and “Big” Sunday dinners were a must, Peggy enjoyed preparing everyone’s special dishes, her world revolved around her family.
 
Peggy’s was a hard worker, for more than 40 years she worked as an EKG Technician, first at Somerville Hospital and then at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, her dedication to her job and her patients was unwavering, she always knew how to make others feel at ease. 
 
Peggy will be remembered as a woman of strong faith, she was kind, considerate, and fun loving, a true “lady” in every sense of the word.  Peggy made friends where ever she went and her devotion to her family was evident to all, she will be greatly missed.                               
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Peggy was the beloved wife of the late Richard N. Melillo, Sr., devoted mother of Richard N. Melillo, Jr. and his wife Susan, Karen Almeida and her husband Bob all of Wilmington, and Debora Marcella and her husband Kenny of East Boston, loving “Nani” of Jared and Craig Melillo, Jennifer, Anthony, and Olivia Almeida, Anthony and Domenic Marcella, and great-grandson Lucius Almeida, dear sister of Jack Kelleher and his wife Betty of Somerville, and Mary Cutone and her husband Mario of Arlington, Peggy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
 
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, January 26th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place in the family lot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, January 25th from 4-8 p.m. Memorial donations in Peggy’s name may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 First Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02454.

Alicia S. Nazzaro

January 20th, 2012 | Guest Book »

Alicia S. Nazzaro, age 20, of Wilmington and Everett, died unexpectedly, January 19, 2012.
Born in March of 1991, Alicia was the cherished daughter Vincent and Mary (Cannon) Nazzaro of Wilmington.
 
Alicia was very kind and caring, she had a huge heart and was always willing to do for others.
 
 She was very athletic, a true competitor, you always wanted Alicia to be on your team. 
 
Alicia was also a very talented artist and enjoyed sharing her abilities with others. 
 
Alicia loved children, she volunteered as a pop warner cheerleading coach, worked with kids at a child care center, she loved anything to do with kids and she just lit up whenever she talked about them.
 
Alicia was very independent and fiercely loyal to her family and friends, she always had their back.  Alicia had a wonderful spirit, she made a great impression wherever she went and brought out the best in others.  She was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
 
Besides her parents who survive her, Alicia was the beloved sister of Christine Savage and Karline Nazzaro both of Everett and Jes Nazzaro of Wilmington, loving granddaughter of Barbara Cannon, Rose and Andrew Nazzaro all of Everett, dear niece of Andrew & Diane Nazzaro of Winthrop, Robert & Maria Nazzaro of Everett, Janice & Mike Underwood of Wilmington, Tom & Janice Cannon of Woburn, Mike & Barbara Cannon of Saugus, Rick & Judy Cannon of Randolph, John & Ronnie Cannon of Quincy, and Ronnie & Jodi Cannon of Pelham, NH, Alicia is also survived by many cousins and friends.
 
Family and friends gathered in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, for Visitation on Monday, January 23rd at 2:00 p.m. followed by a Mass to Celebrate Alicia’s life at 3:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Alicia’s name may be made to Chauncy Hall, P. O. Box 732, Westboro, MA 01581.

Anne “Chickie” (Murray) Burns

January 19th, 2012 | Guest Book »

Anne (Murray) Burns, fondly known as “Chickie” to her family and friends, age 82, of Tewksbury, formerly of Melrose and Malden, died peacefully on January 18, 2012, following a brave battle with cancer.
 
Chickie was born on January 9, 1930, in Malden, MA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Humphry and Helena (Keannelly) Murray. Chickie was raised and educated in Melrose in her younger years and moved to Malden where she lived for many years. Chickie resided in Tewksbury for the last fourteen years where she fit right in and made many friends.
 
Chickie was well known for her love of children, she was not only an awesome grandmother, but she was a day care provider for many years for other people’s children whom she loved dearly.
 
Chickie was an avid gardener and a great cook, she loved to cook for family holidays and enjoyed being with her children and especially with her grandchildren for every special event in their lives. Chickie loved her family unconditionally and was very proud of all of their accomplishments.
 
Chickie will be fondly remembered for her love of life, her spunk, and for always being a “fighter” even when her health was declining. Chickie was an avid New England Patriots fan and enjoyed watching the games with her grandchildren and their friends. Chickie had an endearing personality and she always knew how to make others feel welcomed in her home. She was truly a great lady and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
 
Chickie was the beloved mother of William F. Burns, Jr. and Brigette Guiffre & her husband John all of Tewksbury, Helena “Honey” Fitzgerald & her husband John of Wilmington, and Paul Burns of Malden, loving grandmother “Ma” of Johnny Fitzgerald, Shannon Fitzgerald and her fiancé Andy Berian, Brittany Burns, Tara Guiffre, Jaymie Guiffre, and Kayla Guiffre, dear sister of Holden Murray of Melrose, and the late Helena Pike, Ralph, Norman, and Eugene Murray. Chickie is also survived by her beloved miniature greyhound Chickie B, as well as many nieces and nephews. Chickie was also former wife and dear friend of the late William F. Burns, Sr.
 
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service on Sunday, January 22nd at 12:00 noon in the Nichols Funeral Home Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington. Visiting hours Saturday, January 21st from 2-6 p.m. Memorial donations in Anne’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Aloysius J. Fess

January 18th, 2012 | Guest Book »
Aloysius Joseph Fess, fondly known as “Al” to his family and friends, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 85 years old. Al was a resident of Wilmington for the last several years and a former resident of Somerville, MA and Keene, NH.
 
Al was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 17, 1926, he was the cherished son of the late Aloysius John and Wilhelmina (Kramer) Fess. Al was raised and educated in Ohio, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 during WWII. Al completed his Navy Training Course and was then commissioned to serve aboard the USS Lobia as an Engineman Third Class. Al served the country proudly, receiving several commendations for his war efforts, he was honorably discharged on March 14, 1950.
 
When Al returned from the service, he moved to Somerville, MA, where he lived for many years and raised his family. He was employed as an electrician for Boston University for over 22 years where he was a dedicated employee, he retired in September of 1990.
 
Al retired to Keene, New Hampshire, where he lived for 14 years, during that time he worked as a preventative maintenance manager at Keene State College and for the over 13 years, making many friends along the way with the faculty and students. Everyone loved Al.
 
Al moved to Wilmington several years ago and quickly became involved in the community, he was an active member of the Wilmington Senior Center where he did a lot of volunteer work and was a regular in the music room where he sang and his wife June played the piano. He was also parishioner at the Wilmington Congregational Church where he was very involved in their many social events and would volunteer to help whenever he could.
 
In his spare time, Al enjoyed following sports and was a self-proclaimed “Avid” Red Sox Fan.
 
Al will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, gentle nature, and sweet smile. He was devoted to his family and friends whom he loved unconditionally and he will be greatly missed by all.
 
Al was the beloved husband of June Fess, dear father of Daniel J. Fess of Port Richey, FL, Darryl J. Fess of Plainville, Dorothy L Harkins of Somerville, Dianne M. James of Wilmington, and Donald A. Fess of Townsend, step-father of Joseph Zec, David Zec, and Paul Zec all of Somerville, Peter Zec of Malden, Caroline Patridge of Wilton, NH, and the late Mary D’Angelis, loving “Papa” of Leigh Gerow, Lynda Harkins, Kelly James, Karen James, Kimberly James, Ryan Fess, Colby Fess, Julianna Fess, Charlie Fess, Cameron Fess, Phillip Higgins and great-grandchildren Jose Rojas-James, Xavier and Lorenzo Rojas- Del Los Santos, Brandon and Tyler Nevarez. Al was also the beloved husband of the late Thelma Fess who passed in 1988 .
 
Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, January 20th from 4-7 p.m. in the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington. Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service on Saturday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. in the Wilmington Congregational Church, 220 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington. In lieu of flowers donations in Al’s memory may be made to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St., Reading, MA 01867 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Deborah J. (Jerrett) Tello

January 13th, 2012 | Guest Book »
 

Deborah J. (Jerrett) Tello, age 50, a life-long resident of Wilmington, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 13, 2012, following a courageous battle with cancer.  
 
Debbie was born in Winchester, MA on May 31, 1961, she was the cherished daughter of the late Cyril and Bessie Jerrett.  Debbie was raised and educated in Wilmington, graduating from Wilmington High School in 1979. 
 
Debbie married the love of her life Daniel C. Tello on March 26, 1982 and together they raised three beautiful children, they were truly Debbie’s pride and joy.  Debbie took the role as wife and mother very seriously, she was extremely devoted to her family.  Debbie attended numerous school and sporting events, she was always there to lend a hand and show her support to her children no matter what they were involved in, her love for them was unconditional.
 
Debbie was a wonderful friend and neighbor, she would do anything for anyone, always putting others needs before her own.  She was always wearing a smile, had a great sense of humor, and an endearing personality that made others feel welcomed and loved. 
 
Debbie was a hard worker, she not only took care of her own family but for many years she took care of other children making them feel safe and loved, treating her daycare kids as her own; and making life-long friends with their parents.  Debbie loved children and it showed all over her face when she was around them.
 
Debbie was strong willed and a fighter, she advocated for many kids in need of help, whether it was a troubled teen or someone with substance abuse problems, Debbie was right there to lend a hand and not to judge others.
 
Debbie was also a “survivor” when it came to her own health issues, she fought hard and always had a positive outlook in a negative situation, never giving in, and always worrying about those she loved not herself.
 
Debbie will be fondly remembered for her kindness and compassion, her great stories, her love of animals especially her beagles, and for her unwavering devotion to those she loved, Debbie was truly an amazing woman who will be missed by many.
 
Debbie was the beloved wife of Daniel C. Tello, devoted mother of Melissa N. Tello, Stephen J. Tello, and the late Daniel J. Tello all of Wilmington, dear sister of Nancy & Richard Barnes of Boulder City, NV, James Jerrett of Cavendish, Newfoundland, Charles & Connie Jerrett of Tarpon Springs, FL, Elizabeth & Peter Duke of Bucksport, ME, and the late Johnny Jerrett, loving aunt of Jenna Jerrett, John Jerrett, and Isabel Duke, Debbie is also survived by many dear friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) Wilmington on Tuesday, January 17th from2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service on Wednesday, January 18th at 11:00 a.m. in the Wilmington United Methodist Church, 87 Church St., Wilmington. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Memorial donations in Debbie’s name may be made to Heaps of Hope, Inc., 60 Walnut St., Wellesley, MA 02481 or to Gosnold Inc., 200 Ter Heun Dr., Falmouth, MA 02540.

   

 

 

Marion G. (Ward) Carr

January 9th, 2012 | Guest Book »
Marion Grace (Ward) Carr, age 91, of Winter Springs, FL formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, died peacefully on January 4, 2012. Marion was born in Somerville, MA on February 5, 1920, she was the cherished daughter of the late George P. and Viola D. (Ham) Ward.
Marion was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence Carr, Sr., with whom she worked side by side in the Amusement Business for many years, she was the devoted mother of Marion Cushing of Wilmington, Lawrence Carr, Jr. of Georgia, and Marilyn Schuback of Winter Springs, FL. She is survived by 7 grandchildren, 17great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and was also the loving great-grandmother of the late Nicholas Lawyer.
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, January 17th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington. Interment will follow in the family lot at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

James H. Gray

January 8th, 2012 | Guest Book »
Gray, James H., age 81, of Wilmington, passed away on January 7, 2012, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  Beloved husband of Jacqueline (Whalen) Gray of Wilmington, loving father of Jacqueline Elliopullos and her husband William of Saco, ME, Michael Gray of Wilmington, Debbie Rabourn and her husband Robert of Oregon, and James Gray of Arizona, devoted “Grandpa” of many grandchildren, son of the late James and Anna (Cripps) Gray, dear brother of Mary Gray of Marion and the late John Gray.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, January 12th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rt. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Wednesday, January 11th  from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in James’ name may be made to The Chelsea Soldier’s Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA  02150.  U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Korea and Vietnam Wars.

Helen I. Drover

January 6th, 2012 | Guest Book »
Helen I. (Allen) Drover, fondly known as “Candy” to her family and friends, of Woburn, formerly of Wilmington and North Reading, died Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 66 years old.
 
Helen was born on April 9, 1945, in Woburn, MA, she was the dear daughter of the late Robert and Helen (Johnson) Allen. Helen grew up in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington High School Class of 1964.
 
Helen was employed for many years at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington and Lahey North in Peabody, where she worked in the Hematology/Oncology and Internal Medicine Departments. Helen was a very compassionate person, she made many friends at Lahey with her co-workers and patients alike, they soon became her extended family. Helen loved her job but as her illness progressed and her strength diminished, she had to retire.
 
Helen was very active and extremely talented, she had a knack for cake decorating and a willingness to teach others this art. Helen was a long-time member and Past President of the International Cake Decorating Society (ICES), she traveled all over and took part in many conventions where she taught and learned new methods of decorating. She was also a member of Sugar Delights Cake Club, a cake decorating teacher at A.C. Moore in Woburn, and a cake decorating teacher for the Wilton Company.
 
Helen enjoyed teaching, she loved her students and was very proud of their accomplishments. Helen not only taught decorating but she made countless beautiful cakes for family and friends over the years.
 
Helen was a member of the Epicurian Restaurant Club which raised Scholarship money for students going into the Culinary Field.
 
Helen was also very active and worked at the Woburn Senior Center where she continuously helped the seniors in what ever capacity was needed.
 
Helen certainly had an endearing personality, she made others feel welcome, and she was always there to lend a hand or give advice. She made friends where ever she went and maintained friendships that lasted throughout her life-time.
 
Helen was very devoted to her family, she loved them unconditionally and was always there to provide love and support not only to her family but their friends as well. Helen was truly an amazing woman and will be greatly missed.
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Helen was the beloved wife of the late Walter “Wally” Drover, devoted mother of Timothy F. Swain and Donald A. Drover both of Woburn, sister of Robert Allen and his wife Dorothy and Virginia Allen all of Florida, and the late Thomas Allen. Helen is also survived by her best friend Carolyn Harris of Wilmington, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
 
Family & friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, January 9th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 11:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Sunday, January 8th from 3-7 p.m. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Lahey Clinic Oncology Dept., 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805 or to the M.S.P.C.A., Development Office, 350 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.
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