Eric Day, devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend passed away on March 1, 2024 following a brief decline due to complications from Alzheimer’s.

He was born on January 12, 1938 in Darlington, England. Like many working-class children, Eric left school at the age of fifteen, after which he served an apprenticeship as a roll turner at a local steel mill. A post WWII program created to relieve the shortage of engineers gave Eric the opportunity to pursue training as an engineer while also working at the mill. After years of balancing both work and his studies, he graduated from Darlington Technical College at the top of his class with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked as a development engineer for Cummins Engine Company, United Technologies, and Jacobs Vehicle Systems where he focused on fuel pump and brake design. His creative design work led to a number of patents. He spent forty-two years as an engineer, twenty-eight of those at Cummins.

Eric is survived by his wife Claire, son Andrew Day, daughter Julie Day and son-in-law Tom Davidson, grandchildren Holden Davidson and Serafina Day, his sister Eveline Wilson, brother-in-law Bob Wilson and nephews Stephen and Jonathan Wilson.

In 1974, Eric, his wife, Claire, and their children moved to the United States. They lived in Columbus, Indiana until 1983 when they moved to Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Eric and Claire moved to Easthampton, Massachusetts ten years ago.

Eric loved sailing, skiing, hiking, duplicate bridge, opera, classical music, his family, and his dogs. He and his wife loved to travel. They were both founding members of the Yorkshire-based Swaledale Outdoor Club. Eric was also someone who enjoyed his own company. He spent many hours solo skiing or sailing Long Island Sound, working on his boats, and watching the clouds drift over Mt. Tom. Family stories of his adventures hitchhiking as a teenager through Europe, his time in the Royal Air Force during his two years of military service, and all his other adventures emphasized his independent spirit, his perseverance, and his fearlessness.

He was preceded in death by his father Sam Day and mother Evelyn Day (Gregson).

The family would like to thank the many people who helped him in his long journey with Alzheimer’s: Cathie, Alan, Barbara, Joanna, Ingar, Michael, Iedes, Katerina, plus the staff of Linda Manor and Hospice of the Fisher Home. The family would also like to thank all those who supported the various family members through this time.

There will be a memorial service at Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield March 23^rd at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully asks that contributions be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home (fisherhome.org).

AMHERST, MA: Maria “Helen” Salvador passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 28, after a short illness.  

Maria Helena Molina Celes was born Bogota, Colombia in 1930, immigrated to New York City at age 16, and became a naturalized US citizen on September 6, 1966.  She worked tirelessly to improve herself, completing training to become a hairdresser and learning the English language.  She loved living in NYC.    

Helen married John Salvador in 1964, and they lived in Queens for a few years until they moved out to Port Jefferson Station on Long Island.  When raising their two children, she advocated to ensure they had every opportunity to succeed and instilled the importance of education.  She insisted on music lessons, reading and doing well in school.  The beach was a special place to her, taking her kids to swim lessons every day in the summers and on weekend family trips.  She was a role model, even attending English classes at a local college and starting tennis lessons in her 50’s.  

One of Helen’s gifts was being a great friend.  She went to dinners and shows in NYC with other young women from Colombia, she and John hosted frequent weekend barbecues for many years, and she had several women that she spoke with on the phone almost every day for decades.  She was always ready to help a friend – to watch their child, drive them to an appointment, or navigate a government process.  Her friend groups included the crowd of Colombian families, Portuguese families, and neighbors.  She cherished traditional gatherings like the Leon’s Christmas party and picnics at the state park.  

Helen was a beautiful person inside and out.  She was a strong woman who stood up for what she believed in for herself, her family, her friends, and strangers. She made other people feel important and demonstrated unconditional love. She taught others so much about life, by the way she lived and her funny and important stories.  She laughed easily and made us laugh often.  Her faith was important to her, she was a practicing Catholic for her entire life.  

Helen’s pride and joy was her family.  She told everyone about the accomplishments of her family, especially her grandchildren.  She loved times when everyone could be together on a cruise, in San Diego and at graduation celebrations. 

Helen and John moved to Texas in 2011 to be near their daughter Sue’s family.  There they enjoyed the grandkids’ school and church activities.   They moved to Amherst three years ago, spending every minute she could with her son Doug’s family.  She was happy to get back to New York to see old friends, go to a Broadway show and shop in Manhattan.  She attended her grandchildren’s sports and school activities.  She lived her life independently with John and was vibrant up until the short illness in her final days.   

Helen is survived by her husband John; daughter Sue and her husband Tom, grandchildren Jimmy (wife Sophia) and Valerie; her son Doug and his wife Erin, grandchildren Ingrid and Cole.  

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 4 at 10am at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, 122 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Helen’s advocacy of women and those in need, a donation may be made in her name to the Center for the Women of New York, https://cwny.org,  or Amherst Survival Center, https://amherstsurvival.org/.  

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

AMHERST, MA. Martha Aldrich Mitchell passed at the age of 93 after a brief illness on February 11, 2024.

 Martha grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts where she graduated from Brookline High School in 1948. She attended Emerson College in Boston, majoring in theater and was active with the Boston Tributary Theatre, playing lead roles in their productions in the late 1940s. In 1951, Martha left college to begin a family and raise her five children, first living in Arlington and then Acton. She also spent many summers in Maine. 

Martha was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Merritt James Aldrich and Doris Cuzner, the eldest of three girls.  She is survived by her sons Andrew J. Scott, Amherst, MA, David Laird Scott, Los Angeles, CA, daughters Elizabeth C. Wells (Michael), Grand Haven, MI, and Deborah L. Scott (David Rogers), Brooklyn, NY, her sister Deborah A. Dufton (Richard), Hampden, ME, her half-brother Merritt James Aldrich,  Jr., Los Alamos, NM, granddaughters Courtney A. Rogers (Chris Tomei), Brooklyn, NY, and Briana Rogers (Frank Visciano), Amsterdam, Netherlands, three great grandchildren Lucy, Jude and Olivia, as well as numerous beloved nephews and nieces. Martha was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Alison Mitchell and her youngest sister, Suzanne Fletcher.

 Her love of plays and theater led her to being active in Community Theater at the Arlington Friends of the Drama and the Dettor’s Theater in Acton, Massachusetts. She volunteered for high school productions in Acton, designing and sewing costumes, and supporting local students.  In 1980, she moved to Amherst, Massachusetts to study playwriting at the University of Massachusetts where she received her BA degree. Later, she completed a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in playwriting at Smith College.

 She worked for the Western Massachusetts Food Bank and was active in Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst.  Martha loved gardening and grew beautiful English style gardens like those she saw on her many trips to England visiting the birthplace of her mother, Doris Cuzner Aldrich, and visiting her English cousins. Martha also loved history, reading, writing, and her cats Ivan, Gabriel and Blaise. 

 Her greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

A Memorial Service will be held on June 8, 2024, 11:00am, at the Grace Episcopal Church, 14 Boltwood Ave. Amherst, Ma. 01002

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

TURNER FALLS,MA: It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Anne Elizabeth Hollis Stuart are sharing the news of her passing on February 6, 2024.

Anne was born in Raleigh, NC on May 20, 1968 to Alastair MacDonald Stuart and Dr. Elizabeth Sutton Stuart. The family moved to Amherst, Mass. where Anne made life-long friendships with neighbors and classmates. She was a 1986 graduate of Amherst Regional High School and she then went on to earn her associate’s degree at Greenfield Community College and her bachelor’s degree in interior design at the University of Massachusetts.

Anne met her soul mate and fiancé, James E. Dresser III, when they both worked at Yankee Candle. Thus began a whirlwind romance that started with a trip to Aruba and culminated in 26 years filled with adventures and beautiful memories together. They had houses in Amherst and Turners Falls, which Anne furnished using her design skills, and they made friends and built community wherever they were.

Anne worked in the fundraising departments at Smith College and the local Girl Scout Council. She also worked for the Town of Montague and volunteered for many organizations, including Greenfield Community College, 4-H and The Montague Reporter. She was a member of Amherst Rotary, following in the footsteps of her parents. She supported many other local organizations such as Hospice of the Fisher Home, Leverett Co-op and numerous others.

Her compassion overflowed and she was known to always lend a hand or an ear for friends in need. Known for her lists and organization, Anne never missed a birthday and always took the time to send hand-written letters and care packages to friends and family, near and far.

She cherished all the children in her life and had special relationships with her niece, Rachel and her nephew, Andrew. Rachel lived with Anne and James when she was going through a hard time and Anne nurtured and helped her to see a bright future. Rachel recalls that Anne was also a best friend and her biggest advocate.

 Anne loved fine food, high tea, entertaining and the arts. She and James were season ticket holders at Tanglewood for many years, always inviting friends to join in the experience.

Survivors include Anne’s brother, Samuel Stuart (Michelle) of Sunnyvale, CA and her niece and nephew, Rachel Stuart and Zachary Stuart; her niece Jacquelyn Larios (Brandon) and nephew Andrew (Abigail) and their daughter, Elizabeth Jane. She also leaves James’ two sons, Robert L. Dresser and James E. Dresser IV (Brittany) and their three children: Owen, Joel and Aiden. She leaves many cousins, aunts and uncles and countless friends. Anne was predeceased by both parents .If you knew Anne; you knew the spark of joy that she brought to every room she entered. Those who loved her know that Anne’s light shines on.

A Celebration of Anne’s Life will be held on March 17 from 1 to 5 p.m.at St. Brigid’s Parish Hall, 122 N. Pleasant St., Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Anne’s name to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002 or to Girl Scouts of Central & Western Mass., Worcester Leadership Center, 115 Century Dr., Worcester, MA 01606.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Sylvia Joan Burruto passed away on February 15, 2024, in the presence of her loving husband of 61 years John Burruto following a prolonged period of declining health.

Sylvia was born in Brooklyn, NY on Halloween in 1939 to a Jewish refugee mother fleeing Nazi tyranny carrying her daughter in her womb.

Sylvia’s biological mother at age 18 started a new life in the U.S. and gave her baby, then named Dinah Casewitz-Oppenheimer, over to the care of a Jewish social service agency hoping her father would soon follow her to New York.

Tragically, baby Dinah’s father, along with his parents, were deported to concentration camps where they were subsequently murdered.

After a year or so in foster care, baby Dinah was adopted by her new parents; Harry and Pearl Felderstein, and began a new life as Sylvia Joan Felderstein of Rochester, NY.

Raised by her new parents Harry & Pearl and surrounded by an extended and close-knit family, Sylvia went on to study art at Syracuse University and later the University of Rochester where she met a man from the other side of the tracks who turned out to be the love of her life, John Burruto.

Married to John in 1963, the couple sought out adventure in Los Angeles, California where they had their first son Justin. Returning to Rochester, John and Sylvia had their second son David.

As John’s career in public education advanced, they moved to Amherst, MA where they settled for the next 50 years and where John served as the principal of the Amherst Regional Junior High School for over 20 years.

During her time in Amherst, Sylvia raised her two boys and pursued many career endeavors including as the founding secretary of the Jewish Community of Amherst.  

Sylvia’s professional life was a lesson in reinvention, taking on new challenges and overcoming obstacles.  She was a devoted mother, wife, and businesswoman with a sharp wit and ready retort for any circumstance – mostly for the better.

In the 1980s, Sylvia pursued a career in real estate becoming a local agent as she was by then a well-known figure in the community.  

In the next decade, Sylvia started her own business by taking over the former Alexander’s Jewelers in Northampton specializing in estate jewelry – a discipline she learned by working in and mastering the lessons of the trade.  

After leaving the jewelry business, Sylvia, always with an eye for crafts and style, again reinvented herself by learning about and mastering the dealing of antiques, specifically American primitive pieces – a discipline informed by living and working in New England.  Sylvia maintained booths in antique shops in various retail houses in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut stocked by her purchases gleaned from area auctions, estate sales, and markets.

Sylvia is survived by her husband John, her eldest son Justin and his husband Michael Duffy, her son David and his wife Star and granddaughter Daisy.

Services will be announced at a later date. Donations to the World Jewish Congress in her name would be preferred in lieu of flowers.

HADLEY, MA. Myrna Anderson Cook, age 74, of Hadley MA, passed away February 6th, 2024, peacefully in her home with her husband at her beside, after a short illness.  
She was born on July 27, 1949, in Southbridge, MA, to John and Dorothy Anderson.   She lived her childhood there, attending the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA, where she graduated in 1971 with a degree in Elementary Education.   Upon graduation, she taught third grade at Brookfield Elementary school. She married Richard Cook on September 7, 1974, and settled in Montpelier, VT.  Her first son, Kevin, was born in 1980 and her second son, Kenny, was born in 1989. Myrna and her husband, along with Kenny, relocated to Richard’s hometown of Hadley, MA in 1999 after 25 years in VT, to be closer to their aging parents.

Myrna enjoyed many home-making hobbies, including gardening of flowers, vegetables, and fruit, as well as cooking, baking, and latch-hook-rug making.  She also had a love of Golden Retrievers, of which she had many. Throughout her life, Myrna was a devoted mother to her son Kenny, who had Downs Syndrome, and required much hands-on attention and care. She also was a loving grandmother to her 3 grandchildren, and always loved spending time with them she was able, including her weekly phone calls to them in NJ as well as visits on holidays and and in the summer. 

Myrna is survived by her husband of 49 years, Richard Cook, of Hadley, MA; her three grandchildren, Bryce Richard, Paige Taylor, and Quinn Kevin, along with her daughter-in-law, Sara Webb Cook, all of Lebanon Township, NJ; her twin brother, John Anderson, and wife Mary Ellen Anderson, of Sturbridge, MA; brother Robert Anderson of Ma.; brother-in-law, Peter Cook and wife Betsey, of Hadley MA; brother-in-law, Gordon Cook, of Hadley, MA; brother-in-law, Todd Loebel, of Hadley, MA; and many nieces and nephews, close friends and neighbors. 

Myrna sadly was pre-deceased by her two sons- Kenny on May 16, 2016 and Kevin, on March 11, 2023; she was also pre-deceased by her two sister-in-laws, Judith Cook Loebel and Beth Cook, both of Hadley, MA.

Calling hours will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 10a-12p at Douglass Funeral Home, 87 north Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA.

A short memorial service and prayer will be held immediately following calling hours. 

Food and Fellowship Celebration of Life will be held at Hadley American Legion, 162 Russell Street, Hadley MA., from 1pm-330pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverside Industries, 1 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA 01027.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Martha Ailine Belanger completed her earthly journey and joined the Lord in Heaven on Monday January 29th. Martha was born on April 30, 1942, in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada to the late Dollard and Alphena Page Belanger. She was one of seven children. Always outgoing and adventurous, Martha studied to become a secretary before leaving Canada at the age of 21 and venturing to Connecticut to begin the next chapter of her life. Even though Martha spoke English as a second language, as she was French-Canadian, her determination and persistence allowed her to quickly find administrative work for a large insurance firm in Hartford, CT. It was during this time that she met the man who would become the father to five of her children, Joseph, at a YMCA dance. Joe will tell you that he saw her instantly across the room, drawn to her infectious laughter. They went for a grinder and that led to marriage and five beautiful children. Although the marriage ended in divorce, the two remained lifelong friends. 

After years in offices Martha changed careers and went into healthcare, eventually retiring as a CNA helping people in their homes. Martha was known to be among the most loving and selfless people you could ever meet. Her time was spent helping others, not just those she worked with, but especially her children. Never one to put herself first, Martha’s every thought and action was in the service of others. A devout Catholic, her daily prayers included all members of her family both in the US and Canada. 

Always full of love and a zest for life, Martha caught the eye of another gentleman, Paul, and together they had Martha’s sixth child. Paul and Martha were together for over 35 years before Paul’s passing in 2020. 

Family was everything to Martha. She could often be found with at least one of her children but If Martha was with one of her children, she would call another, and another, and before long plans were being made for a family outing to a park, or beach, or a meal, or just a nice visit. She was happiest when all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were gathered enjoying food, music, singing, and dancing together. Martha, along with most of her family, especially loved to dance. Martha enjoyed the simple, often overlooked things in life. A ride in the car made her smile, as did a simple hot dog, and let’s not forget the grinder that led to five of her six children, or donuts with Paul. 

Time in nature was an important part of Martha’s life. She walked every day and would watch the birds and admire the flowers, seeing the beauty in everything from a finch or wildflower to the brightest Cardinal and most delicate rose. She would also point out the various creatures as they went about their activities. Martha loved animals and spent time caring for her many dogs and cats over the years.

Martha was greeted in heaven by her parents, three of her siblings, her daughter Suzanne, her grandson Andres, and her longtime companion Paul. 

Martha is forever loved and missed by her children Dorine, Anna Ponchita, Bella, David, and Paul Shawn; 10 grandchildren, Taja, Vanessa, Maya, Sean, Harmony, Juan, Aurora, Alizea, Fernando, and Starlight; seven great-grandchildren, Annabell, Owen, Odin, Ellabell, Odysseus, Melanie, and Adorabell, and many nieces and nephews. 

Arrangements are with Douglass Funeral Services in Amherst, MA. Calling hours will be Monday February 5, 2024, from 4-6PM. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday February 6, 2024, at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Amherst, MA at 11:00AM followed by burial in Wildwood Cemetery. 

Memorial Guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Minnie worked in various positions throughout her career, most recently retiring from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she worked as an accounting and payroll specialist.  Minnie was also a faithful member of Goodwin Memorial AME Zion church for many years prior to her illness, performing regularly with the church choir.

Preceded in death by Robert, Minnie is survived by her son, Warren White, her daughter-in-law, Alanna White, her grandson, Samuel White, as well as several nieces and nephews.  Minnie was a loving wife, a devoted mom, a caring mother-in-law, and a doting grandmother.  Her memory is a blessing to us all.

A calling hour will be Thursday, February 1, 2024 form 1pm-2pm with a service following at 2pm. Minnie will be buried in the Mass. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam with her husband Robert.

Memorial Guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

David Wills, 81, of Amherst, passed away peacefully on January 18, after a year-long battle with lymphoma. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, and profoundly insightful man who valued his family, his faith, and his professional craft as a teacher and scholar.

David was born on January 25, 1942 to Theodore and Elizabeth, in Portland, Indiana. David eventually moved to Monrovia, California, where he met and married Carolyn Montgomery in 1964. The two went on to have three sons, John, Ted, and Thomas, who, in time, produced six grandchildren.

David enjoyed a long and rewarding career in academia.  After earning his A.B. in history from Yale University in 1962, he continued his education, graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1966, and earning his Ph.D. in Religion and Society in 1975 from Harvard University. He joined the faculty of Amherst College in 1972, where he would teach until his retirement in 2018. Profoundly dedicated to his scholarship and teaching, he was a mentor to students and colleagues, alike. A discerning, insightful, and meticulous historian, David’s scholarly interests were broad and diverse, often exploring the nexus of history, religion, and the African American experience. Although he spent some time in the Black Studies and American Studies departments at Amherst College, the Religion Department was his true home. 

David was a man of great personal integrity, epitomized by his commitment to social justice in both his personal conduct and his scholarship. He was thoroughly thorough, and conscientiously conscientious, and these qualities permeated all of his loves and passions. He took delight in thinking deeply, and in engaging in lively discourse. This was true in his scholarly pursuits, but equally true when discussing the Red Sox’s prospects – poor, given their questionable starting pitching – or the optimal time to depart for a 6:00 dinner reservation – 5:23, clearly – or how to approach dessert – get one of everything and extra forks. He delighted in his family, and particularly in his role as granddaddy, and treasured annual family gatherings on North Carolina’s coast, and later at Lake Champlain in Vermont. To his family, his students, and his colleagues he was generous with his time, his energy, and with his thoughts (not to mention his extensive supply of jelly beans, gum drops, fudge, and malted milk balls). He was a great listener, adept at making the comments or asking the questions that would help one reach clarity without being prescriptive or overtly directive. He was a devoted member of the Grace Episcopal Church congregation throughout his years living in Amherst and contributed regularly and generously to innumerable charities and organizations.

David was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn, their son John Wills and his wife, Cynthia, and their two children, Alexandria and Elliot; their son Theodore and his wife, Melanie, and their three children, Maya, Ethan, and Owen; and their son, Thomas, and his daughter, Samantha. David also leaves an older brother, Theodore.

Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst, on Monday, January 29, from 4:00-6:00 PM. A Memorial Service followed by a reception will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, in Amherst, on Tuesday, January 30, at 11:00 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Hospice House of Fisher, in Amherst, in recognition of the loving care they provided to David in his final days.

Memorial Guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

AMHERST, MA: Orrin Benjamin “O.B.” Clifford, recently of East Longmeadow MA, passed into eternal rest on January 8, 2024, after a long struggle with dementia. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy Burke Clifford, who cared for him with unwavering patience and devotion throughout the stages of his illness. 

Born in Augusta, Maine in 1936, O.B. was the only child of Elva Black and Halstead Clifford. He lived in Augusta throughout his childhood, graduating from Cony High School, where he met Nancy in French class, in 1954. He attended the University of Maine at Orono and graduated in 1958 with a chemical engineering degree. He married Nancy shortly after graduation and they returned to Orono where O.B. obtained a post-graduate certificate in pulp and paper manufacturing from the University of Maine.  His career in paper manufacturing and sales took him first to Frenchtown and Milford, NJ and then to Hinsdale, Illinois and to Basking Ridge, NJ. He retired from James River Corporation in 1995. After retiring from James River, he rejoined the paper business and he and Nancy relocated from Basking Ridge to Amherst, MA where they made their home until recently. 

Following his second retirement after working in sales for Esleeck Manufacturing in Turners Falls, MA, he devoted most of his free time to volunteering in the community. He became the President of the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Auxiliary after many years of tirelessly giving his time at the hospital. He answered phones, delivered flowers and assisted countless patients and visitors. Always ready with a joke and a kind word, O.B. made friends everywhere he went. At St. Brigid’s church in Amherst, he served as a lector, a member of the finance committee and an integral part of the fundraising team. He and Nancy chaired the annual Mardi Gras event and for years he worked to help organize the annual St. Brigid’s golf tournament. He used his persuasive sales skills to solicit prize donations from nearly every business on Route 9 year after year.

Nancy and O.B. enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada and to Maine and their family trips to Ship’s Watch on the Outer Banks where O.B. taught all of his grandchildren how to catch crabs from the dock and how to surf cast in the Atlantic. He loved live music concerts and visiting major league baseball stadiums all over the country and was a lifelong Red Sox fan and frequent visitor to Fenway Park. He also enjoyed attending UMass football and hockey games and played competitive cribbage weekly at the Bangs Community Center in Amherst. He was a devoted “Gramps” to his five grandchildren and cheered them on at countless soccer, baseball, hockey, ultimate and tennis sporting events and proudly attended all of their elementary, high school and college graduations.

In addition to Nancy, O.B. is survived by his daughter Linda Hadley and her husband William of Longmeadow MA and their three children, Meredith (Jason Brown), Matthew (Sarah) and Andrew.  He is also survived by his daughter- in- law Christine Clifford of New York, and grandsons, Kevin and Brian Clifford. He was recently blessed with three great grandchildren, Hannah Hadley and Bodie and Otto Brown. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Tyson of Longmeadow MA, nephew Matthew Tyson and niece Kim Lavallee and their families, and two cousins, Cynthia Lagacé and Norma Vontell. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Jim, who passed away in 2017, and by his brother-in-law, Forrest C. Tyson III.

The family will receive visitors at Douglass Funeral Service, 87 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA from 2PM to 4PM on Sunday, January 14. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by O.B.’s longtime friend Father John Smegal at St. Brigid’s Church, 122 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst MA at 10AM on Monday, January 15, followed by burial at St. Brigid’s cemetary. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in O.B.’s memory may be made to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, P.O. Box 329 , Northampton MA 01060-0329.

The family is grateful for the staff of East Village Place, the angels from Chanda Care and the nurses of Baystate Hospice for all their help and support of O.B., Nancy and Linda during the past year. 

Memorial Guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com