Marlborough – While the members of Marlborough’s St. Stephen Lutheran Church could not gather in person this year to knit as a group or assemble gift packages, they worked together – while apart to make sure that a group of merchant marines will receive Christmas presents. This is the fifth year the church has participated in the Christmas-at-Sea initiative of Seafarers International House, collecting and knitting items for those who will be out to sea over the holidays. 

In the first year of participation, Saint Stephen sent five kits; the second year they doubled their efforts and sent ten; the third year they put together 15 kits. Last year and this year they collected and packaged 20 kits that will be Christmas gifts.

Members of the Knit Wits group created warm hats with coordinating scarves, while the Greeting Card ministry made Christmas cards. Others donated items and money for the 20 satchels that were packed with heavy, hooded sweatshirts, thermal socks, chocolate bars, and nuts. Coordinating the project was Melanie Whapham of Marlborough. When all items were collected, Melanie and Jane Woolsey assembled the final satchels, which were shipped to the Seafarers ministry in Connecticut for distribution. This was also a Thrivent Action Team project. The seed money awarded by Thrivent, a financial services company, was used to purchase some of the sweatshirts.

The Knit Wits created 35 hats, with the extras donated to the Hudson Food Pantry. Knitters included Jane Woolsey, Marlea Dutt, Elaine Recklet, and Norma DuBois of Hudson, Jan Conlin of Southboro, Peg Harbert of Shrewsbury, and Ann Gibson of Maynard.

Seafarers are often isolated and lonely, sometimes without the means to regularly contact family or purchase needed items while in port. Typical contracts put most at sea for 10 months a year, and they remain a largely forgotten population at the holidays.

Seven Lutheran chaplains support the Seafarers Port Mission. When requested, they will board merchant marine ships to provide pastoral care and counseling. During the holiday season chaplains distribute the packages to ships that will be out at sea for Christmas, boarding ships that port in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and southern New England. 

This past holiday season, a record 2601 crew members regardless of faith or nationality, received satchels. Seafarers International House is an ecumenical mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to seafarers and sojourners, as well as people who are distressed, disadvantaged, and displaced. For more information, visit: https:/www.sihnyc.org.

For more information about the church, visit www.saintstephenlutheran.com or the church’s Facebook page. Saint Stephen is a member of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (www.elca.org). The church is a Reconciling in Christ congregation, inviting people of every gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, marital status, or class. Parishioners come from Marlborough, Hudson, Berlin, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Stow, and Bolton. Zoom church is held Sundays at 10 a.m.

Marlborough – Russell E. Rebakas, 88, of Marlborough, died Dec. 4, 2020 at Marlborough Hospital from Covid-19 complications. He was the husband of Nancy J. (Foley) Rebakas, who died in 2007.

He was born, raised and educated in Grafton, the son of the late Peter and Paulina (Sciaucunas) Rebakas. Russell was a graduate and Valedictorian of Grafton High School, Class of 1950. Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Georgia, Louisiana and North Carolina. He went on to receive a B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and worked as a research engineer for Raytheon for 38 years, retiring in 1993.

Russell enjoyed gardening, reading historical novels, crossword puzzles and vacationing with his family in Sanbornton, N.H. He was a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan. He was a humble, easy going man whose family meant the world to him.

He leaves his son, Russell P. Rebakas of Marlborough; two daughters, Carol A. Lawton of Marlborough and Cindy A. Schuberth and her husband Wayne of Framingham; five grandchildren, Michael Lawton and his wife Linda of Millbury, Mark Lawton and his wife Lyndsey of Millbury, Nicole Bussiere and her husband Keith of Attleboro, Nancy Merritt and her husband Jon of Niantic, Conn. and Emily Schuberth of Framingham; and 10 great-grandchildren, Ava, Brianna, Carly, Jacob, Quinn, Charlotte, Jack, Caroline, Harrison and Jude. He was predeceased by his siblings George, Blanche and Eleanor. Russell also leaves many nieces and nephews, as well as his sister-in-law, Virginia Edmunds and her husband Kenneth of Grafton, and his brother-in-law, Gerald Foley of Westborough.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Calling hours will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, from 4-6 p.m., in the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Marlboro Community Cupboard.

All are invited to sign Russell’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.

April 17, 1945 – Dec. 4, 2020

Marlborough – Shirley A. (Ercolani) Massaglia, 75, of Marlborough, died at UMass Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart attack. She was the wife of Edward Massaglia for the past 53 years.

She was born, raised and educated in Marlborough, the daughter of the late Sigifredo and Edna (Dufault) Ercolani. She was a graduate of Marlborough High School, Class of 1964.

Shirley worked for many years at Chrysler before becoming a supervisor at Friendly’s where she spent 20-plus years and went on to spend the last 20-plus years of her working career at the medical office of Drs. Ginsburg, Ginsburg and Feder before retiring in 2011.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, and family was her number one priority always. She strived to make everyone happy. She could often be found with one of her sisters or watching cooking shows, Hallmark movies or the Game Show Network with her husband and boy did she love her Danielle Steel books! She loved to brag about her family to anyone who would listen. Her favorite role was Grandmother, aka “Noodles” to Anthony. She very much enjoyed every moment spent with him. Countless hours were spent cheering him on at almost every one of his baseball and football games. He was her pride and joy. She will be missed by us all.

She leaves her children, Sharon Massaglia of Marlborough and Peter Massaglia and his wife Tina (Rood) Massaglia, who she loved as her own, and her only grandson, PFC Anthony Massaglia, currently serving in the United States Army stationed in Missouri. She is also survived by her siblings, Richard Ercolani and his wife Barbara of Clermont, Fla.; Judith McConnell and her husband William of Westborough; Margaret Cahill; Patricia Perry; Muriel Ogar and her husband John; Nancy Adams and her husband David; Gale Lynch and her husband Tom; Alsenio Ercolani and his wife Kathy, all of Marlborough; and Donna Downey of Hopkinton. She was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Hughes, Ann Clingan and Esther Lesieur, and brothers, Fred, Joseph and Robert Ercolani. She was also survived by her brother-in-law, Paul Massaglia of Sierra Vista, Ariz., as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m., in Immaculate Conception Church, Prospect Street. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery of Southborough. Calling hours will be held Sunday, Dec. 20, from 2-5 p.m., in the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St.

All are invited to sign Shirley’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St, Marlborough.

Marlborough – On Dec. 6, 2020, John. D. Breingan, 64, of Marlborough, passed away unexpectedly. He was predeceased by his father, John D. Breingan (2018), and is survived by his mother, Lois (Huss) Breingan.

He was the devoted father of Cori Breingan and her partner Josh Brunet, John D. Breingan III and his wife Diana, Kyle Breingan and his wife Fateme Aghighi, and Jaime Breingan and her partner Andy Beckford. Danny was also blessed this year with three grandchildren, Sofia, Jackson and Avina.

Danny was strong and vibrant, with so much life left to live. His smile and humorous antics always lit up a room. He was a generous soul, playfully mischievous, and always had a story to tell. The most important things to Danny were his family and friends. He loved spending time on Cape Cod, where he ran an annual road race with family. Danny also encouraged everyone to get out and ride bicycles, go hiking, or camping, or throw a football around. There are many memories up at Lake Winnipesaukee that he cherished dearly, such as sleeping out on the boat.

Danny graduated from Marlboro High School in 1974 and UMass Lowell in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration. He later received his MBA from Bentley in 1986 and became a CPA. He worked at various accounting firms as a controller and CFO, and was most recently employed at the Department of Defense at Hanscom Air Force Base for 11 years.

Danny is also survived by his sister, Lois Salerni and her husband Tony; brother, Robert Breingan and his wife Pam Cirincione; and sister, Joan Collins and her husband Frank. He was predeceased by his sister, Donna Grote and her husband Steve. He also leaves behind countless relatives, friends and co-workers who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Danny’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of Boston.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit https://www.collinsfuneral.com.

Sterling – Eugene “Pete” H. Mongeau, 89, of Sterling, formerly of Marlborough, died Dec. 8, 2020 at UMass Memorial Medical Center Memorial Campus in Worcester.

Born in Marlborough, he was the son of the late Joseph E. and Aurore (L’Hereux) Mongeau and the husband of Elaine (Bergeron) Mongeau to whom he was married for 63 years.

A graduate of Worcester Trade, Pete served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1949 until his discharge in 1952.

Well-known and respected throughout the business community, he was the founder and owner of Space Age Electronics in Marlborough, retiring in 1996. He also owned WSRO Radio, Marlboro Electric Motor Service, Thermogenics, all of Marlborough, as well as Sky Lodge in Jackman, Maine and Sky Lodge Island at Fish River Lake, Maine.

He was a proud member of the Marlborough Rotary Club and served two terms as President of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce. Pete also was an avid pilot based out of Marlborough Airport.

He had been an active member of the former St. Ann’s and St. Mary’s Parishes in Marlborough, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and on many committees. He was currently a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Princeton.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Peter Mongeau and his wife Maria of Marlborough, George Mongeau and his wife Donna of Lancaster, Joseph Mongeau and his partner Laurie Cyr of Petersham, James Mongeau and his wife Maureen of Berlin, and Daniel Mongeau and his wife Lisa of Sterling, and his daughters, Sheila Haggan and her husband Michael of Herman, Maine and Yvette Holladay and her partner Rick Christy of Fitchburg. Pete is also survived by 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Mongeau, and his sister, Yvonne Lynch.

Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Eugene’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or www.cancer.org.

Marlborough – The nonprofit group Kits for Kids helps families in need all through the year with everyday essentials, clothes, and toys. On Dec. 12 they handed out 450 stuffed toys to local children in a special drive through event held in the parking lot of Acorn Self Storage. Santa also made a special visit to the event, greeting everyone, to the delight of the families. Kids also received a gift card and a bottle of water. The items were donated by Northborough PetSmart and a private donor, according to Jay Johnson, who runs Kits for Kids with his wife, Heather.

“They were so nice to provide us with these animals, which have been going into our kits for the past month as well as to the children today,” he noted.

For more information and to donate, visit https://www.kitsforkids.org/donate.

photos/Cheryl Arsenault

March 13, 1918 ~ Dec 11, 2020

Milford – The expression “A life well lived” only begins to express the joyfulness and grace of our beloved Mary, as we both mourn her passing but more important, celebrate her amazing 102 years of life.

Born in Newton, during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, Mary Margaret Massauro, née Gorgone, lived a happy childhood of adventures (such as swimming in the Charles River) and the traditions of a large Italian family. She met her beloved Louie in Newton and married in 1941 before he was deployed to Europe to fight World War II. Soon after, Lorraine was born under the care and support of Nana Gorgone, family and friends.  Upon Louie’s return, they grew their family with the arrival of Michael, Johnny, and Louis Jr.

Mary and Louie lived in Newton until 1974 when they retired to Lewiston, Maine.  Due to the rough winters, they returned to Massachusetts. After Louie’s passing in 1991, Mary lived with her son, Louis, before settling at the Christopher Heights Assisted Living in Marlborough. She loved living there, where she made many wonderful friends (and played lots of bingo!). After an unexpected fall earlier this year, she was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff at Blaire House Nursing Home in Milford until her passing of natural causes.

She was a modern woman before this term was coined, independent and curious, and always ready for a new adventure; including working at Wendy’s until she was 85 years old.  She always reminded us to “Love yourself, and everything else will take care of itself.” Above all, she loved her family unconditionally.

Besides her four children, she leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren, Lisa, Stephen, Danny, Michael, Frankie, Evan, Louis III, and Christopher; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews, friends, and two surviving sisters.

She loved to gamble, lottery scratch tickets, playing bingo (winning was very important!), a good glass of pinot grigio wine, and driving around in her friend Valerie’s red convertible. We will miss her zest for life, her love for parties and dressing up, her love for Onset beach, but most important her acceptance and unconditional love for her family and friends.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the wake will be private (immediate family only). Burial will occur at Newton Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec. 16. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held next year when is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in Mary’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Marlborough – The city of Marlborough will be holding its 1st Annual “Santa Run” on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. That weekend, the Marlborough Fire Department will chauffeur Santa Claus in Rescue-1 throughout the city. 

Due to the size of the city there will be two runs. East of Rt. 85 will be on Dec. 19 and west of Rt. 85 will be on Dec. 20.  Residents will be able to follow Santa’s progress via the “Glympse” App real time – that link will be shared, as well as the specific route, on the Fire Department’s Facebook page the morning of the Santa Run.

Marlborough

Friday, Dec. 4

7:38 a.m. Northboro Road East. Suspicious activity.

12:52 p.m. Lincoln St. Fraud/forgery.

2:33 p.m. Boston Road Post East. Suspicious activity.

4:06 p.m. Maple St. MVA property damage only.

5:01 p.m. Wilson St. MVA property damage only.

5:24 p.m. Main St. Vandalism.

8:54 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Disturbance.

10:07 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Disturbance.

Saturday, Dec. 5

12:49 a.m. Northboro Road East. Disturbance.

12:50 a.m. Northboro Road East. Disturbance.

2:34 a.m. Pleasant St. Disturbance.

2:51 a.m. Redbud Way. Disturbance.

11:56 a.m. East Main St. MVA property damage only.

1:04 p.m. Main St. MVA property damage only.

1:19 p.m. Boston Post Road East/Hager St. MVA with injuries.

1:35 p.m. Turner Ridge Rd. Suspicious activity.

1:54 p.m. Hosmer St./Summit Ave. MVA property damage only.

2:13 p.m. Pleasant St. Fraud/forgery.

3:51 p.m. Lincoln St. MVA property damage only.

4:29 p.m. Boston Post Road West. MVA property damage only.

5:18 p.m. Brown/Main Sts. MVA property damage only.

5:41 p.m. Lincoln/Winter Sts. MVA property damage only.

6:52 p.m. Church/Hildreth Sts. MVA property damage only.

7:20 p.m. Raffaelle Rd. MVA property damage only.

11:12 p.m. Hosmer St. Disturbance.

11:12 p.m. Christie Way. Suspicious MV.

Sunday, Dec. 6

12:44 p.m. Bolton St. Burglary/B&E past.

2:21 p.m. Arrested, Jeremy R. Whiting, 25, of 82 Victoria Ln., Marlborough, on warrant.

2:39 p.m. Boston Post Road West/Apex Dr. Suspicious activity.

6:48 p.m. Hosmer St. Disturbance.

7:24 p.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Disturbance.

8:50 p.m. Farm Rd. Suspicious activity.

Monday, Dec. 7

7:48 a.m. Maple St. MVA property damage only.

9:01 a.m. Brady Way. Fraud/forgery.

9:04 a.m. Lakeside Ave. MVA property damage only.

9:17 a.m. Eldorado Dr. Burglary/B&E past.

10:44 a.m. Pleasant St. Suspicious activity.

11:23 a.m. Hollis St. Fraud/forgery.

12:07 p.m. Arrested, Jon A. Lowell, 50, of 9 Winter Pl., Leominster, on warrant.

1:32 p.m. Cedar Hill St. Fraud/forgery.

1:34 p.m. Pleasant St. MVA property damage only.

3:25 p.m. Newton St. MVA property damage only.

5:42 p.m. Bolton St. Assault.

9:34 p.m. Main St. Disturbance.

9:51 p.m. Cross St. Disturbance.

Tuesday, Dec. 8

12:38 a.m. Boston Post Road East. MVA property damage only.

1:28 a.m. Hosmer St. Disturbance.

6:43 a.m. Harvard/Maple Sts. MVA property damage only.

12:44 p.m. West Main St. Fraud/forgery.

1:47 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Vandalism.

2:22 p.m. Bronte Way. MVA property damage only.

2:35 p.m. Mechanic St. Auto theft.

2:42 p.m. Royale Crest Dr. Auto theft.

3:44 p.m. Boston Post Road West. MVA property damage only.

4:41 p.m. Wilson St. Suspicious activity.

5:13 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. MVA property damage only.

7:57 p.m. Edinboro St. Larceny.

7:59 p.m. Pembroke St. Auto theft.

8:53 p.m. Washington St. Auto theft.

9:39 p.m. West Hill Rd. Harassment.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.

Dec. 16, 1935 ~ Dec. 10, 2020

Marlborough – Bahador “Baha” Javid passed away peacefully Dec. 10, 2020, at the age of 84, in Natick. He died as a result of a long-time illness, but showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Baha came out a hero, stayed strong, and even joked and danced until the end.

Baha was a Program Manager at Raytheon and worked both at the Sudbury and Marlborough plants. He was an avid skier, tennis player and runner. He also enjoyed mentoring others in the Marlborough Middle School to become talented engineers. He cared about the environment and was active in different conservation groups.

Baha met the love of his life, Elisabeth Pawloski, at the University of Minnesota where he got his BS in Electrical Engineering. They were inseparable and loved each other dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth; his daughter, Karen and her husband John Ebner, son Sasha Javid and his wife Stephanie Norton, and son Michael Javid; grandchildren Alyssa and Christopher Ebner; seven sisters; one brother; 22 nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and loving cousins.

Due to Covid restrictions, Baha will be honored at a private ceremony Friday, Dec. 18, at noon, at Evergreen Cemetery of Marlborough.

A tribute page has been set up at www.slatteryfuneralhome.com where you can share a memory and funeral information can be found.

To send flowers to the family of Baha Javid, please see Baha Javid’s tribute page at www.slatteryfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Baha’s memory to plant trees on the Assabet River Rail Trail in Marlborough may be made to Assabet River Rail Trail, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit. https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=04-3533728.

Marlborough – Effective Monday, December 21 all city buildings in Marlborough will be closed to the public until further notice due to the uptick in COVID positive cases. All city departments will be fully operational; however, buildings will have limited public access by appointment only. Residents are encouraged to use the U.S. Postal Service or the drop boxes that are located at the front and back entrances of City Hall.

“We are hopeful that we are able to reopen within the first quarter of the 2021 and will continue to monitor the COVID statistics and confer with our Board of Health,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant.

The Marlborough Senior Center and public library have remained closed since March, but services are available by appointment. The Marlborough Public Library will continue offering “Contactless Holds Pickup” by appointment as well. City meetings will take place virtually with any and all members participating remotely and will be available on Marlborough Government Access channel 96 (Comcast customers) or channel 33 (Verizon customers). The Marlborough Board of Health continues to remind folks that it is more important than ever to continue the “3 W’s” of COVID prevention: wear face coverings, wait 6 feet apart, and wash hands frequently. Limit your gathering size and stay at home and get tested if ill.

Marlborough – Sr. Therese Proulx, 85, (Sr. M. Rose Ursula), a Sister of St. Anne, died Dec. 14, 2020 in Alliance Health at Marie Esther Center in this city. Born in Sanford, Maine, she was the third daughter of eight children born to Francois and Rose Anna (Sevigny) Proulx.

She graduated from the former St. Ann Academy in Marlborough. After graduation, she joined the Sisters of St. Anne in Marlborough in the then newly established Formation House and pronounced vows in Lachine, Quebec, Canada at the Sisters of St. Anne Motherhouse.

Sister Therese was ever a woman of service. Upon her return to the United States, she spent the first years of ministry teaching and in administration in elementary schools staffed by the Sisters of St. Anne throughout New England. She taught in Worcester, Marlborough, and Newton, in Massachusetts and in Springvale, Maine. She became the Director of Development at Anna Maria College and was a Lecturer in Education at the college while also serving as a Resident Director.

Sister Therese earned a BA degree in Education from Anna Maria College, an MA degree in Education from Worcester State College (now University), Certification in Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Life Institute in New York and a CPE from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Brighton. She served as a Pastoral Minister in the Diocese of Worcester and was appointed Vocation Director for the Sisters of St. Anne, St. Marie Province. She then gathered her many personal and professional gifts and experiences and spent 10 years as a missionary in Haiti.

During this time, she taught, did formation and vocation ministry, cared for the sick, and those in need, did farming and served in community leadership. Sister Therese was blessed with the gift of music and a lovely voice that enriched religious services, other events and her last days. She participated in area choral groups and Sister choruses. Her sense of humor did not falter, nor did her green thumb and her “jack of all trades’’ ability. Until she, herself, became a resident of the Marie Esther Health Center, Sister Therese served as the Administrative Assistant to the Administrator of St. Anne Convent and provided Pastoral Care in the Health Center.

In addition to her saddened religious family of the Sisters of St. Anne, Sr. Therese leaves to grieve her sister, Eva Proulx, her numerous and loving nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, extended family members, friends and former colleagues. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Fr. Roger, Dr Harvey, Alphonse, Andre, and Auxiliary Bishop Amedee Proulx, and her sister, Agnes (Ursuline Sister).

In accord with current restrictions due to the pandemic, burial services are private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Sisters of St. Anne Retirement Fund, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Collins Funeral Home, (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.

Marlborough – Joseph A. Loycano, 85, of Marlborough, died Dec. 16, 2020 at Marlborough Hospital of Covid-19 complications. He was the husband of Carole M. Loycano.

He was born, raised and educated in Medford, the son of Vincent and Mary Frances (Smith) Loycano. He left high school and entered the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Biloxi, Miss. Upon discharge, he moved back to Massachusetts to raise his family and worked in the electronics field.

He worked at Honeywell Corporation for many years, where he also secured a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for his work. He went on to work for Corning and Incoterm Corporations.

Throughout his life, he was a “jack of all trades,” resulting in much time spent helping family and friends with a multitude of projects.

Upon retirement, he moved to Webster. There, he and his wife, Carole, hosted many, many graduation parties, birthday parties, anniversary events, just-for-fun summer swim and tennis events and dance weekends. Joseph enjoyed square dancing, cruising with his wife and family and going to the casino. He was a loving, generous and compassionate man, who was devoted to his family.

He leaves behind three daughters, Cynthia Loycano of Northbridge, Elizabeth Trudeau and her husband Stephen of Shrewsbury, and Catherine Kennedy and her husband Michael of Shrewsbury, and two sons, Joseph Loycano and his wife Maryse of Milford and Raymond Loycano, who resides in Florida. He leaves eight grandchildren who meant the world to him, Jennifer, Emily, Stephen, Kathlene, Caitlin, Hannah, Joseph and Elizabeth.

A memorial service is being planned for him at a later date, when the family can bring people together safely.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Association for Retarded Citizens in Massachusetts.

Oct. 11, 1931 ~ Dec. 18, 2020

Marlborough – Lucille G. (Blais) Monti, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully at the age of 89, surrounded by her family, after a period of declining health. Lucille was blessed to be in her home under the care of Antoinette Khai, whom she treated as a daughter. They both loved each other as family.

She was born Oct. 11, 1931 in Derby Line, Vt. to Elphege and Angeline (Pomerleau) Blais. She had been the wife of the late Louis P. Monti, who died September 2016. They were married for over 60 years.

Lucille is survived by her eight children, Stephen and his wife Katheryne of Marlborough, Christopher and his wife Bianca of Framingham, Louis Jr. and his wife Cindy of Marlborough, Peter of Beacon Falls, Conn., Anthony Sr. and his wife Rhonda of Marlborough, Patricia Monti of Orlando, Fla., Ann-Marie Rosen and her husband Bob of Davenport, Fla., and Rose Monti-Johnson and her husband Rafael of Marlborough.  Lucille had 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren of whom she was very proud.  She also leaves behind three brothers, Robert Blais of Florida, Richard Blais of Virginia and Donald Blais of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her other siblings, Therese, Therese, Julien, Marie-Paule, Claudette, Norman, and Sylvio.

Lucille attended Saint Anne’s Academy in Marlborough and later was an inspector at Raytheon Company in Waltham. Lucille left her career at Raytheon to start her family.  While raising her children, she was the bookkeeper for Louis Monti & Sons Monumental Craftsmen. In later years you could find her helping out at the other family business, Monti’s Mini Market.

In her younger days, Lucille was an avid yodeler. She sang alto in the church choir, enjoyed roller skating and candle pin bowling and, on several occasions, she had high singles for her league. She constantly had a book in progress, which was always enjoyed with a cup of coffee and her cigarettes. She oftentimes finished the crossword puzzles in the daily newspaper and enjoyed any kind of word or number games. Lucille also enjoyed playing cards. There were very few card games she did not know how to play, but Cribbage was her favorite. Some of Lucille’s other hobbies included sewing, crocheting and knitting.

She had a very strong Catholic faith with an affinity to the Blessed Mother Mary and always carried her rosary beads with her. She was a CCD teacher for many years at the Immaculate Conception Parish and a member of the Legion of Mary.

After raising her children Lucille became an avid BINGO player and seemed to win often. She and her husband Louis took many vacations once the children were grown, with Las Vegas and cruises being their favorite choice for their trips. As they got older, they use to spend the winter months at their home in Fort Myers, Fla. Lucille loved sports especially the Red Sox, and she and Louis took in many spring training games together.

Lucille was very social and always enjoyed attending events for her children and especially her grandchildren who brought her great joy. In her younger days she could be found on the floor playing with the grandchildren or outside playing games with them in the yard. She was an avid pie maker around the holidays making a variety of pies which her family always enjoyed and looked forward to.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, Dec 27, from 2-4 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A private funeral Mass and burial will be held for Lucille.

Marlborough – The Marlborough Police Department recently announced the hiring of four new police officers. Officers John Creed, Lamar Edmonds, Nathan Kuffrey and Samantha Maciel were separately sworn in Dec. 14 at the Marlborough Police Department. City Clerk Steven Kerrigan administered the oath of office as family and colleagues looked on. Also in attendance was Mayor Arthur Vigeant and Chief David Giorgi. The new officers will now begin an extensive 12-week field training program with our patrol division.

Marlborough – Terrance C. Peck, 83, of Marlborough, born in Newport, Vt., the son of the late Harry and Erla Peck of Newport, Vt., died Dec. 14, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Esther (Bullis) Peck; a daughter, Terry Roberts and her fiance John Taylor of Whitefield, N.H.; two sons, Ricky Peck and his wife Patricia of Barre and Dale Peck and his wife Amanda of Hudson; three grandchildren, Trevor and Lindsay Peck of Barre and Madison Peck of Hudson; and a sister, Dixie Moreau and her husband Benoit of Newport, Vt.

Terrance was in the Vermont National Guard for eight years before moving to Massachusetts.  He retired from Ideal Roller after 33 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, making wood crafts and watching the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins. Most of all, though, he enjoyed watching Westerns.

Funeral services will be private.

Marlborough – Albert J. Gauthier, 69, better known as “Grumpa” to his beloved grandchildren, died Dec. 19, 2020 after being stricken ill suddenly. He was the husband of Karen (Mangs) Gauthier for 45 years and they lived in Upton since 1976.

He was born and raised in Marlborough. He was the son of the late Arthur and Emilia (Michaud) Gauthier.

Al attended Marlborough Vocational School. He was retired from Abel-Womack as a fork lift mechanic for 20 years.

Al was very active in his children’s lives. He coached soccer, volunteered regularly with the Boy Scouts Troop 132, and worked as a lighting technician at many dance recitals. Al loved Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and attending concerts. He was also an avid Bruins and Patriots fan.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son Andrew Gauthier and his girlfriend Stephanie Josti of Whitinsville; two daughters, Colleen Rabidou and her husband Scott of Milford and Amanda Dlugasch of Millis; and five grandchildren, Lucas, Landon, Julian, Matthew, and Ada. He was also survived by one brother, Roland Gauthier of Florida, and three sisters, Cecile Vickers of Florida, Simonne DiCenzo, and Diane Valis of Upton. He was predeceased by two sisters, Claire Correia and Annette Brown, and two brothers, Louis and Donald Gauthier.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home (www.shortandrowefuneralhome.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough.

Marlborough

Wednesday, Dec. 9

8:08 a.m. Lakeside Ave./Felton St. MVA with injuries.

10:00 a.m. Broad St. Disturbance.

12:46 p.m. Anderson Rd. Suspicious activity.

6:06 p.m. Wilson St. Suspicious MV.

6:07 p.m. Stow Rd. Suspicious MV.

6:14 p.m. Granger Blvd. Larceny.

10:20 p.m. Mechanic St. Suspicious MV.

11:33 p.m. Newton St. Disturbance.

11:42 p.m. Arrested, Edwin Jared Canales, 37, of 33 Royal Crest Dr., Apt. 6, Marlborough, for disorderly conduct.

Thursday, Dec. 10

8:31 a.m. Farm Rd. MVA property damage only.

11:04 a.m. Melody Ln. Burglary/B&E past.

12:45 p.m. Collins Dr. Larceny.

2:09 p.m. Maple St. Disturbance.

2:54 p.m. Mechanic St. Fraud/forgery.

3:00 p.m. Onamog St. Fraud/forgery.

3:12 p.m. Boston Post Road East/Concord Rd. Animal complaint.

5:29 p.m. Gibson St. Larceny.

9:23 p.m. Elm St. Threats.

10:56 p.m. Bigelow St. Disturbance.

Friday, Dec. 11

12:15 a.m. Arrested, Kevin W. Hurley, 55, of 35 High St., Apt. 18, Marlborough, on warrant.

1:09 a.m. Boston Post Road East. MVA property damage only.

2:56 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious MV.

3:15 a.m. Hosmer St. Disturbance.

7:18 a.m. Grant Ct. Washington St. MVA property damage only.

10:52 a.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. MVA property damage only.

4:07 p.m. Blaiswood Ave. Threats.

4:14 p.m. Wilson St. Suspicious activity.

4:30 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Disturbance.

5:15 p.m. West Main St. Harassment.

7:33 p.m. Broadmeadow Rd. MVA property damage only.

Saturday, Dec. 12

4:07 a.m. Arrested, Michael J. Miller, 27, of 39 N Brookfield Rd., Barre, on warrant.

10:28 a.m. Neil St. Disturbance.

12:52 p.m. Boston Post Road West. MVA property damage only.

1:16 p.m. East Main St. Animal complaint.

2:09 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. MVA property damage only.

4:15 p.m. Hosmer St. Disturbance.

7:30 p.m. Lincoln St. MVA property damage only.

8:30 p.m. Sonia Dr. Disturbance.

9:21 p.m. Boston Post Road West. MVA property damage only.

11:23 p.m. Arrested, Rosa I. Patino, 28, of 27 Greendale Ave., Marlborough, on warrant.

Sunday, Dec. 13

1:39 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Disturbance.

1:41 a.m. Cotting Ave. Disturbance.

2:51 a.m. Boston Post Road West. Disturbance.

3:57 a.m. Farmhouse Ln. Disturbance.

11:17 a.m. Arrested, Mark Andrew Burdette, 40, of 67 Crystal Brook Way, Apt. D, Marlborough, on warrant.

1:48 p.m. Nolan Way. Suspicious activity.

2:52 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

4:24 p.m. West Main St. MVA property damage only.

7:21 p.m. Lincoln St. Assault.

9:16 p.m. Broad St. Suspicious activity.

10:12 p.m. East Main St. Disturbance.
10:50 p.m. Hosmer St. Suspicious MV.

11:03 p.m. Crescent St. Disturbance.

11:11 p.m. Redbud Way. Disturbance.

Monday, Dec. 14

1:11 a.m. Crescent St. Disturbance.

2:20 a.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Suspicious MV.

3:06 a.m. Arrested, Joshuah Alfred Stephens, 24, of 789 Freeman Dr. NW, Lilburn, Ga., for possess Class A drug.

10:24 a.m. Bolton St. Larceny.

11:11 a.m. South Bolton St. MVA property damage only.

11:16 a.m. Briarwood Ln. Larceny.

1:01 p.m. Stow Rd. Fraud/forgery.

1:50 p.m. Broad/Lincoln Sts. Disturbance.

4:10 p.m. Simarano Dr. Suspicious activity.

5:35 p.m. Helen Dr. Fraud/forgery.

5:44 p.m. Neil St. Animal complaint.

6:11 p.m. Framingham Rd. Disturbance.

7:09 p.m. Arrested, Edward Joseph Culhane, 54, of 184 Mechanic St., Apt. 4, Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended, unregistered motor vehicle.

7:16 p.m. Evelina Dr. Animal complaint.

7:58 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Disturbance.

Tuesday, Dec. 15

6:41 a.m. West Main St. Disturbance.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.

Marlborough – Robert T. Steele, 83, of Marlborough, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Dec. 20, 2020. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Ellen R. (Hough) Steele; his son, Timothy Steele; and his brother, Lawrence Steele.

He is survived by his sons, Michael Steele and his wife Charlene of Sterling and Christopher Steele and his wife Christina of Framingham; his daughter, Ruane Grimaldo and her husband Joseph of Marlborough; his grandchildren, Ryan Steele of Sterling, Joseph Grimaldo of Worcester, Alexandra Grimaldo of Boston, and Samantha Grimaldo and Nicolas Grimaldo, both of Marlborough, along with many nieces nephews, cousins and friends.

Robert was born in Waltham and raised in Newton, the son of the late Lawrence and Ethel (Rouse) Steele. He graduated Newton High School in 1955 then met and married the love of his life Ellen. They moved to the “Little Red House” in Waltham and started their family.

Robert attended night school at Boston College while supporting his family, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a major in Economics and a minor in History. The family moved to Marlborough in 1965 and Robert began his career in insurance with Kemper Insurance in Framingham before joining Amica where he worked over 30 years until his retirement. He even had a vanity plate “Amica 1.”

Robert was a founder of the Marlborough Youth Baseball League and was proud to be the team manager when they won their first Championship. He had a passion for gardening, developing his property for decades and passed that gift onto his children, who had gardens he could admire.

After his retirement, Robert discovered golfing and spent much of his time at Butternut Golf Course. With an affinity for local history, he would do his research, spend time in Weeks Cemetery in Marlborough, he was asked to speak at many academic events and was lovingly referred to as an “Encyclopedia.” Of all his hobbies and traveling adventures, Robert loved his family most of all, especially his grandchildren. All who knew Robert will miss him.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, 199 Rosewood Dr., Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923 or www.vnacare.org/donors.

By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – A handful of frontline workers at Marlborough’s UMass Memorial Hospital will soon get to swap medical face masks for spa-style ones thanks to a donation from the Raymond C. Richer Elementary School.

Self-care for selfless viewers

Organized through the Student Council, the donation effort gathered roughly 40 goodie bags worth of self-care products for front line workers currently in the throes of COVID-19 fight.

“We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support that we’ve had from the community,” the hospital’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications Ellen Carlucci said. “It is particularly heartwarming when young children, the students in our community, really want to thank our caregivers for the hard work that they’ve been doing throughout this pandemic.”

Student Council Advisor Olivia Taralli dropped off the donations alongside School Adjustment Counselor Mackenzie Coakley Dec. 21 to Carlucci and a handful of other hospital staff members.

“They’re doing so much for the community,” Taralli said of the nurses and doctors working within the hospital. “They deserve to be able to relax and get a little bit of comfort.”

Students led successful donations drive

Taralli credited the success of the donation effort to students themselves.

She said the Student Council met back at the beginning of the school year brainstorming ideas for action and advocacy that they could accomplish in spite of coronavirus limitations on meetings and fundraisers.

“It’s hard with the kids not being in-person,” Taralli said. “We can’t really have too much contact.”

The solution was a video.

Students sent in clips appealing to community members for everything from tea to bath bombs. The school community then turned out in force, filling goodie bags with supplies.

“It really was something where we just asked them to donate something comforting,” Taralli explained.

Hospital staff grateful for support as they look towards future

For frontline workers, all this is particularly helpful, especially now.

Daily reports of new COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts have soared to record levels since Thanksgiving. That has meant ICUs at facilities like UMass Memorial have filled, putting hospital workers in extremely high stress situations after some were able to briefly catch their breath over the summer.

“We get little signs,” Carlucci said of recent community support. “We get notes. And it really means a lot to the folks who, day in and day out, are taking care of very sick patients.”

Outside of donations like the Richer School goodie bags, morale has improved slightly, Carlucci says, since COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Marlborough this month.

“You could feel the energy [and] the excitement,” Carlucci said. “…That really has given them hope.”

Frontline workers will get their second vaccine dose in the coming weeks.

The Richer School’s goodie bags, meanwhile, will be distributed to the handful of nurses and doctors set to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to Carlucci.