Tributes

CHICOPEE-Christopher A. Minnie, 42, of Stedman St. in Chicopee passed way unexpectedly on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Holyoke Hospital. Chris was born in Springfield, the son of Anthony & Deborah (Crabill) Minnie. He was raised and educated in Springfield, attending local schools. Chris was a Truck driver for J. Polep Co. in Chicopee for a number of years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved the outdoors, camping and family bonfires. He also enjoyed playing video games...

CHICOPEE-Gregory Louis Seidnitzer, 39, of Chicopee passed away peacefully on Thursday at Baystate Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Greg was born in Springfield on May 27, 1980 and grew up in Chicopee, he attended local schools including Holyoke Community College. Known as a gentle giant, he loved working with his hands. He was a carpenter and laborer working for several companies in the area, most recently for Crane Exterior Design in Palmer as an Installer. Greg’s...

CHICOPEE/TEXAS- Evelyn Theresa Atkins, 84, of Harry Wurzbach Rd. in San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully at her daughter, Andrea’s home on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 after a long and wonderful life. Granny Evelyn, as family and friends called her, was born on June 7, 1935 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Elzeor and Lillian (Ross) Morrrissette. She lived for many years in Chicopee before moving to San Antonio in 2016 to reside with her daughter, Andrea Bryant....

CHICOPEE-Richard W. Viens, 94, of Reed street in Chicopee passed away on Monday at Holyoke Medical Center. Richard was born in Chicopee on February 25, 1925, one of eleven children to Euclid and Beatrice (Mongeau) Viens.  He was a lifelong Chicopee resident and attended local schools. Richard enlisted in the US Army, proudly serving with the 5th Infantry regiment of the 71st Division. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home to start his family. He married Margaret...

CHICOPEE-Bruce J. LaFreniere, 52, of Blanan Drive in Chicopee passed away far too soon and unexpectedly on Tuesday evening at Baystate Medical Center. Bruce was a loving son, brother and devoted uncle to his loving family. He was born in Springfield on November 25, 1967, grew up in Chicopee, attended local schools and graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Bruce worked for EthosEnergy in Chicopee, a turbine equipment technology company. He had previously been employed at Danaher...

BELCHERTOWN- Eugene E. Rooney, 89, a longtime Springfield resident passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 with his family at his side. Gene, as family and friends called him, was born in Springfield on July 13, 1930 to William and Gladys (Golden) Rooney. He grew up in the North End of Springfield and attended local schools. He served in the National Guard until he was honorably discharged in 1950. He returned home to Springfield and married Loretta Ann Hervieux on June 19,...

SPRINGFIELD-Martha C. MacDonald, 74, of O’Connell Street in Springfield passed away peacefully on Sunday with her family at her side at Mercy Hospital. Martha was born in Springfield on August 10, 1945, the daughter of the late George O. and Katherine B. (Karparis) Peach. She was raised in Springfield, growing up in the North end, attending local schools and graduated from Commerce High School. Martha began her work career with the Buxton Company in Agawam before joining Avery Dennison...

CHICOPEE- Marilyn Ann (Forant) Perron, 88, a longtime Chicopee resident passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon in South Hadley with her devoted daughter at her side. Marilyn was born in Springfield on December 11, 1931, a daughter of the late Armand R. & Anna M. (Gosselin) Forant. She was raised in Chicopee attending local schools and graduated from Chicopee High School. She furthered her education, pursuing her dreams, and graduated from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing....

SPRINGFIELD - Ralph R. Purdy, 85, of Dana St. in Springfield passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 at Care one of Redstone. Ralph was born in Springfield on January 28, 1934, a son to the late James and Anita (DeGray) Purdy. He was educated in Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield Classical High School. Ralph enlisted with the US Army, serving with the 2nd US Army Research group as a Military Intelligence Specialist. He was honorably discharged and returned home in...

Readsboro, VT ~ Walter Lapa Jr., 69, of Readsboro, VT passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday December 26, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.  Walter was born in Worcester, MA on May 9, 1950, a son of the late Walter and Emelina Lapa (Cini).  Walter grew up on Joy St. in Chicopee where he spent his youth working on the family farm and playing baseball.  Walter went on to become skilled in the construction trade and formed his own company, Lapa Roofing and...