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Obituary

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Orr Connected Neighbors, Encouraged Conversations

The public is invited to Village Hall Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. to pay tribute to Steve Orr, who died unexpectedly on Monday. Friends and residents are encouraged to write tributes to Orr below.

In today's techno-savvy modern world,  where study after study suggests communicating via computers is deteriorating people's interpersonal skills, Steve Orr found a way to use technology to bring neighbors together. His creation helped residents find lost dogs, discuss their tax bills, debate issues and learn what is happening in their community. Orr who died, unexpectedly Monday from heart failure, was the creator of Frambors and Framcom, two computer list serves that allowed people to stay connected with their neighbors, their town and their community. The public is invited to Village Hall Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. to pay tribute to Orr. "I remember when Steve first started Frambors," said fellow Town Meeting member Audrey Hall. "He …

Ramuel M. Raagas

6:21 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013

Our Patch has outdone The MetroWest Daily News in sharing information about our sad loss. Steve W. Orr did all his unpaid work of maintaining his e-mail lists and wiki, because he was not satisfied with the comments section and other aspects of the GateHouse Media paper.   more ›

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

UPDATED: Frambors Founder, Town Meeting Member Steve Orr Has Died

Orr, 58, died Monday unexpectedly from heart failure.

UPDATED: Town Meeting member and Frambors moderator Kathy Vassar said Frambors is down and not working as of 6 p.m. Moderators are working on a fix or alternatives. Framingham Patch will update. *** Editor's Note: We were saddened to hear of Steve's death Monday night. The following is a statement released by the moderators of Frambors: *** It is with heartfelt sadness and shock that we announce the death of Steve Orr, the owner and founder of the frambors email list. Steve died unexpectedly of heart failure yesterday evening at the age of 58.  Right now the family would appreciate respect for their privacy as they deal with the shock of their loss. We will pass on information about funeral arrangements as the information becomes available…

Brian McCue

4:47 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Clearly the irrepressible kid I knew and liked in grades 8-12 remained un-repressed as an adult. He was what the old-time New Englanders called an "original."   more ›

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Rex Trailer Dies at 84; Share Your Memories, Photos

Boston TV icon hosted a children's show in the 1950s-1970s. Do you have any photos from back in the day?

Rex Trailer, a Boston TV icon who had been recovering from pneumonia recently, has died. Trailer hosted “Boomtown,” a children’s show with a Western theme on WBZ-TV from 1956-1974.  How did a Western cowboy make his mark in Boston? According to Wikipedia, his corporate overlords gave him a choice of Cleveland or Boston. But he's remembered for more than his cowboy get-up. The Boston Globe wrote in an editorial last year: Kids adored Trailer’s rodeo tricks. But mostly they adored him for his consistent kindness and competence. Trailer was 84. A funeral is being planned, but no date has been set yet, according to his website.  He regularly made an appearance in the Natick 4th of July parade. Meantime, what are your memories of Rex Trailer? …

Timothy Lee

10:39 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I remember Rex. Watching his show on TV, growing up. Memories of a nice, friendly man.   more ›

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Known as Sgt. Foley, Robert N. Foley Sr., 85, Has Died

Calling hours are today, Dec. 27 from 3-7 p.m. at Matarese Funeral Home 325 Main St. in Ashland.

Robert N. Foley Sr., 85, passed away Saturday Dec. 22, 2012 at his home in Ashland, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Ryan) Foley for 57 years. Born in Framingham, the son of Neil L. Foley and Marion V. (Mahoney) Foley, he attended Framingham schools, graduated from Framingham High School in 1944 and was a Framingham resident until a few years ago when he moved to Ashland to be closer to his children.  Foley was a Framingham Police Officer for 38 years, retiring in 1992 as a Captain, traffic and safety officer. He is probably best remembered as "Sgt. Foley" by three generations of Framingham school children. He was a former member of the MA Safety Officers and a life member of Framingham Lodge of Elks #1264. He …

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Korean War Veteran Thomas J. Hamilton Loses Battle With Leukemia

Relatives and friends are invited to pay respects at Boyle Brothers Funeral Home today, Dec. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Thomas J. Hamilton, 81, a Pittsfield native and Framingham resident for more than 50 years, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham. He was the beloved husband of Ervina (Pajak) Hamilton, to whom he was married for 56 years. Born and raised in Pittsfield, he was the son of the late James B. and Helen (Walsh) Hamilton. A graduate of Pittsfield High School, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1953, and his MBA from Boston College. Mr. Hamilton served honorably in the US Army stateside during the Korean War. He was first employed by GE in Schenectady, NY, then for Raytheon Corp. For 28 years until his retirement he worked for Polaroid Corp., most recently as a …

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Crash Victim Remembered for Love of Music, Holidays

Grafton's Elaine Barber, who has ties to Framingham, was on her way home Saturday from work when she was killed in a two-car crash on Route 20 in Shrewsbury.

The Grafton woman who lost her life in a two-car crash over the weekend in Shrewsbury is being remembered as a hard-working mother and wife who loved traveling, country music and celebrating the holidays with her family.  Funeral services will be held Saturday for Elaine (Cormier) Barber, 60, who family members said was returning home from a shift at Wal-Mart when the crash occurred Saturday evening at the intersection of Route 20 and Grafton Street in Shrewsbury.  Barber had worked at the store for several years and was also a hairdresser, working from her home in North Grafton and for a time a salon she owned in Worcester.  Barber leaves her husband of 28 years, Charles Barber, as well as two children, Daniel Barber and Denise Barber.   …

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Funeral Services For Christopher Weigl Sunday

The Southborough resident and Boston University student, who worked as a photographer at times in Framingham, was killed Dec. 6 while riding his bicycle in Boston.

NOTE: Christopher wrote most of the obituary in September as an initial assignment in his graduate program. Nobody could have imagined how important these words would become - so very soon. Obituary courtesy of www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com     Christopher John Weigl, 23, died suddenly Dec. 6, 2012 as a result of a tragic accident. A lifelong Massachusetts resident and Boston University graduate student, Christopher was born in Framingham and lived most of his life in Southborough. An avid outdoorsman, Christopher obtained the rank of Eagle Scout at age 14 and remained an active member of Boy Scout Troop 1 till his 18th birthday. In addition to scouting, Christopher was an accomplished clarinet player throughout his years of schooling, and …

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Brophy Elementary Librarian Terry Levin Has Died

The former Brophy Elementary School librarian had been battling cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Brophy Elementary School librarian Terry S. (Karas) Levin, of Framingham died Tuesday. Levin had been battling acute myelogenic leukemia. Earlier this year, bone marrow drives were held for Levin, as her doctor's said post chemotherapy she would need a bone marrow transplant. Acute myelogenic leukemia is cancer of the blood and bone marrow. "I know many of you rallied to her side and were tested," wrote neighbor and Brophy Elementary parent Tanya Lipp to their neighborhood association. "She was able to receive a transplant, but unfortunately she recently had a turn for the worse in her health. Her husband David and her family were able to be by her bedside in her last days." For a dozen years, Levin has been working at Brophy elementary. "…

Cheryl Tully Stoll

8:52 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

I remember Terry collecting children’s books for the lower-income students at Brophy so that they would have books at home during the summer months just like the other children in their class. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed by many. Ed and my thoughts and prayers go out to Dave and the fine young men they raised.   more ›

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Former Cushing Hospital Nurse Billie Welch Has Died, 74

The mother of Wilson Elementary School Principal Robin Welch, visiting hours are scheduled for Friday with a memorial service on Saturday.

Billie F. (Daniels) Welch, 74, a beautiful wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, October 7, 2012, in the presence of her devoted family. She was the loving wife of Richard W. Welch for 51 years. Born in Broken Bow, OK, on September 28, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Jim Daniels and Nobie (Scroggins) Daniels Moore. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, John Moore, and was a graduate of the Tacoma Schools in Tacoma, WA. Billie and Richard started their married life in Washington, settling in Framingham in 1966. Billie was employed with the former Cushing Hospital where she was inspired to continue her education. She earned her accreditation as a licensed practical nurse and remained at Cushing …

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Susan Manning

11:15 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

She was such a nice lady. Her mother-in-law is neighbor's with my parents and when my mother died, they all visited and were so kind to us in our time of grief. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family.   more ›

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Funeral for Robert Sambuchi Wednesday

A Mass will be held tomorrow, Oct. 3 at St. Tarcisius Church for the 27-year veteran of the Framingham Police Department.

Robert A. Sambuchi, 67, a former resident of Framingham and Holliston died suddenly Monday, September 24, 2012 at his Dennis residence. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Richard and Mary (Damplo) Sambuchi. Sambuchi was a graduate of Framingham High School. He attended the State Police Academy in 1975 and subsequently joined the Framingham Police Force, where he served for 27 years. During his law enforcement career, he obtained a degree in criminal justice from Massachusetts Bay College. After his retirement from the force in 2001, he moved to Cape Cod, where he worked a variety of jobs, and acquired many new friends. He will be remembered fondly for his willingness to help others, infectious smile, and quick wit. He is …

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