Tributes & Obituaries

EAST LONGMEADOW – Mary C. Laro, 100, passed away on January 22, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center. She was born in South Hadley Falls, MA on January 5, 1920 to the late Michael E. and Kathryn (Dugan) Patterson. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband Joseph F. Laro, her son-in-law Michael Sullivan and her brothers Richard and William Patterson. To cherish her memory, Mary leaves her children Albert Laro and his wife Jacquelyn, George Laro, and Catherine Sullivan...

East Longmeadow- Genevieve “Chickie” M. (Liquori) Girard Patrie 83, passed away on January 20, 2020; surrounded by her loving family. Born in Chicopee on May 28, 1936 she was a daughter of the late Pasquale and Katherine (Walczak) Liquori. Prior to her retirement, Genevieve was employed by the Springfield City School Luncheon Dept., Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Agawam, and Western New England College, Springfield. Genevieve was a parishioner of St. Michael’s Church, East...

WESTFIELD – Pasqualina “Pat” Josephine (Cardaropoli) Gilberti, 86, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 at home. Pat battled kidney cancer for almost 10 years with dignity, tenacity and grace.    Pat was thankful for so many blessings throughout her life; mainly her husband Paul, who was her best friend and life partner. They shared almost 44 glorious years of marriage together until his death in February of 1998. At last, they are together again, walking hand in hand....

SOUTHWICK – Lee E. Haseltine, 60, passed away on January 18, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, MA on June 3, 1959, he was the son of Joyce (Wood) Haseltine and the late Ross E. Haseltine. He had worked for Sullivan Paper Company as a machine operator and then as a school bus driver. For many years, he was a waiter at Chuck’s Steak House and Figaro’s as well. Lee’s main passion was running and he participated in many races. If he wasn’t...

SPRINGFIELD - Bessie Kirkitelos, 87, formerly of Alvin Street, died January 15, 2020. Born and educated in Springfield, Bessie was the daughter of the late Apostolos and Anna (Malamaglou) Kirkitelos; and was a lifelong resident. She retired from Land Court at the Registry of Deeds for the City of Springfield. Bessie was a long time member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She enjoyed international travel, friends and family and loved spending time at her home in Cape Cod. In addition...

AGAWAM – Virginia Lee McCray, 95, passed away on January 13, 2020 at Mont Marie Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Holyoke. Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 25, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Alf Johan and Inga (Andersen) Kongslie. She had managed five restaurants in two different states for Forbes and Wallace before working for a number of years at Mt. Holyoke College in the President’s home. Virginia then retired from Mass Mutual, where she managed the cafeteria. She...

Feeding Hills- Bernard S. Novotney 92, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and significant other, entered into eternal life on January 10, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield. He was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen (Takacs) Novotney who preceded him in 1998. Bernard was born on October 16, 1927 in Starford, PA, a son of the late George and Julia (Alexander) Novotney. He honorably served his country in the US Army as part of the post-WW II occupational forces in...

Bonnie Jeane (Clay) Gambill, 76, of East Longmeadow, MA died January 9, at Gardner Rehab & Nursing in Gardner, MA. She was born February 3, 1943 in Springfield, MA to the late Leonard and Jeane (Wilson) Clay. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1961 and later received a bachelor’s degree in history from Westfield State College. She proudly served in the U.S. Army and married the late William R. Gambill on July 2, 1965, in Tucson, AZ. Family was very important to her....

Southwick – Attorney Mary J. Keenan passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center. She was one of five children to her parents, Daniel and Rose (Jarry) Keenan, where she grew up in Southwick, and was a life-long student, educator, advocate and trusted friend. Mary served the Sisters of St. Joseph for over 13 years, graduated from Elms College with a degree in teaching and taught English, French and Calculus. She was recognized for her appreciation and strength in...

Longmeadow - Alfonso Sarno, 84, of Longmeadow, MA died January 9, 2020, after facing his Cancer battle with strength and humor. Alfonso was born January 6, 1936 in Bracigliano, Italy and was the devoted son of Domenico and Giovanna Sarno. In February 1948 Alfonso immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Springfield, MA. One of Alfonso’s fondest memories of his youth was when he dined with Bela Lugosi “Dracula” at Ciro’s in downtown Springfield. He attended Buckingham Jr....