All Obituaries

Dr. John Leonard Crawley, 66, of Winchendon, died unexpectedly on May 1 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner. He was born on April 24, 1958 in Leominster, son of Alton Crawley and Marylou Kurtz. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1976. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University in 1981 where he went on a football scholarship. He went on to then also receive a Master’s Degree from Lesley University, as well as a Juris Doctorate...

Joanne Ciccolini Skinner, born in Leominster, MA on May 24, 1938, died of natural causes on April 29, 2024, in Lancaster, MA. She was 85. Joanne was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother, who was never happier than when she was spending time with her family, especially her grandsons. At the birth of her first grandson, Louis, she took the moniker Nonni, in honor of her mother-in-law, Lucy Ciccolini (d. 2002), whose example of unconditional love and generosity she followed. Joanne’s...

James H. Stith, known affectionately as Jim to his friends and family, lived a remarkable life. Born on the 26th of December 1943 in the bucolic countryside of Kentucky, Jim’s journey was one of dedication, humor, profound kindness, and just a touch of mischief. It is both with a heavy heart and a celebration of his extraordinary life that we announce his sudden passing on the 26th of April 2024 at the age of 80 in Leominster, Massachusetts. Jim is survived by his loving family,...

Donald “Donnie” Robert Fetterhoff, 47, Leominster, passed away on April 20, 2024. Donnie was born on December 6, 1976, the third of four children, to Donald and Sheila Fetterhoff. After graduating from Littleton Junior Senior High School in 1995, Donnie went on to study at North Adams State College. During Donnie’s time at North Adams, in addition to the lifelong friends he made, he pledged to the Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity which he was so proud of. Upon leaving North...

LEOMINSTER—Benjamin R. Lahti, 87, of 192 Highland Ave., passed away peacefully on April 20, surrounded by loved ones at Leominster Hospital, following a battle with cancer. “Benny”, as his friends called him, was born in Leominster on January 30, 1937, to Finnish immigrants Edward Eino Lahti and Tyyne (Halmesmäki) Lahti, and attended Leominster public schools. He was the second of four children; his siblings Edwin, Danny, and Rachel predeceased him. His lifelong job...

Joan Beverly (Frye) Nicholson, a cherished soul known for her loving generosity and thoughtful nature, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on September 15, 1933, in Leominster, Massachusetts, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Albert M. Frye and Ruth V. (Worthen) Frye and sister to the late Donald W. Frye. Her life was a tapestry of familial love, professional dedication, and a ceaseless zest for adventure. Joan's journey began in the heart of...

John Ogden of Worcester, MA passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with two forms of cancer. John Ogden was a veteran, a family man, a friend, an entrepreneur, a music lover, and a charismatic storyteller. John was born in Detroit, MI in 1938 to Guy Ogden and Gertrude L. Ogden (Boyce). However, the family left Michigan and moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And it was here, in the City of Brotherly Love, that he was raised. John’s devotion to...

James J. Lanciani, Jr. December 30, 1930 – April 15, 2024 93 years old James J. Lanciani, Jr. of Leominster, died on April 15, 2024, at a skilled nursing facility in Northborough, after a lengthy illness. Born in Leominster on December 30, 1930, Jim was the eldest child of the late James and Jennie (DiMarzio) Lanciani, also of Leominster. Jim was married to his beloved “Polly”, Pauline C. (Poulin) Lanciani of Leominster, on November 7, 1954. Sadly, Pauline predeceased...

Cynthia Smith, 68, beloved mother, wife, sister, and teacher, passed away on April 15th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that touched the lives of all who knew her. Family meant everything to Cynthia, and she poured her heart into creating cherished memories with her loved ones. Her joyous sense of humor brought laughter to every gathering, making even the simplest moments feel special. Cynthia's deep connection to her faith and her community at Washington Valley...

Grace Bizzarri, 98, of Wells, Maine, formerly of Leominster, died Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Avita of Wells. Grace was born September 16, 1925, in Leominster, daughter of the late Michele and the late Clementina (Loudon) Sabatelli. She lovingly embraced the roles of daughter, wife, mother and grandmother and will always be remembered with love. She leaves her daughter, Jane Schaffer and husband, James; two grandchildren, James J. Schaffer and Alexa Lemieux and husband, Daniel; one great...