Folsom Funeral Service

John Joseph Finn, a resident of Boston, died Friday, February 18, 2022 at the Faulkner Hospital in Boston. He was 89. John was born November 8, 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the six children of William J. and Mary (Donaughue) Finn, immigrants from Ireland. He grew up in Boston’s South End and graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston where the southpaw was an All Star pitcher. John went on to play semi-pro baseball in Canada. He returned to his hometown and worked as a warehouse worker at Sears in Kenmore Square for 37 years. John is survived by his sister, Catherine Ferazani of Amesbury and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Thomas Finn, William Michael Finn, Josephine Venuti, and Frances Thomas. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 23rd from9 to 11 am at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11 o clock. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury.

Comments(2)

James Edward Mellen, a resident of Dedham, died Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the Milton Hospital in Milton.  He was 87. James was born March 29, 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts a son of Edson B. and Helen Mellen.  James worked as a draftsman for Draper Laboratories and was a member of the American Legion of Dedham and the Dedham VFW, and was a proud Korean War Navy veteran. He was also an avid league bowler. He was a former Coach and President of Dedham Little League Baseball and of Dedham Pop Warner Football.  James is survived by his wife Marilyn Marie (Keenan) Mellen; his daughter, Jean M. Sauer, and her husband Todd, of Boylston; his five sons, James T. Mellen, and his wife Linda, of Dedham, Robert F. Mellen, and his wife Jen, of Uxbridge, John E. Mellen, and his wife Marilyn, of Norwood, Richard F. Mellen, and his wife Michelle, of Norwood, and Steven D. Mellen, and his wife Theresa, of Dedham; his sister, Ruth Melanson of Brockton; as well as 15 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Visiting hours will be held Monday, February 21st from 4-8 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham.  Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Tuesday, February 22nd starting at 9:30 am and proceed with us to St. Mary’s Church, 420 High Street, Dedham for his funeral mass at 10:30 am.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury

Comments(15)

Barbara Bernadette (O’Loughlin) Conneely, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at her home in Dedham.  She was 91.  Barbara was born September 9, 1930 in Lettermore,  Galway, Ireland, the daughter of Coleman and Bridget (Joyce) O’Loughlin.  She worked as a housekeeper in private households.  She was a member of the Irish Social Club.  Barbara was former wife of the late Patrick Joseph Conneely, and the mother of the late Michael “Pugs” Conneely.  She is survived by two daughters, Maureen Connolly of Dedham, and Barbara Jean Conneely, and her partner Hank Lear, of Dedham; two sons, Thomas J. Conneely, and his wife Rosa, of Norwood, and John Conneely; a brother, Michael O’Loughlin, and his wife Bridie, of Stoughton; two sisters, Bridie Lydon  of Roslindale, and Agnes McDonagh of Norwood; three grandchildren, Donald Payne Jr, and his wife Talia, Jennifer Conneely, and Aidan Conneely; and her great granddaughter, Stevie Jean Payne.  Barbara was the sister of the late Coleman, John, Kate, Winnie, Ann, Nora, and Mary.  Visiting hours will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 9 to 10:30 am at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham followed by her funeral service in the funeral home at 10:30 am.  Interment will be in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham

Comments(4)

Helen Marie (Cradock) Doherty, a resident of Marco Island FL and formerly of Hyannis and Dedham, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 10, 2022 in North Attleborough MA. Helen was born on May 2nd 1935 in Boston, the daughter of James and Nora Cradock, and graduated from Mount Trinity Academy in Boston in 1953. In 1955 she married her beloved husband, the late Patrick Doherty, to whom she was married for 62 years. Helen attended nursing school in 1974 and graduated with honors. Helen dedicated her nursing career to the care and support of the elderly, working at the Star of David Nursing Home in West Roxbury, Kit Clark Senior Center in Dorchester, Mass Mental Health in Boston and the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston. Helen’s life centered around family and she cherished time spent with them throughout the years, and maintained lifelong friendships with many from her childhood days on Montebello Road in Jamaica Plain. She had a kind word for everyone and greeted you with a warm smile and a hug. She was the loving mother of Maureen Debler, and her husband Will, of Walpole, Shawna Leary, and her husband David, of Mansfield, Michael Doherty and his wife Annie, of Humarock, and Sheila Perilli and her husband Robert, of North Attleboro. She was also the mother of the late Patricia Nicholls, and the sister of the late Mary (Cradock) Power, the sister of the late Patricia (Cradock) Perry, the sister of Christine (Cradock) Tracey of Barrington, RI, sister of the late James Cradock, and brother of John Cradock of North Conway NH. Helen was the proud grandmother of 16, and great-grandmother of 6.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, February 18 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 420 High Street, Dedham at 10:30 AM. Private interment will be in the National Cemetery at Bourne at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen’s name may be made to St. Jude Cancer Center for Children.

Comments(3)

Linda Mae Brandt, age 79, of Hyde Park, MA passed away on February 11, 2022 with family members by her side.  She was a loving, compassionate and selfless daughter, aunt and friend to many.  Linda was born, grew up and lived throughout greater Boston and graduated at Jamaica Plain High School.

Voted “Most Athletic” by her graduating class, Linda excelled in any sport or activity she participated in including softball, tennis, volleyball and basketball during her youth and throughout her young adult years including leagues with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.  Rumor has it that she even taught one of her nieces how to execute the basketball “half-court hook shot”.  Linda’s shelves at home throughout later years grew to be filled with trophies from her tournaments as an avid “candlepin” bowler.  She also enjoyed time on golf courses with her life-long friend.  Anyone that dared challenge Linda to a Scrabble game or Crossword puzzle quickly learned about her command of the English language.  Linda had her first kayaking adventure with a dear friend at the age of 70.  Age was “just a number”, not to define a person’s abilities or interest, was her motto.  She also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors while they walked by with their dogs in front of her home, memorizing each name and breed, excited for her greeting.  “Now listen” and “over and out” were two of Linda’s favorite phrases, because when she had something to say, she really wanted you to hear it…and when she was done talking to you, she was truly done.  A perfect day for Linda would include an oversized fresh lobster roll and a large bowl of ice cream.  She will be fondly remembered by staff at the local businesses and restaurants, whom always knew when Linda was present, as they were thrilled to be entertained by her vibrant, quirky personality(s) and always left them laughing.

Quick-witted and a consummate entertainer, Linda especially loved to delight children with her Donald Duck impersonations.  She had fun with those that knew her and others about to witness her “special talents”.  Linda would create colorful characters who spoke foreign languages, and would dazzle anyone with her command of Swedish, Italian, German and Chinese.  However, if you attempted to translate to English, what she was actually saying was 100% complete gibberish, but truly convincing characterizations.  Although she was a lifelong Boston Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox fan, she would forego any game for the opportunity to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra, an opera or any live performance.  Any one that had the pleasure of hearing Linda, herself sing opera or whistle a melody, would immediately think that entertainment was her true calling, whose sole purpose it seemed, was to make people smile! 

Over the years Linda worked for several Boston companies including First National Bank of Boston, Ogden Food Service, Avondale Industries, Rust Craft Greeting Card Co., and retired as the Payroll and Benefits Manager for Connell Ltd. Partnership.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Gustav R. Brandt and Grace D. (Youngdale) Brandt, sister Barbara G. (Brandt) Sealock, brother Raymond G. Brandt, niece Christina L. Burrows, and loving canine companion Lacey.  Linda is survived by her brother Paul Brandt of Hyde Park, nephew John Bagley, niece Stephanie Burrows of Newton, NH, nephew Darren Sealock of Manchester, NH, niece Robyn Sealock and husband Frank Steinman of Bluffton, SC, loving feline companions Lenny and Squiggy, cousins, extended family, dear friends since childhood, and numerous co-workers/friends throughout Linda’s adult life.  She will be deeply missed and never forgotten as a life-long friend, perfect aunt, caring sister and doting, responsible, selfless daughter.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and staff of the Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 3:00pm, at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St., Dedham, MA.  A gathering of family and friends will be held following the service at 4:30pm, at Linda’s favorite local restaurant, Siam Lotus, 1311 Providence Hwy, Norwood, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity or organization.

Comments(8)

Charles Gammacurta, a resident of Roslindale, died Friday, February 4, 2022 at the Faulkner Hospital in Boston.  He was 92. Charles was born January 24, 1930 in Casablanca, Morroco, the son of Adolphe and Jiovanna (LaGreca) Gammacurta.  He earned his bachelor’s degree and worked as an electrical engineer for the Swiss Government for many years.  Charles is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Maria (Bottari) Gammacurta, who he married in 1971.  Visiting hours will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 11 am to 1:45 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 63 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale followed by a procession to Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett for his interment and committal service at 2 pm. 

Comments(3)

Agnes H. Pilot (née Knopp), 93, was called home to our Lord on Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 at her home in Westwood, MA. She is survived by her siblings Hermann Knopp and Berta Knopp (Schega), her sons, Christopher and Stephen Pilot, and her grandchildren: Kira, Juergen, and Henry Pilot . She joins her beloved husband of 41 years, Herbert Pilot, and her siblings, Franz Knopp, Maria Knopp (Borgs), Brigitte Knopp (Komocki), Werner Knopp, Gertrude Knopp (Diakun), in Heaven.

Agnes was born on January 31, 1929 to Eduard and Johanna Martha Knopp (née Wolle), in Sankt Goar, Germany on the Rhein. On the date of her birth, in a rare event, the Rhein froze across its width. The 6th of 8 children, she immigrated to Ontario, Canada with her husband in 1952, before moving to Montreal, Quebec, where she lived for 12 years. She worked there with her husband, he, as an engineer, and she, in a bank, in the accounting department. They also built a house from scratch, and raised a family. In 1963, Agnes and her family relocated to Boston, MA, where she would live and serve her community until her passing. Agnes proudly assisted Dr. Stephen Jay Gould as his personal secretary at Harvard University, transcribing his numerous publications and books into finished works, and delaying her retirement in order to help him finish his final work. She loved her job and working with him, in the department of paleontology. She served as a former president of the BSV Sängerchor Boston for many years, an honor which she cherished. She also sang in the German-American chorus, and traveled many places in that capacity. She served as a former trustee of the German Aid Society of Boston, and the Deutsches Altenheim assisted living facility. She loved being a member of Boylston Schul-Verein: a German-American club, and was very proud of her German roots and to be able to serve the German community.

Agnes was also a lifelong member of the Catholic church, and served where she could, for example, as a liturgist at Saint Denis Catholic Church. Her faith was of extreme importance to her. As she often admitted, it guided her throughout her life. Agnes will be remembered for her love of family, her devotion to the church, her love of America and Germany, her willingness to help others, and her always being there if one needed help or consolation. She especially loved singing within a choir, holidays such as Christmas, gardening, and her grandkids. Her gift of storytelling, the tenacity of her faith and spirit, her unfailing kindness and patience, will be remembered by all who came in contact with her.

Agnes’ wake will be held at Folsom Funeral Services in Westwood, MA, at 649 High St. from 6-8 PM on February 14th. On February 15th, following a 10 AM Mass at Westwood’s St. Denis Church, Agnes will be laid to rest beside her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery in Boston. After the funeral, there will be a brief reception, from 12 to 2, in the BSV club center at 8 County St, in Walpole, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deutsches Altenheim, 2222 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132

Comments(1)

Norman Richard Longval of Norwood, passed away on February 3, 2022 at the age of 82. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary P. (Alberto) and companion of the late Carol Quintiliani. Loving father of David Longval and his wife Cathy of Medway, Debra Murphy and her husband John of Norwood, Normajean Longval of Norwood, Michael Longval and his wife Noura of Millis, and Teresa Gagliard and her husband Peter of Norwood. Brother of the late Leo Longval and brother-in-law of Mary’s loving siblings Florence, Ann, Frances, Vera, Rosalie, and Louis. Caring uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Bestie of Gracie the mini labradoodle. 
Norman was a devoted grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all wrapped around his finger. A United States Navy veteran, Retired Dedham Firefighter, Painter extraordinaire, and remembered fondly as “Mr. Norm” from Holy Name.  Norman was happiest when on the golf course, watching the New York Giants and Montreal Canadiens, playing cards at the Senior Center, and spending time with his family and friends. 
Visiting hours Monday, February 7, 2022 from 4-8 PM at Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St., Westwood.  Relatives and friends are invited Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 12:45 PM to Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne for his graveside service.

Comments(8)

Hossein Motaghian, a resident of Westwood, Massachusetts died Thursday, January 27, 2022 at his home in Westwood after a brief illness.  He was 86.  Hossein was born December 3, 1935 in Isfahan, Iran a son of Adbul-rasoul and Khanoom-agha (Aghili) Mottaghian.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked as an accountant in the transportation industry.  Hossein held French, Iranian and American citizenships.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Iran (Mottaghian) Mottaghian; his son, Sasan Mottaghian; and his daughter, Sepideh Sabokrooh.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home with a sharing of memories at 7 pm.

Comments(1)

May 19, 1927 – January 25, 2022

George Fowler Whiting, beloved husband of Hilda Dagmar Gunnila Sjöström Whiting, died January 25, 2022 with family by his side. He was born on May 19, 1927, the son of Mary and William Whiting of Holyoke, Mass. He was predeceased by his brother William (Bill) Whiting, Bill’s wife Polly, and their son William (Billy) of Newport Beach, California.

George and Gunnila were longtime residents of Dover, Mass. who in recent years had moved to Fox Hill Village in Westwood, Mass.

George graduated from Deerfield Academy (class of 1945) and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, from which he was honorably discharged in 1946. He then attended Amherst College (class of 1951).

After college he worked at Whiting Paper Company in Holyoke until it closed in 1955. He then went on to work for International Paper Company’s pulp division, followed by Mosinee Paper Corporation beginning in 1965. He founded the George F. Whiting Company in Wellesley, Mass. in 1970, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

George married the love of his life, Gunnila of Bromma, Sweden in 1960. A chance meeting on a sidewalk in Stockholm in 1957 led to a 65 year romance which grew into a family that moved from New York City, to Old Greenwich, Conn., and finally to Dover, Mass.

In his teens George was an award winning marksman. As a young man, he enjoyed occasional trips to Europe in his free time. He also learned to fly a plane, and especially loved flying around southern New England in his Cessna airplane, guided by a compass, two-way radio, and road map.

George was active in The Dover Church and on the board of Newagen Colony on Southport Island, Maine. He enjoyed reading, exploring Maine, hiking in New Hampshire, playing tennis, taking photos, and listening to live jazz. Above all he enjoyed spending time with family, always including a dog.

George leaves Gunnila, their 3 children, their spouses, and 7 grandchildren: Karin and Russ Burgess of Stonington, Conn. (Emilie, Annika, and Margit); George and Anna Whiting of Medfield, Mass. (Linnea and Henry); and Christina and Darin Dougherty of Wellesley, Mass. (Emma and Will).

George will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His warm smile, kindness, sense of humor, style, and unwavering dedication to honesty were remarkable. He was a true gentleman.

The family thanks the professionals at Fox Hill Village’s White Oak Cottages for their dedication and thoughtful care over the past 18 months despite restrictive pandemic conditions.

A celebration of life will be held at The Dover Church on Friday, June 3 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers please send support to The Trustees of Reservations, 200 High Street, Boston, MA 02110. Trustees properties in Dover and Medfield were some of George’s favorite places to walk.

Comments(2)