Ramona “Nieca” Rodriguez 1959 – 2015 “I’m more comfortable in high heels than sneakers! Ha…La” Springfield- Ramona Rodriguez was born in Comerio, P.R., on March 23, 1959. She entered Heaven’s gate on April 19, 2015. She is survived by her Father, Martin Falcon, her Husband Osvaldo Rodriguez, 2 Daughters, Rita Diaz and Natasha Lopez, 4 Brothers, Martin Falcon, Edward, Angel and Samuel Figueroa, 6 Sisters, Milta Franco, Elminia Kawa, Gloria Falcon, Aida Figueroa, Evelinda Reyes and Jannette Falcon, 2 Dogs, Boo Boo and Zoro, 6 Grandchildren and many friends. She will be greatly missed.The Calling hours will be held on Fri., Apr. 24, from 6 -8 p.m. at 730 State St. The Funeral services will be held at the discretion of the family.

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Jeffrey P. Giorgiole, DC, 38, of Springfield died Monday, April 20, 2015 at his home. Jeffrey was born in Springfield on April 28, 1976. He has resided in Springfield most of his life. Jeffrey attended local schools in Springfield and received his degree in Chiropractic’s from Life University in Marietta GA. He also took and passed the stock brokers exam in New York City working as a stock broker for a short time. Jeffrey for the past four years has owned and operated Wilbraham Family Chiropractic. He is survived by his father, Paul J. Giorgiole of Brimfield; his mother Patricia A Daniel and stepfather, William Daniel of Springfield; a brother, Gregory Gilligan of Springfield; two sisters, Donna Strand of Springfield and Terri Gilligan of Avon, MA; along with several nieces and nephews and his loyal companion his German Shepard Titus. Visiting hours for Jeffrey will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Sampson’s, Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. A funeral home service will follow at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jeffrey’s memory may be made to Faith Baptist Church, 251 Shearer Street, Palmer, MA 01069.

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Evelyn Carrasco 1968 – 2015 Springfield- Evelyn Carrasco was born in Holyoke, MA, on March 1, 1968. She entered Heaven’s gate on April 21, 2015. She is survived by her Father, Ventura Carrasco, her Mother, Eloisa Carrasco, 3 Brothers, Alexander, Juan Ramon, Angel Luis Carrasco, and many friends. She will be greatly missed. The Funeral services will be held on Mon. April 27, 2015 at 11 a.m. at 730 State St. followed by a burial at the Forestdale Cemetery. The Calling hours will be held on April 27, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Puerta Del Cielo® Funeral Home 730 Sate St. Please visit www.puertadelcielo.com for information.

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Charles Haven Shaylor, 72, of Springfield, MA passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015. Charley was the son of Charles Horace Shaylor and Lucy (Haven) Shaylor of Lee, MA. Charley (Demi) pursued higher education in Novia Scotia, Canada; his undergraduate degree at Saint Mary’s University and then his graduate work at Dalhousie University. After he returned to the States, Charley worked for the Internal Revenue Service in Springfield, MA until his retirement in 1989. Charley is survived by his wife on 39 years, Susan (Niebergall) Shaylor. Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sampson Family Chapels. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary’s University, c/o Development Department, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada.

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Barry F. Shea, 96, passed away Mon. April 27, 2015 at Renaissance Manor in Holyoke. He was born September 27, 1918 to Barry W. and Mary Shea. Barry served in the US Navy aboard the USS Wasp during WW II. He worked in construction upon his return from the Navy. He then worked for the former ARA Vending for over 30 years and also worked part-time for Downeyside Inc. in Springfield. Barry was a fun loving man who loved dogs, especially his dog Chucky. He will be missed by his many loving neighbors and friends. Barry was predeceased by his wife Irene T. (Moran) in 2000, his son Daniel B. Shea in 1976 and his daughter Nancy Shea in 1955. He leaves his nieces and nephews of whom were like his children. Barry and Irene were very active in their lives growing up. He also leaves behind many friends. Funeral Services will be held SAT. May 2ND 11 AM at the SAMPSON’S CHAPEL OF THE ACRES FUNERAL HOME, 21 TINKHAM RD., SPRINGFIELD. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. There are NO calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barry’s name may be made to the M.S.P.C.A., Animal Care and Adoption Center-Hospital, 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105

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Hilda A. Schechterle, 95, formerly of Ambrose Street, Springfield died Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Baystate Medical Center. Hilda, daughter of the late John A. and Aurora (Vincensi) Schechterle was born in Springfield on June 6, 1919. Raised in Springfield she graduated from Springfield Technical High School. Hilda was employed by the former Uniroyal Tire Company in Chicopee for over 40 years as a payroll clerk and retired in 1980. She was a lifelong resident of Springfield and a member of St. Anthony Maronite Church and a member of the church’s Women’s Club. Hilda served as an organist at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church for 38 years and at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church for 25 years. She loved to travel and we all loved her colorful stories! She also loved to dance and enjoyed cooking for her family, her deviled eggs were the best! Hilda was quietly extraordinary, generous, caring, fun loving and filled with a delightful sense of humor. Hilda leaves a brother, John Schechterle and his wife Edith of Gill; two sister-in-laws, Mary Schechterle and Nancy Schechterle; her beloved nieces and nephew, Linda Schechterle, Laura Bacon, and Steve Schechterle; as well as many great nieces and nephews. She also leaves her dear Goddaughter, Darlene Baush and her dear friend and caregiver, Marilyn Landau. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Howard and Allen Schechterle. Family and friends are invited to meet on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield for funeral services for Hilda at 10 am. Rites of Committal and Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield. There are no visiting hours. Memorial contributions in Hilda’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Sampson Family Chapels are entrusted with the arrangements.

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Crestwood,KY- Florence E. (Goodwin) Chaffee, 100, formally of Longmeadow passed away April 18, 2015 at home surrounded by her loving family. Florence was born September 18, 1914 to the late Sylvester and Alice (Morgan) Goodwin. She graduated from Central High School. Florence worked many years as a supervisor for the former Steiger’s in Longmeadow. She was an amazing cook and an avid gardener. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Robert A. Chaffee in 1988; as well as her brothers, Fuller A., Laurence M., and Lynn Goodwin; and her sister, Evelyn A. Hodge. She will be missed by all who knew her, including her son, Robert Chaffee and wife Ann of Crestwood, KY; her daughter, Andrea Laravee and husband Douglas of East Longmeadow; her grandchildren, Sage, Joshua, Rebecca, and Jared; her great grandchildren, Grace, Ava, Aelan, Eli, and Oliver; many nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends. Visiting Hours for Florence will be held Friday, May 1, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Sampson’s Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, Springfield.

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Richard Morales 1936 – 2015 Westfield – Richard Morales was born in Mayaguez, P.R. on February 7, 1936. He entered Heaven’s gate on May 1, 2015. He is survived by his Son, Richard Morales Jr., his Brother Miguel Sanchez of Chicago, IL, 2 Sisters, Socorro Sanchez of Puerto Rico, Carmen Mendez of Westfield and many friends. He will be greatly missed. The Funeral services will be held on Tuesday. May 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. at 730 State St. followed by a burial at the Oak Grove Cemetery. The Calling hours will be held on May 5, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Puerta Del Cielo® Funeral Home 730 Sate St. Please visit www.puertadelcielo.com for information.

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Richard D. Marold, 77, of Monson passed away on May 1, 2015. Richard was born in Worcester, MA to the late Raymond and Helen (Oliver) Marold on December 8th, 1937. Richard was a kind soul who spent much of his life with his friends at the Monson Developmental Center. He was the assistant groundskeeper there for nearly 40 years. Richard enjoyed playing cribbage, traveling and going to wrestling events. He will be dearly missed by all those who were lucky enough to know him. Richard is survived by his sister Judith Lemire of Roanoke, Indiana, his niece Denise Raskett and her husband Jeffery of North Brookfield, and a nephew Paul H. Lemire II and his wife Kristie of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Friends are invited to Bethany Cemetery, Monson on Wednesday, May 6th at 11am for a celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to the American Epilepsy Society at 324 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06117 or at www.aesnet.org.

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Jean R. (Tremblay) Garrow, 76, of Chicopee passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, May 3, 2015 surrounded by her family on her 60th anniversary to join her husband Leo “Donny” Garrow who died on April 9, 2015. Jean, daughter of the late Raymond and Anita (Lemieux) Tremblay was born in Springfield on September 17, 1938. Raised in Springfield she graduated from the High School of Commerce. Jean worked as a nurse’s aide for many years at Bevin Kelly and Birch Manor Nursing Homes. Jean resided in Springfield most of her life and in Chicopee for the past 10 years and was a member of the Church of Redemption in Agawam. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by two sisters, Barbara Tremblay and Dianne Johnson. She is survived by four sons, Wayne D. Garrow of Ludlow, Dennis R. Garrow and Daniel C. Garrow both of Chicopee, and Keith R. Garrow of Westfield; four brothers, Steven Tremblay and Clifford Tremblay both of Southbridge, Richard Tremblay of East Longmeadow, and Norman Tremblay of Belchertown; five sisters, Annette Meade, Suzanne Brueno, and Rhea Marschall all of Westfield, Michele Roy of Monson, and Paula Johnson of Wilbraham; 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours for Jean will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 4 to 6 pm. at Sampson’s Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. A funeral home service will follow at 6:00 pm. Burial will be private.

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Doris R. Pepper, 91, formerly of Longmeadow, passed away Mon. May 4, 2015. She was born Jan. 29, 1924 to the late Eugene and Edna Rapisarda. Doris worked for many years at the New England Telephone Company before retiring in 1984. After her retirement, she volunteered at the Springfield Museums and Stage West. Doris also volunteered in the Springfield School System reading to elementary students. She enjoyed reading, arts and the theater. She was predeceased by her former husband Patrick “Paddy” Pepper and son Patrick F. Pepper Jr. Doris leaves her loving son Michael and his wife Jessica of Madison, CT. Funeral Services will be held FRIDAY 9:45 AM at the SAMPSON’S CHAPEL OF THE ACRES FUNERAL HOME, 21 TINKHAM RD., SPFLD., followed by a 11 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 519 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA. Calling Hours will be held THURSDAY from 4 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Springfield Museums, Tribute Gift: All Museums, 21 Edwards St., Spfld, MA 01103

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Alex Soto Hernández Nació el 29 de julio de 19 en San Juan Puerto Rico. Fallece el 9 de abril de 2015 en Springfield, Massachusetts. Este conocido actor comediante, transformista y maestro fue querido y admirados por muchos en su Isla y fuera de ella. Fue un gran amigo, hermano y guerrero incasable por los derechos e igualdad de los seres humanos y los animales. En su rostro siempre hubo una sonrisa contagiosa, aun cuando luchaba valientemente contra la enfermedad de la diabetes, que poco a poco se intensificaba en su interior en los últimos años. Sabemos que ahora se encuentra reunido con sus padres ; Carmen Hernandez Coriano, Julio Soto Cosme y varios de sus hermanos en el cielo. Le sobreviven sus hermanos Magali Soto Hernández, Ivette Soto Hernández, Denis Soto Hernández, Carmen Soto González, Wilfredo Soto González, Julia Soto González, José A. Colón Hernández y Julio Soto Calo. De parte de sus hermanos, sobrinos, demás familia y amigos más cercanos, queremos expresar nuestras más sinceras gracias a todos por haber dicho presente en la vida de Alex durante su enfermedad, por sus cuidados, momentos de compañía, oraciones y solidaridad. Gracias a todos por acompañar a toda la familia en nuestro dolor. “Quien nace actor, viene con una urgencia: utilizar y fabricar personajes para testimoniar la historia, crear asombro, la alegría, el humor los sueños y la poesía. Ese era tu oficio, testimoniar la alegría, la historia, la pasión que ponías a todo de lo que hacías: Tu misión Ser memoria y así te recordaremos.Que descanse en Paz.

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Anthony “Tony” R. Valentine, 48, passed away May 6, 2015. He was born May 15, 1966 to Robert and Colette (Chicoine) Valentine. Tony worked as a contractor/carpenter for many years. He belonged to the Carpenters Union Local 108. He was one of the hardest working men alive who took pride in his work and loved building homes. Tony was also an avid outdoorsman. Besides his parents, he leaves his maternal grandmother Georgette Chicoine of Chicopee, his wife Cherelyn “Cheri” Bonavita-Valentine of Spfld., his three sons; James Gaudet, Nicolas and Noah Valentine all of Spfld, his two grandchildren; Sofia and Caleb, his brother Donnie Valentine (Cathy) and his sister Gina Fraser (Brett); mother-in-law Kathleen Bonavita, brother-in-law William Bonavita (Lorie) and his beloved dogs Louie and Lilly. Tony was predeceased by his father-in-law Louis Bonavita Jr.. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held MON. 11:30 AM in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1023 Parker St., Spfld. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St., Spfld. Calling Hours will be held SUN from 1 to 4 PM at the SAMPSONS CHAPEL OF THE ACRES FUNERAL HOME, 21 TINKHAM RD., SPFLD. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Noah Valentine Education Savings Account, c/o Noah Valentine, 30 Martel Road, Springfield, MA 01119.

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Irene D. (Livermore) Jameson, 90, of East Longmeadow and formerly of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2015, surrounded by her family at the Jewish Nursing Home. Irene, daughter of the late Francis and Lillian (Langevin) Livermore was born in Springfield on February 23, 1925. Raised in Springfield, she graduated from the High School of Commerce. Irene worked for Mass Mutual and the former Indian Motorcycle. Irene and her husband, Samuel, were charter members of the Learning in Later Life Group at Springfield College. In addition to her parents, Irene was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Samuel E. Jameson, who died January 13, 2003. She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia J. Herlihy and her husband, Daniel, of East Longmeadow and Cathy A. Jameson and her partner, Darlene Belle-Isle, of Ludlow; two granddaughters, Erin Pluto and her husband, Michael, and Shannon Langone and her husband, Michael; three great grandchildren, Michael and Daniel Langone and Nora Pluto; a sister, Shirley Ryan; along with many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours for Irene will be on Monday, May 11, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sampson’s, Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. A funeral home service for Irene will be Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. Rites of Committal and Interment will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, Springfield. Irene’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Unit A-1 at the Jewish Nursing Home and Spectrum Hospice, especially Kishsia, Monique, Jean, Marta, Sharon, Kelly, and Ellen, for the wonderful care Irene received.

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Jacqueline C. Dionne, 88, passed away Sun. May 3, 2015. She was born Nov. 2, 1926 to the late Emile and Sarah Thibodeau. Jacqueline worked for many years for the Springfield School Dept. She enjoyed bingo, cooking and bowling. Jacqueline was predeceased by her husband Adrien Dionne, sons Michael and David and daughter Julie Dionne. She leaves her loving daughter Beverly Williams and her husband James of Springfield, 3 grandchildren; Michael, Aimee and Paula, great grandchildren; Jesse, Kayla, Adrianna, Anthony, J’adrien and Nathaniel brother Pete Thibodeau, sisters; Nona Michaud, Greta Michaud, Odette Jandreau and Grace George. She was also predeceased by her brother Steve Thibodeau and sisters; Dora Mae Lousier, Doris Pellitier and Fern Albert. A Graveside Service will be held THURS 11:30 AM in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State St., Splfd. There are NO calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. The SAMPSONS CHAPEL OF THE ACRES IS IN CHARGE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS.

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