CHESHIRE FAMILY FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons
He was born a son to the late Sarah (Sillanpaa) and John Saari on August 25, 1939, in Peterborough, NH. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1957.
Allan enlisted into the United States Air Force on December 12, 1961, during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He was honorably discharged on December 10, 1965, at the rank of A1C-E4.
After being honorably discharged, Allan continued his education at Keene State College earning his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education class of 1977 and 1983.
Allan enjoyed his time working as a realtor selling homes for over 30 years. Prior, Allan worked as a teacher at Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, MA. as their welding and metal Fabrication teacher for 6 years.
Back in his younger years, Allan was an avid golfer and loved to go fishing and hunting.
Mr. Saari is survived by his beloved daughter Rhonda Saari of Keene, and many extended family, and friends. Allan was predeceased by his parents, and his two siblings, Onni and Toivo Saari.
He was born a son to Malorie A. Paine and Andrew E. Symington on May 24, 1987 in Greenfield, MA. He attended the local schools and graduated from Keene High School, class of 2006. Andrew continued his education at the River Valley Community College in Keene.
On January 31, 2019, Andrew exchanged vows with the love of his life, Frances C. Sheldon. They had a simple service at their home in Fitzwilliam with family celebrating them.
Andrew enjoyed his time working at the New Hampshire Ball Bearings in Peterborough as a CNC Machinist for the past 6 years. Prior, Andy worked for Continental Cable Company in Hinsdale and a machine operator for 2 years. He also formerly worked for Shaw's Supermarket in Keene as a produce Manager for 8 years.
Along with working, Andrew enjoyed working on the house, refurbishing furniture, and working on his vegetable garden. Andrew loved to take long walks with his dog Conrad, and spend time with his family.
Mr. Symington is survived by his wife of 5 years, Frances Symington of Fitzwilliam, his mother, Malorie Paine of Winchester, his father, Andrew Symington and his wife, Chantal M. Bedard-Symington of Richmond, his two siblings, Alisha Ponce of Fitzwilliam, and Loreal Wentworth and her husband, Troy of Norton, MA. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was born on September 20, 1937, in Hillsborough, NH and spent his earliest years at Webster House in Manchester, NH. At the age of seven, he was adopted by the late Jean (Warring) and Arnold Anderson of West Hartford, CT. As a boy Earl spent summer vacations and many weekends working with his parents on their property in Surry, NH, which they named Andacres. This later became his parents' retirement home and eventually the home of Earl. Earl attended Tilton School in Tilton, NH and Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA before graduating from William Hall High School in West Hartford, CT, class of 1957. He continued his education at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY.
While living in Connecticut, he worked at Putnam, Coffin & Burr and Hartford National Bank & Trust Company. He was also a banking consultant in the installation of online systems and operations methods. After moving to New Hampshire, he worked with local surveyors and tax preparers, served as House Manager at The Colonial Theatre, and operated an independent business, assisting elderly people with financial and personal needs.
In 1984 Earl met Gareth R. Williams, with whom he shared a loving, devoted relationship for 39 years. Earl loved his home and loved to entertain guests, who always appreciated his cooking and his hospitality. He also loved being outdoors and spent many happy hours working with his tractor or chainsaw. He traveled to many countries throughout his life and spent twelve winters on the island of Nevis. He was a hard worker and when he became engaged in a cause that he believed in, he worked passionately on its behalf. Two of his final efforts were helping to keep Maplewood Nursing Home in its current Westmoreland location, and securing funding for an addition to the Surry Volunteer Fire Department's station. Those who knew him well could attest that he was a generous man with a big heart.
He is survived by his partner Gareth Williams of Surry, five siblings Shirley Chow, Mildred Beauregard, and Willis Rivers of Gardner, MA, Dorothy Sands of Westminster MA and Philip Hill of Rindge, NH, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was born a son to the late Ruth V. (McEvoy) and John J. Grady Sr. on August 17, 1946, in Worcester, MA. Jerry attended local Massachusetts schools and graduated from South High School in Worcester, MA. Jerry continued his education at the Worcester Industrial Technical Institute earning his Associates degree in welding and fabrication.
Gerald enlisted into the United States Army on September 23, 1968, serving in the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Gerald worked as a welder in an engineering battalion. He was honorably discharged on September 22, 1971 at the rank of SP5-E5.
On June 30, 1979, Gerald exchanged vows with the love of his life, Sandra "Sandy" L. Dawson. They had a simple service with family and friends celebrating them in Worcester, MA. They were happily married for 44 years until she passed away on July 15, 2023.
Jerry enjoyed his time working for the City of Worcester Department of Public Works as a foreman of the water department. He worked there for 35 years until he retired in 2008.
Along with working, Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He loved watching sports on TV, especially the Boston Bruins, his favorite team. Gerald loved being with his family more than anything, and particularly with his granddaughters. Jerry was a member of the American Legion.
Mr. Grady is survived by his daughter Bridget and her husband, Don, of Keene, his four siblings John Grady Jr. of Worcester, MA. Kathleen Grady of Worcester, MA. Kevin Grady and his wife, Kathy of Shrewsbury, MA., and Margaret Walsh of Worcester, MA. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Monica Lundin and Carrie Lundin both of Keene, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Sandy Grady, and his three siblings, James Grady, Joseph Grady, and Mary Grady.
In keeping with Gerald's wishes there will be a private memorial service. A burial will take place later in the spring of 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the United Service Organizations (USO).
He was born to the late Alberta (Lucier) Sullivan and Daniel Sullivan on December 13, 1948, in Portsmouth, NH. He was educated at Laconia High School class of 1966. He continued his education at Keene State College where he obtained his Masters in Education in 1972.
John always spoke fondly of his childhood growing up on Lake Winnisquam with his brothers and sister. When his siblings got together to reminisce about their childhood memories, the happiness and laughter was contagious. John's parents were both teachers and taught him the importance of education and hard work. John loved gardening. His lawn was always the nicest in the neighborhood, even if it was at the expense of his kids being able to have a slip n' slide. He was very handy and added on and renovated his beloved house on Sweeney Road where he lived for 43 years. He enjoyed woodworking in his retirement and especially loved making things for his kids and grandkids.
He was a devoted educator and taught eighth-grade math at Keene Junior High, which later became Keene Middle School, for 34 years. At Keene Junior High he established the eighth grade class trip to Washington, DC. It was a great privilege to share this experience with his students and he was passionate about leading this trip for 25 years, so much so that he continued to be involved after retirement. Most of his lifelong friends were met through KMS and could be found on Thursday afternoons in Sully's basement holding weekly meetings of the "Kitty Litter Cafe." His great sense of humor always came out most when he was around his friends, brothers, and sister. John was very involved with the former United Methodist Church where he volunteered as treasurer and usher. He was a brilliant mathematician, who loved sudoku and torturing his kids with math problems at the dinner table. His greatest joy was his family. He took pride in his girls and six beloved grandchildren. He treasured his wife Kathy and her unwavering love, support, and care through his health challenges.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathleen Wells Sullivan. His daughter Kristen (Sullivan) Prokop and husband Matthew Prokop of Methuen, MA. His daughter Stacey (Sullivan) Ventimiglia and husband Christopher Ventimiglia of Freeport, ME. His daughter Caitlin (Sullivan) Dubois and husband Paul Dubois of Keene, NH. His six grandchildren Taylor, Brayden, Ahna, Lia, Johnathan, and Elise, and many nieces and nephews. His brothers Tom Sullivan and wife Tabby of Hooksett, NH, and Daniel Sullivan and wife Sheila of Laconia, NH, Brother-in-law Richard Labrecque of Litchfield, NH, and Sister-in-law Karen Sullivan of Laconia, NH. He is predeceased by his mother and father, brother Kevin Sullivan of Laconia and sister Barabara (Sullivan) Labrecque of Litchfield.
Director/Owner P.M. Tristan McKenna was born and raised in Scotland. His family emigrated to the United States when he was a young boy.
He was born a son to the late Helen (Curry) and William LaPoint on March 9, 1937, in Keene. Dick attended the local Winchester school system and attended Thayer High School.
On March 22, 1953, Richard exchanged vows with the love of his life, Shirley M. Miner. They had a simple service in Hinsdale with family and friends celebrating them.
Richard had several careers starting with the paper boy at the age of 14 years old and then the Winchester Highway Department. He once owned and operated a garage in Keene called "Dick's Gulf Service" on the corner of Island and West St. He worked for O'Brian Construction for a couple of years and finally ended working at FiberMark paper mill in Brattleboro for 32 years. He retired from FiberMark in 2002 ending his career as their Maintenance Foreman. Richard was a lifelong member of the Winchester Fire Department raised to the rank of Chief which he held for several years. He was also a State Fire Warden. He rarely missed work even after spending most of some nights on a rescue or fire call.
After retiring as Chief, he continued to serve the Town of Winchester with the Emergency Management Department. He and his wife Shirley were integral part in starting the EMT unit in Winchester in the 70s. When he wasn't fighting fires, performing rescues, or training new recruits you might find him coaching youth baseball at the ELMM Center.
Dick enjoyed many things in life such as, hunting and fishing, going out 4 wheeling, and was very mechanical. He was a huge tinkerer, enjoyed collecting mechanical pieces and going on Sunday drives. Richard could be counted on to always have a flashlight, saw, first aid kit, winch, or fire extinguisher on hand. He was always able to fix anything and ready to help anyone in a time of need. Richard was an accomplished welder and often called out to thaw water pipes with his portable welder. If someone called him for help, he would jump up and head out the door.
Mr. LaPoint Sr. is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Shirley Miner LaPoint of Ashuelot, their five children, Richard LaPoint Jr., Ann Davis, William LaPoint, and Susan LaPoint all of Winchester, and Sharon Greatbatch of Swanzey. He is also survived by several great and great-great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Ruth H. (Crewe) Cobb, 89, of Keene, NH died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 16, 2024. Ruth was born on June 21, 1934, in Franklin, NH to the late Emma (Densmore) and John Crewe. As a teenager, she joined the Hardy Hill 4-H Club in Lebanon, NH where she met her future husband, Wesley Cobb, also of Lebanon. They were wed in Lebanon in 1956 and were happily married for 67 years.
Ruth and Wes moved to Newmarket, NH while he attended UNH. She worked as a waitress until the first of four daughters was born in Manchester, NH, and then she became a full-time homemaker. The family moved back and forth between Keene and Manchester until they settled in Keene in 1967. Ruth volunteered at her children's elementary school and with the Girl Scouts as a Brownie leader. After her youngest child reached high school Ruth worked for the US government as a test proctor for military admissions for 14 years.
In 1972, Ruth and Wes started the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club in Keene, which earned many awards. She taught countless youth to cook, sew and craft. Ruth and Wes were involved in Cheshire County 4-H activities including the Cheshire Fair where Ruth was a project judge and helped run the 4-H Food booth. Ruth guided 4-H members in numerous community service projects. Ruth and Wes hosted children from New York City through the Fresh Air Fund and from Japan through the 4-H program. In 1980, the Cobb family was awarded the Cheshire County 4-H Family of the Year. Ruth was awarded the 4-H Volunteer of the Year in 1985 and 2001. The impact Ruth had was wide and lasting.
Ruth was the ultimate homemaker, a talented seamstress, and a wonderful cook. She preserved fruits and vegetables that were harvested from the family garden; she sewed clothing for her daughters and grandchildren; and she knit hundreds of hats and mittens. Later, she made quilts for all her children and grandchildren.
The family enjoyed many camping trips when the children were young. Later, Ruth and Wes loved to travel in their RV and eventually visited every state except Hawaii. Ruth and Wes also traveled to Japan and visited with the exchange students that they had hosted years before.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Wesley J. Cobb of Keene; four daughters: Susan Jenna and her husband Rex of Warner, NH; Dianna Leach and her husband Guy of Westford, VT.; Sarah Cobb and her partner Kathleen Williams of Keene; and Cathy Beauregard and her husband Steven of Cypress, TX; 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; sister Shirley Cobb of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and four sisters, Myrna Crewe, Florence Malcher, Maureen Calkins, and Roberta Malcher.
He was born August 27, 1931, to the late Eleanor (Arnold) and Roland Griswold of Keene. Weston graduated from Keene High School in 1949.
Weston enlisted in the United States Army on September 3, 1952. He received the Korean Service Medal, Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on August 11, 1954, at the rank of CPL (7) 19.
On November 17, 1954, Weston exchanged vows with the love of his life, Nancy E. Belden, and for sixty-five years he was happily married until Nancy's passing on April 10, 2020.
Weston enjoyed his career in the print business. He was first employed by Sims Press in Peterborough, NH, then Sentinel Printing Company, and lastly, for Markem Corporation from which he retired in July of 1994. After retirement, Wes periodically worked part-time for the Census Bureau and for the Keene Country Club.
Wes enjoyed skiing, walking, and golfing. He also loved photography and spending time with his family. Wes was a member and a past president of the Keene Lions Club from which he was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship. He served in various roles with the Cheshire Fair Association, including association president. Wes also served with the National Ski Patrol. In recent years, Wes participated in the annual Demar Race, and at the age of ninety-two, he won fifth place in his division.
Mr. Griswold is survived by his children, Timothy M. Griswold of Arizona, Dawn M. Staples (Griswold) of Mississippi, and Scott W. Griswold of Keene. He is also survived by his sister, Tomasa "Tammy" LaFreniere (Griswold) of Keene; his three grandchildren, Jack Staples and Owen Staples of Mississippi, and Ryan Griswold of Arizona; several nieces and nephews; various extended family; and of course, his friends. Weston is predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife, Nancy, and his sister, Carol Lee Bone (Griswold).
Calling hours will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 105 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH, 03431. His burial will take place later in 2024 in the Griswold family lot.