These members may be gone, but they are never forgotten.
Raymond J Lauring, 97
1925 – 2023
Raymond J. Lauring, 97, passed away at home on Friday September 1st, 2023.
He is survived by his children Mark Lauring and his wife Susan, John Lauring and his wife Kathy, James Lauring and his wife Ann, and Maryanne Seibold and her husband David, a son-in-law Timothy Kennedy, 23 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joyce St. John, and several brothers and sisters in law.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Claire E. (Ledoux) Lauring, his parents, Anthony and Linda Lauring, and his daughter Lisa Kennedy.</P
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Ray started Lauring Construction Company in 1948 and worked there until retirement. After retirement, he started the first Catholic radio station in Worcester, Emmanuel Communications, which is now operated by Stations of the Cross. He also founded Worcester’s senior softball league, which has grown to be very successful with multiple teams of all ages. He was a five-time senior softball world champion and was named the World Series MVP in 2008.
Ray was involved with philanthropic efforts for many Catholic charitable organizations. He was a life-long member of Christ the King Parish, a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, and a founder of Visitation House. He volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul, Calvary Retreat Center and Worcester State Hospital. He served on the Board of Directors for Commerce Group, Inc., Southgate of Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Nursing Home, Colony Retirement Homes and Salisbury Nursing Home.
Ray received honorary degrees from Assumption University and Anna Maria College, and was an honorary graduate of St. John’s High School. He received the Knollwood Award from Notre Dame Academy and the Family Award from Matthew 25.
The Lauring family would like to thank Ray’s caretakers Joyce, Margaret and Mary, for the compassionate care they provided him.
Calling hours are Thursday, September 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. The funeral will be Friday, September 8, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visitation House, 119 Endicott St., Worcester, MA 01610.
The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.
Patrick Romano, 79
Patrick Vincent Romano of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, passed away on March 28, 2023, after a 6-month battle with lung cancer, despite having never smoked a day in his life. Patrick was surrounded by his closest family and friends at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen (Clasby) Romano, daughter, Sarah Romano of Newton, Massachusetts, and her spouse Marc Landry, son Keith Romano of Needham, Massachusetts, and his spouse Aasia Romano, and his three beloved grandchildren, Soha, Adil and Asif Romano.
Patrick was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on September 1, 1943 and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. His earliest memories include spending summer vacations on his grandfather “Pop’s” farm in Newburg, New York. He would often recount how he and his cousins would drive Pop crazy by running amuck, getting in tussles, and throwing rotten peaches and apples at each other. His fondest childhood memories centered on playing baseball and basketball with his neighborhood buddies. He later attended American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, as a formidable student-athlete who excelled in the sciences and on the varsity basketball team. He went on to earn a PhD in Chemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he studied the electrochemical properties of Nickel. Patrick also met his future wife, Helen, during graduate school. By chance, the two shared an adjoining 3-decker apartment in Worcester, and as the story goes, Helen said to herself at first glance, “wow this guy is cute” as she passed him one day in the stairwell.
After earning his PhD, Patrick “Doc Rom” joined the Department of Chemistry at Westfield State University, where he rose through the ranks to become Department Chair. He remained steadfast and loyal to the University, teaching for 50 years that spanned the entirety of his career until his retirement in 2021. Doc Rom’s love of teaching was surpassed only by his dedication to mentorship. His connection to young students sustained him throughout his career. His family cannot recall one occasion when Doc Rom missed commencement – he was so proud of every student who walked on graduation day. Both in and out of class, he supported his students with patience, affability, and humor, but fiercely refused to water-down academic rigor. Many students fell victim to his grading. As aptly summarized by one anonymous student on ratemyprofessor.com, Doc Rom was “the only professor in the world that can fail you and you won’t have a negative thing to say about him.”
Outside of his career in teaching, Patrick was active in sports, much preferring to play rather than watch. He played in old-timer golf leagues, senior softball circuits, and developed a large network of cronies who shared his passion to participate in sports to the bitter end. He was a talented middle infielder with quick hands that could turn the most spectacular double plays, though his skills were always muted by his humility. He traveled the country with his teams, playing tournaments in Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Nevada, and New York. He regretfully missed his first tournament last year, scheduled in Cuba, because of his lung cancer diagnosis. But his desire to get back on the softball diamond willed him to endure the pain and breathlessness of therapy.
More than anything, Patrick cherished spending quality time with his family. His family can now reflect on a lifetime of wonderful memories: yearly Cape Cod vacations; clamming in the muck; skiing at Wachusett Mountain from open until close (allowing one break only); long hikes in the woods; the annual ritual of grandpa doing a headstand (his last stand at age 78); insistence on “warming up the voices” before singing Happy Birthday; and celebrating every 10,000 miles driven in the car with several minutes of obnoxious horn honking (even when alone). He adored his three grandchildren, Soha, Adil and Asif, and instilled in them essential Italian slang, such as madon, mezza mezz and stunad. Patrick took great comfort in their company in his final months and days, cherishing reading “Who was?” books with them or quizzing them with math facts. On the day before suffering a catastrophic complication, he sat outside in a camp chair one last time, smiling ear-to-ear as he watched his grandkids playing ball in the backyard, calling balls and strikes as he saw it. The rain poured down on the day of his death, but as he took his final breath, the sun shined through on those by his side who loved him.
Visitation will be held at the Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown Street, Newton, Massachusetts from 5 to 8 PM on Friday March 31, 2023. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday April 1, 2023, at Saint Anne – Saint Patrick Parish, 16 Church Street, Sturbridge, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
Thomas G. Corsac, 78
1943 – 2022
Thomas G. “Tom” Corsac, 78, of Worcester died Sunday, August 28th in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, surrounded by his loving family. A life-long resident of Worcester, he was the second son of George T. and Mary B. (Laukaitis) Corsac. Tom leaves his beloved wife of 57 years, Judith E. (Wooldridge) Corsac; his daughters, Christina Corsac and her wife, Erin White of Minneapolis, MN, Lynne MacKay-Poirier and her husband, Harry Poirier of Spencer, and Jennifer Corsac of Worcester; two sisters, Nina Harkenrider and her husband, Donald of Yarmouth, and Mary Salmon and her husband, Daniel of Arizona; four grandchildren, Brendan, Erin, Grace, and June; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Francis Corsac; and a sister, Katherine Wood.
Although he lost his older brother early in life, Tom deeply valued the enduring brotherhoods he became part of at St. John’s High School, during his tour of duty in Vietnam, as a member of the Worcester Police Department, the Central Mass Drag Racers, and his senior volleyball and softball teams. He was exceptionally proud of his service to his country as a decorated helicopter crew chief and door gunner in Vietnam, and as a 38 year member of the Worcester Police Department, where he started out as a patrolman in Operations but spent the majority of his career in the Vice Squad. At various times during his tenure, Tom was a member of the SWAT team and Robbery Strike Force, as well as a Peer Counselor in the Department’s Stress Program.
Tom had a wicked sense of humor and delighted in making people laugh. He avoided suits, ties, and pretense, and wore with honor the self-applied badge of “ham and egger.” He loved music and sought to understand the world and his place in it through the lyrics and melodies of his favorite songs. A college degree was interrupted by his tour in Vietnam, but he had a natural intellectual curiosity and found joy in learning about all things concerning military history. He went on to receive his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Westfield State through the GI Bill.
Tom cherished the September trips to Martha’s Vineyard with Judi and best friends Gail and Rich Turner, cycling around the island and enjoying the ocean. He adored his grandchildren and loved attending events – watching them play sports, perform in school plays, or sing in choirs. His grandchildren loved having a cool drag car racing, body surfing grandfather.
Tom’s funeral service is Wednesday, September 7th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Tuesday, September 6th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Thin Blue Ride, 55 Woodland Road, Cherry Valley, MA 01611 (thinblueride.org), the VNA Care Network, c/o Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608 or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, Massachusetts 02284. To share a memory or to leave a message of condolence please visit oconnorbrothers.com
Carl T. Forsman, 85
1935 – 2021
RUTLAND – Carl T. Forsman, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at his home in Lake Havasu, Arizona with his loving daughter by his side. He was 85.
Carl, also known as Ted or Teddy, was born in Holden on August 1, 1935 the son of the late H. Elmer and M. Lillian (White) Forsman. He was raised in Holden before moving to Rutland in 1961. He wintered the last 20 years in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Teddy was a graduate of Holden High School, class of 1953. He worked at Norton Co. for more than 30 years and was also a tax consultant for over 67 years. Ted and his wife Sandra raised and trained greyhounds at their “no-kill kennel” in Rutland. He was an avid outdoorsman and a member of the The Fox and Coon Club and a life member of the Hubbardston R&G Club. He was a volunteer driver for the Meals on Wheels program in Barre and a former member of the Rutland Lion’s Club.
Ted enjoyed attending country and western concerts throughout New England, as well as, horse and dog racing events. He loved spending time at his camp on Highland Lake in Hillsboro, NH. Ted was a true sports fan and enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Pats, Celtics and was a big fan of the UConn Women’s Basketball Team. He actively played in softball, bocce, horseshoes and volleyball leagues up into his 80’s. Over the years he coached his children in many sporting events including basketball and baseball. People often referred to Ted as “one of a kind.”
Ted is survived by a daughter, Carole G. Forsman and her life partner, Ronald Worley of Lake Havasu, AZ and Rutland; a son, Carl “Butch” T. Forsman, Jr. and his wife, Donna of Jefferson; a sister, Nancy Stevenson of Worcester, two daughter-in-laws, Sharon Forsman of Maine and Denise Herbst Wagner of Kansas; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Ted was predeceased by his wife Sandra (Josephson) Forsman, his former wife and the mother of his children, Lorraine McCarthy; two sons, John P. A. Forsman and Robert E. Forsman; his infant brother, Kenneth; and granddaughter, Casey.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ted’s family from 10 to 11 am on Saturday, May 1st, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, followed by a funeral service honoring his life at 11:00 am. Casual attire is requested. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Carl’s name to The Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St, Worcester, MA 01606. To share a memory or to offer a condolence please visit
Francis “Frank” Birch, 79
1941-2020
Francis X. Birch, 79, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2020 surrounded by his wife and family at home in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Frank will be remembered dearly by his wife of 57 years, Bernardine (Dragoli) Birch; his daughter Margaret (Birch) Trifero and her husband Richard; his son Christopher Birch and his wife Cathy; his brothers Michael Birch and wife Eileen, and John Birch and wife Norma, and sisters Kathleen Birch and Christine (Birch) Scully; and six grandchildren Christina, Anthony and his wife Rebecca, Katherine and her fiancé Kyle, Marc, Christopher Jr., and Alexa.
Frank is predeceased by his mother and father Francis and Margaret Walsh Birch, and brother-in-law Jay Scully.
Frank was born on March 1, 1941 in Worcester, Massachusetts to Francis Birch and Margaret Walsh Birch. Known for his selfless spirit and quiet demeanor, he was a man of few words, but they were often the wisest. He lived a long and happy life, and was surrounded by Irish and country music, sports, and laughter until the very end. He was the second of four generations to attend St. John’s High School in Worcester and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts where he got introduced to his passion for American History. He worked for the City of Worcester, where he was recognized with the Thomas S. Green Award for his exceptional performance and expertise, being an enthusiastic team player, and his community involvement outside of his career. He retired proudly as Director of Public Health. In his personal life he completed a triathlon, helped organize and run Charlie’s Road Races, was an active political advocate in state, city, and national campaigns, was on the founding committee that plan the ongoing New Year’s Eve celebration “First Night”, coached Jesse Burkett Little League and recently donated a batting cage, and cheered on his favorite Boston sports teams the Red Sox and Patriots as a season ticket holder, enjoying tailgating with his son in the late 80’s and continued the tradition with his grandchildren.
Frank’s love for sports and life never slowed down. He joined a Senior Softball League and played volleyball, and met up with the guys for a McDonald’s cup of coffee every Saturday morning.
Frank and Berni enjoyed their winter retreats to Greenacres, Florida where Frank had a community of friends and spent his days playing bocce, softball and swimming.
He will be remembered most for his devoted attention and love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He found his greatest joy in attending every one of his grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, horseback riding competitions, and being a teacher at “Grandpa School”.
Frank’s acts of kindness and endless giving will live on through those he so generously touched.
The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the care provided by JHC Hospice, especially nurse Becky and caretaker Bernice. They would also like to express immense gratitude to Laura’s Guardian Angels for their guidance, selflessness, and compassion during this time.
The family will receive friends and family on October 1st between the hours of 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, followed by a Mass on October 2nd at 10 AM at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. Burial will be in Saint John’ Cemetery, Worcester.
Family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Worcester Salvation Army – 640 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608.
Dudley Francis Bowker, 92
1927-2020
WORCESTER – Bank President, Pilot, Helped Transform Worcester Airport
Dudley Francis Bowker, 92, died May 8, 2020 from complications of Covid-19. A lifelong resident of Worcester, Dudley served as president and CEO of Millbury Savings Bank. An accomplished pilot, he served as chairman of the Worcester Airport Commission and as a member of the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, advocating for improvements that expanded the city’s regional airport into an economic engine for central Massachusetts.
He was a resident of the Jewish Healthcare Center at the time of his death.
He was born in Worcester in 1927, the fourth son of Harold Sawyer and Susie Mae (Upham) Bowker. He was a graduate of Commerce High School and a 3-year program sponsored by the National Association of Mutual Savings Banks at Brown University. He started his 45-year financial career as a teller at the Millbury Savings Bank rising to president. He is remembered for his lively personality and ability to keep the bank prosperous during his 14-year tenure at the helm. He retired in 1993.
Dudley enlisted in the Navy in 1945 before finishing high school in order to join his 3 older brothers in combat. He attended Aviation Machinists Mate School at the Naval Air Training Center and trained as a rear seat aerial gunner for Navy dive and torpedo bombers. He became a target drone pilot and operator. He served aboard the battleship USS Wyoming, and the USS Solar, a destroyer that was sunk an hour after he transferred off.
At the age of 15, Dudley worked at the Grafton Airport, trading his time for flying lessons. He received his pilot’s license at the age of 16. Using the GI Bill, he attended the Boston National Aviation Academy and graduated with a certificate in airframe and power plant mechanics. He flew planes until he was 87 years old. He flew his niece to Nantucket for her honeymoon and friends and relatives to regional airports for Saturday morning breakfasts.
He was active with the Greendale Men’s Club and enjoyed playing in the senior softball league as a pitcher. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Olive Branch Lodge in Douglas.
Dudley is survived by his wife of 28 years Gladys (Crawford) Forget Bowker, four children: Barbara Minney of Millbury; Steven and his partner Sue Henzy of Georgia; Lee and his wife Judy and Cheryl Vassar and her husband Jeffrey of Millbury; four stepchildren; Steven Forget and his wife Micheline of Shrewsbury; Paula Morrison and her husband Scott of Holden; Christine Forget and her husband John Humphreys of Jamaica Plain and Peter Forget of Westerville, OH as well as 8 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews He is predeceased by his parents, his three brothers, Bradley, Calvin, and Gordon and son-in-law Louis H. Minney.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Jewish Healthcare Center for their kindness and care of Dudley.
Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, services for Dudley will be private and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Park Congregational Church, 111 Park Ave., Worcester, MA 01609 or Oakham Congregational Church, 4 Coldbrook Road, Unit 12, Oakham, MA 01068.
Albert “Butch” Gambaccini, 66
1953-2020
Leicester – Albert W. “Butch” Gambaccini, 66, of Leicester passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family in his home on Sunday, April 12th after a courageous battle with cancer.
Butch is survived by his wife of 45 years and the love of his life, Carol A. (Lapomardo) Gambaccini; two daughters, Gina Gambaccini and her fiancé, Ron Marlborough of Worcester, and Jaime Salerno and her husband Giovanni of Cherry Valley; his two grandsons, Ryan Marlborough and Franco Salerno; his mother, Colleen (Crowley) Ciuffreda and her husband, Francis of West Boylston; two sisters, Dottie Frankian and her husband Tony of Rhode Island, and Tracey Ciuffreda of Worcester; sisters-in-law, Linda Lapomardo of Worcester and Lisa Lapomardo of Rochdale; brother-in-law Frank Lapomardo of Holden; and nieces and nephews.
Butch was born in Worcester, son of the late Albert W. Gambaccini, he grew up in the Shrewsbury Street neighborhood and graduated from North High School in 1972. Butch worked for 38 years at Norton and Saint Gobain Company before he retired in 2011. During his retirement, he decided to start working in the funeral industry where he spent the last 6 years working as a funeral attendant for the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home.
Butch was a devout fan of his beloved New York Yankees and New York Giants, you could often find him sitting by a fire watching the Giants and NFL Red Zone on television. He was a member of the Worcester Senior Athletic Association where he played both softball and volleyball. Butch was a standout player throughout the years in both sports and often traveled to other states and cities to compete in softball with his friends.
Butch could often be found in his yard tending to his lawn or garden but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family especially his two favorite people, his grandsons Ryan and Franco. Butch had an infectious sense of humor and a big heart that was always willing to help those in need. The family wishes to thank the Oncology Dept. at UMass for the care they provided throughout his illness, especially Dr. Sonali Harchandani.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the funeral services for Butch are being held privately. A celebration of Butch’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Butch Gambaccini Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Cornerstone Bank, 121 S. Main Street, Leicester, MA 01524. This fund will be used to award a scholarship to both a Leicester High School graduating senior softball and baseball player.
Thaddeus “Ted” Borowy, 93
1926-2020
WORCESTER – Mr. Thaddeus J. Borowy, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2020 with his family by his side at the Dodge Park Rest Home in Worcester.
Thaddeus was born July 14, 1926 in Worcester a son of the late Stanislaw and Josephine (Podolak) Borowy. Loving wife of fifty-four years to the late Irene (Buffone) Borowy whom he lost on June 29, 2008.
Educated through the Worcester schools, Thaddeus joined the Navy and served his country during World War II. He worked as a machinist and tool maker for over twenty years at Peterson Springs.
Thaddeus was a parishioner of Christ the King Church in Worcester, a member of the Polish American Club, the Knights of Columbus 88, and the Worcester Senior softball League.
He was pre-deceased by his siblings, Chester, Michael and Henry Borowy; his sisters, Stacia Lysiak, Marysia Sot and Jane Sliwoski.
The family would like to thank the staff at Dodge Park Rest Home for their care and professionalism during our days stay.
He is survived by his five sons, Stanley Borowy and his wife Joanne-Scales Borowy, David Borowy and his wife Nancy, Kenneth Borowy and his wife Judith-King- Borowy, Anthony Borowy and his wife Tammy-Walker Borowy and John Borowy; a daughter, Donna Borowy Fernandes and her husband Michael; twenty grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.
His funeral will take place on Wednesday, February 5th at FAZIO FUNERAL HOME, 9 Branch St Worcester. A funeral mass will follow at Christ the King Parish, 1052 Pleasant St. Worcester at 10:30 am. Interment will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be Tuesday February 4th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Louis M. Fazio III, Funeral Director, for directions and to express your condolences please visit http://www.faziofuneralhome.com
Hector Melendez, Sr., 80
Hector S. Melendez, Sr. 80, of Worcester passed away surrounded by loving family Friday, March 16, 2018, joining in heaven his son & best friend, Master Sergeant Hector Melendez, Jr., US Army who passed away in 2012.
Hector is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Gloria E. (Lopez) Melendez; his three children, Jennifer Melendez, Tonita Melendez, Sean Melendez and his wife Maria, his daughter in law Lizbeth Garcia; six siblings, Eddie, Felix and Ernie Melendez, Jr., Lydia, Evelyn and Nancy Jusino; 9 grandchildren, Gina, Anthony, Ruben, Diego, Antonia, Marcelo, Talia, Kristin and Tiffany; four great grandchildren, Nicholas, Emily, Noah and Amelia; many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Besides his son Hector, he is pre-deceased by his brother Julio Melendez and parents Ernesto Melendez & Juana Santana.
Hector worked more than 25 years as a machinist for Rand-Whitney Corporation before retiring. A gifted athlete, Hector loved and played baseball all his life. He was a true Yankee’s fan, loved fishing, gardening, cooking, John Wayne movies and Elvis. He was the Patriarch of his family and will be sadly missed. His family and friends are honored to have known & loved such a Legendary man and will treasure all the great memories of him for eternity.
Hector’s calling hours will be held Thursday, March 22nd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral service will be held Friday, March 23, 2018 at 10:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery.
Worcester County Senior Athletic Association 