ROE D. WOODY, 85 ROCKFORD – Roe D. Woody, 85, of Rockford passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at home, surrounded by his family. Born July 19, 1924, in Wild Cherry, Ark., to Elvin and Agnes (Guthrie) Woody. Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Married Leta Heflin on Sept. 13, 1946. Employed at Chrysler in Belvidere, retiring in 1991, and was a proud member of UAW Local 1268, serving as chief steward. “Woody” learned to cook in the Navy. He owned cafes in Lepanto and Marked Tree, Ark., and never turned anyone away because they couldn’t afford to pay. A devoted and loving husband and father, he was a big man who was compassionate and understanding. A source of strength to his family and friends. Survivors include wife, Leta; sisters, Gayona Ramsey and Bobbie Stark; children, Denis Woody, David (Tina) Woody, Donald (Gail) Woody, Dana (Charlie) Peters, Damon (Rhonda) Woody, Daryl (Tanya) Woody and Delana Woody; grandchildren, Troy, Shane, Joshua R., Lori, Toni, Michael, Brandon, Misty, Rex, Danielle, Brittany, Joshua L., Rachal, Jolene, Megan, Stephen, Jenna, Taylor, Jesse and Shaylyn; great-grandchildren, Sommer, Ian, Jeffery, Jeremy, Jordan, Leta, Kyra, Tyler, Hayden, Landen and Jameson; great-great-grandchild, Chloe; and numerous relatives and friends. Predeceased by parents; sisters, M.E. (Beth), Ida Mae, Claudine and Lucille; infant son, Dallas; and grandson, Christopher. Memorial service in his honor at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, in Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, with visitation from noon to time of service; the Rev. Ron C. Meyer will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your charity of choice. Online condolences to mem.com.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Feb. 5 to Feb. 11, 2010.

Patrick Allen Desmond, age 95, was born October 15, 1926 in Nantucket, Massachusetts and died June 26, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada.

A World War II combat veteran, Pat entered the U. S. Navy from West Haven, Connecticut in October 1943. His military career spanned 10 years, leaving the service in 1953 as a Chief Fire Control Technician. He served on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV13) as a member of the pre-commissioning detail at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company and remained aboard “Big Ben” during her short, but highly decorated service to our nation.

Pat saw combat in the South Pacific on numerous occasions including the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. Later, while attacking Japan’s Honshu Island and Kobe Harbor on March 19, 1945, the USS Franklin (CV13) suffered a devastating Japanese bomber attack in which two-500 pound armor-piercing bombs resulted in the ship being dead in the water less than 50 miles from the Japanese’s mainland. Casualties that day were 724 killed and 264 wounded. Pat was one of 704 members to return to the United States aboard the injured USS Franklin (CV13) which was cited as the most badly damaged U.S. Navy ship to ever return under her own power, arriving at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on April 28, 1945.

Pat was later assigned as an instructor at the Gunnery Officer Ordnance School in Washington, D.C. where he taught fire control systems to U.S. Naval Officers as well as foreign naval officers for many years.

Pat’s civilian work experience subsequent to his leaving the Navy spanned 36 years with three employers, Corvey Engineering Company of Washington, D.C., RCA Service Company of Alexandria, Virginia, and Vitro Laboratories of Silver Spring, Maryland. Pat spent 30 years with Vitro Laboratories, eventually retiring in 1986 as a Vice President from their 600-person facility in Oxnard, California.

Following retirement, Pat and his wife Janet relocated to Bullhead City, Arizona and later, eventually settling down in Henderson, Nevada in 2000.

Pat was most proud of his two sons, Patrick and Michael. Patrick retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Major; Michael retired from the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer.

Pat hoped to be remembered for his pride of his Irish heritage, his love of Irish jokes, his fondness for Guinness, and his exhortation of Jeeze Peeze.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janet B. Desmond of Henderson, Nevada; former wife Laura C. Desmond of Saint Marys, Georgia; sisters Barbara Desmond McDonnell of New Haven, Connecticut and Anne Desmond Abele of Mesa, Arizona; and beloved grandson, Patrick W. Desmond of Viera, Florida. He is survived by his brothers Donald D. (Hazel) Desmond of Melbourne, Florida and Brian H. (Louise) Desmond of Warrenton, Virginia; sons Patrick C. (Colleen) Desmond of Viera, Florida and Michael D. (Susan) Desmond of Henderson, Nevada; stepson, Robert A. Gonano III of John’s Island, South Carolina; grandchildren Julie Desmond Daily of Viera, Florida, Jamie Desmond Thurston of Hudson, New Hampshire and Andrew M. Desmond of Eugene, Oregon; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to University Medical Center Children’s Hospital Foundation, Attn: Destiny Hampton, 1800 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 508, Las Vegas, NV 89012. Checks should be payable to: UMC Foundation. On-line donation option available.

Pat will be interred at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Clark County, Nevada. Arrangements entrusted to the Boulder City Family Mortuary, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Wilson “Will” R. Wareham

Retired Master Electrician, Master Craftsman and US Navy WWII Veteran

Wilson “Will” Wareham, 94, passed away on June 28 with his loving family by his side.

Will was born on December 28, 1927 and was a Chelsea native, but much of his life was spent in Revere. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy on the USS Franklin CV13. Most recently, and a very proud moment for Will, the U.S. Army recognized him for his honorable service with a ride to D.C. on the Honor Flight.

Will returned from the war to start his life with his lifelong sweetheart, Dorothy. They were married in 1947 (at just 19 years old) and had three children. He worked many years as a Master Electrician for Tumblin Electric. Not only was he a Master Electrician, some would say he was also a Master Craftsman!

Will was the master of all woodworking projects, and could out-whittle anyone. When he wasn’t carving tiny boots out of blocks of wood, you could also find him tossing the bocci ball, skunking someone on the cribbage board or enjoying a cold Busch in the sun on his front porch in Egret Circle. He was also a lifetime member of the Broadsound Tuna Club in Revere and the Port Charlotte Moose.

Will was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Dorothy T. Wareham, daughter, Lori T. Palladino, son, William R. Wareham, granddaughter, Tiffany Wareham and grandson, Chris Wareham. He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Patricia Stowell and son-in-law, William and cousin, Leona VanBuskirk and her husband, Jack.

He was the cherished grandfather of Jillian Penfield and her husband, Robert, Whitney Mugford and her husband, Anthony, Alyssa, Christopher and Richie Palladino, Liz Simone, and Kelly Wareham; eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and all the wonderful neighbors of Egret Circle who will miss him dearly.

Services will be private. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in his honor.

National Cremation Society, 2672 Tamiami Trail- Suite 4 B, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

HAROLD WEST OBITUARY
Hope Valley, R.I. – Harold W. “Hal” West Sr. 95, of Hope Valley, R.I., husband of the late Barbara (Dorrington) West, was called home to be with the Lord Nov. 10, 2022. Born in Westerly, R.I. Aug. 16, 1927, he was the son of the late Eugene and Ethel (Binns) West.

He resided in White Rock, R.I., until joining the U.S. Navy in February of 1945, during World War II, and four months before his high school graduation. His parents were presented his diploma on graduation day from Westerly High School. While in the Navy, he served on the aircraft carrier the U.S.S Franklin, nicknamed Big Ben, until discharge in 1946. Upon discharge, he began working at the Mohegan Bakery where he met the love of his life, Barbara Dorrington. They were married in November of 1948. He worked at the former C.B. Cottrell Co., which later became Harris Graphics, until they closed in 1989. He then worked in the janitorial department in the Chariho School System, retiring in 1992.

Harold was an avid outdoorsman all his life, even in his later years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping and his expertise was occasionally sought after by the RI DEM. He loved spending time in his garden, and enjoyed sharing his harvest with the family. He was very civic minded and active in town sports by serving as treasurer for Chariho Youth League, time keeper for the basketball league and coach for the baseball league. Harold had a passion for the outdoors, his family and his faith.

Harold will be sadly missed by his five children: Harold West Jr. and his wife Carole of Preston, Lawrence West of Westerly, R.I., Cathy LaFountain and husband William of Rockville, R.I., Lois Reynolds and husband David of Carolina, R.I.. and Debbie Hull and husband David of Wood River Jct., R.I. He also leaves his grandchildren: Harold West III and his wife Brittney, Angela Burns and her husband Jesse, Larry West and wife Rebekah, Jim Medeiros, Tracy Pion and husband Scott, Michelle Emond, Sandi Scott and husband Jeff, Melissa Page and husband Matt, LeeAnne Colahan and husband Bryan, Ryan Hull and wife Kerrie and Brandi Hull and partner Mike Hurd. He is also survived by his brother Donald West and wife Lisa; sister-in-law Maria West; and 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Barbara, he was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Carolyn West; infant grandson William H. West; brother Robert West; and brother and sister-in-law George and Mary West.

The West family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the S.R. Avery Funeral Home, Main Street, Hope Valley, R.I. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the First Baptist Church in Hope Valley, 1059 Main Street, Hope Valley, R.I. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church in Hope Valley. Please visit http://www.averyfuneralhome.com for information.

Published by The Day on Nov. 13, 2022.

John Murphy
December 9th, 2022

John Murphy
John Murphy, 95, was born in Melrose, Mass., to the late Joseph Patrick and Mary Eunice Divver Murphy. He was predeceased by his wife, Alice McKinney Murphy, sister-in-law, Sheila McKinney Woods and his brothers Robert and Joseph, his sisters Barbara Ryan and Katharine Mollins.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, John leaves his sons, Robert W., John E. Jr. (Sharyn), and Joseph P. (Carmen) and daughters, Linda Large (Mike) and Patty Bridge (Lorin), his grandchildren Patrick Large (Lisa), Erin Kleinfelt (Michael), Lorin Bridge Jr. (Heather), Meryl Exley (Ryan), John Murphy III, Lisa LaVenture (Eric), Alex Large (Samantha), Mallory Murphy, Keegan Murphy, Jonathan Fonseca; and his 12 great-grandchildren.

John graduated from Melrose High School in Massachusetts. He served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Franklin during its restoration years, then worked at McKesson and Robbins in Boston, where he met the love of his life, Alice.

He moved his young family, including his teenage sister- in-law, to Wilmington, Mass., where he was an active member of his community and church for many years. John was known for his incredible work ethic, and was remarkably successful in life insurance sales. He learned everything he could about the families he served, even helping those that only he knew their struggles.

John was a community servant, as demonstrated by his commitment and leadership as president of the Lions Club. When anyone needed a hand, John was there to lend his support and help in any way possible. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary with his best friend, Frankie Griffin, and together their love of boating took them on many nautical adventures.

In later years, the family relocated to Clearwater, Fla., where John was an “explorer of the South” in his position as a Home Office Inspector for John Hancock, and then director of the Department of Special Activities.

John loved nature, and was an environmentalist before his time. He had a passion for cleaning up the outdoors, especially during his summers on Long Lake in Maine, where he always enjoyed the company his many New England friends. No stick in the woods was safe when John was around!

John’s love of traveling the world was shared by his wife, especially to their homeland of Ireland where they never met a stranger.

Visitation begins at 9 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Philippe Pkwy., Safety Harbor, FL 34695. Share memories, Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater, Fla. http://www.dignitymemorial.com or view Guest Book www. tampabay.com/obits