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

On Sunday, September 4th 2022, George Fain Black was found unresponsive at the age of 96. George had recently suffered from a mild heart attack, some 24 years after his quadruple by-pass that gave him an extended life. It is safe to say that George lived a full life.

George’s name represents the three family names that settled Texas. George is a direct descendant from James George who fell in the fall of the Alamo. Black’s Fort today outside of Austin, Texas is only remnants of what it used to be, but is protected by the State of Texas.

Born in Canyon, Texas in January 1926, he lived through the great depression, the dust bowl through high school where he excelled in sports and academics. His nickname was

Georgi Porgi.” George was also a Life Scout, but could not complete his Eagle requirements due to World War II. After graduating from high school, along with life-long friends enlisted in the US Navy to serve during WWII. George was a radio-man serving on the USS Benjamin Franklin, CV-13, also known as “Big Ben” and the “ship that wouldn’t die.” George served on other vessels during his military career and found himself back in Pearl Harbor, and was the radio-man that took the message that the war had ended. George earned various medals and awards.

After the war, George enrolled at the West Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. George was very active in Campus politics and veterans affairs. George is an Alpha Tau Omega, formerly known as Tri-Tau.

After college, George went to work for Texas Employers Insurance which began his 40 year career in Insurance claims. In his early career, George found himself in Florida and met Betty Jo Meadows and married. After their first child was born, Georganne, they returned to West Texas where George met George Bush Sr. At this time, George and George Bush Sr were engaged in business and political aspirations. Their second child Gregory was born in Odessa, Texas.

George then moved to the Houston office for Texas Employers as the District Claims Manager. Once again, George Bush Sr appeared and George was his political advisor when George Bush Sr was elected in the House of Representatives in 1966.

After 40 years of service, George retired from Texas Employers and started his own company G&B Claims Consulting, where he worked until his mid 80’s. George was a Houston Hero and an intrical part of the booming business scene in Houston. He proudly served with the Rotary Club, SCORE, and other organizations.

George is survived by his sister Evelyn Denton, his children, Georganne and Gregory, his grandchildren Jordan and Zachary.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Black family or to Greg at Gregblack@live.com

Harold “Holly” Rausch, age 95, of Nashua, Iowa, died Sunday, June 20, 2021, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua, with Rev. Drew McHolm officiating.

Interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nasha with Robert Rausch, Margaret Rausch, Mark Moine, Drew Moine, Larry Prohaska, Clay Winowiecki, and Lynn Schluter serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Dick White, Harold Begeman, and Ron Ulrichs.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home on Thursday.

Holly Rausch’s long and remarkable life began on March 12, 1926, when he was welcomed into the world by his parents, Edwin and Laura Rausch, in New Hampton.

His family lived in Waterloo until he was 4 before moving to the Nashua area, where Holly attended school, helped out around the farm, made plenty of friends, and landed a part-time job at the post office while he was in high school.

Holly turned 18 in 1944, and he knew the chances that he would be drafted into the service were high, so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. As he said years later in a newspaper interview, by enlisting, he could at least pick the branch of service. He attended basic training in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and was assigned to the USS Franklin, an aircraft carrier nicknamed “Big Ben.”

He served as a mail carrier on the Franklin, a ship that went to hell and back in the Pacific. Three times, Big Ben was hit by Japanese kamikaze pilots, but the worst attack it suffered came a week after Holly turned 19 when Big Ben was hit by two armor-piercing bombs while it was launching aircraft to bomb the Japanese mainland. More than 800 sailors died during the attack, and Holly, like the rest of the survivors, not only made sure their ship didn’t sink but tended to the wounded and identified the dead.

March 19, 1945, was a defining moment in the life of Holly, for he learned the true meaning of “freedom is not free.” Years later, he refused to ever say “I’m having a bad day” because he knew what a real “bad day” looked like.

After the war, he received his honorable discharge and moved back to Nashua, where he met a beautiful young gal named Ruby Schluter. He asked her to join him for coffee a few times, they began dating, fell in love, and were married on Dec. 10, 1950, in Burlington.

Holly worked as a railway mail clerk in Southeastern Iowa city, and the couple welcomed one child, Stephen, who to this day will tell you that he grew up with a father who epitomized fun. Holly loved spending time with his wife and son, be it at home after work or on family vacations they regularly took.

When the Post Office took the mail “off” the railroad, Holly transferred to Nashua, where he worked for more than 20 years, eventually becoming the city’s postmaster until his retirement in 1985. All told, he dedicated 37 1/2 years — including his time on the Franklin — to making sure the mail got through.

But Holly was much more than a postman. He loved his community and played an active, vibrant role in it. He served on the Nashua City Council for years, he was a longtime member of the VFW, American Legion, Nashua Town, and Country Club, and Lions Club. He also was a Mason and belonged to the National Postmasters Associations.

Holly was, in a word, social. He loved people, and once he met someone, he never forgot them. Sixty years after he last saw someone, he could tell you where they lived, who they were married to, where they worked and how many kids they had. He had a gift for walking up to a perfect stranger, striking up a conversation, and making them feel like they had been lifelong friends.

After he retired, Holly and Ruby traveled even more, and it didn’t matter if he was in Nashua, Europe or Asia, he had the gift of gab and the ability to make anyone — be it his friends of 70 years or someone he met a minute ago — feel like they were important.

He loved his Euchre card games, tending to one of the most beautiful yards in all of Nashua and giving back to his community.

Holly and Ruby celebrated 70 years of marriage — “all to the same woman, too,” Holly joked — this past year, and they were blessed with two grandchildren, Robert and Margaret. Holly adored them both and Margaret’s fiancé, Clay Winowiecki, was definitely an honorary grandchild, too.

Holly remained sharp until the very end, and even as the end neared, he still had that smile and the glint in his eyes that was pure Holly Rausch.

A veteran who served his country with honor, a husband who loved his wife for 70 years, a father who gave his son the gift of time, a grandfather who provided so much fun in his grandchildren’s lives, and a community member who gave so much to the city he called home, Holly will be missed dearly.

The world was indeed a better place for the last 95 years because Holly Rausch was in it; however, his legacy will live on for years to come.

Holly is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruby Rausch of Nashua, IA; one son, Stephen Rausch of Nashua, IA; two grandchildren, Robert Rausch, Margaret (Clay Winowiecki) Rausch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert & Kenneth Rausch; three sisters, Edna Ashcroft, Ruth Niley, and Effie Rausch.

Matthew M. Little, 93, of Montclair, N.J., departed this life on Nov. 9, 2018.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Teman A.M.E. Church, 160 Madison Ave., Elizabeth, N.J., Rev. George E. Britt, pastor. Arrangements are in the loving care of the Nesbitt Funeral Home 165 Madison Ave., Elizabeth.
Mr. Little leaves a loving family and dear friends.

Published by The Star-Ledger on Nov. 14, 2018.

Russell E. Gettemy, 99, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022. A man’s life is measured in years, but a better scale would weigh his measure of devotion, and Russell E. Gettemy surely gave his fullest measure of devotion throughout his life: to God, country, family and friends. Born Jan. 25, 1923, in South Greensburg, he was proud to be a Hufftown boy. He spent his youth in pursuit of fun and friendship, picking up the nickname “Pokey.” He always had time to carouse and stir up trouble. When his country called in the world’s hour of need, he proudly took his place, joining the ranks of the Navy to fight with the Greatest Generation. Valiant and ever brave, he served as a gunner aboard the U.S.S. Franklin in World War II. He rarely spoke of his time aboard ship, but when he did, he never spoke of his own contributions, but instead, he spoke of the brave acts of his brothers-in-arms. And when the war was over, he was swept away by his love for Sara, who became his wife, his beloved Sally. He always testified that she saved him. Together they built their own nest, raising their children. He worked and retired from Robertshaw Corp. and served at Christ Church. They lived a happy life, where their dance moves had people clearing the floor and their infectious laughter brought happiness to countless others. Big R’s devilish grin charmed everyone he ever met, and his feisty nature demanded deep affection and commanded fierce loyalty. He made friends out of strangers and spent cheerful hours with favorite pastimes: golf, long drives (later resulting in attempts at grand theft auto after age took away his keys!) and his favorite pastime of all, watching life move all around him from the comfort of his porch (otherwise known as nosy-neighbor snooping). He was amazed at how quickly life moved (“Things change!”) and always happy to see his family and friends. His eyes would light in recognition of a loved one, he grinned, and his hands would lift to welcome them for a chat. “I’ve been thinking of you!” he would say, and it always rang true, because he would ruminate daily on his loved ones. Oftentimes, he was irreverent and cantankerous. He felt a certain rambunctious joy flipping “the bird” and teasing endlessly. He lived 99 years, two months and 25 days on this earth, and according to those closest to him, those years weren’t quite enough. He passed into Paradise peacefully, Tuesday, April 19, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, prayers, tears and laughter. He was greeted and ushered into Heaven by his wife, Sally; his daughter, Gigi; his great-grandson, Alex; his mother and father, George and Essie; and his siblings, Francis, Calvin and Margaret. He will be greatly missed by his sons, Matthew and Robert (Iris); by his grandchildren, Gwen (George), Sara (David), Joshua (Heather), Tara, Danielle, Margaret and Alaina; by his great-grandsons, Collin and Landon; by his special neighbor and adopted daughter, Kim (Brent); and by the many other friends and family whose lives he touched. Life is changed, not ended, and he goes to that place that has been prepared for him in the heavens. We know that at that Table, where death is no more, Granddad waits for us, to share a cookie, a cup of coffee with hazelnut cream and a truly fantastic game of gin-rummy, where he’ll beat the pants off everyone. We love you, and your legacy of devotion will live on, until we meet again. Friends will be received for visitation from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 9, 2022, at Christ Church at 145 N. Main St., Greensburg. Committal at St. Clair Cemetery will directly follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alexander Moreland Memorial Scholarship Fund by going online to pittsburghfoundation.org/donate and entering Alexander Moreland in the search bar, or by mailing a check made out to the Pittsburgh Foundation (include Alexander Moreland Memorial Scholarship Fund in the memo field), and mail to the Pittsburgh Foundation, Five PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Published by Tribune Review on May 8, 2022.

DESMOND – Patrick Allen Desmond, 95, was born Oct. 15, 1926, in Nantucket, Mass., and died June 26, 2022, in Henderson, Nev.

A World War II combat veteran, Pat entered the U.S. Navy from West Haven, Conn., 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, Va., and Vitro Laboratories of Silver Spring, Md. Pat spent 30 years with Vitro Laboratories, eventually retiring in 1986 as a vice president from their 600-person facility in Oxnard, Calif.

Following retirement, Pat and his wife Janet relocated to Bullhead City, Ariz., and later, eventually settling down in Henderson, Nev., 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, Nev.; former wife, Laura C. Desmond of St. Marys, Ga.; sisters Barbara Desmond McDonnell of New Haven, Conn., and Anne Desmond Abele of Mesa, Ariz.; and beloved grandson, Patrick W. Desmond of Viera, Fla.

He is survived by his brothers, Donald D. (Hazel) Desmond of Melbourne, Fla., and Brian H. (Louise) Desmond of Warrenton, Va.; sons, Patrick C. (Colleen) Desmond of Viera, Fla., and Michael D. (Susan) Desmond of Henderson, Nev.; stepson, Robert A. Gonano III of Johns Island, S.C.; grandchildren, Julie Desmond Daily of Viera, Fla., Jamie Desmond Thurston of Hudson, N.H., and Andrew M. Desmond of Eugene, Ore.; 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. Online donation option available.

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

Obituary of John Harry Furrow

John Harry Furrow, 95, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away peacefully Sunday, March 27, 2022.

A native of Roanoke, VA, John was the husband of 72 years to Barbara Spencer Furrow and the son of Harry Furrow and Elizabeth Mayo Furrow, both deceased. John was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Franklin during WWII.

John was a devout follower of Christ, setting an example for all to follow. His greatest contentment in life was found in service to others and to his country, and commitment to his faith and God. After retiring, John pioneered a charity program to feed the hungry in Roanoke, he helped with disaster relief efforts in North Carolina and West Virginia, and he raised money for a women’s domestic violence shelter, just to name a few. John will always be remembered for being a loving husband, a father who always made time for his children, and a “paw paw” who taught his grandchildren the many lessons of life.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; daughters, Connie Powell and husband, Mark, and Tammy Kish and husband, Scott; son, Mike Furrow; five grandchildren, Matthew Walters and wife, Sarah, Christopher Walters and wife, Stacy, Daniel Walters and wife, Trisha, Kyle Kish, and Sydney Kish; numerous great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and two sisters, Judith Marshall, and Jane Jessee.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by three sisters, Virginia Swann, Marguerite Charles, and Georgia Belangia; and one brother, Hayden Furrow.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held 2:00PM Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services Kernersville Chapel with Rev. Skip Furrow officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Reynolda Church Kernersville, 367 W. Bodenhamer Street, Kernersville, NC 27284. Interment with military honors will be held 9:00AM Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.

Friends and family may view, and sign the guestbook at http://www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Next Step Ministries, 955 NC 66, Kernersville, NC 27284 http://www.nextstepdv.org

Charles J. Sakowicz

Chicopee, MA — Charles Joseph Sakowicz was born in Whately, MA on March 30, 1926 to Bertha (Wojick) and Joseph Sakowicz and died peacefully in Holyoke on July 10, 2021. He attended Deerfield Schools and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 to fight in WW II. He was a true patriot and a gunner on the carrier USS Franklin which was attacked by Japanese bombers. Charlie was featured in the book “American Veterans.” After returning home, he married Florence (Whitaker) now deceased, in 1948 in Greenfield and together they raised three children: Gary (Geri), David (Shirley), Sandra Laude (Paul).

He worked in sales for the Millers Falls Tool Co. and retired from Erving Paper Mill. Charlie enjoyed swimming, woodworking, reading National Geographic magazines as well as watching old westerns on TV.

Charles was predeceased by his second wife Katherine (Sliva-Gates). He most recently resided in Chicopee with his latest wife Kathleen (Stoudenmeyer). Charles is survived by his three children, and a stepson John Gates. He leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren: Laura, Rebecca, Debby, Jennifer, Jeff, Taml, Christina, Michael and a step granddaughter Gail. Additionally, he leaves 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Charles will be on Friday (07/16/2021) at 12:00 noon at Wrisley Funeral Home, 90 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, with Fr. Philippe Roux officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, South Deerfield. There will be a time of visitation with family preceding the service, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Expression of Sympathy available at www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Recorder on Jul. 14, 2021.