Laurie Lynn D’Onofrio
Her presence enriched many lives
Laurie Lynn (Topham) D’Onofrio died peacefully at home on March 31 surrounded by those she loved. She was 45 years old.
Born in Methuen, she spent her childhood years in Salem, NH where she attended local schools.
Throughout her life Laurie was a gentle, compassionate person, always focused on the needs and feelings of others.
Graduating from Calvary Christian High School, Derry, NH and prior to her graduation from Gordon College, Wenham, she spent nine weeks in Calcutta, India as a volunteer in Mother Theresa’s Home for the dying. Her heart was always with the unfortunate, serving many times over in soup kitchens, shelters and street ministries.
Prior to her ten and a half year battle with brain cancer, Laurie’s working years were spent as a social worker, predominantly as a case manager for Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Lawrence, MA.
Despite multiple surgeries, radiation and ongoing chemotherapy, Laurie continued to reach out to the community, as a volunteer for local homeless ministries, as a “Wish Grantor” for Make A Wish Foundation, Manchester, NH and as a leader in the Missionette youth ministry of The Riverside Assembly of God Church, Methuen. She was also an active member of the “Angels of Hope” brain tumor support group, Derry, NH. She loved “quiet time” with her family, and she loved the coast of Maine.
Laurie suffered much with her escalating disabilities, but consistently faced the world with her trademark grace, courage and smile. In so many ways, she reflected the love and peace of her Lord, Jesus Christ. She was a devoted, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Our lives have been greatly enriched by her presence.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who showed such kindness throughout Laurie’s final days. Their visits, calls, meals and support were of immeasurable comfort. Our gratitude extends to her personal physician, Melissa Duxbury, MD and Deborah Smith PA, the caring staffs of Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Merrimack Valley Hospice and Riverside Assembly of God Church, Methuen.
Laurie is survived by her husband, Paul D’Onofrio of Windham; her children: Lindsay and Joel of Windham; her parents, Kenneth and Robin (Duncan) Topham of Windham; her brother, David Topham and his wife, Jill of Lee, MA and their children Allison and Joshua; her mother-in-law and
father-in-law, Edward and Norma D’Onofrio of Everett; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stephen and Jacqueline D’Onofrio of Derry, NH, and their children Alicia and Jacob; her maternal aunt, Cathy and her husband, Ronald Simpson of Queensland, Australia, and their children: Nicole, Jennifer, John and Daniel and her devoted friend, Reverend Kathy Vanaria of Assembly of God World Missions.
Funeral Services were held at Riverside Assembly of God Church, Methuen. Private burial was at the Cemetery On The Plain, Windham, NH. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Laurie’s name may be made to the Riverside Assembly of God Church, Methuen, MA, or to the personal charity or organization of one’s choice, which would honor Laurie’s memory, as she rests in His Peace. Messages of condolence to the family may be sent towww.douglasandjohnson.com.
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Rita Louise Casey Bognore
Of Maine, formerly of Everett
Rita Louise Casey Bognore of Maine, formerly of Everett, passed peacefully in her sleep on January 30 following a debilitating stroke. She was 95 years old.
Rita married Jim Bognore of Everett, in 1942, and with Catherine, formed The Rainbow Trio, a professional Country and Western act with two guitars and an accordion, playing the New England circuit and the USO during the war. While raising her family in Everett and employed at Pullman Vacuum of Malden, Rita led a Girl Scout troop and directed their stage performance of the film Mary Poppins. Her home, always scented with home-baked confections, was constantly filled with family and friends. In 1970, Rita moved to York, Maine, where she worked for Foster’s Greenhouse as a bookkeeper for eight years.
Her hobbies included playing bridge weekly, reading extensively and knitting and crocheting sweaters, scarves, hats for friends and family and skull caps for overseas troops. With Jim and Pat, she played and sang the folk mass at St. Christopher’s for several years.
After Jim retired, they fulfilled a lifelong dream by twice driving cross-country sightseeing and also volunteered at Meals on Wheels in York. Following Jim’s death, Rita moved to Meeting House Village in Kittery where she resided for seven years, actively enjoying lunches with friends. Following the stroke, she resided at Durgin Pines, participating in their outings and activities and was always happy to see family and friends. Rita will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
She was the daughter of the late Mary Jane Bernard and Samuel Joseph Caissie and is survived by three children, Ron Bognore of Standish, Maine, Steven Bognore of Sanford, Maine, and Pat Vachon and her husband, David of South Berwick, Maine, plus two siblings, Catherine Casey and Gilbert Caissie and his wife, Sis, of Mesa, Arizona, her brother-in-law, Joseph Bognore and his wife, Jenny of Melrose; two grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
At her request, no public services will be held. Donations may be made to the Social Activities Fund at Durgin Pines, c/o Alyssa Garvey, 9 Lewis Road, Kittery, Maine 03904. Arrangements entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home.
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Anthony Abate, Jr.
Long time Revere taxi driver
Anthony Abate, Jr., formerly of Everett and Revere, died at his New Bedford home after a long illness. He was 65 years old
He worked as a taxi driver in Revere for many years and was a sergeant in U.S Air Force before being honorably discharged in October of 1976 after four years of service.
He was the beloved father of Anthony Abate III of Lynn and Jacqueline Abate of Roxbury; dear brother of Louis, Mary Abate and Chickie Abate; loving son of the late Anthony and Elizabeth Abate.
A Graveside service was held at Mass National Cemetery, Bourne on Tuesday, April 7. For online guest book and memorial visit: www.Buonfiglio.com
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Mario Scenna
Had long and successul career in the automotive industry
Mario Scenna of Pepperell passed away on March 28 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 60 years old.
Mario was born in Orsogna Abruzzi Italy on May 29, 1954. He was the devoted husband of Donna Scenna, the son of John Scenna and the late Angela Scenna; the brother of Rocco Scenna and his wife, Bina Scenna.
Mario came to the United States in 1958 at the age of four with his mother and brother to join his father who came before them to pave the way.
He grew up in Everett and graduated from Everett High School. Mario’s love of cars lead him to Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology where he received a degree in automotive technology. He then went on to have a long and successful career in the automotive industry.
Mario loved to travel and was fortunate that his career allowed him to travel the world seeing many countries, such as Japan, Australia and everything in between. Mario adored taking his family on special trips to the White Mountains, Canada, and Disney World. He had a passion for music and played the drums for many years. When Mario wasn’t fixing, building or racing cars, he enjoyed spending time in Meredith, New Hampshire. Lake Winnipesaukee is where he fell in love with boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles and many other toys. Most of all, he loved and enjoyed being with his family.
Mario was an old school kind of guy, who believed in doing the right thing and he would do anything for his family and friends.
As Mario’s father paved the way for his family here, his mother is paving the way in heaven. Until we meet again, you will forever live on in our hearts.
Mario was a loving father to his three children, Mario, Anthony and his wife, Stephanie, and Nicole, and a loving grandfather to his two grandchildren, Angelo and Lilianna. He also was a beloved uncle to many nephews and nieces. Mario also leaves behind many beloved pets.
A private service will be held for immediate family and invited friends only. Memorial donations can be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Development Office, 100 Cambridge St. Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02114. Donations can also be made online athttps://secure.massgeneral.org/cancer. Arrangements were by the Rocco-Carr-Henderson Funeral Homes.
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Joseph Gerard “Joe” Stewart
Owner of Stewart’s Pub, an authentic Irish Pub in Everett
Joseph Gerard ‘Joe’ Stewart passed away peacefully at home Saturday afternoon, April 4in the arms of his loving wife. He was 51 years old.
Born in Thurles, Tipperary County, Ireland, the son of the late Francis “Frank” and Ceciley M. (Roche) Stewart, Joe attended school in Ireland and came to the United States in his early 20s.
A construction worker and carpenter by trade, Joe worked for the Marchese & Sons Construction in Everett for several years. He was the co-owner of Roadrunner Moving & Storage in Charlestown but in 2001, Joe decided to own his own Pub. Joe and his wife Anne opened Stewart’s Pub in 2002. Joe built the bar with his own hands to ensure it was a true authentic Irish Pub. Joe was the bar manager but also worked at Artisan Construction in Middleton.
He was also a member of the Winthrop Yacht Club. Joe loved taking his family out on their boat. He was an avid fisherman and a member of the Mystic Valley Gun Club in Malden. Joe will be truly missed by his family, friends and his extended family at Stewart’s Pub.
Joe was the beloved husband of Anne M. (Davidson) Stewart of Everett, with whom he shared 19 years of marriage; devoted father of Hannah K. and Niamh M. Stewart, both of Everett; dear brother of Barry Stewart of London, Francis Stewart, John Stewart and his wife, Aisling, all of Dublin.; uncle of Daniel and Paul Stewart of Dublin, Laurie Favarata of London, Alex and Rachel Morran of Scotland and brother-in-law of Andrew and Lorraine Morran of Scotland, and Gordon Davidson.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 489 Broadway, Everett on Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Carafa Family Funeral Home in Chelsea.