All Obituaries

Rafael Antonio Diaz Pino, age 74, of Holyoke, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Holyoke Medical Center. He was born in Laguna Salada, Dominican Republic, and lived in Puerto for many years before moving to Holyoke. Rafael was a chef at several area restaurants including Salsa Rengue Restaurant in Holyoke. He was a faithful communicant of Our Lady Guadalupe Parish where he was an active member of Cursillo programs. He enjoyed participating in many church activities and spending...

Robert G. Engelson, age 94, of Holyoke, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Daybrook Village. He was born in Springfield, son of the late John and Mary Rose (Szymonik) Engelson, and was educated in the Holyoke and Westfield schools. Bob was a United States Army veteran of World War II serving in the European Theater, and attained the rank of Sergeant. He had been employed at the former Springfield Armory and later worked for 33 years as a machine operator at Uniroyal in Chicopee,...

Sandra A. (Moran) Baran of Easthampton passed away on September 21, 2020 with her daughters by her side. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Gerald J. Baran, Sr., and her son, Gerald J. Baran, Jr. Sandy leaves behind her daughters, Kathleen Welch of Easthampton and Cynthia Piubeni of Springfield; her son, Matthew Baran and his wife Stephanie of Enterprise, AL; her grandchildren: Eric, Aimee, Christopher, Marianne, Audrey, Jared, Savannah, Anna, and Jacob; her...

SOUTH HADLEY:  Joan Marie (Lavoie) Brassard, 83, of South Hadley, formerly of Holyoke, passed away peacefully after a short illness surrounded by the love of her family on September 20, 2020. Joan was born on March 3, 1937, in Holyoke, MA to the late Raymond E. and Claire E. (Robert) Lavoie. Joan received her RN from Holyoke Nursing School in 1958. Once her children entered school, she began her career as a floor nurse at Holyoke Medical...

HOLYOKE John J. O’Neill, 59, died Saturday September 19, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center after a long illness. John was born in Holyoke, son of Edith (Sheehan) O’Neill and the late John C. O’Neill and was a graduate of Holyoke High School. He worked for many years at the Department of Public Works for the City of Holyoke. John was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Parish. He enjoyed fishing, watching the New England Patriots, and listening to the Rolling Stones. Besides...

Jean Armitage passed away peacefully on September 17, 2020. She was born the second of four children to Jesse and John Henry Armitage in 1925. She was predeceased by her siblings Doris (Armitage) Hill, Ruth (Armitage) Daly, and Harry Armitage. A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Jean went to Holyoke public schools and graduated from Holyoke High School. Her education did not stop there. Jean was a lifelong lover of learning. She read voraciously and delighted especially in biographies. After she...

HOLYOKE Martin J. “Marty” Dunn, 64, died peacefully on September 11, 2020 with his wife, family and close friends by his side.  Marty was born in Holyoke to John “Beezer” and Florence (Donahue) Dunn.  He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Kathleen Destromp Dunn, as well as a number of cousins, nieces and nephews and in-laws to cherish his memory. Raised in Holyoke, Marty graduated from Holyoke High School where he was captain of the basketball team and...

HOLYOKE:  Frank H. Wotton III passed away on September 10, 2020.  A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Frank is predeceased by his parents Frank and Elizabeth (Driscoll) Wotton and his sister Christine. Frank’s musical talents were well known amongst his family and many, many friends. A devout Catholic, Frank’s faith was a driving force behind his work with individuals living with mental health issues. His specialty in addiction recovery inspired him to establish Living...

James Marten Wildman, Sr., age 62, of South Hadley, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2020 surrounded by his family.  Born on January 4, 1958, James was the son of Paul and Eileen (Stark) Wildman and was raised in South Hadley with his brother Dwight.  James was a graduate of South Hadley High School, where he was a member of the marching band and performed at the Rose Bowl Parade in 1976. He was accomplished in automotive repair and continued to play drums throughout his...

HOLYOKE Robert Gagnon passed away on September 9th with the loving support of his family by his side. Born in Holyoke to Cecile (Morin) and Ernest Gagnon; he was an only child. He was a lifelong resident of Holyoke, growing up in the Battleships as a child, and later raising his family in the Highlands.  On April 12th, 1969, after dating for nine years, Bob married his longtime sweetheart and best friend, Jeanne Lillian (Quesnel); they recently celebrated their golden wedding...