Ahearn Funeral Home

06/03/2026

Pati Stillwater

Pati Stillwater passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at Wildwood Cemetery, 70 Strong Street, Amherst at 11:00 AM.

(Please arrive promptly by 10:45 A.M., follow the signs to the gravesite)

View Pati Stillwater's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/03/2026

Virginia Mary Kirk

Virginia “Vir” M. Kirk of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at Hood River Post Acute Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Vir was born on June 24th, 1930, to Ernest L. and Ethel B. Dodge at their farmhouse in Chesterfield. She was predeceased in death by her parents, her husband, Norman F. Kirk of Chesterfield, and four siblings; Elliot B. Dodge of Manchester, CT, Ruth E. Witherell of Westfield, MA, Dorothy P. Roberts of Chesterfield, MA, and William H. Dodge of Hadley, MA. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce V. Murphy of Hood River, OR, her grandchildren, Kimberly J. Millhollin and Darren N. Bates, both of Fairview, OR; and her great grandchildren, Mackenzie M. Bates, Alexis L. Bates and Ayla R. Bates of Fairview, OR.

On October 30th, 1947, Vir married Norm Kirk and they lived in Chesterfield until his passing in 2016. She then moved to Oregon to live with her daughter and son-in-law. It was a big move for her, but she handled it well.

After their marriage, Norm and Vir bought a farmhouse in Chesterfield and ran their own dairy farm there for a few years. Vir loved the Holstein cows and had a name for each one! In the mid 50’s, they sold the cows to pursue different adventures. Vir wrote about how Norm bought an airplane at 40 years old, and how they then traveled to every state but four. She loved to fly from the backyard to Jaffery, NH for scallops at the airport restaurant – and to go up in the fall when the colorful foliage was at its peak.

Vir was a member of the First Congregational Church in Chesterfield where she sang in the choir for many years, and volunteered cooking church suppers. She was also a member of the Chesterfield Grange and the Mother’s Club. She sang in minstrel shows in town in the 50’s, and later in life was a cook, bus driver and custodian at the Davenport School (all at the same time!) in Chesterfield. Norm helped a lot with custodial duties.

Vir was famous for her good nature, fun and laughter, and her love for children. She loved to sing and dance (western style square dancing). She enjoyed art, music, moped riding, and raising rabbits. But her all-time favorite hobby was fishing for brook trout, which she took very seriously. She is also remembered in Chesterfield for making and sharing homemade root beer and pies. As everyone knows, her favorite treat was ice cream! – Hot fudge sundaes with chocolate ice cream.

Vir possessed a deep love for life and all of its little miracles. May she bring love and laughter to those in heaven, and fond memories to us who remain.

There will be a Celebration of Life on June 20th, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the First Congregational Church in Chesterfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 56, Chesterfield, MA 01012.

View Virginia Mary Kirk's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/03/2026

05/29/2026

Jeffrey Alan Rida

WORTHINGTON, MA - It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Jeffrey Alan Rida on his 69th birthday at Mass General Hospital in Boston, with his better-half, Karen holding his hand while he made sure she was asleep. His 14-year struggle with cancer is now over and he is no longer in pain. Jeff was born on May 19, 1957, to Alan P. Rida and Shirley Whitaker Rida.

His life was well lived with more than a million miles all over New England in a tractor trailer truck. His daily trips for N & B Express. Inc. for 25 years, and then his next family, R.M. Sullivan for seven more, gave him 32 wonderful years as a member of Teamsters 404. His work ethic was a tribute to a Big Man whom one of his Drs. called a Gentle Giant. He loved all of his trucker families. The CB radio friends and fellow truck drivers would reach out to Shifty and get their GPS recommendations before GPSs were even invented.

He was known to his family as Mr. Rand McNalley and always gave his children the best rest stops and gas prices along their road trips whenever they requested. Jess used his skill when traveling back from college for the nearest rest stop.

In his retirement he enjoyed going to breakfast or lunch with friends; having garage hangouts; providing directions throughout the Northeast over the phone; and watching his grandchildren play in their many sports. Throughout the year he could often be found on a tractor somewhere on the families farm.

Jeff was a member of the Worthington Snowmobile Club for many years and recently was named a Legion in the middle of April. He enjoyed many miles with numerous friends. You all know who you are, and the multiple beers at Liston's to end out the day. He was also a member of the Cummington Lions Club with his grandfather, Leroy, and Dad, Alan, making the first three generation members of a Lions Club, a true tribute to Leroy who was dedicated to this organization.

Jeff leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Karen, his children, Glenn (Kate), Jessica, Andrew (Bridget), and Ryan (Marjorie), his grandchildren. Jake (Haley), Katelynn (Preston), Madison, Kaleigh, Andrew. Nora, and Jaden, great-grand-daughter Shannon and soon to be great-grandson. He also leaves his brother Steve and his family, Amanda, Steven Jr, and Cody and many grand nieces and nephews and his stepmother, Mary Rida of Sarnia, Canada. Additionally, he leaves behind many more wonderful cousins and extended family and friends-more than anyone could ever wish for.

He now joins his mom and dad along with his grandparents Leroy and Gertrude Rida and Wendell and Ethel Whitaker, his aunt Anne Richardson, aunt Nancy Sheppard and uncle Rodney Whitaker and his mother-in-law Nancy Wickland.

A special thank you to Dr Lindsay Rockwell, and Dr. David Serlin who were there before the cancer even showed but watched him closely when the inevitable happened in November of 2011. Jeff begged for medicine to get him through three more months to reach his 32 years in the union. It worked. A special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Barnes, Dr. Patrick Johnson Dr. Deborah Forst, plus multiple others, too many to list. The fantastic nurses and PCA's on Lunder 9 for the last eleven days to include Claire, Allyson, Emma, Lisa, Lynne, Sela, Pierce and Danielle. If I forgot anyone, thank you. Your impeccable care for Jeff made him so comfortable and at ease during this difficult time. But also made his family know that he was getting the best care possible.

Visiting hours for Jeff will be held on Sunday, May 31st from 12:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Ahearn Funeral Home in Northampton. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, June 14th at the Cummington Fair Ground from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. A true tribute to a man who loved to party and enjoy the company of his family and friends.

If you would like to make a donation in Jeff's memory, please consider the Hillside Agricultural Society, care of Sandy Lilly, P.O. Box 3004, Ashfield MA 01330, or any organization closest to your heart.

Next time you are enjoying a beer or bowl of ice cream please remember Jeff as these were two of his favorites.

View Jeffrey Alan Rida's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Chief John Cartledge is proud to announce the promotions of the following members of the Northampton Police Department:

Alan Borowski - Al is a 28-year veteran of the department and was promoted in December from 7-3p Patrol Lieutenant to Captain of Administration. Prior to Patrol Lieutenant he has served numerous roles within the department to include Detective Bureau Lieutenant, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant and Field Training Officer. Throughout his career he has taken on many critical administrative responsibilities including Supervisor of Crime Scene Services, being a Major Events and Parade Coordinator, Fi****ms Administrator, among many others.

Capt. Borowski has received several honors and awards over his career including the Grand Cordon Medal, Unit Citation Medal, Certificates of Commendation, the Easthampton Police Department Award of Merit and the Hampshire County Emergency Medical Services Certificate of Recognition.

Dennis Liptak - Dennis is a 21-year veteran of the department and was promoted in April from 3-11pm Patrol Sergeant to 3-11p Patrol Lieutenant. Over the course of his career, Lt. Liptak has held several key roles, including Field Training Supervisor and Fleet Supervisor both of which take a significant amount of work.

Lt. Liptak's awards include the Meritorious Service Award, Unit Citation Medal, Physical Fitness Medal, Certificate of Commendation and multiple Letters of Commendation.

Matthew Montini - Matthew is a 12-year veteran of the department and was promoted in April from 11-7a Patrol Officer to 11-7a Patrol Sergeant. Sgt. Montini serves as one of the department's Field Training Officers. Other duties Sgt. Montini holds are Fi****ms Instructor, DT Instructor, Pepperball Instructor, ALERRT Instructor and has served as Bike Patrol Officer. He also currently serves as a Staff Instructor at the Holyoke Police Academy.

Sgt. Montini's awards and commendations include: Letter of Commendation, Unit Citation Medal, MADD Award, and the Exceptional Duty Medal.

All three were administered the Oath of Office by Mayor Sciarra Tuesday evening in the Community Room at NPD. Best of luck to each in their new roles!

05/24/2026

Getting Florence ready for Memorial Day with Chris Powers, Brian O’Connor, Glenn Gilbert, Mark Vaclavicek, Ann Day, Maddy Tacy, Kurt Brazeau and Malo Electric ⚡️

05/23/2026

Tacy Farm!! Outstanding ! 🇺🇸