Mack Family Funeral Homes

Mack Family Funeral Homes The Mack Family Funeral Home staff serves the funeral needs of the community to honor the lives of their loved ones in personal and meaningful ways.

Visit our page to learn about events in the communities we serve: the towns of Orange, Athol and the North Quabbin area, as well as Gardner and Leominster and surrounding areas. We'll have articles of interest about dealing with end-of-life issues, veterans benefits, and dealing with grief. And we'll have links to articles that will help you plan ahead and learn about the many options available.

Eric D. KenneyEric David Kenney, aka, Lippa, aka Benny, 59, died Saturday, June 6, 2026. He was the son of the late Robe...
06/10/2026

Eric D. Kenney

Eric David Kenney, aka, Lippa, aka Benny, 59, died Saturday, June 6, 2026. He was the son of the late Robert Kenney and his stepmother, Guanda Kenney and Suzanne (Jochim) and Edward Bean. He was born in Gardner on December 14, 1966.

He graduated from Athol High School. He worked as a mason for Legrand Masonry for over 40 years.

Eric was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed the Patriots, Bruins and the Red Sox. He also enjoyed rebuilding and restoring guitars, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. He was lovingly known to his nieces and nephews as Uncle Dump or Uncle Ick, and the BEST and MOST fun uncle ever.

Eric is survived by his son, Eric Lee Kenney, his step children, Zachary Cameron, Eric Cameron, Kalie Cameron, and Josh Liukkonen. His grandchildren: Ava Kenney, Bentley Kenney, Emma Martin, Josie Fiske and Nora Cameron. His siblings: Margo Best and her husband Peter, Kristal Porter and her husband Richard, Tarna Bassett, Terri Kenney and Debbie Desrosiers. His nieces and nephews: Cassandra Cutting, Francine Porter, Joey Adams, Sandra Bergeron, Lindsay Barker, Lisa Martin, Robert Martin, Keith Bassett, Shane Desreuisseau, and Magen Hamel; and many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Lori (Bjorson) Kenney.

In Lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to North Quabbin Animal Control, 450 Thrower Rd., Athol, MA 01331.

To help offset the cost of Eric's services, the family has started a GoFundMe page. To donate, please visit this link: https://gofund.me/cc9afa533

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20, 2026 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Wheelerville Community Club, 698 East Main Street, Orange, MA 01364.

Mack Family Funeral Homes, Athol-Orange Chapel 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA has been entrusted with Eric's funeral arrangements.

View Eric D. Kenney's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

John Henry WaltersJohn Henry Walters, 75, of W. Townsend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, at Beth Israel Deaco...
06/09/2026

John Henry Walters

John Henry Walters, 75, of W. Townsend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston after an illness.

John was the loving husband of Diane Samuli Walters (Dee), with whom he shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a proud and devoted father to his daughters, Rebecca (Becca) Walters and her husband, Degory Brownell, of Kingston, and Tiffany Walters of Plymouth. He was also a loving grandfather to Logan, Owen, Madeline, Austin, and Troy, who brought him immense joy and pride. John is also survived by his dear sister, Mary-Lou (Walters) Thompson, and brother-in-law, C. Stanley Thompson, of Gardner; his niece, Kathryn Suprenant; and his nephew, Robert Thompson. Born on August 6, 1950, to the late Louis Walters and Aili V. (Waltanen) Walters Walsh.

John grew up in New York City and attended Concordia Preparatory School in Bronxville, New York. He went on to attend the University of South Carolina, where he played tight end for the South Carolina Gamecocks and earned the George Terry Award. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Commercial Art. In the 1970s, John continued his football career as a player for the semi-professional football team, the Middleboro Cobras. John was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Westminster. His faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior was at the center of his life. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” –Philippians 1:21. John was an avid prayer warrior. He would always offer to pray for anyone who was in need. John’s hobbies and passions were railroads, cars, and football. John’s fascination with railroads, combined with his artistic ability, led him to create intricate, realistic railroad layouts and landscapes. From a young age, John developed an extensive knowledge of cars, which was the catalyst for his later love of restoring and selling vintage automobiles. He was an avid NASCAR enthusiast; from 1995, John worked as a consultant, acquiring sponsorships for NASCAR teams. John’s passion for football was certainly evidenced by his college career, but later in life, he also took a creative and entrepreneurial direction; he was the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of The Final Round, LLC. The Final Round Draft is John’s own patented innovation, which would allow fans the opportunity to add their votes to the professional sports draft process

A passionate animal lover, John adored his pets: Aubrey, Bentley, Ferrari, and his very special dog, Preston Tucker. He also had a soft spot in his heart for his goddaughter-dog-friend, Bessie Grace, who loved him right back. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, John loved to laugh and, even more, he loved making others laugh. He enjoyed classic comedy acts such as The Three Stooges and Laurel and Hardy, and he could always be counted on to share a joke or quote a funny line from a favorite movie. His favorite holiday was Christmas, and each year he eagerly anticipated watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Christmas in Connecticut, a tradition that brought him great joy. John particularly enjoyed reminiscing about his childhood in the Bronx and sharing those stories with family and friends, which he did at family gatherings while eating one of Dee’s famous oversized burgers. Above all, John will be remembered for his love of family, his willingness to help anyone in need, his humor, and his ability to bring smiles to those around him. His presence filled every room with warmth and laughter, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at 12:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1 Hagar Park Road, Westminster, MA 01473. Burial will follow in the Woodside Cemetery, 9 Narrows Road, Westminster.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Our Savior Lutheran Church memorial fund, P.O. Box 459. Westminster, MA 01473.

Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440, has been entrusted with John's funeral arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit. www.mackfamilyfh.com

View John Henry Walters's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Thomas Patrick HollandThomas Patrick Holland, born on September 21, 1966, in Fitchburg, MA, passed away on June 5, 2026,...
06/09/2026

Thomas Patrick Holland

Thomas Patrick Holland, born on September 21, 1966, in Fitchburg, MA, passed away on June 5, 2026, in Jaffrey, NH. Throughout his life, Thomas was known for his humble nature and thoughtful demeanor. He previously resided in Fitchburg and Gardner, MA, where his presence will be deeply missed by friends and family

Thomas was a Medical Secretary in the healthcare industry. His humble approach, combined with his thoughtful nature, made him an invaluable employee.

Beyond his professional life, Thomas was an avid nature lover. He found joy in the simplicity of life, spending his free time tending to plants, observing birds, and building bird houses. He also had a penchant for technology, often seen playing on his computer. His hobbies brought him immense pleasure and were a testament to his love for life and nature.

Thomas is survived by his loving mother, Shirley Roy, and her husband, Paul Roy, of Royalston; his sister, Danielle Holland, of New Mexico; a brother, Sean M. Holland, of Lancaster, MA; and two nephews, Andrew Holland and Guy Holland.

We encourage you to share your fond memories and photos of Thomas on the memorial page. His life was a testament to quiet strength and kindness, and your stories will help keep his memory alive.

Please join us in remembering Thomas during calling hours on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts. A service will follow immediately at 12:00 PM.

View Thomas Patrick Holland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Edward Francis Goodman, Jr.Edward Francis Goodman Jr., 62, passed away on May 31, 2026, surrounded by those who loved hi...
06/09/2026

Edward Francis Goodman, Jr.

Edward Francis Goodman Jr., 62, passed away on May 31, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him.

Born on December 5, 1963, Edward attended schools in Germany and graduated from Ayer High School in 1982. He worked for most of his life as a carpenter and drywaller, taking pride in his craft and using his skills to help others. He was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and kind heart.

Edward enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. He will be remembered for his willingness to help others and the positive impact he had on those around him.

Edward is survived by his daughter, Kayla Goodman; his longtime companion of 22 years, Teresa Mitchell; Dustin Arehart and Brittany Mitchell, who held a special place in his heart and whom he helped raise; his sisters, Julie Renaud, Christine Dickerson, and Sophie Strout; and his brothers, Gary Goodman, Robert McCauley, Robert Goodman, Ben Chamberlain, Joshua Chamberlain, and Timothy Chamberlain. He also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Edward’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

View Edward Francis Goodman, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Robert Raymond NortonWe join together to celebrate and honor the life of Robert Raymond Norton, affectionately known as ...
06/08/2026

Robert Raymond Norton

We join together to celebrate and honor the life of Robert Raymond Norton, affectionately known as Pepe, Dad, or Bob to his loved ones. Born in Fitchburg, MA, on December 1, 1950, Robert was a compassionate, loving, and thoughtful individual whose life was a testament to these qualities. He was always the first to lend a supportive hand, the first to listen, and the last to judge. As Charles Dickens once said, "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” It was clear that Robert lived by these words throughout his life.

Robert was a dedicated and talented shoemaker by profession. He held this position at Anwelt Shoe Co in his beloved hometown of Fitchburg. However, his life was not all work. He had a wonderful collection of hobbies that he cherished. They were a reflection of his unique personality. Robert loved watching the Three Stooges, listening to country music, and was an avid fan of The Andy Griffin Show. He had a particular fondness for Slim Jims, a treat that brought him immense joy. But above all, what mattered most to Robert was his family. He was a loving and supportive husband to his wife, Janet Norton, and a loving father to Crystal Norton, Sylvia Mosher, and Edna Smoot, and a loving stepfather to his stepchildren, Angel Tusia, Sandy Aker, Sally Doiron, Todd Stark, and Jennifer Stark. His family was his world, and his world was his family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Norton. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, Janet; his daughters, Crystal, Sylvia, and Edna; his stepchildren, Angel, Sandy, Sally, Todd, and Jennifer; his brothers, Ernest and Ricky Norton; and many step-grandchildren, all of whom will carry his memory forward with love. As we remember Robert, let’s remember his words, his laughter, the love he shared, and the life he lived. As George Eliot beautifully said, "Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them." Robert will always live in our hearts and memories.

Please take a moment to share your memories and upload photos of Robert to the memorial page to keep his spirit alive among us. Honoring Robert's wishes, there will be no memorial services.

View Robert Raymond Norton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Ella M. Cormier"The love of a family is life's greatest blessing."Ella M. Cormier, 89, passed away peacefully on June 5,...
06/08/2026

Ella M. Cormier

"The love of a family is life's greatest blessing."

Ella M. Cormier, 89, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, in Leominster, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love of her family. Ella was born on February 10, 1937, in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, New Brunswick, Canada. She was the daughter of the late Albénie and the late Olive (Cormier) LeBlanc.

She was a woman whose warmth, kindness, and loving spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Ella embraced life fully and found joy in caring for others, creating a welcoming home, and spending time with her family.

For many years, Ella worked as an assembler in the manufacturing industry and retired from Cardinal Combs after a dedicated career. Beyond her professional life, she was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in cooking, crocheting, and knitting blankets and slippers for family and friends. She especially cherished traveling to Canada each year with her beloved husband, Donald.

Ella was predeceased by her husband, Donald O. Cormier; her son, Mike Cormier; her grandson, Juan Carlos Vivar; her six sisters, Christina, Lorraine, Rita, Doris, Dorice, and Jeannita; and her five brothers, Ulysse, Lionel, Léonide, Alderie, and Norman.

She leaves behind her loving daughter, Lizette LeBlanc of Leominster, MA; her son, Gilles Cormier, and his wife, Cheryl Cormier, of Hopedale, MA; and her five cherished grandchildren: Tammy Beauvais of Baldwinville, MA; Stephanie LeBlanc-Vivar of Leominster, MA; Sebrena LeBlanc and her fiancé, Cory Gordon; Meaghan Cormier and her significant other, Erik Brideau; and Jason Cormier and his wife, Theresa Cormier, of Fitchburg, MA.

Ella was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Shawn LeBlanc, Kevin Beauvais of Baldwinville, MA; Anthony Calderon, Jayden Vivar of Leominster, MA; Jacob Brideau, Colton Brideau, and Dillon Cormier of Fitchburg, MA. She is further survived by her great-great-grandson, Lucas LeBlanc of Athol, MA, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ella's memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 9 - 10:15 a.m. at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Cecilia Church, 180 Mechanic St, Leominster. Burial will be private at a later date.

In honor of Ella's life, family and friends are encouraged to share their fondest memories and photographs on her memorial page. These stories and images will serve as a lasting tribute to a remarkable woman whose life was defined by love, kindness, support, and devotion to her family.

Arrangements are under the care of Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg.

View Ella M. Cormier's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Rita EnosRita Enos, born on September 25, 1934, in the charming town of Cheshire, Chester, England, United Kingdom, pass...
06/05/2026

Rita Enos

Rita Enos, born on September 25, 1934, in the charming town of Cheshire, Chester, England, United Kingdom, passed away on June 3, 2026, at her residence in Hubbardston, Massachusetts. She was a woman whose actions spoke volumes, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who were touched by her.

Rita was a supervisor at Brooks Pharmacy. Outside of her career, Rita found solace in knitting, creating intricate patterns that mirrored the complexity and beauty of her life.

Rita was a loving wife to Gerald Enos, who survives her and will continue to treasure the memories they shared throughout their married life. She also leaves her daughter, Debbie Lefebrve; three grandchildren; one niece, Susan Bretherton; and a sister-in-law, Sandra Rania.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Frederick and Dorothy Styles, whose love and values instilled in her a sense of resilience and compassion that she carried with her throughout her life.

In memory of Rita Enos, we invite you to share your fondest memories and upload photos of Rita to the memorial page. Your shared experiences will serve as a living tribute to her life and the impact she had on so many.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11 am in the Mack Family Funeral Home, Gardner-Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11 am.

Mack Family Funeral Home, Gardner - Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

View Rita Enos's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Jeffrey L. WilliamsJeffrey Laurence Williams, Sr., of Hubbardston, passed away at home in the early morning on Tuesday, ...
06/05/2026

Jeffrey L. Williams

Jeffrey Laurence Williams, Sr., of Hubbardston, passed away at home in the early morning on Tuesday, June 2nd at the age of 83. The son of Laurence and Natalie (Batchelder) Williams, Jeff was born in Providence and raised in Lexington, Massachusetts, before relocating to Gardner and Hubbardston, where he lived for the past 60 years.

Jeff dedicated his life to teaching and music and theater. He taught music, theater, history, and math at Gardner High School for 35 years until his retirement in 2001. Everywhere the family went, it seemed like they would run into a former student who always had kind words to say about Jeff because of the positive impact he had on their lives.

Jeff was a founding member of both Theatre at the Mount at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner and the New Players Theatre Guild in Fitchburg, where he performed, directed, and music directed countless productions. He made many lifelong friends during his theater days. His favorite role was that of John Adams in the musical “1776”, a role he portrayed wonderfully on five occasions. In 1988, Jeff met his wife, Jennifer, when he directed “The Mikado” at Theatre at the Mount. He also delighted so many people playing piano both at home and at the Bull Run.

Jeff was very proud to be a member of the Hubbardston Select Board since 2012 and was the current Chair having dedicated his last years to public service. During his retirement, he took up golf and drove limousines part time for Le Limo in Shrewsbury. He was an avid Boston sports fan and loved the Bruins. He passed on that passion for hockey to his son Gordon and his grandson Chase.

Jeff will be greatly missed by his wife of nearly 32 years, Jennifer (Chase); his son Gordon, currently an undergraduate student at Suffolk University in Boston; his son Jeffrey, Jr. from a previous marriage, of Arizona; and his stepson Emery Markles, his wife Heather, and their two children Chase & Lydia, all of Watertown, MA. He also leaves his beloved sister Judy and her husband Tom Bondurant, of Fredericksburg, VA; and his nephew and nieces, Mark, Donna, Karen, and Beth and their respective families. Jeff was predeceased by his parents.

Calling hours will be held at Mack Family Funeral Home, located at 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440, on Friday June 12, 2026 from 5PM - 8PM. All are welcome. A memorial service will be held at the discretion of the family. Donations may be made to the charity of one's choosing, or to Theatre at the Mount, or to the COPD Foundation, or to the American Lung Association, or to the Boston Bruins Foundation.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 1:30 at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440. All are welcome to attend.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner is directing arrangements. To leave a message of condolence visit https://www.mackfamilyfh.com/gardner-chapel-obituaries.

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

Richard A. HillRichard Anthony Hill, 81, of Athol, Massachusetts passed away on June 2, 2026. Born in Long Beach, Califo...
06/05/2026

Richard A. Hill

Richard Anthony Hill, 81, of Athol, Massachusetts passed away on June 2, 2026. Born in Long Beach, California, on December 28, 1944, he was the son of Lieutenant Commander Samuel A. Hill and Pauline (Southward) Hill. As a teenager, Ricky had a curious mind and a wide range of interests. He loved music, movies, and science, and his fascination with chemistry once led to a memorable mishap when an experiment with his chemistry set caused an explosion in his bedroom. In July 1965, at the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of 26 years of dedicated service, Richard proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Passumpsic, U.S.S. Caliente, U.S.S. Truckee, and U.S.S. Waccamaw, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. His naval career took him around the world, and he often said that Antigua was his favorite port. Richard retired with the distinguished rank of Chief Warrant Officer IV.

In May 1990, Richard met the love of his life, Marlene Lawton, while she was visiting friends in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He retired and moved to Massachusetts in February 1991. Richard enjoyed playing golf, taking day trips to Foxwoods with Marlene, Susie, and Joe, and watching football. Though he arrived in New England a Washington Redskins fan, he proudly died a Patriots fan. He was also known for his remarkable ability to build or fix just about anything. Richard is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his devoted life partner of 36 years, Marlene Lawton; Daughter Heather Harrington (Chad), step-daughter Brianne Bruso (Brian); stepson Eric Lawton (Vanessa); nine grandchildren; and five great‑grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Charlene Pullman, Donna Hill, and Joy Milsap; his brother David Hill; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Organization or the Montachusett Veterans Outreach.

Private burial services will be held on July 10, 2026, at Silver Lake Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow.

Mack Family Funeral Homes, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA is assisting with Richard's arrangements.

View Richard A. Hill's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Allan M. KnowerIt is with great sadness that the family of Allan M. Knower announces he passed away at home with his fam...
06/04/2026

Allan M. Knower

It is with great sadness that the family of Allan M. Knower announces he passed away at home with his family by his side on May 30, 2026. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who was born in Southbridge, MA, to Malcolm and Ruth (Tweed) Knower. He was raised in Templeton and was a graduate of Narragansett Regional High School. He also served in the National Guard for six years.

Allan leaves his loving wife of 50 years, Rita (Clark) Knower, his beloved children, Brett A Knower and his wife Kelly, Sheila Foley and her husband Chris, and Linda Knower and her partner Ethan Sprague, two cherished granddaughters, Lauren and Meghan Foley, two brothers, Don Knower and Paul Knower, and his wife Patricia, and his sister-in-law Rose Clark. Several cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as his very best friend, John Eklund.

He was a truck driver his entire life, and also owned and operated Knower Trucking. He enjoyed rides around the block. He was a quiet man, and he loved his Farmall tractors. Allan also enjoyed being outdoors, whether farming, snowmobiling, camping, or mowing the lawn. He had a love for all animals, especially Dozer and Macey. He enjoyed working on cars.(Corvettes) and loved attending car and tractor shows. He was an avid Nascar, Patriots and Red Sox fan.

Allan's family would like to thank the Winchendon Heath Center Staff and Doctors David Havlin, John Harrington, and Eliot Nottleson, and Dr. Brabec of Heywood Hospital, as well as the Care Central VNA of Gardner for the care, compassion, and devotion throughout the years, and Templeton and Phillipston Fire & Rescue. His family is extremely grateful.

Please consider a memorial donation on his behalf to Shriners Children’s Hospital, Templeton Fire & Rescue, or Phillipston Fire & Rescue, if you choose.

At Allan's request, funeral services will be private.

View Allan M Knower's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

110 New Athol Road
Orange, MA
01364

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19785750575

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mack Family Funeral Homes posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Mack Family Funeral Homes:

Share