Gino Francis Torretti, Jr. passed away peacefully on November 30, 2023, at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Ludlow on November 19, 1940, to the late Gino and Ida (Almeida) Torretti, and he remained a dedicated lifelong resident of Ludlow. Gino was a man of many talents and passions. As the founder and owner of Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy for over 20 years, he left an indelible mark on the cosmetology industry. His commitment to education extended beyond...

Louis George Dagenais, 66, passed away November 22, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Springfield, MA on September 9, 1957 to the late James and Stella (Poulopoulos) Dagenais. A hardworking individual, Louis spent many years of his life as a truck driver. Additionally, he served as a security guard at Mercy Medical Center, contributing to the safety and well-being of others. Louis had a passion for hockey, particularly the Springfield Thunderbirds. Not only was he a former...

Bruce W. Benjamin, 68, of Ludlow passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 21st after a long battle with stubbornness and a touch of diabetes. Born in New Britain, CT on June 20, 1955, he was the youngest son of the late Leon and Jeannette Benjamin. Bruce grew up in Windsor Locks, CT and was a graduate of A.I. Prince Technical High School in Harford, CT. He was a retired truck driver with an impeccable driving record with extensive specialty licenses. He proudly worked for various carriers...

Joanne P. Szarlan, of Ludlow, passed away November 19, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Springfield on January 5, 1941, daughter of the late Helena Szarlan. Joanne worked for many years in the Enfield, CT Public School System as a 4th grade teacher. As a passionate animal lover, she was involved in supporting many animal organizations including the ASPCA and the Concerned Citizens Animal Rescue. She was also an avid stamp collector. Joanne leaves her loving partner of over...

Stanislaw Wnuk, 75, passed away peacefully at home, with family at his side, on November 10, 2023.  Born in Medrzechow, Poland he was the oldest son of the late Henryk and Rozalia (Lichwala) Wnuk. Stan lived an agrarian childhood in Medrzechow, then graduated Technikum Zeglugi Srodladowej (Technical School of Inland Navigation) in Wroclow, Poland as a vessel mechanic. In 1970, he immigrated to the US, settled in Springfield, MA and began a 42-year career at Smith & Wesson. There he...

Robert J. Metcalf, 79, of Springfield, died October 21, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield. Born in Springfield on March 3, 1944, he was the son of the late James and Miriam (Smith) Metcalf.  Bob was a graduate of Chicopee High School, and worked for many years as a painter for Local 257 and the former Berger Decorating in Holyoke. He was an avid fisherman, loved his antique cars, going to car shows, and going to tag sales with his wife. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 59...

Janet (Larivee) Wierzbowaski, 93, of Ludlow, died at home on October 24, 2023. Born in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield on Aug. 22, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Edgar & Mary (Wasowicz) Larivee. Janet lived in Indian Orchard for most of her life before she moved to Ludlow in 2003. She worked as a clerk at the former Forbes & Wallace and Two Guys department stores, and she was a member of St. Elizabeth Church in Ludlow. She enjoyed spending time with her family...

Stacey Gallagher Norton, 47, passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2023. Stacey was born in Springfield, MA on May 14, 1976 to Martyn Gallagher and the late Maureen (Haley) Gallagher. She grew up in Springfield and Wilbraham and was a 1994 graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School. For several years she lived in Peterborough, NH where she delighted in working at the circulation desk at the Peterborough Town Library, the oldest free public library. She currently resided in Worcester where...

Janice A. Desroches, 84, of Chicopee, died October 16, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born in Chicopee on Oct. 3, 1939, she was the daughter of the late James & Viola (Wenig) Murphy. She was a graduate of Chicopee High School and had lived in Chicopee for most of her life. Janice worked as a bookkeeper for Sears & Roebuck for more than 20 years, and later worked as an insurance agent at Scatolini Insurance in Wilbraham. She was an avid water skier who loved the...

Bernard Arthur Sears, 91, a longtime Wilbraham resident, passed away October 13, 2023 after a short illness, with his loving family by his side, at Baystate Medical Center. Bernie was born in Barnstable, MA on April 4, 1932 to the late Elsie Sears. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Bernie worked for many years as the plumbing inspector for the Town of Wilbraham, retiring in 2020. He was also the owner of Sears Plumbing and Heating. Bernie was a proud member of...