In Memoriam Archives, M-R

Lives We Celebrate, Now and Forever

Mack, Janet (Byrnes) '73


Janet D. (Byrnes) Mack Class of 1973 Janet D. (Byrnes) Mack, 60, resident of New Boston, NH and beloved wife of Joseph A. Mack, died on October 17, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Needham, MA on March 27, 1955, a devoted daughter of Alfred Byrnes and Norma Carolyn Coleman. She was raised and educated in Amherst, NH and graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1973 and earned her BSN from the University of Texas-Austin. Janet worked as an oncology nurse for 32 years and had been employed at St. David's Hospital in Austin, TX for many years and The Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle, ME where she was the head oncology nurse. Janet took great pride in being the only certified oncology nurse in Northern Maine. In addition, she was also a homecare hospice nurse and a longtime member of the Oncology Nursing Society. She relocated to New England and lived and worked in Presque Isle, Maine and has made her home in New Boston since 2009. Janet was passionate about dance, theater and performing arts. She participated in many theatrical productions. Janet was an avid reader of history and science fiction and enjoyed reading the same books as her siblings and sharing their thoughts with each other about the particular book. She also enjoyed knitting, traveling to the British Isles, Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. Janet was a loving mother and grandmother, a kind and compassionate woman who devoted her life to caring for others. Family members include her beloved husband, Joseph A. Mack, MD of New Boston, NH; her mother, Carolyn Coleman of Nashua, NH; her father and step-mother, Alfred and Gail Byrnes of Livermore, CA; two children, Walter E. Scarborough of Austin, TX and Richard G. Byrnes of Portland, ME; five step children and their spouses, Adam and Stacey Mack of Charleston, SC, Jennifer and John Baker of Ponce Inlet, FL, Laurel Stearns, Derek and Sheri Stearns, Chad and Gina Stearns, all of Austin, TX; three grandchildren, Chloe Baker, Flynn and Ellie Stearns; a sister and brother-in-law, Jayne and David Wing of Amherst, NH; two brothers, Al Byrnes of Windham, NH and Bob Byrnes of Kittery, ME ; two step brothers, Sean Gorman and his wife Stephanie of Wilton, NH, Michael and Heather Gorman of CA; three nieces, a nephew, several aunts, uncles and cousins including a special cousin, Ed Fulton; dear and lifelong friends, Karen Mitchell, Tina Woods Nellis, Mark Suomala, Jeff Davis, Doug Brown, Al Leduc, Sandi Pelletier and Warren Munzel. (New Boston, NH - 10.17.2015)

Maffee, Allyn '67


Allyn B. Maffee Class of 1967 New London, NH - Allyn B Maffee, 76, passed away peacefully on December 31 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon with his daughter at his side after a brief illness. Born August 25,1949 in Nashua, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late John “Nick” Maffee and Olive Maffee of Milford, NH. Allyn grew up in Milford, NH working with his father at Maffee’s Garage where he fell in love with working on cars. He graduated from Milford High School then attended Hesser College earning a degree in Business. After decades in business and sales, Allyn reached a turning point at 50 years of age. Driven by his lifelong passion for cars, he opened Allyn’s North Elm Service in Manchester. His commitment to quality quickly earned him a stellar reputation, attracting even Manchester’s police and fire personnel who trusted him with their personal vehicles. He and his wife Pamela shared a life rich with exploration and joy—journeys to their beloved retreat in Nova Scotia with their golden retrievers, meandering through the iconic covered bridges of New Hampshire and Vermont, annual pilgrimages to Pittsburg, NH to indulge his love for fly-fishing, and ultimately finding their forever home in New London. His daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren remember him as a gentle father and grandfather with a tremendous sense of humor, a great story-teller with an infectious laugh. Allyn is predeceased by his parents John and Olive Maffee of Milford, son Brian Maffee of Milford, and his wife Pamela. Surviving family members include his daughter, Kimberly McGrath-Chase, and her husband Alan of Dunstable, Massachusetts, and grandchildren, Harrison McGrath of Milan Italy, Grace McGrath of Dunstable, Tristan Chase of Manchester and Owen Chase. Allyn also leaves behind a beautiful 5-year-old golden retriever, Josie, who will be loved and cared for by Allyn’s daughter Kimberly and her family. (Lebanon, NH - 12.31.2025)

Martin, Cynthia (Jewett) '46


Cynthia (Jewett) Martin Class of 1946 Cynthia (Jewett) Martin was born in Milford, NH on April 24, 1928 to Edwin O. and Agnes (Converse) Jewett. She and her late husband, Frank A. Martin, who died in 1989, owned and operated a farm in Amherst, NH until 1967 and then farmed in Danbury. They moved to Grafton, NH in 1987. She lived in Goffstown and then Statesville, NC for 13 years before moving to Belmont in 2002. Cynthia was a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church in Laconia. While in NC, she volunteered at the Davis Medical Center and then at the Lakes Region General Hospital for 10 years in Laconia. She is predeceased by her husband, brother, Robert Jewett and sister-in-law, Pearl Jewett. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon A. Jarest of Bristol, NH; a son, Dean J. Martin of Bristol, NH; four grandsons, Timothy Martin of Concord, NH, Paul and his wife, Trisha Martin of Rumney, NH, Kevin and his wife, Dolores Nichols of Nashua, NH and Brian and his wife, Statia Nichols of Allenstown, NH; six great grandchildren, Emily, Gavin, Evelyn, Hendric, Phoebe and Noah; a brother, Dalton E. and his wife, Janet Jewett of San Bernadino, CA; nieces and nephews. (Belmont, NH - 10.05.2020)

Molis, David '71


David Molis Class of 1971 It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected and untimely death of David A Molis on November 16th, 2023. Born July 10th, 1953 to parents Francis and Constance Molis, David was raised in Milford NH, where he graduated from Milford Area Senior High School. Upon graduation he spent some time traveling across the country, before finding his way back to New England and settling in Amherst NH where he lived with his beloved wife of 39 years, Robin, and raised their son Justin. David loved the outdoors and acquired a love for nature from his family outings over numerous years spent on Winnipesaukee, Moosehead and Rangeley Lakes, a tradition he continued into adulthood with his own family and friends. His passions included boating, motorcycling, and a deep love of music and dancing. His friends will remember him fondly as the life of any party, regaling them with his tales of worldwide travels and introduction to new cultures. He loved to experience new things and meeting new people. His ability to communicate was unwavering, and he always had something to add to any conversation. He was great at hosting holiday family gatherings, where there was always a warm fire going and good food being served. He was a dedicated employee spending 40 years as a heavy machinery mover at Toupin Rigging. But more importantly he was a loving husband, dependable father, caring brother, and a thoughtful son. Surviving family members are son Justin and wife Yentzu, brother Rand, wife Christine and their children, brother Steve, his wife Holly and son Cameron, sister Barbara and husband Joseph, and brother-in-law James Hamel, his wife Kim and son James Richard. (Amherst, NH - 11.16.2023)

Murray, Daniel '73


Daniel W. Murray Class of 1973 Daniel W. Murray, 66, longtime resident of Milford, NH died unexpectedly on February 7, 2021 at Concord Hospital, Concord, NH. Dan was known for his ever positive, glass half full attitude, his commitment to community, and his ability to make friends with people from all walks of life. He was born in Lowell, MA on January 13, 1955, a son of the late James J. and Margaret (Hurley) Murray. He graduated from Milford Area Senior High School, Class of 1973. Dan enlisted in the United States Navy in 1975 and was honorably discharged in 1979 with the rank of Sonar Technician Surface. After serving in the Navy, Dan earned his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Fitchburg State University. Although he left accounting to work as a self-employed painting contractor, he continued to do part time tax preparation and, for many years, he was a part time physical education teacher at Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton. Basketball was Dan's passion. As a junior at MASH (Milford Area Senior High), he was proud to have been instrumental in helping the Spartans win the 1972 State Championship, coached by Maurice "Moe" Facques, who was also Dan's coaching inspiration and lifelong friend. Dan began coaching basketball, as a JV Coach, in the 1980-81 season, at Wilton-Lyndeborough Co-op, alongside Varsity Coach Denny Claire, who became one of his dearest friends. Dan later took over the varsity role, where his influence upon his players continued to stretch well beyond the basketball season. Dan was proud of the decades-long friendships that he maintained with countless former WLC players. In 2007, when his children were young, Dan made the decision to leave Wilton and return to the Milford Spartans, as Varsity Boys Coach. He was inducted March 26, 2008 into the NHICA Coaching Hall of Fame. His 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 teams won back to back Class I championships. Although he had committed to being a lifelong bachelor, fate had other plans for him; the family, that he had never dreamed of having, became the greatest gift of his life. He was tremendously devoted to and protective of his loving wife, Jennifer (Bellew) Murray, with whom he would have celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary on May 24th. His twin sons, Daniel Robert Murray and Michael Patrick Murray, filled his heart with pride and his soul with joy. Besides his wife and sons, family members include two brothers, Michael Murray and his wife, Mary of Lincoln, MA, and Thomas Murray of Hood River, OR; two sisters, Maureen Murray and Patricia Murray, both of Mattapoisett, MA; nieces, Amana and Beth; nephews, James and Aidan; four sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law, Cheryl Bellew, Diane and John "Sonny" Beaulieu, Patricia and Mike Wisniewski, Shelley Lyon and Doug Lyon; many nieces and nephews; and the Claire family of Wilton, NH, Denny and Nancy Lee, their children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, James Murray and his coach, mentor and friend Maurice "Moe" Facques. (Concord, NH - 02.07.2021) ------------------------ Coach Dan has been the head coach at Milford for 15 years. His 2009-2010 and 2010- 2011 Milford teams were undefeated, winning back to back Class I championships. He was always giving of his time, whether it was offering summer basketball camps or working with children at Heron Pond on Saturdays with instructional basketball clinics. Thank you, Coach Dan - for everything! And thank you Murray family for sharing him generously to the Milford community.

Nolan, Jayden '21


Jayden M. Nolan Class of 2021 “JJ” Jayden M. Nolan 21, resident of Milford, NH, died on March 6, 2025. He was born on July 23, 2003 in Derry, NH, the son of Jonathan Nolan and Catherine Joslin. JJ was raised and educated in Milford, having graduated from Milford High School, Class of 2021. He had been employed at Burger King as a supervisor and more recently at Walgreens. JJ loved gaming and playing pool with friends. He was predeceased by his father, Jonathan Nolan, who died in 2020. Family members include his mother, Catherine Joslin of Milford; a sister, Julianna Nolan of Georgia, a brother, Jacob Joslin of Derry, NH; maternal grandparents, Maurice and Sandra Joslin of Milford, second cousin, Tracy and Mark Murdough of Hillsborough, NH; his best friend, Jared Lavoie of Milford; his beloved animals, Clover, Josie and Trouble. (Milford, NH - 03.06.2025)

O'Neil, Allen '52


Allen T. O'Neil Class of 1952 Allen T. O’Neil, 91, died on February 8, 2026 at home in Peterborough, NH surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 3, 1934 in Nashua, NH, the son of Thomas F. and Elizabeth C. (White) O’Neil. Allen graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1952. Following graduation, he worked locally at Mike’s Store, Lorden Lumber and ED Swett. In 1955 he married Janet Howe and they settled in Peterborough, NH. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on December 31, 2025. Beginning in 1956, Allen started working at Derby’s Furniture in Peterborough, NH where he worked for 32 years. After the store closed he began his next adventure–working for himself. He did everything from lawncare and handyman projects to airport runs and Innkeeping at the Applegate Inn. His motto was, “because nice matters”. Allen enjoyed fishing trips with his best friend, Don Hall and brother-in-law, Ernie Hutchinson. He loved skiing and spent many years on the ski patrol at Crotched Mountain and Pats Peak, where he enjoyed watching Linda and Jeff ski racing. He loved to golf. The Steven W. Crowe Golf Tournaments were always a favorite for the O’Neil & Fontaine families. He spent countless hours cheering for his grandsons on the sidelines of the soccer field, baseball field and swimming pool. One of his favorite pastimes was making homemade Christmas gifts for his grandsons. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Gerald O’Neil and a son-in-law, Peter Fontaine. Surviving in addition to his wife are his three children, Allen T. O’Neil, Jr. and his wife, Maria of Downey, CA, Linda O. Fontaine of Newmarket, NH, Jeffrey O’Neil and his wife, Rosanna of Colorado Springs, CO; seven grandchildren, Nicole Skinner and husband, David, Ryan O’Neil and wife, Jasmine, Chad Fontaine and partner Sharon, Kyle Fontaine and wife Kelly, Casey Fontaine and wife, Victoria, Dylan O’Neil and wife, Abby, Tyson O’Neil and wife, Chelsea; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Armand O’Neil and his wife, Eloise of Painesville, OH; five sisters-in-law, Pamela (Langdell) O’Neil, Kathryn (Howe) Heald and Elizabeth (Howe) Drolet of Milford, NH, Gretchen (Howe) Hutchinson of Wilton, NH, Frances (Howe) Houston of Lyndeborough, NH; one brother-in-law, Robert Howe and his wife Jennifer of Lyndeborough, NH; many nieces and nephews. (Peterborough, NH - 02.08.2026)

Otero, Jaxson '20


Jaxson Otero Class of 2020 Jaxson Otero was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on September 28, 2001. He graduated from Milford High School just last year. As a young boy, he was obsessed with building legos and bionocals. He grew into a young man who loved being outdoors with his friends, and snowboarding as much as possible! He was very creative. He wrote his own music, rapped, and loved all kinds of cars, as well as all things fashion! Jaxson was very sensitive and loved his family. He was easy to make laugh and quick to give a hug. He is going to be truly missed, especially by his brothers and sisters. (Manchester, NH - 05.06.2021)

Pelchat, Linda (Cirioni) '59


Linda (Cirioni) Pelchat Class of 1959 Linda F. Pelchat, 81, resident of Milford, NH died at the Arbors of Bedford on Sunday, August 14, 2022, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Linda was born at the Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick, MA on July 19, 1941, a daughter of the late Arthur Charles and Frances Hunter Cirioni. Linda graduated from Milford High School in 1959 where she met her soulmate, Raymond. Together, they enjoyed a wonderful life for 64 years. Linda was a kindhearted, loving person who truly cared for the wellbeing of all she encountered. She enjoyed the company of others, and could converse for hours, if allowed. Known to be the “life of the party”, her personality filled the room, leaving a wake of infectious laughter, joy, and happiness wherever she went. Her love for others led her to once open her home to a child in need of a safe haven, accepting guardianship of the child and assisting him into adulthood. Linda was a longtime volunteer at many local programs including S.H.A.R.E. as well as being an active member and volunteer of her church as a Eucharistic Minister, Lecter, and CCD Teacher. However, Linda’s true passion in life, outside of her family, was her job as a teacher’s aide, secretary and administrative assistant at the Bales and Heron Pond Elementary schools. It is here, for over two (2) decades she had the ability to share her love, spreading kindness to hundreds of growing young souls as well as many teachers and staff. Linda is survived by her immediate family, husband Raymond G. Pelchat, and her three (3) son’s Steven, Kevin, Jason, her younger brother, Arthur Cirioni as well as four (4) grandchildren, one (1) great grandchild and three (3) daughters in-law. (Bedford, NH - 08.14.2022)

Philbrick, Donald '48


Donald James Philbrick Class of 1948 Donald James Philbrick, 91, resident of Milford, NH, passed away at the Ledgewood Bay Assisted Living Facility on July 20, 2022 after a period of declining health. He was born on November 22, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY a son of the late John and Anna (Brooks) Philbrick. Jim was raised and educated here locally in Milford, NH, graduating from Milford High School, Class of 1948. He attended Wentworth Institute, Boston 1952-54 receiving a certificate in Architectural Construction. He attended the University of New Hampshire from 1954-58 and received a B.S. in Civil Engineering (BSCE). He later attended the University of Illinois where he received his Master’s degree in 1969. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 23, 1952. His principal assignment was in the 14th Engineer Combat Battalion in Korea. He was discharged June 17, 1954 with a rank of Corporal. After graduation from UNH in 1958, he was hired by the Federal Highway Administration 1958-1986. From 1969 to 1986, he served as the Vermont Division Bridge Engineer. He lived in Montpelier Vermont from 1969-1994. He was married to Iona “Nonie” Stewart from 1961-1994. After her passing, he later married Sally Ann (Tittle) Godfrey in 1997. They had just celebrated 25 years of marriage a month before his death. He was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Milford NH and attended regularly. He was a member of the American Legion Post 23, Milford; Veterans of Foreign Wars and a former member of the Elks Lodge #924 Montpelier VT. He served on the Milford Budget Committee at one time. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, golf, crossword puzzles, gardening and his dog Sophie. He also enjoyed time spent with his many family members. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers Robert D. Philbrick and John B. Philbrick, and his first wife Iona “Nonie” Philbrick. Jim is survived by his wife Sally Ann Philbrick, three stepdaughters and their families and eighteen nieces and nephews. (Milford, NH - 07.20.2022)

Philbrick, Michael '76


Michael “Mike” J. Philbrick Class of 1976 Michael “Mike” J. Philbrick 62, passed away on July 16, 2021 following a brief illness. He grew up in Milford, NH where he attended schools and graduated in 1976. He is a past member of American Legion Post 23 in Milford. Michael later moved to Manchester and was a member of Sweeney Post 2. He spent his career working as a skilled glazier. Michael was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. His greatest joys were his family and “the boys” aka his cats. He will be remembered by his infectious smile, quick wit, and desire to help anyone he could. He l enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching sports, and karaoke. He is survived by his daughters, Chelsea Philbrick and her partner Juan Herrera, and Madison Davis. Son, Colton Davis, mother, Gayle Philbrick, and three grandchildren, Marley Philbrick, Josiah Herrera, and Elijah Herrera. (Manchester, NH - 07.16.2021)

Porter, Delbert '42


Delbert W. “Del” Porter Class of 1942 Delbert W. “Del” Porter, 97, lifelong resident of Brookline, NH, died on August 17, 2021. He was born in Revere, MA on September 13, 1923, a son of Delbert W. and Jennet (Scott) Porter. He graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1942 and was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving aboard the USS Warren in the Pacific Theatre. Del had been employed by Bedders Construction, later becoming Nashua Sand & Gravel for more than 30 years. Del was a member of the Kilduff Wirtanen American Legion Post #74, Brookline, the Brookline Historical Society, and Benevolent Lodge #7 F & AM, Milford. Family members include his loving wife of 76 years, Rogene (Reynolds) Porter of Brookline; several nieces and nephews. (Nashua, NH - 08.17.2021)

Pratt, Leon '53


Leon N. Pratt Class of 1953 Leon N. Pratt of Rindge, NH, formerly of Milford, NH, passed away on November 8, 2025. Born in Swanzey, NH on February 27, 1935, he was the son of Roseanne Andersen Pratt and Ralph E. Pratt. Leon was raised in Milford and attended Milford Schools, graduating with his class in 1953. Leon served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958, serving in Korea and Fort Polk, Louisiana. In 1958 Leon married the love of his life, Ellen Ruth Koivula and had four sons, Chris, Dan, Robert, and Shaun. Leon worked long days as a builder yet always made time for his boys spending years coaching many teams in Milford, including Pop Warner football and Babe Ruth baseball. Leon was an experienced builder throughout the Milford area and beyond, known for his quality work and friendly demeanor. Building homes for over 40 years, he created homes for dozens of families. Many of the young men he employed, continued to become builders themselves after learning the trade from Leon, always giving him credit for the skills they learned. Leon passed down his skills and knowledge to his four sons, three of whom worked by his side over the years. His knowledge has been passed on to his grandsons who are now third generation carpenters. After retirement, Leon went back to work at Milford Lumber, keeping in touch with many local builders, many of whom he taught the trade. He was always making new friends with his happy and fun personality. Leon was predeceased by his son Daniel J. Pratt in 2024, as well as his brother Ralph Pratt and his sister Glenda Simo. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ellen Koivula Pratt, and his sons and their families. Christopher Pratt and Claudia Hernandez of Temple, NH, Robert and Ellen Pratt of Wilton, NH, and Shaun Pratt and Conrad Peterson of Manchester, NH. Also, his beloved grandchildren, Amy and Ian Ballingall of Harrison, ME, Emily and Ryan Zraunig of Turner’s Falls, MA, Megan and John Robinson, Hannah Pratt and Kristy Pratt of Temple, NH, Connor and Allison Pratt of Milford, NH, Kyle and Lydia Pratt of Groton, MA, Emma and Thomas Pratt of New Boston, NH, and Celia Pratt of Merrimack, NH. His beloved great-grandchildren, Emery, Leo, Isaac, Violet, Adelyn, Foster, Lilah, and Maya. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Levesque of Mont Vernon, NH; several nieces, nephews and cousins. (Rindge, NH - 11.08.2025)

Roby, Mauricina (Caldwell) '74


Mauricina (Caldwell) Roby Class of 1974 Mauricina (Moxie) Roby, 65, of Milford New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on the night of January 5th, 2021. She married Daniel Roby in 1977, had two children, and they lived in Mont Vernon NH for 39 years until they relocated to Milford in 2016. She was part of MUMC family for years and taught Sunday school there. (Milford,NH - 01.05.2021)

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