Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Homes

12/16/2025

Madolyn L. Lynch

Madolyn L. (Searle) Lynch passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 13, 2025. Madolyn was born in Salisbury on November 5, 1925. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She was the daughter of Fred H. and Maryellen Searle of Salisbury. Madolyn and her husband, Mickey, built their home together in Salisbury where they spent 65 years until Mickey’s passing.

Madolyn’s greatest joy was her family, hosting holiday gatherings, where she did all the cooking and baking. She also enjoyed dancing, traveling and reading.

Madolyn was a 1943 graduate of Amesbury High School. She was employed for many years at Towle Silversmiths in Newburyport. Madolyn was a lifelong member of the East Parish United Methodist Church in Salisbury where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.

Madolyn is survived by her children, Barrett S. Lynch and wife Kathy of Wolfeboro, NH, Ronald E. Lynch and partner Kerry Fitzpatrick of Salisbury, and Valerie J. Ryan and husband Chris of Salisbury; grandchildren, Timothy Lynch, Erin DeAngelis, Devin Gunzburger, Kellen Ryan, Kaela Lynch and 11 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Lloyd H. Searle, her husband, Edward J. “Mickey” Lynch, her granddaughter, Alyssa C. Lynch and her dear friend, Lillian “Cookie” Harvey.

Calling hours will be on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the East Parish United Methodist Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Salisbury, followed immediately by a funeral service at 11 A.M. Burial will be weather permitting at Long Hill Cemetery in Salisbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in Madolyn’s name may be made to the East Parish United Methodist Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Salisbury, MA 01952 or the Salisbury Public Library. Arrangements were by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.

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12/14/2025

Shirley E. Doherty

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Shirley Evelyn Doherty, 88, of Amesbury, Massachusetts. She passed December 7th at Portsmouth Regional Hospital surrounded by family. She was born on October 19, 1937 in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

In her life she had many interesting accomplishments including singing with the Adelines, working for the Pinkerton guards, driving a limousine, and lots of years working as a bookkeeper for many local businesses. She also proudly kept up with and held dual real estate licenses in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Most recently, at the age of 70 she became a licensed private investigator. She self-published a bookkeeping newsletter that is now being used as a resource to teach new accountants.

Shirley was a caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Charles Doherty who passed in 2022 after 49 years of marriage. She is survived by three children, William Barth, Lucinda Stanley, and Lee McNulty, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, on Friday, December 19th from 4 to 7 P.M. with the internment on Saturday, December 20th, at 11A.M. at Highland Cemetery, Ipswich. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, 63 Elm Street, Salisbury, MA 01952. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

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12/13/2025

Stephen J. Reslewic

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle of our community. While words can never fully capture the essence of a life, may we remember to honor their legacy and celebrate their achievements.

Stephen is the son of the late Henry and Frances Reslewic of Newburyport. Stephen, born on March 28, 1965, dedicated his life to family, friends, and the pursuit of kindness. He graduated from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and pursued advanced studies at Northern Essex Community College where he became proficient in the Spanish language which he used all through his life in all of his pursuits. Throughout his years, he touched many with his compassion, generosity, and unwavering support and to some, his beautiful voice. Whether through cherished moments at family gatherings, acts of service in the community, or simple everyday interactions, Steve left a lasting impression that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Steve spent many years singing at the Immaculate Conception Church. He led the congregation at mass, funerals and was requested to sing at many weddings of community members. Those who heard him sing could not help but stop and tell him or his wife how just hearing his voice was a moving experience. He sang The Lord’s Prayer at his own wedding. His voice was a blessing.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Suzi Cashman, his sons, Stephen J. Reslewic, Jr. and Michael C. Reslewic along with his brother, Tom Reslewic, sisters Marianne Rockwell, Susan Keatley, Nancy Po***ck, Tracy Currier and brother Jeff Larcombe as well as Sisters-in-Law, Brothers-in-Law and many nieces and nephews. Steve’s guidance will continue to shape the lives of those who remain, and his memory will be cherished always.

Though Steve is no longer with us, his spirit endures in the love and kindness he showed. May we find comfort in the memories we hold and strive to live with the same grace and compassion that Steve exemplified throughout his life.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held in the Spring. Friends and family will be invited to gather, share stories, and honor the legacy of a truly remarkable individual. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

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12/11/2025

Wayne P. Reily

Wayne Paul Reily, age 80, of Amesbury, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Exeter, NH. Wayne passed peacefully, with his family at his bedside.

Born in Peabody, Mass., on Oct. 23, 1945, to Georgia V. (née Coombs) and Frank Reily of Peabody, Wayne was educated in the Peabody school system. After graduating from Peabody High School, he later attended North Shore Community College, graduating with an associate’s degree.

In March, 1963, Wayne entered the U.S. Navy, and was honorably discharged in March, 1969. During the Vietnam War, he proudly served aboard the USS Truckee (AO-147), a fuel ship.

On Oct. 10, 1970, Wayne and Mary Reily (née Barnett) married and settled in Peabody. The couple were blessed with two daughters, Amy and Emily, who fondly remember many bass fishing trips and rewatches of “Star Trek.”

Wayne served in the Army National Guard from October, 1978, to October, 1981, and was honorably discharged. He later worked for many years as an auto mechanic for Burnett’s Garage in Wenham, and then became an auto detailer.

Wayne was a quiet man of many interests, including the study of human evolution, the history of dinosaurs, and freshwater fishing in New England.

Wayne was also a voracious reader. Along with devouring books on the Origin of Man, the wonders of the universe and American history, Wayne read countless books about World War II and other conflicts.

Wayne was an avid collector, and created many model cars, planes and ships to display around the home. (A model of the Hindenburg airship is well known in the family). Wayne coveted and carefully curated his coin and stamp collections.He could read music and play guitar; The Ventures were one of his favorite bands.

Wayne loved his family dearly and has many fond memories of them. When Mary was working as a nurse, he would treat his daughters to small plane rides out of Beverly Regional Airport.

Wayne was always willing to help anyone who might need anything. He took pride in this.

One of his fondest memories was spending time with Mary on their front porch, where he would often greet neighbors and their dogs. Among the several dogs the family had over the years, he especially loved their three greyhounds.

Wayne was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in August, 2022, but like many things in life, he took this in stride. He was very proud of the fact that he turned 80 in October. Sadly, he got to enjoy that milestone for only a few weeks.

Wayne is survived by his two daughters: Amy Retelle, her husband Robert and their son, Timmy, all of Andover; and Emily Reily Boyd, her husband, Tim Boyd, and their daughter, Sarah, all of Dover, NH. He’s also survived by a brother-in-law, John Barnett, and his wife, Barbara; a sister-in-law, Gloria Bioren, of Epping, NH; a brother-in-law, Nick Moskevich, of Portsmouth, NH; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, including childhood friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Judith Moskevich of Portsmouth, NH; and Daniel Bioren, his sister-in-law’s husband.

His family would like to thank his physicians, especially the outstanding staff in the ICU department at Exeter Hospital, for their exceptional care and understanding.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to: CancerCare, 485 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10022; The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX, 75284-0692; National Organization for Rare Disorders’ National Marrow Donor Program, 500 N 5th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55401-1206; The MPN Research Foundation, PO Box 2690, Carol Stream, IL, 60132-2690, or the National Bone Marrow Donor Program

Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highland Chapel of Paul C Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Ave., Amesbury, MA, immediately followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m.

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12/10/2025

Eleanor D. Ferullo

Eleanor D. Ferullo, 93, of North Andover, formerly of The Villages FL and Wi******er, MA, passed away on December 8th, 2025. She was born to the parents of Nicolo and Antoinette DeCarlo, on July 20, 1932 in Cambridge, MA. Eleanor grew up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School. Eleanor worked as a Sales Merchandiser for Johnson & Johnson and American Chicle. She also volunteered for the Welcome Wagon in Wi******er, MA to help welcome new residents in town. Eleanor married the love of her life, Edmund, in September of 1956. They were married for 66 years and enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with many lifelong friends. They settled down in Wi******er, MA and spent over forty years in town. They also enjoyed their home in the mountains in Eidelweiss located in Madison, NH, where they spent many summers enjoying the lake and winters enjoying skiing and skating.

Eleanor loved spending time with her family and extended family. Eleanor was the youngest of twelve children. She loved attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, and she was always involved in her children’s sports through volunteering. She took great pride in all of her grandchildren’s accomplishments, she was their biggest and loudest fan.

Eleanor was the devoted wife of the late Edmund Ferullo Jr. She is survived by her four boys, Steven and his wife Nicole of North Andover, MA, John and his wife Maureen of The Villages, FL, Edmund III and his wife Susan of Plaistow, NH, Paul and his wife Beth of North Andover, MA. Eleanor has eleven grandchildren, Steven, Jack, Brian, Amy, Ross, Mark, Michael, Matthew, Joseph, Abigail, and Alison and two great grandchildren, Vincent and Ryder.

Family and friends are cordially invited to her funeral mass that will be celebrated at Saint Michael’s Parish, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA, on Thursday, December 18th at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements were made by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.

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12/10/2025

Richard J. George

Richard (Dick) George of the 101st Airborne Division

Richard (Dick) George was born and raised in Cambridge, MA. His parents were Frank and Julia (Cicariello) George. He came from a large catholic family of four sisters and three brothers. “They never knew that they were poor, said one of the siblings at a family gathering.

Dick worked for Polaroid Corporation where he found his calling as a stock clerk in Dr. Land’s laboratories. He attended workshops and gained a clear edge on organizing hundreds of chemicals used in the groundbreaking research of Polaroid’s world-famous instant photography.

At Polaroid Dick developed a love for politics and actively supported local and state-wide political figures. He bonded with state Senator Francis X. McCann, who elevated him as his administrative assistant. It was in that role that Dick’s life changed forever. After a few years in the Senate, Dick was appointed by Governor Frank Sargent to be a first assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Cambridge District Court two blocks from where he was born. He retired in 1995 and became a National Representative for the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE). During the following years he traveled throughout the United States organizing labor groups in various professions.

In 2001, Dick met the love of his life, Laurie Christiansen, of Newburyport, MA and they married in 2002. Dick was a veteran with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He dedicated many years helping veterans overcome PTSD with annual deep see fishing trips and equine therapy. Dick was also a passionate supporter of worldwide education of underprivileged children. Dick also founded an Alzheimer’s support group in Newburyport which opened the community for the healing of caregivers.

Dick leaves behind his two daughters, Dawn Hadley, of Holbrook, MA, Elizabeth and Alan Arruda of Atkinson, NH, his son, Richard and Terri George Jr. of South Berwick, ME and his predeceased son Christopher. In addition, he leaves behind his grandchildren Alan, Samantha, Ben, Max, Avalon, Sam, Tyler and Abby. As well as his great-grandchildren, Kyrah, Jack, Thomas and Quinn. Dick leaves behind his stepson and wife, Michael & Stacey Leonard, of Brentwood, NH their children Kiarie, Nicolas, Arianna and his stepdaughter Elizabeth’s children Montana, Avery and Kiley. Dick also leaves behind his brothers Frank, Louie and Joseph and sister Paula as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Mary, Theresa and Julie.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 16 from 4-8 PM at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home Base, Boston Red Sox Charitable Foundation, a cause close to Dick’s heart.

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12/09/2025

Wayne P. Reily

Wayne Paul Reily, 80, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at Exeter Hospital in Exeter, NH, surrounded by his family. Born to Georgia and Frank Reily of Peabody on Oct. 23, 1945, Wayne attended Peabody schools and later joined the Navy. He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and two daughters, Amy (Reily) Retelle and Emily Reily Boyd.

A longer obituary will be forthcoming.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highland Chapel of Paul C Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Ave., Amesbury, MA, 978-388-0288, immediately followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m.

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12/08/2025

John C. Orfanos

John Constantine Orfanos, 82, died Thursday, December 4, 2025 at his home in Salisbury. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diomi Orfanos who passed away in 2021.

John was born in the town Glossa on the scenic island of Skopelos Greece on April 4 1943. He was raised by Konstantine and Siriano Orfanos. He left home at the age of 13, going to the city of Volos to learn the electrician trade. However this was not the path he would take, and shortly he got a job on merchant ships and for the next 12 years traveled the world on a variety of cruise ships and other nautical adventures. He always loved to tell stories of his adventures from London, to Poland, to Indonesia.

He grew up 2 doors away from his future wife Diomi Tsoukalas. They knew each other all their lives. The two would marry in 1970 and had their first son Konstantinos Orfanos the same year. He came to the United States in 1974 to find opportunity to raise his family. In 1974 the family welcomed his second son Evangelos Orfanos in NYC. The family settled in the heavily Greek community of Astoria Queens. He worked as a butcher, and driver for a wealthy friend and eventually opened up a club called Soccer Fever in Astoria.

In 1984 the family moved to Salisbury looking for a quieter life. He eventually would buy a pizza shop where he worked until his wife’s illness.

In Salisbury he was able to follow his passion of raising and caring for his beloved animals like goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea hens, and of course his hens and roosters.

He loved the soccer team Olympiakos. He loved watching and hearing about his grandkids play soccer. He was a gifted story teller and loved to argue with anyone that would give him a challenge

In 2019 to 2021 he took care of his beloved wife Diomi as she battled a terminal illness.

He is survived by his son Konstantinos Orfanos and his wife Christi Orfanos and their children, Iannis and Julien, and his son Evangelos Orfanos and his partner Melissa McLucas.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 11 A.M at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Harris Street, Newburyport followed by a burial in Union Cemetery, Amesbury, where he will be eternally reunited with his beloved wife. Arrangements are by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport.

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12/07/2025

Marion E Nolan

Marion E. (Cooley) Nolan, age 90, of Amesbury, passed peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 3, 2025, at Nevins Nursing & Rehab Center in Methuen, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Boston, November 2, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. and Marion E. (Luce) Cooley. Marion was a graduate of Girls High Class of 1953, Boston, MA, and had attended college for some time.

Marion had worked as a clerk for New England Telephone until her retirement and was a proud member of the Telephone Pioneers.

She was an avid reader, loved to tend to her garden, enjoyed knitting, loved Facebook, was a self proclaimed “Dot Rat”, and always looked forward to spending time on Martha’s Vineyard. Above all else, Marion loved her sons, James and Paul, her granddaughter, great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews. Coming from a Civil Service family, Marion also held high regards for the members of the Amesbury Fire Department and area fire and police departments referring to the members as her “boys and girls in blue”. She was Mama Nolan to them all.

Marion will be treasured forever by her 2 sons, James M. Nolan and wife Suzanne Greaney-Nolan, and Paul Nally, and companion Dawn Leider; her granddaughter, Amanda Nolan-Gorcheck; her three great-grandchildren, Hunter Gorcheck, Zachariah Gorcheck and Genevieve Gorcheck; along with several nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two brothers and their wives, Francis B. Cooley and wife Penny, and James F. Cooley and wife Patricia.

A period of visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11 A.M. at St. Andre Bessette Parish of St. Joseph Church, 2 School Street, Amesbury. The family will have a private burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester, where Marion will be laid to eternal rest next to her parents.

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11/30/2025

Captain David Palmer Stickney

Captain David Palmer Stickney died in his Newbury home three days short of this 87th birthday on Monday, November 24th. He took his leave in his sleep, dying peacefully after a 5-year battle with cancer.

David was the second son of John Fernald Stickney and Myrna (Palmer) Stickney and was born in 1938. His older brother Jack predeceased him in death. He leaves behind his wife Carol Talbot Barron; his son Douglas Palmer Stickney, and daughter Tracy Ann Stickney and wife Megan Stickney; his five treasured grandchildren, Benjamin Stickney and his wife Tayla Stickney, Kelley Ann Stickney, Tatum Stickney, Hawk Stickney, and Boden Stickney; two great grandchildren, Charli May and Roscoe Stickney.

Dave had a spirited and adventurous childhood. Having had ship captains in his family line, he developed a wanderlust for seeing the world by sea and land. He ran from his home, barefoot and free to his grandparents’ cottage at the tip of Plum Island. There he became a beach rat, the whole day spent on the beach where he swam, raced and learned to sail. He sought out abandoned silver mines in the low hills behind his house and went to shoot woodchucks in the Newbury dump. He began the tireless acquisition of local lore and scientific truths, learning geographical terms and topographical quirks of his town and never forgot them.

David graduated from Newbury High School and then found his next adventure in the Army Reserves. He joined the Marines, taking the bus to Camp Lejeune in Georgia. He returned home after nine months; harder, stronger, disciplined and ready to seek his fortune.

Dave then followed his grandfather’s example and joined the Bell Telephone Company becoming a lineman for the next thirty years. He raised his children with his wife Polly Ann (Havers) Statom. He joined St. Marks Lodge, A.F. & A.M., following in the family tradition.

But over these working years his wanderlust and restless feet, were increasing their call. Thirty years later and he was ready to retire and go to sea. These years were the Heart’s Desire years. He had an Alden Schooner rebuilt and took off for the coast of Maine and the Bahamas in winter. This was the life he had dreamed about and he had made it a reality at last. He became an entrepreneur, offering day sails around the islands of Maine. In Mount Desert he supplemented his income by running the Islesford Ferry for a number of years.

In these years, Dave achieved a reputation for competence at the helm and an eagerness to promote the lore of the sea. He ultimately became a “Captain on Call’, sailing boats up and down the Atlantic Seaboard. He loved telling the stories of his adventures, which were full of telling details – Dave never forgot what he learned. He was an evenhanded captain, careful to follow all the rules of the sea. But knowing that his crew were human beings. One of those crews he captained to the Great Lakes was all female. And he returned alive.

In the early two thousands he was asked by the head of the Newbury Historical Society to confer with historians to identify people and places in old Newbury photographs. The Committee had found a walking recorder of all things Newbury.

For a number of years he ran a B&B in his home. He truly retired in 2004 and devoted his time to keeping his property and family ship-shape.

The Stickney family would like to thank Massachusetts General Hospital for their expert care when illness struck. In particular, we would like to thank Dr. Samuel Klempner, a researcher in the Department of Oncology for his sustaining wisdom, and Dr. Katherine Nichols of MGH Cardiac Department.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 2 - 3 P.M. at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, immediately followed by Masonic Services by St. Mark’s Lode, A.F & A.M. of Newburyport and Funeral Services at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Newbury.

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11/27/2025

Sandra J. Welch

Sandra Jeanne Welch passed away peacefully in Newburyport on November 25, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born in Newburyport on October 1, 1941, to the late Wilfred and Pauline (Ellison) Welch. Sandra’s brother, Robert Neal Welch, tragically passed away at just 9 months of age, 3 months before Sandra’s birth.

Although Sandra was born with Cerebral Palsy, she lived her life with resilience and determination. She was an avid reader and loved word puzzles. For many years, she enjoyed bowling alongside her teammates. A true social butterfly, Sandra enjoyed chatting with friends and neighbors and became a familiar, friendly face throughout Salisbury, where she was raised and spent most of her life. Her daily walks into town helped her build warm relationships with local shop owners over the years. Sandra also cherished traveling with her parents. Together, they explored the country, visiting extended family and friends, and even embarked on a memorable camping trip across the United States that lasted several weeks.

In later years, Sandra’s cousin, Patti Ann Thurlow, came to live with Sandra and her mother. During that time, Sandra and Patti became very close, and Patti became the sister and best friend that Sandra was missing.

Sandra is now joyfully at rest, reunited with her beloved mother, father, and brother. Her spirit and tenacity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, immediately followed by Funeral Services at the funeral home, and a Graveside Service at Long Hill Cemetery, 105 Beach Road, Salisbury, MA, where Sandra will be laid to eternal rest with her mother and father.

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11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we hold especially close the families in our community who are missing someone they love.
A holiday centered on togetherness can be difficult when a familiar voice is quiet or a cherished presence is no longer at the table.
We see your courage, your love, and the ways you continue to carry forward the memories of those who shaped your life.

As you move through this day — whether celebrating with family, spending time in reflection, or simply taking things moment by moment — we hope you feel supported, remembered, and surrounded by care.
From all of us at Rogers Funeral Home and The Paul C. Rogers Family,
we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with peace, warmth, and meaningful moments of gratitude.

It remains our family’s honor — through four generations — to walk beside you with compassion, dignity, and care.