Badger Funeral Home of Groton, Massachusetts

09/06/2025

IN OUR CARE
Katherine Lee (Harris) Gyles, 83, of West Townsend, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, at Leominster Hospital with family at her side.

Born in Athol, Massachusetts, on November 6, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Horace and Prudence (Penniman) Harris and was raised in Shirley, Massachusetts.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty years, Kenneth Gyles; her grandson, Michael Holden; and her brother, James Harris.

Kate was a mom and homemaker throughout her life. She is survived by her six children: Jay Matthes (Barbara), Laurie McKeithen (Charles), Lola Leahy (John), Lisa Allen, Amy McInerney (Deron), and Michael Gyles (Jennifer). She also leaves behind eighteen grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, and her sisters Susan Lee, Meg Barrows, and Jo-ann Renda.

She enjoyed the peace and quiet of home and took pride in her yard and gardens. Kate was also an avid NASCAR fan.

A private service will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
1-800-478-5383
www.stjude.org

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09/01/2025

IN OUR CARE
John Joseph Kapenas, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully on August 27, 2025, in the 91st year of his life. He was in the loving company of his wife and two sons.

John was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1935 and grew up in Groton. He was the first child of John Joseph Kapenas of Lowell and Nora Kapenas ne’e Callaghan of County Clare, Ireland, both of whom met while working at Groton School.

John served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Coral Sea. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned home and, following in the footsteps of his parents, devoted more than 50 years of his life to the Groton School. His dedication and steadfast work left an enduring mark on generations of students and colleagues.

John cherished family above all else and found his greatest joy at Lake Winnekeag in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. There he was, surrounded by loved ones, creating countless memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine “Jerry” of 60 years, his two sons, Joseph and James, and their wives, Nina and Dearbhla. John’s legacy also lives on through his five grandchildren: John-Joseph, Maeve, Jamesie, Donovan, and Caiden.

John will be remembered as a man who “did all things well” — a steady hand, a kind soul, and a life lived with purpose. He was loved dearly by all who had the honor to know him, and his presence will be profoundly missed.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember John for visiting hours on Wednesday, September 3, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 4th at 10:00 a.m. at Saint James Church, 13 St. James Ave., Groton, MA. Interment will follow the in Groton Cemetery, 242 Hollis St, Groton.

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08/27/2025

IN OUR CARE
Deborah Ellen Kimball, age 72 of Pepperell, Massachusetts, passed away on August 21, 2025, after a short illness. Deborah was born on May 3, 1953, in Winchendon, Massachusetts, to the late Alfred and Betty (Jacoby) Messier. She leaves her husband of fifty years, Richard, her sister, Nancy Messier, and her daughter, Sarah Sickinger.

There will be no calling hours, and the funeral will be private.

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08/18/2025

IN OUR CARE
The world lost one of its finest on August 14, 2025. Kevin Wiercinski faced an 18-month battle with cancer courageously, with extraordinary strength and resilience, determination and grace.

Born in Camp Hill, PA on April 7, 1972, Kevin was a loving son to Charles and MaryJane (Justice) of Rutherford and North Arlington, New Jersey, the adored brother of Brian (Julie) of Bristol, RI, Keith (Susan) of Perkasie, PA, and Scott (Alice) of Brunswick, ME, and the fun uncle to 14 nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many cousins, extended family and countless friends, and he treasured the close bonds and memories he shared with all of them.

Kevin was a devoted father and true best friend to his sons Brandon and Taylor and his daughter Audrey. He liked to say that hiring a local PE teacher to work at his basketball camp in 1998 was the best scouting decision of his career, as it resulted in his marriage to Kristen (Kinneen), with whom he shared 24 years of love and laughter.

Kevin grew up in Brunswick, Maine, graduating from Brunswick High School in 1990 and attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. While at F&M Kevin was a member of the Men’s Soccer and Basketball teams, earning a B.A. in American Studies in 1994.

Kevin joined the faculty at the Winchendon School in September of that year as a teacher, dorm parent and assistant coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball team, where he worked with many talented teachers, coaches and players, cementing his desire to pursue that career path.

In 1997 a position teaching History opened up at one of the oldest independent schools in the United States that also included the opportunity to become the head coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball program there, so that summer Kevin packed up and headed down Route 119 to Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA.

As a young faculty member at LA Kevin continued in the role of a ‘triple threat’: teaching History, living in the dorm and coaching three sports, and he truly embraced the boarding school lifestyle. Over his 30 year career as a Teacher, Coach, Dorm Parent, Athletic Director and Department Chair, he made lifelong friends and memories with his colleagues and forged relationships with thousands of students that meant more to him than they could possibly know; it was his joy and honor to keep in touch with them and stay up to date on their personal and professional accomplishments over the years, considering them more than former students, rather, friends.

Of all the roles Kevin held, the one closest to his heart was being Dad to Brandon, Taylor and Audrey. Raising their family on campus at Lawrence Academy with Kristen afforded him the gift of time with his own children: time to coach them on the basketball court, time to be their teacher in the classroom, time to cheer them on from the sidelines and time to see and connect with them every single day at school. He was their biggest fan, they were his greatest pride and his greatest gift.

From his childhood in Maine to Pennsylvania to Massachusetts, from the playing fields, gym floors, golf courses, classrooms, sidelines and all the stops in between, Kevin genuinely treasured his family and all the friendships he made along the way, and there were so many. He had an easy warmth and sense of humor that drew you to him. He loved spending time with the people he cared about, laughing, talking, telling stories, reliving old memories and making new ones.

To know Kevin Wiercinski was to count him as a friend and we will love him and miss him forever.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 3:00pm until 7:00pm at Badger Funeral Home, located at 347 King St., Littleton, Massachusetts, 01460. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 9:30am at Our Lady of Grace worshiping at St. Joseph's Church, located at 28 Tarbell Street, Pepperell, Massachusetts, 01463. Burial will follow at Groton Cemetery, 242 Hollis St, Groton, MA.

It will be a time to remember and celebrate the incredible life Kevin lived. His resilient spirit, undying dedication to teaching, compassionate nature, and loving heart made him a beacon of light in everyone's life he touched. He was a pillar of strength in his community, a guiding light for his students, and a source of endless love for his family.

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08/12/2025

IN OUR CARE
Deanna (Bovernick) Day, 85, of Groton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her home on August 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Gregory W. Day, devoted mother to Jody Day Klein (Eric Klein) and Karen Saber (John Saber), and a proud grandmother to Ryan and Jarred Saber, and Nathaniel, Emma, and Maxwell Klein.

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on December 14, 1939, Deanna was the daughter of the late Edward Bovernick and Gertrude (Berley) Bernstein. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston University, laying the foundation for a lifelong teaching career.

Deanna will be remembered for her warmth, curiosity, and boundless energy. As an educator at the Robin Hood and Central schools in Stoneham, she inspired generations of students to become readers, writers, and thinkers. Her classroom was a place where stories came alive, volcanoes erupted, and learning extended beyond the walls of the school.

Outside of teaching, Deanna embraced life with the same enthusiasm she brought to her classroom. She was an avid reader and writer, a skilled puppeteer, gardener, baker, and a patron of musicals and folk music. She treasured her time at the Linden Tree Coffee House and was a longtime member of Temple Emanuel in Wakefield.

Above all, Deanna cherished her family, who will carry forward her love of learning, creativity, and community.

There will be a celebration of life in September. Please reach out to family members for details.

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07/28/2025

IN OUR CARE
Neil Joseph O’Brien, 67, of Groton, MA, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at home surrounded by his family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife Lori (Genetti), son Andrew Scheipers and wife Stephanie, son Casey and wife Ashley, son Chris and wife Morgan, and son Taylor. Neil is the proud grandfather to Lily, Noelle, Eamon, Josie, Cameron, Grant, Ava, and Willard, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his brother Terry O’Brien and wife Diane, sister-in-law Cheryl O’Brien, Judy and Roger Waible, Linda Lord, Beth and Steve Poznick, and Frank & Cindy Genetti. Neil was uncle to nieces and nephews Donna, Sarah, Cary, Matt, Nick, Frank, Adam, Dorie, Katie, Hayley, and many other grand nieces and nephews.

Neil is predeceased by his parents, Francis and Martha, brothers Kevin and Paul, brother-in-law Richie Cerullo, nephews Ken, Patrick, and Ross, and cherished pet boxers Otto and Bandit.

Neil was born in Worcester, MA, on September 23rd, 1957, son of Francis and Martha (LaPointe) O’Brien. He grew up in Worcester and attended Burncoat High School, graduating with the class of 1975. Neil attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he graduated in May of 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Zoology. Neil later obtained a Master's of Business Administration from Bentley College in 1989.

He enjoyed a distinguished 45-year career as a senior software engineer, during which he developed several patented innovations. At the time of his death, Neil was employed by CAST Navigation in Tewksbury, MA, and will be greatly missed by his work family.

Neil and Lori first met and worked together at Sperry Research Center in Sudbury, MA, in 1980, and married on September 17th, 1983. They moved to Groton in 1984, where they raised their family. Neil was a die-hard Boston sports fan and spent much of his free time coaching his sons in baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and Pop Warner football. He served as Commissioner of Groton Youth Baseball for many years and was a respected coach. Neil had a passion for history and a deep interest in geopolitics. He also had a lifelong love of music, taking after his mother by singing in the choir as a young man, and spending much time listening to his favorite bands, Sublime and the Ramones.

Above all else, Neil took pride in being a devoted family man. Neil was a quiet guy with quick wit and sharp intellect who would do anything and everything for his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Groton Dunstable Youth Baseball, Groton Crusader Youth Hockey or the Salvation Army are welcomed.

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07/28/2025

Bring your questions to Groton Senior Center, August 13, 2:00 PM. Join us to learn the benefits of funeral preplanning for you or your loved one while staying cool during these hot New England summer days. RSVP Required: (978)448-1417

Badger Funeral Home of Groton, Massachusetts has served the needs Groton and surrounding communities

07/17/2025

IN OUR CARE
Daniel Anthony O’Connor III, of Groton, Massachusetts, passed away on July 2, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 74.

Born in Troy, New York in 1951, Daniel led an extraordinary life filled with devotion to his work, his hobbies, and above all, his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Helen Kane O’Connor; his children—Annie and her husband Anthony Fiandaca of Bolton, Anthony and his wife Jillian of Newton, and Nicholas and his wife Margret of Lunenburg; his grandchildren—Milo, Nico, Ella, Kieran, John, Daniel, and Mae. He also leaves behind his mother Margaret O’Connor of Troy, NY; siblings—John (Sue) of Stow, MA; Joe (Constance) of Woodbridge, Connecticut; Mike (Lori) of Manteo, NC; and Patricia of Troy, NY; as well as many nieces and nephews, brother and sisters in-law and lifelong friends.

Daniel earned a BA in electrical engineering from Clarkson University, followed by an MS and PhD in systems science and mathematics from Washington University. He spent over four decades at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he specialized in air, missile, and maritime defense strategy—making profound contributions to national security.

A man of many passions, Daniel was an avid sailor of his sailboat "The Folly V", a lifelong hockey player, and an enthusiastic student of history, education, and music. His adventurous spirit led him and Helen from Nantucket, MA, where they met, to Wellfleet, Cape Cod—where they married in 1976—to Potsdam, NY; St. Louis, MO; Townsend, MA; the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands; and finally, their cherished home in Groton.

Daniel will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, his taste for adventure, and his love of family.

The O’Connor family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and support staff of Lunder 10 at Massachusetts General Hospital for their exceptional care.

A funeral mass for Daniel will be held on Thursday, July 31 at 1 PM at Saint James Parish, 13 St. James Ave., West Groton, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mass General Hospital Cancer Center or a blood donation to the American Red Cross.

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07/17/2025

IN OUR CARE
It is with deep love and sorrow, we share the passing of our dad, Alford Dyson Jr. — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend — who left us peacefully at the age of 88.

Alford shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Edda, whom he lovingly called “Sweetie.” Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures.

He was a proud father to Todd Dyson and Jenepher Spencer, and nothing brought him greater joy than being “Pop Pop” to his cherished grandchildren, Kylie and Chase Spencer.

Alford spent much of his career at MIT, where he found purpose, respect, and lifelong friendships. A lifelong learner and educator, he was deeply passionate about creating new ways to engage students and expand minds. His work in education reflected his belief in the power of knowledge to open doors and shape lives.

An avid writer and photographer, Alford captured life’s moments through thoughtful stories and beautiful photo collages — especially from travels to South Africa and Scotland with Edda.

He will be remembered for his warmth, wit, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched, guided, and helped shape along the way.

We will be honoring Alford’s life in a private gathering with those he held dearest. The family deeply appreciates your love and support.

Services will be Private.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA. 978-486-3709, www.badgerfuneral.com

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07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day!

07/02/2025

IN OUR CARE
Robert “Bob” Shaw, Jr. died peacefully in Groton, Massachusetts, on June 27, 2025, just two days short of his 88th birthday.

The son of the late Esther (Macneir) Shaw and Robert Shaw, Sr., Bob was a one-of-a-kind character who spoke in a vernacular limited to a population of one (a winnebago was a “moose-of-a-hog,” his daughters were either “champions” or “chimpanzees,” doing poorly was “dogging it”). In his youth, Bob teased, tormented, and loved his younger sisters Deborah Stober and Ellen Young. His ebullient laugh and infectious sense of humor endeared him to many: Bob was a beloved friend to several life-long groups, from junior high in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, to college, to his church friends in Westford, and finally his chair-yoga crew at RiverCourt Residences in Groton.

An engineer, Bob loved building things, such as a fancy doll house, a swingset and slide for his grandchildren, and bookcases for his dream house in Groton. He built a good career for himself, too. After graduating second in his Mechanical Engineering major from Cornell University’s College of Engineering and receiving a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from MIT, he was hired by the Avco Corporation, where he helped build the heat shields for the Apollo 13 mission. For over 35 years, he worked for CR Bard, the maker of medical implements. For three years in the 1980s, Bob, as vice president of CR Bard, oversaw the entire construction of a factory in Puerto Rico from its inception to its completion.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Bob worked to build a better world through volunteerism. Each week, he cleared walking trails in Westford; he daily tracked his beloved birds in his backyard for Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology. For the last two decades of his life, he actively served the First Parish Church on many committees and was treasurer for three years. For three decades before that, he spent countless hours volunteering for St. Mark’s Church, tending to the Memorial Garden, trimming trees, serving as Senior Warden, and various other positions, both official and unofficial. For many years, Bob made and served salad with others from St. Mark's each month for St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen in Lowell.

Going even further afield in his volunteerism, Bob would drive weekly to the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charleston to help prepare the Chinese immigrant student body for the Science MCAS exam. He excitedly brought in nuts, bolts, and screwdrivers, so the students could truly understand both the tools and the concepts in the test questions.

However, the best thing that Bob built was a life with Elizabeth “Beth” (Needham) Shaw, whom he met on a blind date in 1964 when she was a young nurse at Mass General Hospital. In their later years, he and she enjoyed traveling from France to Finland, Alaska to Kenya. Bob was extremely proud of his three daughters. He supported the LGBTQ+ community, leading a PFLAG chapter in honor of Jordana and her wife Lisa Francine; during the peak of the pandemic, he and Rebecca met at Dunkin’s, he in his driver’s seat, she in her passenger seat, connecting in person during the free half-hour in her hybrid teaching schedule; with Jessica and her husband Joel Raha, he shared his love of Cornell, 40 years apart in their graduating classes. For any and all family gatherings, he would bake bountiful breakfasts for his six grandchildren. His love language was through acts of service, and his service shows how greatly he loved.

Bob Shaw’s Memorial Service will be on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:00 am, at the First Parish Church, 48 Main Street, Westford, Massachusetts, with a light luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen: https://stpaulssoupkitchen.org/

Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/

Greater Boston PFLAG: https://www.gbpflag.org/

Or perform your own act of service.

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06/26/2025

Make your own WIND CHIME at Groton Senior Center, July 10th, 2:00 PM. Join us to learn the benefits of funeral preplanning for you or your loved one while staying cool during these hot New England summer days. RSVP Required: (978)448-1417