Miles Funeral Home

01/27/2026

Barton D. Kamp

WORCESTER – Barton D. Kamp, age 84, died peacefully at the Jewish Healthcare Center on January 24, 2026, after a period of declining health. He was born in Worcester to Leon and Harriet (Cashner) Kamp and was a lifelong resident of Worcester. After graduating from Classical High School with the class of 1959, Barton attended UMASS Amherst, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1963.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant in 1969.

He worked for most of his career as an Accountant for the former Jaffe and Jaffe Accounting Firm. After retirement he turned his hobby of postcard collecting into an eBay business. He was rated as an eBay top-rated seller for consistently providing the best customer experiences.

Barton was an Honorary Life Member of the Rhode Island Post Card Club as well as a member and Treasurer of the Central Massachusetts Post Card Club. He wrote a book, using his post card collection from 1905 to 1930 that depicts life in the City of Worcester.

Barton was an expert birder, and a member and officer of the Forbush Bird Club for 44 years, initially serving as a Member-at-Large, then as 2nd Vice President, and in more recent years as the club’s Treasurer. His birding activities were consistently focused on Worcester County. He was designated a Forbush Fellow for his comprehensive knowledge of birds gleaned through careful study and daily birding activities, and as a timely contributor of his sightings to other members by various methods including the Club's annual journal of Worcester County ornithology, The Chickadee.

Barton participated in various annual bird counts for both Mass Audubon and National Audubon Society and monitored the annual hawk migration for the Eastern Massachusetts Hawk Watch and the Hawk Migration Association of North America. He was one of a handful of observers at Mount Wachusett on September 13, 1978, when 10,086 hawks were counted in a single day, proving that major migration, previously unrecorded, was occurring in eastern Massachusetts. Barton also participated in the annual Breeding Bird Census at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and was a contributor to the first and second multi-year Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlases.

He was a life member of the American Philatelic Society.

Barton will be lovingly missed and remembered by his brother, Carl Kamp of Worcester; and cousins, Frances Patterson and her husband, Keith of Holliston, Larry Blaustein of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Jeff Blaustein and his wife, Marilyn of Amherst, and Mary Lee Keen and her husband, Kennan of Damascus, Maryland.

There will be a private Graveside Funeral Service at B’nai Brith Cemetery to honor Barton’s memory. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to The Jewish Healthcare Center (www.jhccenter.org) or Cornell Lab of Ornithology (www.birds.cornell.edu/home/).

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01/24/2026

Nancy L. Doty

Nancy Lee Doty, age 81 of Sycamore, Il and formally of Earlville, I1 passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, after a 7-year battle of Alzheimer's. Nancy is remembered for her kind, sweet, and hard-working personality. She also was a very strong person who exhibited this strength daily during her battle with her illness.

Nancy worked at CTS Knights Inc. in Sandwich, Il and later would begin working at Walmart in Plano, Il in the shoe department. One of her favorite hobbies was traveling. She was able to fulfill this passion later in life by visiting places like Australia, Spain, Germany, France, Guatemala, Panama Canal and the Rose Bowl parade. She also went on many cruises, seeing many other parts of the world, too numerous to list. Nancy also was an avid reader of books, enjoyed sewing and most of all being with her family.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Tahna Hallet (Chip) of Sterling, MA, Marc Doty (Jenny) of Sycamore, Il and a stepson Joe Chiovatero (Colleen) of Lisle, Il. Grandchildren Nathan Estes of Springfield, OR, Kelli Goodwin (Zach) of Oregon, Il, Kyle Doty (Emily) of Tower City, PA, Miranda Doty, Quin Doty and his mother Sharon Doty, all from Sycamore, I1, Brittany Hallet (Justin) of Leominster, MA, and Steven Hallet (Cam) of South Hadley, MA. Ten great grandchildren and Brothers and Sisters Georgia, Arda, and Leo (Beth) and sister-in-law Judy also survive her.

Nancy is preceded by her parents Walter and Lavona Elmore, brothers and sisters Lester, Velma, Pauline, Clifford, Jo, Leroy, and Anna Kay, A grandchild Michael Estes and a great grandchild Holden Estes.

The family of Nancy Doty would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Northwest Medicine (Dr. Thakkar) of Sycamore, Heritage Woods of Dekalb, Sunrise Assisted Living in Leominster, MA, Care Central VNA Adult day in Gardner MA, and Beaumont Nursing Home (2nd Floor) of Northborough, MA, and Miles Funeral home of Holden MA for providing such compassionate and loving care for her. Throughout her care, we have met so many wonderful caregivers too numerous to mention here. For all who have provided care and support for her, we thank you and are grateful that the care you provided made a difference during the final stages of her life.

A Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints 675 Fox Ave. Sycamore, 11 60178 on Saturday February 7, 2026 fronn10am to 11am. Following will be visiting, and refreshments in the church hall.

In memory of Nancy, memorial donations may be made to the Earlville Library District 205 W. Winthrop St. Earlville, Il 60518. One of her favorite places while living in Earlville.

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01/24/2026

Norman "Nookie" Goldman

WORCESTER – Norman “Nookie” Goldman, 89, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 22, 2026, in Worcester, MA. Born and raised in Worcester, Norman was the beloved son of Abraham and Eva (Canan) Goldman.

Norman graduated from Commerce High School, and then immediately went to work at his family’s clothing business, National Pants Manufacturing Company in Worcester, where he became owner and president until his retirement. During that time, he was honorably discharged after serving eight years in the Navy Reserves Following his retirement, Norman went to work for Niman Paper Company for 20 years, working well into his later years.

In 1956, Norman married the love of his life, his childhood sweetheart, Glory Kramer, and together they raised their family in Worcester. They moved to West Boylston in 2002, where they lived for 23 years and had returned to Worcester recently.

Norman was a lifetime member of Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester and a devoted member of Level Lodge of Masons in Shrewsbury, where he had been a member for over 50 years.

Norman had a true zest for life and considered everyone his friend. An avid tennis player, he was a member of the Holden Tower’s Tennis Club and won championship rounds in both Holden and Boynton Beach, Florida, where he and Glory shared a second home. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a long-time member of Holden Hills Country Club, as well as playing regularly in Boynton Beach during his retirement. In his spare time, Norman enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and was known to complete a 1,000-piece puzzle within a week. Even recently, he could be found using a jigsaw puzzle app on his phone.

Norman loved to travel, enjoying extensive trips with his family and friends, including travels throughout Europe and South America, as well as visits to most of the National Parks. He took boundless joy in fishing with his son, Charles, who took him everywhere from Canada to tarpon fishing in Florida and the Caribbean.

Norman was a truly passionate man and, to no surprise, an ardent New England sports fan. He rarely missed watching a Boston Celtics or Red Sox game. Social by nature, Norman cherished time spent with close friends and especially looked forward to gathering weekly with the guys of his “Thursday Lunch Bunch.”

First and foremost, Norman was a devoted family man who always made time for his wife, children, and grandchildren when it mattered most. Whether it was holidays, family trips, games, or school activities, no matter what the occasion, Norman was always there. His greatest joy was sharing photos and stories about his four “beautiful great granddaughters.”

He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 69 years, Glory (Kramer) Goldman; his three children, Charles Goldman and his wife, Julie, of Palm Beach, FL, Debra Helfgott and her husband, Alan, of Boylston, MA, and Amy Vermillion and her husband, Jerry, of Fairfax, VA; four grandchildren, Matthew Vermillion and his wife, Amanda, Emily Ricco and her husband, Edward, Anna Thomas and her husband, Parker, and Elena Potthoff and her husband, Rohan; four great-grandchildren, Zoe Ricco, Lilah and Piper Thomas, and Stella Vermillion; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his parents, Norman was predeceased by his two brothers, Saul and Robert Goldman.

Norman’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers whose unwavering kindness and dedicated care meant so much to him, including the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in Oxford, the Jewish Healthcare Center, and Eisenberg Assisted Living in Worcester.

A Funeral Service honoring Norman’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, followed by interment at B’nai Brith Cemetery in Worcester.

The funeral service from BI will be accessible via zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84544883107?pwd=rLUOtcYJnvF0Oy8HtQl1TUhZjIpcHu.1).(Meeting ID: 845 4488 3107, Passcode: 730344)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Norman’s memory to the “Operating Fund”, or the Beth Israel Endowment “Abraham and Eva Goldman Fund” at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA 01609.

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01/24/2026

Margaret "Peggy" A. Tarantino

Margaret (Peggy) A. (Foley) Tarantino, the family matriarch, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Worcester, MA, surrounded by her children. Her combination of intelligence, strength, discipline, and overwhelming kindness will be impossible to replace.

Peggy was born in Cambridge, MA on September 7, 1947, as the fourth daughter (and fifth child) of Nora and Thomas Foley. She was raised in Somerville, MA with her four sisters and one brother in a house on Franklin Street and had fond memories of her childhood. Shortly after graduating high school, she met her future husband and partner-in-crime, Paul Tarantino. They married on April 25, 1968, and spent the next 55 years together prior to Paul’s passing in 2023. They always lived in Massachusetts, first in Somerville and then Wakefield before settling in Wilmington where they occupied the same home for 29 years and raised their four children, Lori, Paul Jr., Carrie, and Leanne. In 2002, they moved to Clinton, a location central to their children and grandchildren.

Peggy and Paul were co-owners and operators of a small grocery store in West Peabody for several years before selling the business and pursuing other career opportunities. Peggy then went to work for the Town of Wilmington where she spent most of her career as an administrator, reporting directly to the town manager. She loved her job, and she loved the town; she took great pride in helping Wilmington become an even better place to live and raise a family.

An amazing baker, Peggy often arrived at family holiday celebrations with half a dozen different types of pie and her famous chocolate cake. She also loved to sew and to knit and delighted in making “Grammy Jammies” for her grandchildren each Christmas. Spending time with her grandchildren was one of the most important things in her life. Above all, Peggy was warm, supportive, gentle, and forgiving; her children and grandchildren could not have asked for a better mother or grandmother.

She leaves behind a son, Paul M. Tarantino, Jr., and his wife, Heather, of Holden; two daughters, Carrie A. French and her husband, Keith, and Leanne M. Glynn and her husband, Matthew, all of Leominster; and eight grandchildren: Sarah, Jeffrey, and Michael Tarantino; Nathaniel and Therron Glynn, and Jillian, Charlotte, and Avery French. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lori M. Tarantino and her husband, Paul M. Tarantino Sr.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Miles Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling, MA. A private, family burial will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the Tarantino family suggests that memorial donations be made in Peggy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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01/24/2026

Holding all our grieving families in our hearts today.

01/23/2026

Mark Ronald Chenard

WEST BOYLSTON - Mark Ronald Chenard passed away while surrounded by his family and caring medical staff. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Linda (Lagerstrom) Chenard, four daughters: Michelle Chenard of Worcester, Dawn Londergan and her husband Richard of Shrewsbury, Sheila Fries and her husband Peter of Kirkland, WA, and Christin Wixson and her husband Jon of Ashland, NH. He leaves eight beloved grandchildren: Jeffrey Denio, Lauren Denio, Corinne Leveillee, Tristan Suire, Alexandra Suire, Emily Fries, Benjamin Fries, and Isaac Wixson and his cherished nephew, James Chenard. Mark had countless well loved cousins, nieces and nephews, family members and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Charles and Eva Chenard, brother James and sister Eve Ann.

Mark graduated from North High School in Worcester, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University. He was proud to be hired by Norton Company where his father had also worked. His career as a mechanical engineer spanned 40 years with several companies working nationwide and globally. He was modest about his patent for a more efficient boiler design, while at the same time being satisfied with the positive impact that his work had.

Mark loved all things mechanical; in particular, he loved working on old cars. He built a garage to accommodate his collection of Nashes and Ramblers and the many tools that were needed to bring the cars to life. Most Saturday afternoons he could be found in the garage under one car or another.

Mark also loved to golf and was happy to reminisce about his caddying days as a boy. He recalled witnessing the Worcester tornado from the safety of the caddy shack at the Worcester Country Club.

Mark was most proud of his family, and often recalled childhood days at his grandparents’ farm in Biddeford Maine. He had fond memories of shenanigans with his uncles and cousins at the farm and Hills Beach. Decades of family reunions and retellings made the stories all the better. He was a loving dad who taught his daughters independence and tenacity. Memories of his “family night” dinners and crazy cakes, cribbage games, dad jokes, and Christmas night parties will always be cherished.

A private service will be held in Mark’s honor.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wentworth Institute of Technology Financial Aid Fund (wit.edu/supportwit).

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit his guestbook.

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01/22/2026

Brian H. Orr

STERLING – Brian H. Orr, 77, beloved husband of Deborah S. (Bouley) Orr, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. He was the son of the late Clayton and Kathleen (Stilphen) Orr and a lifelong resident of Sterling.

Brian was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School. He went on to further his education at Mount Wachusett Community College, where he received an associate’s degree, and attended Clark University as well. Brian has enjoyed a long career in the farming industry, tending to the land he loved.

He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife of 54 years, Deborah Orr; his sister, Judith Orr of Maine; and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Brian’s wishes, there are no services. Memorial donations may be made to the Conant Free Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Sterling, MA 01564. Arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. www.milesfuneralhome.com

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01/22/2026

Norman R. Melendy

WEST BOYLSTON - Norman R. Melendy, 85, of West Boylston died on Tuesday, January 20, 2025 at his home.

He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Patricia A. (Parker) Melendy in November of 2021. He leaves a daughter, Pamela A. Gaffney and her husband, Kevin of Clarendon Hills, IL; a son, Scott R. Melendy of Wakefield; a daughter, April M. Melendy of West Boylston; a sister, Althea E. Hall and her husband, Roger of Southbridge; two grandchildren, Kevin J. and Abigael L. Gaffney of Clarendon Hills, IL; and several nieces and nephews. Norman was also predeceased by his brother, Dallas “Tex” Melendy.

Mr. Melendy was born and raised in Worcester, the son of Merton B. and Althea V. (Roberts) Melendy. He was a member of the class of 1960 at North High School in Worcester, and a graduate of Worcester Junior College in 1967. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1962 - 1963 at Fort Devens, N.C. O. Military Academy and in the Army reserves from 1963 - 1968. He spent the majority of his years working for Lodding Engineering in Auburn as a mechanical engineer/draftsman, and culminated his employment at Lowell Corporation in West Boylston.

Mr. Melendy was a member of Liberty Church in Shrewsbury and then became a member of the Living Word Church in Worcester until his death. He enjoyed spending time with his family, helping others, and being outside in the yard. Weekly rides up north, especially New Hampshire, were always a popular destination.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour from 11 a.m. to 12 noon followed immediately by a funeral service at 12 noon on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue (Rt. 58), Paxton on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to the senior lunch group at Living Word Church, 30 Tyler Prentice Rd, Worcester, MA 01605

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01/22/2026

01/20/2026

Janice Cobb

STERLING - Janice Marjorie Cobb (Gross), 80, passed peacefully on January 11, 2026 surrounded by her family after a courageous 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. A resident of Sterling for many years, she was born and raised in Nyack, NY, the daughter of Helen and Arthur Gross. She was predeceased by her siblings Helen Henry, Kenny Gross, and Jerry Gross, to whom she was very close.

Janice is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Eugene M. Cobb. She leaves behind her loving family, which includes her two daughters, Tawnya Elfman and Rachael Cobb-Douglas, and her son, Michael Cobb, along with her daughter-in-law Jessica Weathers. Janice's cherished grandchildren are Maya Maria Luisa, Eva Rachelle, Juliana Elyse, Jasmine Olivia, Zachary Orion, and Vivian Wren. In addition to her immediate family, Janice is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Susan Huntley, and her cousins, John Henry and Stephanie Leister. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews as well as extended family.

Jan attended high school at South Lancaster Academy, in Lancaster, MA, where she met the love of her life, Eugene. She attended nursing school at Atlantic Union College and worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years, including 30 at Leominster Hospital. Janice was the life of the party and lit up a room with her laughter wherever she went. She brought energy, humor, and kindness to every gathering, putting others at ease with her warmth and generosity. Jan was an avid gardener. She loved to sew, knit, scrapbook, journal, write poetry, sing, play the accordion, and collect seashells by the seashore. She created lasting memories by baking with her children and grandchildren and was well known for her exceptional apple pies. She had wanderlust and enjoyed being outside, traveling with her family, camping, hiking, biking, and adventuring. She later traveled extensively on bicycle throughout the US, Canada, and Europe with her partner in both life and adventure, Gene. They gained recognition for their travel photography exhibitions at Bartlett Art Gallery, including one that chronicled her breast cancer journey. In retirement, she and Gene traveled throughout the Northeast in their camper (The Majestic) but always eagerly returned to spend time with her grandchildren. As Jan grew older, Gene's care and support for his wife showed the depth of their enduring love.

Jan's family would like to express a special thank you to her many caregivers at the Jewish Health Care Center in Worcester, The Wellness Center in West Boylston, and to Cathy Ian Kealy, in-home CNA.

A celebration of Janice's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association https://donorservices.alz.org.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral Home. www.milesfuneralhome.com

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01/20/2026

Margaret Rendano

HOLDEN - Margaret M. Rendano, 91, of Holden, passed away peacefully in her home on January 13, 2026 with her family by her side. She is the loving wife of the late Emil Rendano, who predeceased her in 2012.

She was born the youngest of seven children in Newark, New Jersey to Irish immigrant parents, Michael and Bridget (Forde) McDermott, and lived in Clinton Township, New Jersey for over 40 years. In 2007, she and Emil moved to Massachusetts to be closer to her children. Margaret was a true family woman in every sense of the word. She loved spending time with her extended family, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She loved to travel, delighted in a good card game, and found great joy in gathering people together-often around a table where her famous meatballs and sauce were the highlight. Her close circle of friends, affectionately known as "the gang," brought her laughter, loyalty, and lifelong companionship. Beyond her home and friendships, Margaret was highly respected in her professional life, earning admiration for her dedication over more than 19 years as an executive secretary.

She leaves behind her four children, Steven Rendano and his wife Susan of Hudson, Diane Cross of California, Robert Rendano of Holden, and John Rendano of Colorado; her beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Spencer, and Braden Rendano, Chelsea Cross, and Sabrina and Raymond Rendano; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Emil, and siblings, Mary McDermott, Frank McDermott, John McDermott, Eileen Frazier, Kathleen Wean and Theresa Coiro; and granddaughter Leilani Cross.

Margaret and her husband Emil will be laid to rest privately at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home in Holden www.milesfuneralhome.com

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01/19/2026

Colin W. MacDonald

WORCESTER —Colin W. MacDonald, 76, died peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester. He was born in Milford, the beloved son of the late Ronald and Alyce (Marchand) MacDonald.

Colin graduated from Doherty High School and attended Worcester Junior College. He went on to work at Worcester County National Bank, Shawmut Bank, and Fleet Bank, supporting Computer Output Microfiche Operations. He later worked for NEC, where he supported the Massachusetts State Police Automated Fingerprint Identification System. He achieved CompTIA A+ certification and more recently owned his own computer repair business, serving many clients in the Wachusett region. Colin married Evelyn D. Murphy in 1977 and settled in Rutland. He served the First Congregational Church of Rutland as treasurer and there leaves many dear friends. Colin loves his Lord Jesus with all his heart and daily studied scripture, reading the entire Bible many times over. He was an avid motorcyclist and hiked Mount Wachusett almost daily for as long as he was able. He was happy to fix anything computer or mechanical. He loved all animals and enjoyed the companionship of many dogs, cats, and birds during his lifetime. He was a skilled aquarist.

Colin will be lovingly missed and remembered by Evelyn, his wife of 48 years; his son, Sean T. MacDonald of Northbridge; his sister, Fay MacDonald of Worcester; his treasured granddaughter, Lila MacDonald; his brother-in-law, Terrence Murphy, and wife Nancy of Charleton; and his niece, Heather Berube, her husband John of Newmarket, NH, and several grand-nieces and nephews. Colin was predeceased by his brother, Ian MacDonald; his sister-in-law, Carole; brothers-in-law, Dennis J. Murphy and Lawrence D Murphy; and niece, Erin Murphy.

A Memorial Service honoring and celebrating Colin's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 24th, at the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main Street, Rutland, MA. Interment will be held at a later date at Rural Cemetery, Rutland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rutland Food Pantry, 258 Main Street, Rutland, MA.

Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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