McDonough Funeral Home

07/25/2025

Manuel S. Gomes Funeral Mass.

07/22/2025

Roland E. Santos, 80, of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at D’Youville Senior Health Care Center. He was the beloved husband of Mary P. (Zygadlo) Santos, with whom he recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Born and raised in Lowell, he was the son of the late Edward Santos, Sr. and the late Pauline (Anderson) Santos. Roland was educated in the Lowell school system and was a proud member of the Lowell High School Class of 1963.

A true people person, Roland loved being surrounded by family and friends. Whether spending time at the Portuguese American Center or the Knickerbocker Club, he was always up for a good conversation or a game of cards. He especially enjoyed solitaire, crossword puzzles, and could often be found reading, he was a voracious reader who could finish a book in a day.

More than anything, Roland treasured family gatherings and the company of those he cared about most.

In addition to his wife Mary of Lowell, he is survived by his two sons, Roland D. Santos and his wife Angel Marie (Tremblay) Santos of Lowell, and Joseph E. Santos of Lowell; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Santos, Corey Santos, and Timothy Santos; and great-grandchildren, Michael Santos, Aurora Santos, Shane Santos, Piper Marie Santos, and Cole Santos.

He also leaves behind his brothers, Edward J. Santos, Jr. and his wife Louise of Dracut, and Thomas J. Santos and his companion Marie Webb of Chelmsford; his sisters-in-law, Frances P. Ward of Lowell and Gizelia Santos of Dracut; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who held a special place in his heart.

Roland was predeceased by his brother, the late James A. Santos.

You are welcome to attend his visitation on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 5pm until 7pm at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. His funeral service will take place in the funeral home after the calling hours at 7pm. Burial will take place privately in Saint Mary Cemetery.

07/22/2025

Manuel S. Gomes, 86 of Lowell, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at his home. He was the widower of the late Diamantina (Ferreira) Gomes with whom he spent 58 years together before she passed away in 2022.

He was born on December 3, 1938 in Terceira, Azores, Portugal and was a son of the late Jose Marcelino Gomes and the late Maria Pereira. He was raised in Terceira, where he attended the area schools. While in his homeland, he served with the Portuguese Military during the war in Mozambique; and worked as the ticket master on the city bus.

On October 31, 1980 he relocated to the United States, settling in Lowell to provide his family with a better life and opportunities. He worked for Carol Shoe in Lowell for many years, before working at Batesville Casket in Nashua, then at Price Spaghetti, until his retirement.

He was a member of the Portuguese American Center, the Blue’s Club, and a communicant of St. Anthony Church. He enjoyed playing dominos and indulging in wine. Above all else, he cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Manuel is survived by his children, Margarida Cunha and her longtime companion, Jason Greenaway of Lowell, Joao Gomes and his wife, Anabela of Terceira, Ana P. Gomes of Lowell, Jorge Gomes of Lowell, and Nelia Gomes of Dracut; his seven beloved grandchildren, Michael Cunha, Felicia Gomes, JJ Gomes, Karson and Konnor Boule, Leonardo Matos, and Lisandro Gomes; and his great grandchildren, Dianyliz, Gabriella, Milani, Penelope and Jamilla.

He also is survived by his sister, Fernanda Dearing of Lowell; and many nieces and nephews, including his niece and god daughter, Madelena Gomes.

Donations in his memory may be made to: the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or at: https://www.heart.org/en/why-give

On Thursday, July 24, 2025 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 4-8 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.

His funeral will begin on Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

07/22/2025

Lawrence R. Begen, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Northwood Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

Born in Lowell on June 1, 1948, he was the son of the late Edward Begen and the late Hazel (Shaughnessy) Begen. Lawrence grew up in Lowell and attended the city’s public schools, including the Daley Junior High School.

He worked as a taxi driver for Yellow Cab for over 35 years, a job he took pride in. He also served as a security officer with National Security. He enjoyed spending time watching baseball and football.

Lawrence is survived by his three children, Richard Begen, Cheryl Begen, and Heather Begen, all of Lowell; his brother, Edward Begen of Gardner; and his longtime friend, Joanie Berness. He was predeceased by his brothers, Fred Begen and Melvin “Paul” Begen.

Funeral services and burial at Lowell Cemetery will be held privately.
Arrangements by the McDonough Funeral Home
www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com

07/17/2025

Claire Marie Savard

Claire Marie Savard, 62, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Born in Lowell on September 7, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Gerard Savard and the late Therese (L’Heureux) Savard. Claire was raised and educated in Lowell, where she built the foundation of a life filled with warmth, creativity, and strong connections.

Claire worked for many years with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, serving in both Boston and Worcester. Her career reflected her deep compassion and commitment to others, and although she retired early due to health complications, her dedication never waned.

A talented and passionate artist, Claire found joy in diamond art, her home was filled with her vibrant, meticulous creations. She loved music, movies, and the comfort of her beloved cat Magnolia. Above all, Claire loved her daughter deeply, as well as her family and her many cherished friends.

She lived in Malden for the past ten years and previously made her home in Salem, Massachusetts, where she built strong and lasting friendships.

Claire is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Murphy of Portland, Maine; her siblings, Terri Cooper of Rhode Island, and Donald Savard and his wife Gail of Pelham, NH; and her brother-in-law, William Lipomi of Amherst, NH. She also leaves her beloved nephew Christopher, nieces Melissa and Michelle, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Claire will be deeply missed by her close friends, including Jeanette Dunn of Lowell, Sharon Forrest of Salem, and Jasmine Forrest who was like a daughter to her.

She was predeceased by her brother, Roger Savard, and her sister, Jeannine Marie “Jean” Lipomi.

Her committal service will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 2 pm at Saint Joseph Cemetery Chapel, 96 Riverneck Road, Chelmsford, MA. Arrangements by the McDonough Funeral Home, www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com

07/16/2025

07/11/2025

A little info about National Cemeteries.

07/10/2025

George H. Hamel Jr., 78, of Lowell, MA
August 4, 1946 - July 8, 2025

George is survived by his wife, Isabelle Shamshoyan Hamel; son, Edwin Hamel and his wife, Robyn, of Shirley, MA and their 4 children, Alexander, Maxamilian, Miana and Natally; daughter, Deanna Hamel and her husband, Kin Lee and their 2 children, Sophie and Colette of Westport, CT.

A lifelong Lowell resident and an absolute fixture of the community, passed away peacefully after a brief but brave battle with illness. He fought hard, just like he lived-with grit, loyalty, and a sharp sense of humor that could both charm and mildly confuse you.

Born on August 4, 1946, in Lowell, George was the only son of George Sr. and Mary Hamel of Lowell. He grew up in the Acre and was very proud of the city he called home for his entire life. He attended St. Patrick's School in Lowell followed by Lowell High School and later Northeast Broadcasting School with dreams of becoming a radio host-dreams which eventually took a slight detour when he joined The Lowell Sun. There, George found his true calling and stayed for over 45 years in advertising , never missing a single day.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, George was married to his beloved wife, Isabelle for over 50 years-a love story marked by shared laughter, long wild conversations, and a lot of loud Beatles music. Together they raised two children, Edwin and Deanna, and welcomed six adoring grandchildren.

A proud associate Armenian Veteran, George was an active member of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Lowell Sun Charities and Golden Gloves. He loved his community and maintained a very full social calendar-often spotted with his lifelong childhood and work friends, a Scotch in one hand and an occasional cigar in the other.

George was a true original and a creature of habit. He loved carnivals, hot dogs, and hot sauce. He journaled everyday-often scribbling down his thoughts, and the occasional hilariously offbeat observation. His humor was dry, sharp, and sometimes wildly unexpected. But behind the wit was a man of great heart, who treasured the simple things: his family, his home, and the life he built from humble beginnings.

He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and love.

George will be deeply missed, but the stories he told, the laughs he gave, and the life he lived will continue to echo through the streets of Lowell.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Sts. Vartanantz Church 180 Old Westford Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824 or online at stsvartanantz.com at any time.

On Sunday, July 13, 2025 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home at 14 Highland St., Lowell, MA 01852. His funeral will be held on Monday, July 14 at 10 a.m. at Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Please visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence.

07/09/2025

Paul A. Lanoue, 75, of Lowell, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at Lowell General Hospital after an unexpected illness. He was the beloved husband of Jean (Kelley) Lanoue, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.

Born and raised in the Acre section of Lowell, Paul was the son of the late Armand Lanoue and the late Germaine (Chandonette) Lanoue. A graduate of Lowell High School, Paul was a standout athlete in both wrestling and football. His achievements on the mat and the field earned him induction into the Lowell High School Hall of Fame. Following high school, he competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials for wrestling and briefly attended the Arizona Western University on a wrestling scholarship.

In 1980, Paul met the love of his life, Jean, and together they built a life centered around family, love, and laughter. Paul worked for nearly 40 years at Middlesex Community College’s Bedford Campus, serving in a variety of roles including as an armed security officer. He also worked for Brinks as an armored truck driver. Outside of work, Paul was a passionate writer and poet, publishing under the pen name Augustus Clayton for the past two decades.

In addition to his devoted wife Jean, Paul is survived by his two children: Paul Lanoue and his wife Charity of Billerica, and Kathryn Lanoue and Marquis Diaz, both of Lowell; two cherished grandchildren, Paul and Zaycius; his siblings, Alfred Lanoue and his wife Carol of Nashua, NH, Lucille Marion of Dracut, Robert Lanoue and his wife Cindy of Ayer, and Ronnie Lanoue and his wife, Dolores, of Windham, NH; and his sister-in-law Pauline Lanoue of Somerville. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and in-laws, including Robert Kelley of Rindge, NH, and Nancy Reynolds of Somerset.

He was predeceased by his siblings: Rosemarie Lanoue, Arthur Lanoue, Lucien Lanoue, and Raymond Lanoue.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements by McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. Please visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to send the family an e-condolence.

In his memory, please consider a memorial donation in his name to the Coalition for a Better Acre at www.coalitionforabetteracre.org/take-action at any time.

07/08/2025

Quick flower info

07/08/2025

Jose D. Villa, 98, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at D’Youville Senior Health Care Center in Lowell. He was the beloved husband of the late Maria Lucia (Castro) Villa. Together, they shared more than 70 years of marriage before her passing earlier this year.

Born in Medellín, Colombia on September 26, 1926, he was the son of the late Remigio Villa and the late Anna Rita (Alvarez) Villa. Jose spent the first 48 years of his life in Colombia before immigrating to the United States in 1974. He initially settled in Lowell and also spent time in New York, though Lowell remained his home for most of the past 50 years.

Jose found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially music. The classical sounds of Colombia filled his heart with happiness and connected him to his roots. A dedicated and hardworking man, he held several jobs over the years, including as a prep cook and dishwasher at the Ground Round in Chelmsford, in maintenance at the Holiday Inn in Tewksbury, and as an assistant at Wannalancit Mills and Joan Fabrics.

Above all, Jose was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind his seven children: Horacio Villa of Colombia, Edilma Osorno and her husband Alejandrino of Lowell and Colombia, Beatriz Villa of Colombia, Eunice Villa Castro of Lowell, Alonso Villa of Colombia, Fernando Villa of Florida, and Elkuin Villa of Lowell. He was a proud grandfather to fifteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Jose was the last of his generation, predeceased by his twelve siblings. His life was a testament to resilience, devotion, and quiet strength, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

You are welcome to attend his visitation on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 9 am until 11am at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852.

His funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11am followed by procession to the Edson Cemetery.

07/03/2025

Here's a few quick questions, we hope you have a nice Fourth of July!