Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH (2026)

03/11/2026

James A. Tuttle

James A. “Jim” Tuttle, 76, a lifelong resident of Wilton, NH, died peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by family at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH, after a long period of declining health.

He was born on August 9, 1949, in Nashua, NH, the son of the late James E. and Edna L. (Glines) Tuttle.

Jim graduated from Wilton High School in 1967. He attended Concord Technical Institute and graduated from NHVTI in 1970 with an AS degree in Machine Tool Repair.

He worked in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, and site superintendent. He was affectionally known by close friends and family as the Diggaman. Jim served his town as a Volunteer Fireman beginning in 1967 for 27 years, retiring as Captain of Excelsior Hose Company #1. He also served over 30 years as a Wilton Water Commissioner, as a member of theWilton Zoning Board of Adjustment and for several years as a Wilton Sewer Commissioner. He was Wilton’s Road Agent in the early 1970s. Jim was a member of the 2nd Congregational Church, UCC in Wilton serving for many years as member of the Board of Trustees, and a member of the Clinton Lodge #52 F&AM.

Jim cherished every moment spent with his family and friends. A devoted sports fan, he was also a gifted three sport athlete throughout his high school and college years. He proudly played catcher and outfielder for the wellknown Water Buffaloes Softball Team. Jim rarely missed a game when his daughters—and later his granddaughters—competed, each of them carrying forward his love of athletics. In his earlier years, he was a familiar sight around town, always accompanied by his loyal German Shepherd. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Leslie (Wood) Tuttle of Wilton, NH, his two daughters, Lori and her husband Keith Bowen of Hudson, NH, Julie and her husband Scott Varney of Wilton, NH, his beloved granddaughters, Madelynn Bowen, Michaella Bowen and Loghan Varney, two sisters, Shirley (Tuttle) LaFortune of Peterborough, NH, Marcia (Tuttle) and her husband Christopher Neuhardt also of Peterborough as well as nieces and nephews in NH, NC and MO, extended family and many close friends.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the 2nd Congregational Church, UCC, 25 Gregg Street, Wilton, NH. Burial will be in the spring in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Wilton.

Memorial donations may be made to the 2nd Congregational Church, UCC Memorial Fund, PO Box 246, Wilton, NH 03086.

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03/11/2026

Donald H. Davis

Donald H. Davis, 65, longtime resident of Nashua, NH, died on February 28, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Nashua, NH.

He was born in Beacon, New York on April 1, 1960, a son of Harold and Dorothy (Way) Davis.

Donald enjoyed fishing, working on cars and previously worked as a self-employed painter. He loved watching the Food Network and the History channel.

He had been employed by Wal-Mart for many years.

Donald was predeceased by a brother, Harold Davis, and a sister, Barbara Claudio.

Family members include his wife, Cindy L. Davis of Nashua, NH; a step son, Seth Miles of Peterborough, NH; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Ann Marie Davis of Schenectady, NH; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

There are no services. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

View Donald H. Davis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/11/2026

Alan T. Way

Alan T. Way, 69, a resident of Milford, New Hampshire, passed away at his home on February 27, 2026.

Born on August 1, 1956, in Boston, Massachusetts, Alan was the son of Edgar Way and Doris (Boudreau) Way. He was raised and educated in Canton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Canton High School with the Class of 1974.

He is survived by his children, Alan and Jennifer Way of Amherst, New Hampshire; Christopher and Erika Way of Amherst, New Hampshire; Michael and Tiana Way of Mason, New Hampshire; and Breanna Way of Milford, New Hampshire; his grandchildren, Lily, Baylor, Eliette, Charlotte (predeceased), Brody, and Emersyn; his sisters, Sue Abaid of Merrimack, New Hampshire, and her late husband, Fred Abaid, Barbara Desmarais of North Carolina and her husband, Christopher Desmarais; and his brother, David Way of Snellville, Georgia and his wife, Dianne Way.

Alan spent many years working as a distribution manager for Midas International. Later in life, he worked at AIRMAR Technology Corp. in Milford, New Hampshire, where he formed lasting friendships and was genuinely loved by those who worked alongside him.

Above all else, Alan was a devoted father and grandfather. A lifelong New England sports fan, he proudly cheered for all of the hometown teams and played hockey in his younger years. More than anything, he loved being a fan of his family. Whether he was in the stands watching his sons play sports or sitting in front of the stage listening to them make music, Alan was always there, offering steady encouragement and wholehearted support. He shared a special bond with his daughter Breanna, whom he loved dearly, and proudly supported the things that made her uniquely herself, including the matching tattoos they shared. That same devotion carried on to his grandchildren, and he rarely missed a chance to cheer them on from the stands or watch them perform from the front row.

Alan also enjoyed camping, playing golf with his sons, listening to sports radio, and simply being present for the people he loved most. His warmth, kindness, and big heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His love for his family will continue to live on through them.

There will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at The Brickhouse in Milford, New Hampshire. All who knew and cared for Alan are warmly welcome.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, New Hampshire. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.smith-heald.com

View Alan T. Way's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/09/2026

Francis S. Zielinski

Francis S. Zielinski, 82, resident of Milford, NH died on January 31, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Nashua, NH.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on January 31, 1943, a son of Stephen F. and Sophie (Newrocki) Zielinski. Raised and educated in Buffalo NY and graduated from Depew High School. Mr. Zielinski had been employed as an air traffic controller for the FAA for many years.

Family members include his loving wife of 61 years, Helene (Ventura) Zielinski of Milford; and two sons, Steven Zielinski and John Zielinski both also of Milford.

Some of Franks favorite things were volunteering on the Amherst Ambulance with Helene, spending time with the family at their cottage, boating, fishing, racquet ball in his younger years, and his favorite songs were Desperado and Jumping Jack Flash.

A Special mention must be made to Nicole, Frank’s heart transplant donor. Our family will always be grateful for the years the donation gave to Frank.

There are no services. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

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03/09/2026

William R. Batchelder

William R. Batchelder, 86, longtime resident of Wilton, NH, died at the Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, NH, on March 5, 2026, after a period of declining health.

He was born on August 15, 1939, in Goffstown, NH, a son of the late Willard and Gertrude (Frost) Batchelder.

William or Bill as he was known to most was raised and educated in Amherst, NH.

He faithfully served as a United States Marine during the Korean War.

Bill worked for many years at Hendrix Wire and Cable. Outside of work he enjoyed time spent hunting, being on his motorcycle, attending auctions, going to Nova car shows with his 67’ Nova, spending time at Camp and his daily McDonald’s visits with the crew.

He will be sorely missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his stepson, Grant “Butch” Demmons.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carol Batchelder of Wilton, NH, his two daughters, Pam and her husband Brandon Shepherd of AZ, Karen Batchelder of Milford, NH, his stepchildren, Wayne and his wife Fran Demmons of Lyndeborough, NH, Scott and his wife Amy Demmons of Bedford, NH, Randy and his wife Naomi Demmons of OK, Susan Webster of GA, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. Burial with full military honors will be in the Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Bill can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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03/07/2026

UPCOMING SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on SATURDAY, March 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street in Milford, NH, a funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.

View Elizabeth S. Fairbairn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Sheila M. Fraser

Sheila Marie Fraser, 69, of Milford, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Nashua on April 17, 1956, she was the daughter of the late John T. McEntee of Milford, NH, and Eileen (Byrne) McEntee of Milton, MA.

A lifelong resident of Milford, Sheila graduated from Milford High School with the Class of 1974. On November 27, 1974, she married the love of her life, David J. Fraser, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage until his passing in 2009.

Sheila devoted her life to caring for others. She lovingly raised her four children, supported her parents in their later years, and cared for her husband throughout his illness. Her family was the center of her world, and she found her greatest joy in time spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and her dog Katie.

Sheila had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm, welcoming spirit. She loved baking for her family, cheering on the Red Sox, and gathering for parades, cookouts, and celebrations—where her famous macaroni salad was always in demand. She cherished long conversations and could talk for hours, sharing stories, laughter, and memories. She had a deep appreciation for family history and loved passing down stories from generations past, keeping those memories alive for her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: MaryAnne Shepard (Dennis) of Amherst, NH; David J. Fraser II (Clinton Holcomb) of Lyndeborough, NH; John Fraser (Amanda) of Grandview, WA; and Elizabeth Fraser (Adam Kilgore) of Milford, NH.

Sheila is also survived by her siblings: Maureen VonDette (Tom), Joseph McEntee (Linda), Mary Johnson, Patrick McEntee, Ellen Pratt (Robert), and Diane McEntee. She was predeceased by her brothers John M. McEntee (2013) and Malcolm McEntee(2015), a sister Catherine McEntee (1953), a nephew Daniel McEntee (2001), and a great grandchild Wren Taupier (2023).

She leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren: Michael Kauffman (Rachel), Courtney Zamago (Miguel), Chandler Fraser (Eric Di Bartolo), Shelby Taupier (Eric), Lillian Fraser, Landon Enyart, Leo Fraser, Lucas Fraser, Leighton Fraser, Bethany Kilgore, Brianna Kilgore, Ben Kilgore, and Bianca Kilgore.

She was blessed with three great‑grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Natalie Kauffman, Olivia Kauffman, and Violet Taupier.

Sheila is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Sheila’s legacy is one of love, humor, resilience, and devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, march 12, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the St. John Nuemann Church, 708 Milford road, Merrimack, NH. Burial will be in the St. Patrick cemetery, Amherst, NH, on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the VFW in Milford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sheila’s memory to the SHARE program in Milford NH or Home Health and Hospice Merrimack.

View Sheila M. Fraser's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Arthur F. Bent Jr.

Arthur F. Bent Jr. (91) resident of Brookline, NH passed away on March 3rd, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 18, 1934 to Arthur F. Bent Sr. and Eva M. (Devine) Bent. Mr. Bent was a life long resident of Brookline. He left high school and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and then was self employed as a truck driver hauling for Very Fine. He married Agnes J. Bent in October of 1955 and went on to have two sons. Mr. Bent was a family man, he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Agnes J. Bent, his brothers Donnie and Ralph Bent, his sister Barbara Austin and his son Fred L. Bent Sr.

Family members include his son Danny Bent and his wife Gina Bent, his sister Andrea Daniels and her husband Thomas Daniels, his sister-in-law Sandra Bent, his grandsons Fred L. Bent Jr. and his girlfriend Brooke Gow and Danny Bent and his girlfriend Brooke Parker and his Grand Daughters Nicole (Bent) Snow and her husband Kendell Snow and Shelby Bent and her boyfriend Justin Booth. 5 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life will be on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at The Gathering Grounds located at 104 Route 13 Brookline, NH 03033 from 1pm to 4pm.

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03/03/2026

Elizabeth "Betty" F. McLeod

Elizabeth “Betty” F. (Clark) McLeod, 98, longtime resident of Amherst, NH, died on March 2, 2026 at Hanover Hill Health Care Center, Manchester, NH.

She was born on October 21, 1927 in Framingham, MA, the daughter of Samuel Wallace Clark and Helen Estelle (McNally) Clark. She was raised and educated in Holliston, MA, having graduated from Holliston High School Class of 1945. After high school, Betty attended Burdett College, Boston, MA.

Betty had previously been a longtime employee at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, Greenfield, NH.

In her younger years, Betty had been active in the Eastern Star (Milford chapter), the White Shrine and the Social Order of the Beauceant.

The Family would like to thank the staff of Hanover Hill Health Care Center for the wonderful care Betty received during her stay there.

In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband, Robert Ernest McLeod Jr., who died in 2019; her brothers, Chester J. Clark and Richard A. Clark; her sister, Mary A (Clark) Short.

Family members include her daughters, Catherine L. McLeod of Amherst, NH, Bonnie V. Farrington of Marlborough, MA; son, Andrew D. McLeod of Manchester, NH; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her brother, William C. Clark of Alburquerque, NM; several nieces and nephews.

There are no services. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

View Elizabeth "Betty" F. McLeod's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

Nicolo Mendola

Nicolo Mendola, 90, a resident of Milford, NH, passed away peacefully at his home on February 25, 2026.

Born on September 1, 1935, in Naro, Italy, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Serafina (Viccica) Mendola.

Nicolo was a longtime resident of Gloucester, MA, where he led a life centered on hard work and devotion to his family. He was employed for many years at Gorton’s of Gloucester, from which he eventually retired. Known for his strong work ethic, Nicolo took great pride in providing for those he loved. In his young adult life, Nicolo went to Venezuela where he was a shopkeeper and cobbler before returning to Italy, then setting roots in Gloucester, MA and finally retiring in Milford, NH.

In his early mid-life years, Nicolo developed a passion for radio building and electronics, pursuing education in the field and enjoying the craftsmanship and precision it required. Another passion carrying into his later years included gardening. Above all, he will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy was his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Angela Mendola of Milford, NH; his three sons, Salvatore Mendola of Amherst, NH; Giuseppe “Joe” Mendola and his wife, Maria Fe, of Nashua, NH; and Sergio Mendola of Georgetown, MA. He also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Alessandro (Alex), Danny, Sophia, Jaden, Eily, and Talia.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Vincenza Mendola, Salvatore Mendola, and Roberto Mendola.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 PM in St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack, NH. Burial will be private for the family.

View Nicolo Mendola's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/27/2026

William "Bill" Ellis

William “Bill” Ellis, 79, of Temple, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, surrounded by family after a long illness.

Bill was born on September 27, 1946, in Flushing, New York to the late Raymond Herbert Ellis and Mary Olin Spolasco Ellis. He grew up in Merrick on Long Island, enjoying a long list of hobbies and adventures, including offshore and inshore fishing on his father’s boat, clamming, photography, and his lifelong passion for motorcycles.

He loved attending races and rallies.Bill proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal. After his military service, he earned a degree in civil engineering and worked on Long Island before later moving to Temple, New Hampshire and continuing his profession in Civil engineering.Throughout his life, Bill continued to enjoy wildlife and animals, sharing his home with many Welsh Corgis over the years and an English Setter as the first family dog. He also loved metal detecting, fishing, gardening, traveling, and collecting rocks and minerals. His passion for rock and mineral collecting took him throughout the East from Maine to Florida and Midwest in search of award-winning quality specimens. During retirement, Bill especially enjoyed traveling the country in his Airstream with his wife and their corgis.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Ellis; his son Glenn Ellis, daughter-in-law Patricia Ellis, and grandson Liam Ellis of Merrimack; and his brother Mark Ellis and sister-in-law June Ellis of St. Petersburg.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, Robert Ellis, and his sister, Sandra Ellis Greenwell. Bill will be remembered for his love of family, the roads he traveled, and his steady, thoughtful nature. He never rushed his words, and what he shared was always sincere and worth hearing.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the St. Patrick Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH. Burial will be in the Miller Cemetery, Temple, NH for the family privately.

View William "Bill" Ellis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/27/2026

Richard C. Hoffman

Richard C. Hoffman, 79, resident of Milford, NH, died on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Southern NH Medical Center, Nashua, NH.

He was born in Manchester, NH on December 11, 1946, a son of Harold and Norah (Cribbens) Hoffman. His mother, Norah , was born and raised in Sydney, England. Richard was born in Manchester and raised in Bedford and graduated from Manchester West High School, Class of 1965.

He met and married Diane E. Wirkkala in 1979 and together made their home in Milford for many years.

Richard had been employed by a number of companies such as JM Fields, Savages Clothing Store, Silva Mart, Riedels Supermarket and Schonlands. He had a lot of fun working in retail as he had a very friendly disposition, accompanied by a great sense of humor and enjoyed all of the conversations with his many customers over the years.

He loved music, watching game shows, movies and most especially spending time with his family. Richard spent his early years during the summer months at the family camp at Baboosic Lake in Amherst. He and his friends enjoyed the Friday night dances at the Pavilion which is now the Town Beach. He also enjoyed playing the pinball machines. For many years Richard celebrated the Fourth of July with a fireworks display at the lake.

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Diane E. (Wirkkala) Hoffman, who died January 10, 2026. They were married for 46 years.

Richard was a member of the Air National Guard for six years.

Family members include two sons, Christopher Hoffman of Amherst, NH, Scott Whipple and his wife Gina of Weare, NH; a younger brother, Brian Hoffman and his partner Nancy Kilbride of Whitefield, NH. Also cousins, Nickalus, Jonathan and Simon of England

Funeral services are private. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

View Richard C. Hoffman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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