O'Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, MA (2026)

04/13/2026

David M. Fernandes

David M. Fernandes, 71, of Ludlow, passed away on April 7, 2026, under the care of Baystate Hospice.

Born on July 4,1954 in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Manuel Fernandes and Florence (DeRosa) Fernandes.

David worked as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, dedicating 37 years of service to the Holyoke Post Office.

He is survived by his former wife, Rosalind Forti of Ludlow; his two sisters, Kathy Black of South Hadley and Lori Cardinal and her husband Rich of South Hadley; his nieces and nephews, Amy DelMonte, Mark DelMonte (Destiny), Brett Cardinal (Julie), and Amanda Cardinal; his great-niece, Ella Cardinal; his great-nephew, Atlas DelMonte; as well as his brother-in-law, Anthony Forti and sister-in-law, Mary Forti.

David was a proud Coast Guard veteran and a man who valued hard work and independence. He built his home in Ludlow alongside his father, a project that reflected both his skill and determination. He also operated a vacation rental home business in upstate New York.

A man of faith, David sang in the choir at St. Patrick’s Church in South Hadley and was a former member of Cursillo. He enjoyed his many trips to Portugal, visiting Madeira and also the Azores, which he especially loved and was home to his maternal grandparents. He had a deep love for animals, especially his Australian Shepherds, and in his retirement, he found joy in driving his dune buggy with his loyal companion, Dexter, by his side.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, followed by a funeral home service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ludlow Veterans’ Assistance Fund, Ludlow Veterans’ Services, 487 Holyoke Street, Ludlow, MA 01056; or to Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.

View David M. Fernandes's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Monica M. Lindberg

Monica (Fournier) Lindberg passed away on March 27, 2026 under the devoted care of Harmony House and Baystate Home Health (Hospice), with loved ones present.

Born on January 3, 1936 in North Troy Vermont, Monica was proud of her French-Canadian heritage and her early formative years on East Hill farm, attending a one room schoolhouse. Together with her parents, Gerard and Juliette (LaChance) Fournier, and her sister Lucille, the family eventually moved south, settling in the Aldenville section of Chicopee.

Monica attended St Joan of Arc grammar school in Chicopee among a tight knit group of peers who kept in touch afterwards over the miles via correspondence and across decades through reunions. She was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School and was grateful for the foundation her education provided her, and for the enduring friendships formed there.

Attention to detail and diligence were hallmarks of Monica’s meaningful work experiences. She brought her work ethic to Stonybroook AFB, the Advertising Corporation of America, roles in the Plains School PTA, and work as a paraprofessional for South Hadley Public Schools. Her professionalism, institutional knowledge, and steady presence were evident during her long tenure as Public Affairs Specialist at Westover Air Reserve Base. Monica cherished the friends she made at Westover, stayed in touch with them over the years, and loved the many outings she had with those incredible people. Post “retirement”, Monica brought her thoroughness to her position as a South Hadley election worker and many years at the BIG E where she deftly staffed the information booth.

Monica thrived on her friendships and on being a good neighbor throughout the phases of her life. She cherished her days venturing to Birdland in NYC on the train with girlfriends and being part of the thriving Karen Drive/Leaping Wells Reservoir neighborhood where she lived with her family for decades. In her final neighborhood on West Summit Street she continued to establish strong bonds, and the family is grateful for the community there.

Language, communication, and music were vital components of Monica’s life. She was a formidable conversationalist and fond of crossword puzzles. Her love of music spanned genres and she attended numerous jazz concerts in venues great and small. Her grandsons’ band performances brought great joy to her and had top billing in her heart. She was a regular walker in her Canal Park neighborhood and cherished her decades of walks along Ogunquit Beach.

Monica is survived by her children, Karen Grycel and her husband Ed of Wilbraham and Karl Lindberg and his wife Nicole (Remy) of Granby. She was deeply devoted to and is lovingly remembered by her grandsons Jacob (Ally) Grycel of Littleton, Ethan (Lee) Grycel of Wilbraham, Dalton Remy and his wife Jessica of Fresno, California and Neil Lindberg of Granby. She also leaves her dear great-granddaughter, Charlotte Remy of Fresno, California, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends with whom she had steadfast relationships.

Monica was predeceased by her sister Lucille Choquette of Holyoke and brother-in-law Norman Choquette, and her nephews, Bruce and Mark Choquette of Chicopee.

Monica and her family are grateful for the years of care and critical interventions provided by staff at the Damour Cancer Center and Infusion Services, particularly Dr. Prarthna Bardwaj and NP Candace Bignell. The humanity and expertise of Baystate’s Home Health Hospice workers (Laura DiPaola , Mary Ann Catanzaro ) and resource nurses were integral to Monica’s well-being in her last months. The welcoming embrace of the Harmony House hospice home in Chicopee, led by Tania Spear provided crucial final comfort. Our family would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation for Baystate CNP Theresa Lind for her wit and wisdom in truly caring about and for Monica.

Arrangements were entrusted to O’Brien Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services of South Hadley. Informal visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Monica to Baystate Home Health Services (Baystate Health Foundation) and Harmony House of Western Massachusetts.

View Monica M. Lindberg's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/07/2026

Rosemary Lane

Rosemary Lane, 70, of School Street, passed away April 3rd at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after an illness. Born in Holyoke to Norman and Mary Lane, Rose attended South Hadley schools before working at Sunoco Paper in Holyoke and later becoming manager of the Franco Club in Holyoke. Rose was predeceased by her parents and two brothers Jeffrey and John. She is survived by her sister-in-law Cheryl Lane, three nephews Justin, Jeffrey and Brandon and her dog Odie, who is being cared for by her beloved friend Chris Grzelak and many loving cousins and friends. Rose enjoyed riding her motorcycle, vacationing with family and friends and taking Odie to the park and out for ice cream. She was a devoted friend to many and will be missed by all! Her funeral will be Wednesday April 15 at 10:30 am at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley followed by burial in St. Rose Cemetery.

View Rosemary Lane's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/07/2026

Robert Chauvin

Robert Chauvin, 87, died Saturday April 4th in Cooley Dickinson Hospital. He was born April 6, 1938 in Holyoke, son of the late Napolean and Rose Chauvin. He grew up in Springfield on St. James Ave. and graduated from Cathedral Grammar School and later Springfield Trade High School. He met the love of his life Sandy in 1956 at Hampton Beach and would marry four years later. He became a licensed electrician at age 22, working in Northampton and Holyoke before his last 20 years with Local 7 in Springfield. He retired on May 28, 1998, the same day as his wife. Bob served in the US Coast Guard for eight years, from 1958 to 1966. Bob and Sandy loved spending time during the summer months in Portsmouth and Rye, NH. Bob and Sandy also loved to travel overseas, especially France, Spain, Italy, Croatia and Greece. They took five Mediterranean cruises, and also travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for over 25 years. They spent 21 years wintering in Florida and enjoyed French genealogy for family and friends and playing tennis together for 45 years. They lived in Granby since 1961. Bob was predeceased by his wife Sandy in 2019. He leaves his daughter Doreen Beard and her husband Garry, son Robert Chauvin and his wife Jennifer, sister Linda Gebhart and four grandchildren Rachael Turner and her husband Charlie, Merideth Beard, Brenna Bartos and her husband Colby and Luc Chauvin and two great grandchildren Nora and Rosemary. Calling hours at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley will be Friday April 17th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

View Robert Chauvin's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Cynthia Anne Minton

With hearts and hands interlaced in grief and gratitude we announce our mother Cynthia Anne Minton (née Walker), passed away gracefully, and attended by her daughters, on March 21st, 2026, at the age of eighty-six. Born in 1940 in Meadville, PA. the eldest child of Marie Louise Walker (née Carlbergh) and Frank Morse Walker, Cynthia was preceded in death by her sister Sally Anne Walker and brother Brian Douglas Walker.

A vibrant 17-year resident of the Loomis Community in South Hadley Massachusetts, Cynthia, or C.C. as she was known to her friends there, lit up any room she entered and was game for anything, taking roles in theatre performances, singing in the chorus and enjoying art-making. She truly was at the center of things, the life of any party and especially skilled at creating Halloween costumes. She continued to hone her seamstress skills well into her 70’s.

Our mother was a vivacious and creative woman, beautiful and stylish. Growing up in Belmont MA. and Chatham N.J. we have memories of her sewing original designs for a boutique in Harvard Square, in countless productions at the Chatham Community Players, hand sewing barbie clothes, engaging in community environmental actions, trekking us through the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, rescuing cats (usually keeping them) and being a stickler for a good breakfast. Not your usual suburban mom, she introduced us to NYC when we were quite little walking us through museums and teaching us to skate at Rockefeller Center. She held art sales on the front lawn to promote artist friends and was the first one on the block to sport a s**g haircut. She was proud of completing a B.A., interrupted by marriage and motherhood, before her older daughter graduated college.

For many years Cynthia owned White Cat Antiques (FL. and Prince Edward Island), and loved collecting unique Victorian and art deco jewelry, fine China, and antique furniture. Cynthia held administrative positions with private practices, non-profits, and in the financial offices of Colleges and Universities, her final position, before traveling the world with her husband Gerald Minton, was as Assistant Bursar of Stetson University College of Law in Florida.

Holding her memory are her daughters, Jennifer Anne Stark and Andrea Marie Stark (daughters of the late Andrew Paul Stark), and their husbands Michael R. Schnoering and Christopher J. Tickner, her niece Kirstin Marie Walker and her sons Drew William Himelein and Evan Alexander Himelein, nephew Troy Vincent Walker and his children, Caroline May VanDuzer, Erin Eddina Habas, and Dylann Tuesday Walker and Benny Walker, son of Brian Douglas Walker.

Cynthia will be forever in the heart of her husband of 20 years, Gerald Minton, 90, of South Hadley MA. The intrepid pair explored the world together for over a decade, filling photo albums with images of camel riding, cruises and exotic meals, creating lasting memories and collecting sharable stories.

Cynthia will be lovingly remembered by Gerald’s son Joe Minton, wife Kelly and especially by their son Orion, who deeply cared for his “Nana”.

She will be dearly missed by Leon (son of Gerald Minton) and wife Christine Marucchi, and their sons, Jonah, Nico, and Luca, Pandra Williams (née Marucchi) (daughter of Gerald Minton) and husband Michael and their daughters Jessica and Vanessa.

Our mother passed away auspiciously on the Spring Equinox, a liminal time of transition and balance. We are grateful for the life she led, the challenges she overcame and the release she has been given.

View Cynthia Anne Minton's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/22/2026

John "Jack" P. Leonard

John “Jack” P. Leonard, long time resident of South Hadley MA, passed away peacefully on March 19th 2026 at Holyoke Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born in Pittsfield, MA on December 6th, 1939 to Therese and Francis Leonard. He grew up in the flats of Holyoke with his siblings Donald, Joan, and Charlene alongside many close, lifetime friends. Jack is predeceased by his mother, father, and brother Donald. He attended Holyoke Catholic schools before enlisting into the United States Navy in 1957. As a Logistics Specialist, Jack was stationed in New London, Connecticut and spent time deployed to the Mediterranean during the Beirut crisis. Jack speaks fondly of his time in the military and was always proud of his service. Upon completion of his enlistment with the Navy, Jack went on to begin his career back home as a mechanical engineer and met the love of his life, Joy Bernier. The couple married and went on to have six children: Kim, Timothy, Wendy, Thomas, Kathleen, and John II. Jack is predeceased by his wife, Joy and two of his sons, Timothy and John II.

Jack emphasized an importance on family and connection. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with his family, friends, and pets. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in their sports and activities. A man of many talents, Jack was an incredible writer and storyteller. He was often recognized and published, winning many awards. He had a great love for cooking and has shared and passed down cherished recipes. Jack had a great love of community. He was very involved with St. Patricks' Social Center for many years. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at both South Hadley and Holyoke Senior Centers.

He is survived by his sister Joan of South Hadley, sister Charlene of Virginia Beach, Virginia, children Kim (Marc, her partner) of Granby, Wendy of South Hadley, Thomas (Carly, his wife) of Chicopee, Kathleen (Lorenzo, her partner) of Madison, CT as well as grandchildren Kelly, Jennifer, Jon, Francis, Haylee, Mark, Madelynne, Shawn, Jonathan, Jordan, Madison, Robert, and Casey as well as eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who will cherish all the wonderful memories with gratitude as he reunites with his beloved wife Joy and their two sons.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley on Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 11a.m. Burial and Military Funeral Honors will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Parkinsons Foundation at parkinsons.org/donate.

View John "Jack" P. Leonard's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Jean E. Brunell

Jean Elaine (Ormsbee) Brunell, 88, of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, held close by the family she cherished throughout her life.

Born on July 25, 1937, in Claremont, New Hampshire, Jean was the eldest of four children and the daughter of the late Fred Wesley Ormsbee and June (Fisher) Ormsbee. From an early age, she carried a quiet strength and a steady kindness that would shape every chapter of her life.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sheldon Brunell, her high school sweetheart and lifelong companion. They married in August 1958. She was also predeceased by her brother, Dean Ormsbee.

In retirement, Jean found her greatest joy in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader, a devoted crossword solver, and a familiar presence at Barnes & Noble and the local library. She cherished visits to Maine to spend time with her son and his partner, and she delighted in the energy of her grandchildren and their friends, who made her feel forever young. Jean will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the unconditional love she offered to all who knew her.

She leaves behind her loving family: her sons, Matthew Brunell of South Hadley, and Mark Brunell and his partner Steven of Portugal; her daughter, Tammy Clark and her husband Ralph of South Hadley; her sister, Sally Paquette and her husband Robert of Holyoke; her brother, Jack Ormsbee and his wife Terry of Easthampton; her grandchildren, Emily Jacques and her husband Andrew of Chicopee, and Chandler Clark and his wife Danielle of South Hadley; and her three great-grandchildren, Peyton, Gemma, and Wesley, who brought her endless joy.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Harmony House and to all of Jean’s hospice caregivers for the tenderness and dignity they provided in her final days.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley. A funeral service will follow at 5:30 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean’s honor may be made to: Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, c/o Gina Mazza, 66 View Street, Chicopee, MA 01020.

View Jean E. Brunell's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/16/2026

Elizabeth S. Hespelt

Elizabeth S. Hespelt, 90, of South Hadley, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026 at Daybrook Village in Holyoke.

Born in Holyoke on July 19, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Thaddeus R. Bessett and Elizabeth T. (LaBrecque) Bessett-Pulli. Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband, Peter Hespelt, and her sister, Maggie Giroux.

She leaves her loving daughter, Heidi Levreault and her husband David of South Hadley; her cherished grandson, Justin Weins and his wife Bianca of South Hadley; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Mason and Rhea Weins. She also leaves her niece, Janine Lopes and her husband George of Granby, along with extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Elizabeth worked for many years as the Department Manager of the Floral Department at Home Depot, where her creativity and love for plants were on full display. Earlier in life, she created Christmas assortments for the City of Springfield and also spent time working as a model. An artist at heart, Elizabeth enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved the beach, dressing up for dinners and shows, and was known to enjoy a good glass of wine, a Bloody Mary, and her favorite spicy foods. She also never passed up the chance to enjoy a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, one of her favorite guilty pleasures. Elizabeth had a vibrant personality and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys and the people she loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Sok’s Bar & Grill, 30 Bridge Street, South Hadley.

Arrangements are under the direction of O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley.

View Elizabeth S. Hespelt's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Exina Senecal

Exina D. (Nadeau) Senecal, 85, of Melbourne, Florida, formerly of South Hadley passed away on March 3, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. Nadeau and Victoria (Ducharme) Nadeau. She grew up in Western Massachusetts before settling in Florida in retirement.

Exina was predeceased by her two husbands, Edmond C. Vieu and Gerry Senecal, and by her daughter, Kathy. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Phillip, Pauly, Marcel, and Victor, and her sister, Jenny.

She leaves her son, Gordon Vieu of Melbourne, Florida; her son, Thomas Vieu and his wife Theresa of Chicopee; her son, James Vieu and his wife Kathleen of South Hadley; and her daughter, Michelle Rollins and her partner Tim of Amherst. She also leaves nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and her sister, Celliel Thompson of Florida.

Her Catholic faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of Saint Patrick’s Church in South Hadley and prayed daily, placing her trust in God in all things. She enjoyed playing bingo and, while living in Florida, spent time playing shuffleboard and pitch in her community. Family and close friends meant everything to her. She will be remembered for her contagious smile and her love of making others laugh.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Church in South Hadley. Committal will follow at St. Rose de Lima Cemetery in Chicopee.

View Exina Senecal's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Phyllis Jean Tolle

Phyllis Jean (Franklin) Tolle, 89, of South Hadley, MA, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center.

She was born on May 24, 1936, in Cynthiana, KY, to the late Phillip C. Franklin and Lillian V. (Simms) Franklin.

Phyllis grew up on a farm in Cynthiana, a place she spoke of fondly throughout her life. She often reminisced about her small country town, helping out on the farm, spending time at Dixie’s Diner, and roller skating at the wooden rink in town. Those early years shaped her strong, steady nature and deep love of family and community. She was a loyal congregant of Cynthiana Presbyterian Church during her years in Kentucky.

In 1959, after traveling for several years as an active-duty military spouse with her young children, she settled in Western Massachusetts, where she built a full and meaningful life centered around her family. She began as a stay-at-home mother, devoted wholeheartedly to raising her children, before later working as a machinist at James River Graphics and also in the field of early education.

Phyllis was steadfast and sweet, and to her family she was everything. She loved to cook, bake, crochet, and craft, and she took pride in caring for those around her. She had a warm presence, and people were drawn to her energy, her southern accent, and her radiant smile from the moment they met her. After retirement, she poured every ounce of herself into the things she loved most- her family, her home, her music, her flowers, her magazines, and the joy of making holidays and gatherings beautiful and meaningful. In her later years, she especially treasured time with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always making each visit, holiday, and even ordinary days feel special.

She is survived by her children, Phillip L. Tolle and his wife Carolyn of NM; Karen E. Stefanelli and her husband Michael of Granby, MA; and Michael E. Tolle and his wife Patty of Chicopee, MA; her daughter-in-law Linda Tolle of FL; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her son, Timothy R. Tolle; her siblings, Sidney and Eugene Franklin, Margaret Luckey, and Louise Napier; and her parents.

Services will be private.

View Phyllis Jean Tolle's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/15/2026

Peter A. Gagne

Peter A. Gagne, 83, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. Born on November 10, 1942, in Holyoke, Peter was the son of the late Felix and Cecile (Yenlin) Gagne. A third-generation, lifelong resident of South Hadley, Peter was raised and educated in town and proudly graduated from South Hadley High School.

Peter served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966. After returning home, he joined the family business, Gagne’s Package Store, a well-known and well-loved meeting place in the community. Through hard work and dedication, Peter became the owner and carried on the family tradition of friendly service and local connection. After selling the store in 2004, he continued working for Taylor Davis Landscaping and Atkins Farm Market, where he enjoyed staying active and connected with friends and neighbors.

He was an avid gardener and took great pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends. Peter was also the founder of the Moody Corner Flower Club, which met at his business and raised donations for a fund to help neighbors and friends in times of need, reflecting his generous spirit and deep sense of community.

Peter generously opened his home to friends and family for many years. He proudly hosted the annual Moody Corner Thanksgiving Day Walk, a tradition that brought neighbors together in fellowship, and he delighted in holding large family Easter egg hunts that created lasting memories for his children and grandchildren.

Deeply committed to his hometown, Peter was actively involved in South Hadley's civic life. He served as a Town Meeting Member for 50 years and as Water Commissioner in District II, always giving generously of his time and energy to support his community.

Above all, Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Beverly (Pantalone) Gagne; his loving children, Laura Daniels, Melissa Gagne, Amy Foley (Matthew), Susan Stephens (Kirk), Nancy Chagnon (Daniel), and Peter J. Gagne (Jessica). He also leaves his brother, Paul Gagne (Donetta Morse); his sister, Michele Scanlon (John); and his brother, Jacques Gagne (Rebecca).

Peter was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Cheyne and Lincoln Daniels; Jacob Foley; Maeve and Hazel Hughes; Drew and Madalyn Foley; Jack, Celia, and Jolie Chagnon; Maeghan and Jacob Pelletier; and Joseph Gagne. Peter will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, devotion to family, and unwavering commitment to the town he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and community spirit that will be cherished by all who knew him.

The funeral service will be Saturday February 21st at 10:30 am at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday February 20th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

View Peter A. Gagne's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/13/2026

Joseph P. Ramah Jr.

Joseph P. Ramah, Jr., 69, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center, just days before his 70th birthday.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 13, 1956, he was the son of the late Joseph P. Ramah and Pearl (Jabbour) Ramah.

He leaves his beloved wife, Grace (Feghali) Ramah; his sons, Joseph A. and Jeffrey M. Ramah, both of Chicopee; his brother, Peter Ramah and wife Marcia of Saginaw, MI; his sisters, Patricia Shaheen and Catherine Agnew, also of Saginaw, MI; three nieces, Sabrina Cronin, Sarah Ortega, and Rebekah Agnew; three nephews, Samuel J. Shaheen, Peter Shaheen, and Joseph Ramah; and many other close relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Simon Ramah; his sister, Joanne Ramah; and his brothers in law, Samuel Shaheen and Bradley Agnew.

A proud and accomplished athlete, Joseph was a football star at Agawam High School, where he also set a discus record that still stands. He attended Colgate University on a football scholarship before transferring to American International College, where his team was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Joseph was the owner of St. Joe’s Builders and operated his own realty company. A tireless worker and natural leader, he built more than homes. He built people. He was known for employing individuals striving to rebuild their lives, feeding the homeless, and freely giving his time and labor to those in need.

Ordained as a preacher, Joseph ministered in churches and jails throughout the region. A devout man of faith, he was a longtime member of Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield and Lifepoint Church, now Church of the Valley, in Chicopee. His faith was the foundation of his life.

Joseph loved singing, playing the drums, baking, and cooking for those he loved. Larger than life, loud and boisterous, he filled every room with energy and presence. His generosity, faith, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered always.

Calling hours will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, MA. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery on State Street in Springfield.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit obrienfamilyfh.com.

View Joseph P. Ramah Jr.'s obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

O'Brien Family Funeral Home

04/13/2026

04/13/2026

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

03/30/2026

03/22/2026

03/20/2026

03/16/2026

03/05/2026

03/03/2026

02/15/2026

02/13/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category