http://www.costellofuneralhome.com/

Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington Street, Winchester, MA (2025)

12/03/2025

Josephine M. (Giovannini) Barsanti, age 93, of Lake Worth, FL, formerly of Somerville, passed away on December 1, 2025, lovingly surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife for 66 years of the late Paul Barsanti, until his death in 2016.

Born in Corsagna, Lucca, Italy, she was the daughter of Francesco and Lucinda (Pellegrini) Giovannini.

After surviving the devastation of the Second World War in Italy, Josephine came to America with her beloved husband Paul in 1950. Together, they lived the American Dream borne of hard work, strong faith, and love of family. They raised their two daughters, Sandra and Franca, in a home filled with the warmth and affection of cherished relatives. Their lives were further enriched by a vibrant community of dear friends who preserved their shared Italian culture while becoming proud Americans.

Josephine is lovingly survived by her daughters: Sandra Risbey and her husband Rick of Toronto, Canada, Franca Richard and her husband Jack of Wi******er, MA. She was the cherished grandmother of Paul Richard, Alexandra Risbey and Cristina Richard, the devoted great-grandmother of 8 and the dear sister of the late Nancy Giovannini. She also leaves behind a nephew, Joe Giovanni and his wife Rose of Somerville, MA.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Saturday, December 6, from 9-10:30AM, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er at 11AM. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wi******er. In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to Catholic TV, P.O. Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471. www.catholictv.org

12/03/2025

Nancy Cadle Stoll (1949 – 2025), 76 years old, of Boston, Massachusetts on November 27, 2025.
Known for her love of reading, needlepoint, gift giving (always with the perfect wrapping and bow), and anything chocolate, Nancy was adored by many. She will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for the kindness and delight she brought into the lives of her family, friends, colleagues, and students.
Nancy was born in Paoli, Indiana in 1949 to George Wendell Cadle and Helen Ruth Campbell, the eldest of four siblings. From an early age, she discovered her love for music, playing the French horn in her high school marching band and learning piano. She was known for accomplishing the dreams she set out to achieve, and she always enjoyed a good spin around town in her Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.
After graduating from Hanover College in 1971, Nancy pursued her lifelong dedication to higher education. She earned her master’s degree at Ball State University, served as Associate Dean at Wooster College, and went on to Harvard University, where she received her Doctorate. Boston became her home, and she built an extraordinary career, serving at Simmons University, Brandeis University, and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges. Ultimately, she found her calling at Suffolk University, where she served as Dean of Students for 29 years, leaving a mark on generations of students and colleagues.
Nancy was a driving force behind Suffolk University’s transformation from a commuter school into a cohesive residential community. Nancy built Suffolk’s residence life structure from scratch. Her greatest joy was her direct contact with the students watching them grow and blossom. After her retirement in 2016, she started the Suffolk University Retired Friends committee to keep former employees connected. She simply loved Suffolk.
It was at Wooster College that Nancy met James “Jim” Stoll, her partner in both life and passion for higher education. Together, they shared a love for travel, art, philanthropy, and hosting lively dinner parties for family and friends. Their adventures took them across France, Italy, Amsterdam, and beyond, where they collected art pieces that reflected their journeys. They also cherished time spent at their Cape house in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts, and later at their condo in Chandler, Arizona, where they enjoyed retirement and escaped the cold Boston winters.
Nancy and Jim have two beloved children, Gregory Stoll (Juliana Stoll) of Wi******er, Massachusetts and Lindsay Mistretta (Xavier Mistretta) of San Diego, California. Nancy was extremely proud of their accomplishments and delighted in watching them grow into the adults they are today.
Nancy’s more recent favorite role was that as a Grammy. Nancy treasured her time with her granddaughter Amelie and was thrilled to be welcoming another grandchild in February, Harrison. Nancy taught Amelie how to love board games, crafting, and of course, shopping!
We could not have asked for a more kind and thoughtful mom, wife, sister and grandparent and she will be missed every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations to Suffolk University President’s Discretionary Fund would be greatly appreciated.

11/25/2025

Grief, Gratefulness, Gatherings – The Many Challenges of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And for those grieving, it can be a challenging time.

No matter what your situation is this year, grief-wise, the holiday is still a holiday centered on family, friendship, warmth, holiday dinner tables, and declarations of thankfulness.

This can be very hard to handle for a grieving person, no matter how much or how little time has passed since the death of a loved one.

It takes courage and support to get through a holiday. In my grief counseling practice, we tend to spend time on strategies for holiday planning.

The New York Times published a feature about a newly-widowed woman’s experience with her Thanksgiving just after her husband died. She talks about being truthful about how you feel and how you want to “do” Thanksgiving after a loss, with honesty, not “faking” joy. Consider giving it a read.

1. It’s Normal to Feel Indifference

It’s very normal, after a death, to feel indifference and disinterest towards events and experiences which once brought you joy. It’s just the way it is. Grief can change your perspective on things. You may feel like you’re just watching others feel happy while you feel sad.

2. Feeling Ungrateful

It is okay to NOT feel grateful. Grieving a loved one is a tough time.

3. Give Gratefulness a Try

While it is okay not to feel grateful, you could give “grateful” a try. You can acknowledge gratefulness for the support you may have received from family and friends, grateful for an invitation to a holiday celebration, and grateful for having choices as to how to celebrate. You don’t have to skip the gatherings altogether.

If you can even consider the holiday, give it a try. Nobody will call you out for not being your “usual cheery self.” You’ll be warmly welcomed at a holiday meal.

4. Start Small

Try to give thanks for something. Start small. Think of one little thing that you are thankful for. Then another, then another. You may discover that while the unimaginable has happened in your life, some positives still exist or new ones have occurred.

5. Grief Triggers Appear Easily

Grief triggers come easily at Thanksgiving. Use your coping tools at the holiday time. Triggers will come in the form of: people you’re spending time with, foods you are eating, conversation topics with the guests, photo frames on view, to name a few.

Try to anticipate them so that you are not caught off guard. Remember to take a deep breath when you feel triggered. You can even think of some phrases to say when people ask you certain questions about your loved one or your grief. And, it’s OK to let your emotions take hold of you. You’re human. Take breaks if you need to. Go outside or into a quiet room.
how to handle the holidays while grieving
5. Don’t Overdo it

Don’t put pressure on yourself to attend every holiday opportunity that comes along if you are overwhelmed or easily tired out. Grief is tiring. You need time and space to recharge. It’s okay to decline invitations.

6. Do Something to Memorialize Your Loved One

Do something to memorialize and honor your loved one on Thanksgiving. It can be a small thing – a candle lighting ritual maybe, or making their favorite food -- so that you are allowing yourself to grieve. You don’t want to get all caught up in “getting through the holiday” that you ignore the very reason for which you are grieving.

11/24/2025

Eileen Maria Reegan, age 86, of Woburn, formerly of Wi******er, passed to eternal life on November 20, 2025.

Born in Medford, she was the daughter of the late William V. and Catherine M. (Fleming) Reegan.

She was a graduate of Laboure School of Nursing and earned a B.S. N. summa cm laude from Boston College where she was elected to Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing. During a career of over fifty years as a Registered Nurse, she worked in multiple specialties with a concentration as an Occupational Health Nurse Specialist at DuPont/New England Nuclear, Hewlett-Packard and Itek Optical Systems. She was also a late prison minister at MCI.

In her spare time, she volunteered as a Eucharistic minister at St. Mary’s Church in Wi******er and was a longtime member of the Lexington Pops Chorus.

Eileen was the beloved sister of the late Catherine Brown and William H. Reegan, and the dear aunt of Linda Seminatore of Nashua, NH, Gerald Seminatore of Seattle, WA and Catherine Seminatore of Brunswick, ME.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours in the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Tuesday, November 25 from 4-6PM, and again on Wednesday, November 26 at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10AM in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

Remembrances in Eileen’s honor may be made to Citizens for Life, 231 Norfolk St., Walpole, MA 02081. www.masscitizensforlife.org

11/17/2025

Michael Shannon Driscoll, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by his family and friends after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on January 31, 1960, in Ogden, Utah, to the late Joseph and Mary Driscoll, and grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts, alongside his siblings.

Michael lived a life marked by integrity, service, and love. He attended Norwich University where he embraced the school’s motto, “I will try” – which became a guiding thread throughout his life. He was a proud member of Skull and Swords, forming friendships that became lifelong brotherhoods. They stayed close through homecomings, golf tournaments, and their annual Christmas gathering in Boston.

Michael’s children grew up hearing those Norwich stories and spending time with the same brothers and their families. Even in his final months at the VA hospital, his Norwich brothers came to be with him—sharing stories, laughter, and tears. Their loyalty to one another endured through every season of life.

After attending Norwich University—he joined the United States Air Force in January 1983, beginning a distinguished military and aviation career that reflected his lifelong commitment to excellence.

During his time in the Air Force, Captain Michael S. Driscoll served as a pilot stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California. He earned an honorable discharge in September 1986 upon completion of his active-duty commitment. His military decorations and awards include the Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Ribbon–Long Tour, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Outstanding Unit Award Commendation Medal.

Michael’s professional military education included Undergraduate Pilot Training (T-37/T-38, 1983), Pilot Initial Qualification (1986), Flight Instruction Lead-In Course (1986), Aircraft Commander Air Refueling Qualification (1988), Instructor Aircraft Commander, and Squadron Officer School (1986). His dedication to service, leadership, and precision prepared him for his next great chapter—civilian aviation.

Following his military career, Michael became a captain for Delta Air Lines, where he spent decades flying across the world. Throughout his aviation career, he traveled to every continent on the globe, embracing the adventure and wonder of each new place. It was on a Delta flight to Cleveland, Ohio, that fate introduced him to the love of his life, Lisa, a flight attendant whose humor and warmth captured his heart instantly. Together, they built a beautiful life full of laughter, travel, and shared adventure.

After marrying, Michael and Lisa settled in Wi******er, Massachusetts, where they purchased their family home and raised their two children. They became deeply rooted in the community and cherished residents of Wi******er for over thirty years.

Michael was a devoted father to his daughter, Hannah Small, and his son, Devin Driscoll. He filled their lives with joy, curiosity, and a love of exploration—sometimes even pulling them from school for spontaneous trips to Europe or afternoons at the zoo. Whether flying through the clouds or skating across the ice, Michael lived fully and encouraged his family to do the same.

Hockey was one of Michael’s great passions. When he wasn’t in the cockpit, he could be found on the ice—playing, coaching, or sharing his love for the sport. As a coach, he was known for his kindness, positivity, and unwavering spirit. Players and friends alike remember him as someone who led by example and brought out the best in everyone around him.

At home, he cherished “FFF”—Forced Family Fun—Friday nights filled with movies, laughter, and love. He found joy in simple moments: reading to his children, playing sports together, or attending Mass as a family at St. Mary’s Church in Wi******er, Massachusetts, where his faith was an essential part of his life. He instilled in his children the importance of gratitude, kindness, and putting family first.

Michael’s generosity and warmth touched everyone he met. From his Norwich brothers to his Delta colleagues, the stories shared about him paint a portrait of a man who was steady, loyal, and endlessly giving. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation, and his presence lit up every room he entered.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Driscoll; his daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Jason Small; his son, Devin Driscoll; his sister, Maureen Villa; and his brothers, Shaun Driscoll and Kevin Driscoll. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Driscoll.

Though Alzheimer’s slowly took from him, it never diminished the strength of his spirit or the love he shared with those around him. His family and friends will forever remember his humor, kindness, and devotion.

Michael’s life was a testament to courage, compassion, and the power of trying—never giving up. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Thursday, November 20, from 4-8PM, and again on Friday, November 21, @ 11AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er at 12 noon. Burial with military honors will be on Monday, November 24 @12:30 PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s through the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org

11/16/2025

Francis "Frank" John Gaudioso, Sr., a beloved resident of Sun Lakes, Arizona, formerly of Wi******er, passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 84. He was the beloved husband for 49 years of the late Marcia (Pickett) Gaudioso until her death in 2021.
Born on October 20, 1941, in Wi******er, Massachusetts, Frank was a cherished individual known for his dedication and contributions throughout his life.
Frank served in the United States Armed Forces as a Sergeant and Radar Technician from 1961 to 1964. Following his military service, he pursued a successful career as an Engineer and became a Regional Director of Sales. He also had more than 40 years of service with Motorola and Qualcomm in engineering and sales.
A man of varied interests, Frank enjoyed golfing, playing racquetball, and was an avid collector of coins and clocks. He was also involved in his community through the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was a pet lover who had and loved many pets over the years, including his most recent pet, Missy, a well-loved Shih Tzu. He also worked tirelessly with the American Service Animals Society.
Frank is survived by his son, Francis J. Gaudioso, Jr., and daughter, Deirdre Anne “DeAnne” Hammond. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Michael Hammond, Ariana Gaudioso, Tiana Gaudioso, and Giovanni Gaudioso, as well as his great-grandchildren, Charlotte Hammond, Jasper Baker, Evelyn Hammond, and Francis J. Gaudioso. Frank is also survived by his son-in-law, Billy Hammond, daughter-in-law, Amie Gaudioso, granddaughters-in-law, Jessica Hammond, Cassidy Gaudioso, and Paige Linnebur, and grandson-in-law, Erik Isaacson.
In addition to his wife, Frank was preceded in death by his parents, John and Angeline Gaudioso, and his sister, Carol Romboli.
Visiting Hours will be held at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Wednesday, November 19, from 10-11:30 AM, with a Prayer Service at 11:15AM, followed by burial with military honors in Wildwood Cemetery, Wi******er.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Service Animal Society in Frank's memory. https://dogs4vets.org

11/13/2025

Marcel L. Cinquina, 77, of Wi******er and formerly of Scranton, PA, passed away on November 10, 2025.

Born in Los Angeles, California, he was the son of the late Cecile (Marleau) and Libratore Cinquina.

Marcel was raised and received his education in Massena, NY, graduating from Holy Family High School. He continued his education at Siena University in Loudonville, NY, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Marcel dedicated his professional life to the Boy Scouts of America. His commitment to the organization was evidenced by his early achievements: at just 16 and 17, he was named an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor recipient in the Order of the Arrow. The Vigil Honor is the highest award offered by a local Order of the Arrow Lodge. At age 22, Marcel received the Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award. This distinction is the highest award the Order of the Arrow bestows on a national level, an honor that has been conferred fewer than 1,200 times since it was first awarded in 1940.

More recently in his career, Marcel held the position of Chief Executive of the Scranton, PA Boy Scout counsel. He left behind a significant legacy through the programs, camps, and communities he created, enabling children to thrive and grow in.

His daughter, Kristen, shared that Marcel upheld the scouting promises of duty to country, helping other people, and the principles of morality, social justice, and friendship throughout his life, consistent with his status as an Eagle Scout. Marcel lived his life with "commitment, enthusiasm and integrity" applied to his work, his passions for music and the arts, and in support of his family. He was known in his community as a true gentleman, touched the lives of those he impacted, and left a legacy of "love and light behind him".

In his spare time, Marcel could be found enjoying summer camp, attending Order of the Arrow events, enjoying the opera and, of course, playing a little Bob Dylan.

Marcel is lovingly survived by his child, Kristen Webb, and his two grandchildren, all of Wi******er. He is also survived by his sister, Camille Accorso, and his brothers, Andre Cinquina and Mario Cinquina.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, located at 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Saturday, November 15, from 10-11 AM. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home at 11 AM, followed by interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wi******er.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marcel’s memory may be made to Dementia Research or to Minuteman Senior Services. Donation information is available at https://alzfdn.org/donate/ and https://minutemansenior.org/support-us/ .

10/28/2025

Jonathan “Jack” William Spang, 32, of Wi******er, Massachusetts, passed away suddenly on October 26, 2025, due to complications from diabetes, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 18, 1993, in Wi******er, Jack was the beloved son of Pamela and Stephen M. Spang of Wi******er. He was the cherished brother of Stephen F. Spang and his wife Cara of North Reading, Joseph Spang and his wife Louisa of Woburn, and Eric Spang and his wife Ariel of Calhoun, Georgia. Jonathan was a devoted uncle to his nieces Camilla and Emi and his nephew Duke, who brought him endless joy.

Jack will be remembered for his kind heart, easygoing spirit, and the deep love he had for his family. He enjoyed spending time with his brothers, parents, and nieces and nephew. As the youngest of four boys, his love of sports started early, reenacting WWE matches on the trampoline with his brothers. He could often be found making others laugh with his comedy routines or debating the latest sports news while cheering on his favorite Boston sports teams. A true fan through and through, Jack never missed a chance to talk about or debate the outcome of a game or the current team status of the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, or Patriots.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Saturday, November 1, from 10 AM to 12 PM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the St. Anthony Club of North Woburn, located at 1020 Main St. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Joslin Diabetes Research Foundation, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, or online at www.joslin.org.

10/27/2025

Thomas E. Sevigny, age 87, a longtime resident of Wi******er, passed away on October 26, 2025, lovingly surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband for 62 years of Elaine M. (Bernard) Sevigny.

Born in Boston, Tom was the son of Ernest E. and Margaret M. (Wilson) Sevigny. He was raised and educated in Boston and was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He then attended Boston College where he obtained his B. S. in Accounting and had a successful lifelong career as an auditor with State Street Corporation in Boston.

Active in professional, social and volunteer organizations in Wi******er and beyond, Tom maintained board and executive committee memberships with various associations, including the Wi******er Rotary Club, where he served as President, the Wi******er Boat Club, and the American Montessori International Board. As president of the Wi******er Historical Society for many years, Tom was especially passionate about the history, restoration and preservation of the Sanborn House, a Wi******er historical treasure. He was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church for many years and volunteered at the State Street Outreach Program for years after retirement. He was a proud “Golden Eagle” of Boston College and a diehard Eagle fan for his entire life. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed antiquing, gardening, cooking, traveling, Christmas decorating and spending time with his grandchildren. He created a “World of 7E’s” page for his family, as a play on the family name pronunciation, and traced the Sevigny family ancestry and genealogy for their enjoyment and family records.

In addition to his wife Elaine, Tom is lovingly survived by his children: David K. Sevigny and his wife Susan of Rocky Hill, CT, Michele Sevigny and her husband Joseph Czajka of Newburgh, NY, Jon C. Sevigny and his wife Sara R. Sevigny of Los Angeles, CA, Megan Noelle Ray and her husband Scott W. Ray of Canton, MA. He was the cherished grandfather of David K. Sevigny, Jr., Julia M. and Matthew J. Sevigny, Thomas B., Casey B. and Geoffrey W. Cooke, James P. Czajka, Matthew S., Victoria A. and Ethan C. Ray and great-grandfather of Archer G. Cooke. He was the brother of Marie Schroen and her late husband David of Charlotte, NC and Willard J. Sevigny and his wife Norma of Fenton, MO. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and was predeceased by his dearly loved granddog Montgomery “Monty” Sevigny.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Wednesday, October 29, from 4-7PM and again on Thursday, October 30 @ 10AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er at 11AM. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name may be made to the Rotary Club of Wi******er, P.O. Box 288, Wi******er, MA 01890 www.winchesterrotary.org or to the Wi******er Historical Society, 15 High St., Wi******er, MA 01890 www.winchesterhistoricalsociety.org

10/13/2025

Rogers David “Dave” Pruitt of Haverhill, NH, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at the age of 84.

Dave was born in 1941 in Lynn Massachusetts to Rogers and Helen Pruitt. He spent much of his childhood playing baseball and other games with neighborhood friends in Lynn Woods Reservation, a place he would return to throughout his life. He graduated from Lynn English High School and then Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where Dave earned both a B.A. and an M.A. of Divinity. It was at Gordon College that Dave met the love of his life, Anna-Lisa Sillanpaa, a fellow student who typed his papers after responding to his newspaper ad. Dave and Anna-Lisa were married in 1964. After finishing graduate school in 1966 they moved to Rhode Island, where Dave became minister of the United Baptist Church. After a few years in that role, Dave decided to try a different career.

In 1970 Dave landed a job in Massachusetts at Walpole High School and the couple, now with one-year-old son Ken in tow, moved to Randolph. He taught a variety of subjects during his 26 years there, including business, US history, English, psychology, typing and law – he was willing to teach any subject where an instructor was needed. Dave was popular with his students thanks to his empathy and desire to help them succeed.

In 1972 Dave and Anna-Lisa had their second son, Paul. The family later added Walter the Basset Hound, a gentle soul with a comical appearance whom Dave loved and Anna-Lisa tolerated. In the 1970s and 80s the family enjoyed summer vacations in New Hampshire, frequently at Pine Knoll Campground in Albany. Dave enjoyed hiking with his family, especially Mt. Chocorua and Mt. Washington, something his sons still enjoy.

During those years, Dave was also a freelance sportswriter for the Lynn Item, Salem Evening News, Quincy Patriot Ledger, and Boston Herald. He also organized and played in an informal Friday night hockey league in Quincy.

After their children had grown up, Dave and Anna-Lisa enjoyed spending weekends at bed and breakfasts throughout New Hampshire, one of them in Haverhill. Dave retired from teaching in 1996. A year later, he and Anna-Lisa moved to Haverhill, where they would live for 28 years.

Upon moving to Haverhill Dave decided to come out of retirement and return to the ministry, this time with the Congregational Church. He served five years as pastor at Haverhill Congregational Church, and then at Congregational Churches in Dalton NH, Bradford VT, Newbury VT, Wells River, VT, and finally for five years at West Newbury (VT) Congregational Church. He was well-known and well-loved for his sense of humor, his calm demeanor, his compassion, and his understanding of human nature. Each “retirement” from the ministry triggered offers from other churches in the Upper Valley.

Dave was extremely interested in history and made the most of that, and his sense of humor, in both his ministry and personal life. He started church services with a quiz (often historical in nature) and a joke - a practice he started as a high school teacher. He and his family spent many enjoyable hours discussing historical events and watching history-themed movies and documentaries.

Dave also loved building stone walls, including the one in his front yard in Haverhill. Friends driving down Route 10 would often see him working on the wall, maneuvering heavy stones into just the right position.

Dave volunteered for several years as a lecturer on the topic of President Abraham Lincoln for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth College. Dave was such a fervent admirer of President Lincoln that in 2015, he and Anna-Lisa procured historical costumes and flew to Springfield, IL to participate in the 150th year reenactment of President Lincoln‘s funeral.

In keeping with a life of service to others, Dave volunteered as coordinator of transportation for disabled veterans (and as a driver himself) for the White River Junction VT VA Medical Center for several years. Dave was also an active member of the Cohase Lions Club of Woodsville, NH from 2008-2023, serving as President in 2017.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Anna-Lisa Pruitt of Arlington, MA, son Ken Pruitt and daughter-in-law Teresa Doksum of Wi******er MA, son Paul Pruitt of Mt. Pleasant SC, granddaughter Emma Pruitt and her husband Michael Lee of Wi******er MA, grandson Calvin Pruitt of Worcester MA, and granddaughter Laura Mitchell of Worcester MA.

A Memorial Service will be held on November 16 at 2:00 p.m. at West Newbury Congregational Church, 207 Tyler Farm Rd, West Newbury, VT. The service will be followed immediately by a burial service at West Newbury Cemetery and a reception at West Newbury Hall, located across the street from the Church.

We know that Dave would appreciate donations in his memory to either West Newbury Congregational Church, PO Box 83, West Newbury, VT 05085 www.westnewburychurch.org/ or to the Upper Valley Haven, 713 Hartford Ave, White River Jct, VT 05001 uppervalleyhaven.org/

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