Obituaries

OBIT: Thomas McDermott, 87, Former Selectman Chairman, Owned AlphaGraphics

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Thomas McDermott

A Funeral Mass for Thomas J. McDermott, 87, will be held on Saturday, March 2, in the Church of Saint Patrick, 212 Main St., Watertown. Mr. McDermott, a son of the late Patrick J. and Mary (McGuire) McDermott, was born in Watertown. He was a lifelong resident of the town, attended Saint Patrick Grammar School and graduated from Boston College High School. He furthered his education receiving a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree from Suffolk University. After Boston College, Mr. McDermott served in the United States Army Honor Guard during the Korean Conflict era.

Obituaries

OBIT: Paul McCaffrey, 79, Retired Watertown Fire Chief

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Retired Watertown Fire Chief Paul McCaffrey. Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn announced the death of retired Fire Chief Paul McCaffrey on Feb. 24, 2019 of occupational cancer. He was 79 years old. The following obituary was from the Nardone Funeral Home:

Fire Chief Paul McCaffrey was born in Boston, Mass.

Allison Donovan

OBIT: Allison Donovan, 40, Watertown School Administrator, Scholarship Created in Her Memory

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Allison Donovan Watertown Public School’s K-8 Literacy Coordinator and long-time educator, died after being hit in a hit-and-run incident. The following obituary came from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home:

Allison Jane Donovan, a woman who devoted her life to nurturing children as a teacher and administrator, passed away tragically on Friday night, February 8, 2019. She was 40 years old. Allison was born in Cambridge, the daughter of Richard and Janice Donovan. She grew up in Burlington and had resided in Somerville for the past 15 years. She was a member of the Burlington High School Class of 1996 where she excelled as a student and as a member of the gymnastics team. 

Allison’s mother, Janice, was a strong role model for her. Janice was a teacher in the Burlington School system for many years. Allison went to her mother’s alma mater, Lesley University, where she earned her Bachelor Science Degree in Education, Master’s Degree, and Graduate Certificate in Literacy for the Classroom. Like her mother, teaching was her passion, her life, and her love. She spent 12 years as an elementary education teacher at the Hosmer Elementary School, Watertown, teaching at various grade levels.

Around Town

OBIT: Robert McElroy, 71, Retired Watertown Police Lieutenant, Air Force Veteran

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Robert “Bob” McElroy

Robert J. “Bob” McElroy of Millis, formerly of Watertown died on January 26, 2019 at the age of 71. McElroy retired as a lieutenant in the Watertown Police Department. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam. Beloved husband of Virginia “Ginger” (Burgess) McElroy. Loving & devoted father of Ashley M. Bailey & her husband Brent H. of San Diego, Madeline “Maddie” A. McElroy of Millis, and the late Brendan J. McElroy.

Obituaries

OBIT: Ethlyn Bleiler, 96, of Watertown, Mother of 3, Grand Mother & Great Grand Mother

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Ethlyn Bleiler

Ethlyn Irene Bleiler of Watertown died on January 26, 2019 at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Bleiler. Devoted mother of Joseph J. Bleiler, Jr. & his wife Yvonne of Hudson, Stephen J. Bleiler & his wife Diane of Watertown, and the late Gayle Marie Bleiler. Loving grandmother of Joseph S. & James J. Bleiler and Meghan E. Lutz. Dear sister of Alice Richard of Duxbury, Dorothy L. Leslie of Stoughton, Nancy Lund of Billerica and the late Mildred MacLeod, George R., and Frederick Lund.

Obituaries

OBIT: Loretta Barba, 93, Raised Family in Watertown, Married More than 50 Years

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Loretta Barba

Loretta Marie (Menelly) Barba of Watertown died on Jan. 22, 2019, at the age of 93. Beloved wife for 56 years of the late Michael V. Barba. Devoted mother of Janet B. Brown and her husband Richard of Gardner; Sandra Pacheco and her husband John of Washington, D.C.; Paul G. Barba and his wife Maureen of Gardner; Diane E. Neylon and her husband John and Richard J. Barba and his wife Theresa, all of Watertown; Vincent J. Barba and his wife Judi of Franklin; and the late Michael V. Barba, Jr.

Dear sister of the late Robert Menelly and his wife Carmen and Philip Menelly and his wife Connie. Also loved by 25 grandchildren (including the late Benjamin & Michael Pacheco) and 13 great-grandchildren.