Melrose Obituaries

Retired firefighter who believed a good meal could solve just about anything

EAST WAKEFIELD, NH — Richard H. Olsen, a humble and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully at his home in East Wakefield, NH on Thursday, July 10 surrounded by his family he cherished. He was 83.

Born in Winchester on January 13…

Man of wit, wisdom and kindness

MELROSE — David Tapley Carbonneau, 63, of Melrose passed away from glioblastoma on July 1. He spent his final days at home surrounded by the love of friends and family including his wife of 29 years Kristine, daughter Madeleine, son Lucien and future son-in-law Austin.

David was the eldest…

Avid boater and golfer

NASHUA, NH — Judith (Rattray) Harrison, of Nashua, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones. She was 85.
Born December 8, 1939, and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, Judy was the beloved daughter of Alexander and Helen Rattray. She spent most of her life in Melrose…

Army National Guard veteran

MELROSE — Stephen J. White, of Melrose passed away on Thursday, July 3 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was 75.

Born on October 28, 1949 in Woburn, Stephen was one of five children of the late James and Barbara (Foye) White, Jr. Stephen grew up in Wilmington where…

Artist at heart who loved reading and traveling

MELROSE — Ralph L. Watson, Jr.,  dedicated educator, compassionate community leader and talented craftsman, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22 at Concord Hospital in New Hampshire. He was 67.

Ralph was born in Cambridge on February 23, 1958, one of six children of the late…

Enjoyed traveling, the beach and shopping

MELROSE — Barbara (Gibbons) Kerrigan, of Melrose, passed away on July 6 at the age of 83.

Born in Malden on June 11, 1942 to Charles and Mary Gibbons. She attended Cheverus School from kindergarten through 12th grade. She worked at the Superior Court in Cambridge and Woburn as…

Passionate about all animals

SACO, ME — Anona L. (Greene) Hartman, a resident of Saco, ME and formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24 at The Landing at Saco Bay. She was 81.

Anona was born in Lewiston, ME on July 25, 1943, one of four children of the late Earle W.…

Enjoyed music, belly dancing and writing children stories

STONEHAM — Janet Merle (Miller) Gubbay 83, of Stoneham, formerly of Melrose and Winchester entered eternal rest on June 26.

Janet was born in Malden, the daughter of the late Israel and Gertrude Miller. She earned degrees from Boston University and Northeastern University. Her career encompassed working for Polaroid and…

Deep love for his family

MELROSE — David Francis Pitchman passed away too soon at his home on June 22. Born on April 7, 1972 to Arthur and Claire Hitchman, David was a lifelong Melrosian who deeply loved the city he called home.

David grew up cherishing every moment of his childhood, riding bikes with…

Incredible piano player who loved music

JUPITER, FL — Rand J. Kelley passed away peacefully in Jupiter, FL on Saturday, June 22 surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 59 years of age. Rand was born and raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School, class of 1984.…

Enjoyed poker, music and playing softball

WAKEFIELD — Michael “Mike” S. Elgart, former longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully in Wakefield on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Michael was born on July 3, 1950, in Boston to Ernest and Joyce (McFarland) Elgart. He grew up in Reading and Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School…

Enjoyed cooking and summers at the beach with her family

MELROSE — Kathleen Ann (Rogers) MacMaster, a resident of Melrose, passed away on June 21, 2025 in East Boston after a lengthy illness. She was 76 years old. Kathleen was called home to God just three months after her husband’s passing.

Born on August 20…