Melrose Obituaries

Avid fisherman worked for the MWRA

MELROSE — Paul was a warm and caring man who was known for having a big personality. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, and a loyal friend. He taught us to be helpful and generous. There was always room for one (or a dozen) more…

Woman of great faith

MALDEN — Patricia A. “Pat” Mahoney, 87, a beacon of kindness and love, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln on March 16, 2026.

Born on March 6, 1939, in Melrose, she was the daughter of the late Christopher and Abina…

Educator taught English and music

MELROSE — Wilma “Becka” (Recklitis) Messina, 93, of Melrose, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 13, 2026 at the age of 93.

Born on March 10, 1933 in Somerville, Massachusetts, Becka was the daughter of the late Paul and Florence (Chopelas) Recklitis. Her family moved to Malden, Massachusetts when…

US Navy veteran

MELROSE — Anthony “Tony” Belmonte, age 98, of Melrose passed away peacefully on March 5 surrounded by his loving family.

Tony was born on September 20, 1927 in East Boston, the son of the late Frank and Christina Belmonte. He attended East Boston High School and, at just 17 years old, joined…

Her heart best seen in love for her family

MELROSE — Judith M. (Benersani) Craig, 68 of Melrose died peacefully surrounded by family on March 2 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Judi was born in Boston on June 1, 1957 to the late O Joseph and Marion Benersani (McMorrow), spending the majority of her…

Kind nature and energetic spirit

MELROSE — Merle C. (Engelhardt) Erban, 82, of Melrose, passed away on Friday, February 20 at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

Born on January 14, 1944 in Boston, Merle was one of three daughters of the late Charles and Marion (Tucker) Engelhardt. She grew up in Bedford on her…

Devoted to her family

MELROSE — Carole M. C. Iannillo, a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 1. She was 70.

Born in Winthrop on November 29, 1955, Carole was one of three children of the late Anthony Iannillo Sr. and Cecile M. (Delwart) Iannillo. Raised and educated in Revere…

Proud Papa who loved his family

MELROSE — Frederick F. Roche, Jr., 75, passed away at home on March 6 surrounded by family after complications from ALS.

Originally from Melrose, Fred was the son of the late Frederick and Reta Roche and the brother of the late Donald Roche. He is survived by his brother…

Funny and wonderful and full of love and grace

MELROSE — Sheila A. Saulnier, age 81 of Melrose, formerly of Wakefield, passed away on February 3 at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.

She was born in Palmer on May 26, 1944 and was the daughter of the late Dorothea Richards. She experienced profound loss in her lifetime…

Spiritual woman raised family in Melrose

NORTH CAROLINA — Mary Lee Gray (Godwin) passed away peacefully with her son Bob at her side on February 22 at the Southport Health and Rehabilitation Center in Southport, NC.

Mary was born in Benson, NC to Harvey Godwin and Harriet Johnson Godwin. Mary was the eighth of ten…

Competitive roller skater who enjoyed cooking and traveling

MT PLEASANT, SC — Dorothy Jean Ahlin (Guay) of Mt Pleasant, SC, formerly of Melrose died on March 4 surrounded by family.

Dottie was born in Lynn on January 4, 1934 to the late Amedee and Florence (Duchesne) Guay. She attended Lynn English High School where she…

Devoted to his family

BOXFORD — Paul David Gordon, 84, of Boxford passed away peacefully on March 5.

Born on May 31, 1941 in Everett to Arthur and Catherine (Cronin) Gordon, Paul spent his early years there and graduated from Everett High School. Through determination and hard work, he later earned a degree from Harvard…