Melrose Obituaries

US Army veteran

LEOMINSTER — Peter “Pete” Ferguson Sr., a cherished family man, respected business owner and proud veteran, passed away unexpectedly on December 14 in Leominster at the age of 81. Born on September 5, 1944 in Melrose, Peter’s life was marked by his generosity, thoughtfulness and his unending humor which brought joy to…

US Marine Corps veteran

MELROSE — Albert W. “Mike” Bancroft, age 91, of Melrose, passed away on Wednesday, December 24 after a long period of illness.

He was the loving son of the late Albert H. Bancroft and the late Christina (Delaney) Bancroft, formerly of Tewksbury and husband of the late Patricia (Rooney) Bancroft, formerly…

Enjoyed bowling, bingo and loved her family

MELROSE — Rosemarie C (Belmonte) Cincotta, 97, passed away peacefully at her home on December 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Rose was born on April 11, 1928 in Boston. Rose was one of three children of the late Lawrence and Jennie Belmonte. She graduated Everett High…

Family was her world

MALDEN — Lia j. (Hackett) Brodeur, of Malden, passed away at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on December 26 at the age of 92. Lia was born on January 4, 1933 to the late William and Helen Hackett. She was raised in Cambridge and graduated from Our Lady of…

Loved photography, travel and history

MELROSE — Geoffrey Hall Shanklin of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Friday, December 12.

He was born on April 4, 1953 in Boston, the beloved son of the late Robert Marion and Jeanne (Hall) Shanklin. He grew up in Melrose and was an active member of the First…

Enjoyed summers in NH at family camp

MELROSE — Joseph E. Graves, “Uncle Joe” as he was known to many, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, December 18 following a recent illness. Prior to his illness, he resided in Medford where he was kindly and courteously cared for by all who lived, worked…

Her life revolved around home, food and being together

MELROSE — Barbara Theresa Drago, 85, peacefully passed away on December 23 surrounded by her family in Melrose. Born on November 28, 1940 in Everett, Barbara was the heart of her family, a beautiful, loving wife, mother and grandmother whose life centered around home, food and…

SEABROOK, NH — Laura Jean (Lane) Farrell of Seabrook, NH, formerly of Melrose entered into eternal rest unexpectedly Thursday, December 18 at home. She was 61 years old. She grew up in Everett and lived in Melrose for many years before settling in Seabrook, NH. Laura worked in the hospitality industry, working at the Mt. Hood Golf Club…

Approached life with dedication and exuberance

WAKEFIELD — Timothy J. Stanislawzyk, formerly longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 6 at the age of 58.

Born in Melrose, Tim was one of twin boys born on August 17, 1967 to the late Joseph J. and Marie T. (Noonan) Stanislawzyk. Raised at 64…

Kind-hearted woman made friends easily

MELROSE — Barbara E. (Weber) Wellington, long-time resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, December 16. She was 97.

Born on August 30, 1928 in Dedham, Barbara was one of two children of the late Robert and Ellen (Anderson) Weber. She grew up surrounded…

Loved helping people

MELROSE — Virginia “Ginny” Colbert, 86, of Melrose was at home surrounded by Eddie, Karen, Kristina, Edward and several grandchildren when she passed away. Born and raised in Everett, Ginny married and settled in Melrose where she worked as secretary to the principal at Lincoln Elementary, secretary to the director of Guidance…

Led a life of love

MELROSE — Margaret “Peggy” (Hall) Ballard, of Malden and formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully on November 30 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was 92.

Born in Malden on February 17, 1933 to Starr and Blanche J. (Forsyth) Hall, Sr., Peggy graduated from Malden High School. She…