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Donald “Don” E. Santor Sr., 85, a resident of Winchester and formerly of Swanzey and New York, passed away quietly while sleeping on Monday, February 19, 2024, with the love of family by his side.

He was born a son to the late Alice (Nason) and Lawrence Santor Sr. on June 9, 1938, in Lake Placid, NY.

Donald enlisted into the United States Army on October 24, 1961 during the Vietnam War as a Light Weapons Specialist while stationed in Korea. He was the recipient of the Marksmanship Bar, First Class Gunner, and Marksmanship Riffle. He was honorably discharged on October 23, 1967 at the rank of PFC-E3.

Don enjoyed working for Al Melanson Construction Company as a metal fabricator for many years until he retired in 2003.

Along with working, Donald enjoyed maintaining old gas engines, being in the garage, and always doing projects around the house and in the yard.

Mr. Santor is survived by his child, Toni Bowne of Keene, his 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, nephews extended family and friends. Donald was predeceased by his parents, his 7 siblings, his son, Donald E. Santor Jr. who passed away on September 28, 2023, and his grandchild Travis Bowne September 5, 2023.

In keeping with Donald’s wishes there will be no services. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 S. Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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Allan Robert Saari, 84, a lifelong resident of Harrisville, passed away quietly while resting on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, while under the care of Applewood Care and Rehabilitation Center in Winchester.

He was born a son to the late Sarah (Sillanpaa) and John Saari on August 25, 1939, in Peterborough, NH. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1957.

Allan enlisted into the United States Air Force on December 12, 1961, during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He was honorably discharged on December 10, 1965, at the rank of A1C-E4.

After being honorably discharged, Allan continued his education at Keene State College earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education class of 1977 and 1983.

Allan enjoyed his time working as a realtor selling homes for over 30 years. Prior, Allan worked as a teacher at Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, MA. as their welding and metal Fabrication teacher for 6 years.

Back in his younger years, Allan was an avid golfer and loved to go fishing and hunting.

Mr. Saari is survived by his beloved daughter Rhonda Saari of Keene, and many extended family, and friends. Allan was predeceased by his parents, and his two siblings, Onni and Toivo Saari.

A burial will take place later in the spring of 2024 in the family lot at the Island Cemetery, Island Street, Harrisville, NH. 03450. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 S. Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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Lorenzo Mitchell, 60, of Swanzey and formerly of Boston, MA., passed unexpectedly in the comfort of his home on Friday, February 2, 2024.

He was born a son to Laura (Gilbert) Mitchell and the late Ed Mitchell on July 6, 1963, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was educated at Dorchester High School in Dorchester, MA., class of 1981. He continued his education at Umana Tech School and Wentworth Tech School.

Lorenzo had worked at Jeanne’s Diner in Swanzey as a cook. Prior he had also worked as a cook at Family Ties, Jim Eddie’s, and Applebee’s.

Lorenzo had many interests and passions. He enjoyed being outdoors playing basketball or being in nature hiking and camping. He worked on cars and even dabbled in being a DJ. If he wasn’t outside you could find him watching movies or reading a book.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by his children, Leanna F. Mitchell of Providence, R.I., Jermaine Mitchell of Texas, and Jordan M. Clark of Burlington, MA. He is also survived by his mother, Laura (Gilbert) Mitchell, his siblings, Janice Mitchell of Atlanta, GA., Wesley Mitchell of Quincy, MA, and Reginald Mitchell of Wetumpka of AL. as well as his grandchildren Keemani Thompson and Noah Mitchell. He also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

There will be a celebration of life for Lorenzo on March 3, 2024, from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm at 96 Westminster Court Roxbury, MA. 02119. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. West Swanzey, NH. 003469. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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William “Bill” Matthew Tucker, 79, a lifelong resident of Keene, passed away peacefully while resting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, after a brief illness.

He was born a son to the late Cecilia (Marrotte) and Aubrey Tucker on February 19, 1945, in Keene. Bill was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1963.

After graduating, William joined the family business at Tucker’s Power Equipment, which his father started in 1929. He owned and operated the business for 42 years starting in 1963 until he retired in 2015.

On June 24, 1967, William exchanged vows with his high school sweetheart, Lynda L. Papenfuse. They had a simple service at the United Church of Christ in Keene.

Bill was a Street Rod enthusiast, building and restoring classic cars, especially his 1934 Ford Street Rod. He enjoyed the weekly cruise nights and car shows with his friends. He also enjoyed the time he spent at Spofford Lake riding his lawn tractor, moving dirt from here to there, and maintaining his properties. He was always offering his advice and opinions whether you wanted it or not! Most of all he loved his family. He was a member of the Bektash, Shriners, and Jerusalem Lodge #104.

Mr. Tucker is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynda Tucker of Keene, their son Matthew W. Tucker and his wife, Marianne of Keene, brother and sister-in-law, David and Sue Papenfuse of Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mackenzie Donahue and her husband Jake of Keene, Gabryelle Tucker of Jamacia Plain, MA., Maxwell Tucker of Keene, and LilyMarie Tucker of Loudon, a great-grandson, Levi Donahue. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. William was predeceased by his parents, his sister Audrey Starkey who passed in 2023, brother brother-in-law, Russell O Starkey who passed in 2017, and his son Jeffrey A. Tucker who passed away on August 7, 2011.

Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours, although a private burial will take place. There will be a public gathering planned for this summer in celebration of Bill’s life. A cruise night event will also occur in his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield, MA. .

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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Gerald “Jerry” F. Grady, 77, a resident of Keene and formerly of Worcester, MA. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, with the love of family by his side.

He was born a son to the late Ruth V. (McEvoy) and John J. Grady Sr. on August 17, 1946, in Worcester, MA. Jerry attended local Massachusetts schools and graduated from South High School in Worcester, MA. Jerry continued his education at the Worcester Industrial Technical Institute earning his Associates degree in welding and fabrication.

Gerald enlisted into the United States Army on September 23, 1968, serving in the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Gerald worked as a welder in an engineering battalion. He was honorably discharged on September 22, 1971 at the rank of SP5-E5.

On June 30, 1979, Gerald exchanged vows with the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” L. Dawson. They had a simple service with family and friends celebrating them in Worcester, MA. They were happily married for 44 years until she passed away on July 15, 2023.

Jerry enjoyed his time working for the City of Worcester Department of Public Works as a foreman of the water department. He worked there for 35 years until he retired in 2008.

Along with working, Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He loved watching sports on TV, especially the Boston Bruins, his favorite team. Gerald loved being with his family more than anything, and particularly with his granddaughters. Jerry was a member of the American Legion.

Mr. Grady is survived by his daughter Bridget and her husband, Don, of Keene, his four siblings John Grady Jr. of Worcester, MA. Kathleen Grady of Worcester, MA. Kevin Grady and his wife, Kathy of Shrewsbury, MA., and Margaret Walsh of Worcester, MA. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Monica Lundin and Carrie Lundin both of Keene, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Sandy Grady, and his three siblings, James Grady, Joseph Grady, and Mary Grady.

In keeping with Gerald’s wishes there will be a private memorial service. A burial will take place later in the spring of 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the United Service Organizations (USO).

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 S. Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.