Obituaries

Multiple Longtime Tewksbury Residents Pass Away in Recent Days

Three residents passed away recently with strong ties to the Tewksbury community.

The following obituaries are courtesy of Tewksbury Funeral Home and Farmer & Dee Funeral Home

Phyllis M. Mazzuchi

Mrs. Phyllis M. (Catenacci) Mazzuchi, age 86, passed peacefully on Monday afternoon, January 27, at the Greenbrier Nursing Center in Nashua, NH, surrounded by her caring family, after a long period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of Leo J. Mazzuchi, who passed in 2001.

She was born in Boston, March 24, 1927, the only child of the late John and Assunta (Barbaro) Catenacci, and was raised in the greater Boston area. She lived in Tewksbury for twenty seven years, while raising her family of five. She retired to Beverly Hills, Florida in 1985, but returned to the Nashua area in her advanced years for family support.

As a resident of Tewksbury, Mrs. Mazzuchi was a communicant of St. William’s Church, and will be remembered for her big heart and generosity.

She is survived by three children, Leo R. and his wife Catherine “Katie” (Burris) Mazzuchi of Tewksbury, Susan M. and her husband Mark Stys of Manchester, NH, and Barbara A. Mazzuchi of Lowell; a daughter-in-law, Diana (Bennett) Mazzuchi of Brattleboro, VT, who was wife of the late John J. Mazzuchi; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a dear family friend, Donna DeMaria and her family of Chelmsford.

She was predeceased by her sons, John J. Mazzuchi who passed in 2002, and Kenneth R. Mazzuchi, who passed in 2008.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to the Tewksbury Food Pantry, 999 Whipple Rd., Tewksbury, MA 01876 will be appreciated.

Marilyn G. (Darby) Gemmell

Marilyn G. (Darby) Gemmell, age 87, a lifelong resident of Tewksbury, passed away at the Willow Manor Nursing Home in Lowell on Monday, January 27.

She was the beloved wife of Earl D. Gemmell, who passed away on October 10, 1984.

Born in Tewksbury on August 8, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Homer L. Darby and the late Myrtle (Mooers) Darby.

Marilyn attended Tewksbury schools and graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1945.

She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Tewksbury, where she was a member of the Faithful Workers Group and sang in the choir. In addition, Marilyn was a former member of the Tewksbury Interfaith Choir.

In earlier years, she was a member of the former Methuen Grange.

Marilyn's children would like to thank the Willow Manor staff for the care and support they provided to Marilyn.

She is survived by two children, Daniel E. Gemmell of Tewksbury and Louise M. Gemmell of Nashua, NH; also many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Marilyn was the sister of the late Thelma M. and Vesta G. Darby, Norma L. Lawson, Irma E. Peatman, Merwyn K., Floyd K. and Vernon H. Darby, Sr.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn's memory may be to the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.

Kenneth T. Gilbert, Sr.

Kenneth T. Gilbert, Sr., age 80, a resident of Tewksbury for 53 years, passed away at the Lowell General Hospital-Saints Campus, with his family by his side, on Monday evening, January 27, 2014, following a brief illness.

He was the beloved husband of Margherita A. "Marge" (Lena) Gilbert, with whom he celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on September 2, 2013.

Born in Everett on April 13, 1933, he was the son of the late Joseph Harrington and Bertha (Schnitzlein).

Kenneth was raised in Everett and graduated from the Everett Vocational School.

In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War with the 2901st Supply Squadron. He was awarded several decorations for his military service including the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Koch Membrane Systems Company in Wilmington, where he worked as a Warehouse Manager. Following his career at Koch, he worked part-time for 10 years for the Tewksbury D.P.W.

Mr. Gilbert enjoyed camping, woodworking-especially cabinetry, and model trains.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Kenneth T. Gilbert, Jr. and his wife Debra and Lawrence J. Gilbert and his wife Susan all of Tewksbury; five grandchildren, Tom Gilbert and his wife Dawn, Michelle, Marisa, Sarah and Katherine Gilbert; two great grandchildren, Trevor Hall and Jacob Gilbert; one brother, Joseph Harrington, Jr. and his wife Gayle; one sister, Joyce Keefe and her husband Edward; also many nieces and nephews.


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