Robert L. Norton, 85, of Naples, Florida, and Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully after a long illness, overlooking his beloved view of Point Connett and Buzzard's Bay. He is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of 63 years.

Robert's devotion to his family was unwavering. He was a loving father to his children: Robert L. (Pamela) Norton Jr. of Wellesley, MA, Mary Norton (Michael Feinberg) of Medfield, MA, and Thomas Norton (Cheri Alix) of Norfolk, MA. His role as a grandfather brought him immense pride, and he cherished his grandchildren, Kayla (Garrett) Ledbetter of Norfolk, MA, Nicholas Feinberg of Boston, MA, Sarah (Daniel) Neiterman of Boston, MA, Thomas A. Norton of Upton, MA, and Joshua Norton of Wellesley, MA and he has one great-grandson, Oliver Ledbetter. Robert was loving uncle to many nieces and nephews living in Massachusetts and Florida.

Robert's love for sailing was a true passion. Guiding his sloop, he found his greatest joy on a lazy summer afternoon, returning to Point Connett on a following sea after getting 'good and wet' tacking out to Woods Hole in the southwest chop. His love for the water was undeniable and brought him immense happiness.

Robert's journey was marked by numerous academic and professional triumphs. He earned his undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering and industrial technology from Northeastern University, and later, an M.S. in engineering design at Tufts University. His dedication was recognized with an honorary Doctorate of Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 2012. Robert was a registered professional engineer in Massachusetts and Florida, with a wealth of industrial experience in engineering. He was driven to share his knowledge by teaching mechanical engineering and related subjects at Northeastern University, Tufts University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Robert's career was marked by significant contributions to the field of engineering. He spent a decade designing cameras and machinery at Polaroid and Jet Spray Cooler. He spent five years innovating artificial heart and noninvasive assisted ventilation devices at Tufts New England Medical Center and Boston City Hospital. Even in his later years, he remained active as an independent consultant on engineering projects, holding 13 U.S. patents. His innovative and impactful work continues to inspire and earn the respect of the engineering community.

In academia, Robert joined Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1981 as Milton Prince Higgins II Distinguished Professor. Over 31 years, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses, focusing on kinematics, dynamics, vibrations, and machine design. His dedication to education guided mechanical engineering students in applied mathematics and practical, project-based learning.

Robert authored numerous technical papers and journal articles and was a prolific writer, with works including "Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery" and "Machine Design: An Integrated Approach." which are used in leading universities in North America, Asia, and Europe. His contributions were recognized globally as a Fellow and Life Member of the

American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. In 2007, Robert received the U.S. Professor of the Year Award for Massachusetts from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Robert also had a passion for sharing knowledge beyond the classroom. He created "Norton's Memoirs: A History of the Machine," that shared insights based on his experiences. In 2021, he edited and published, "The History of Point Connett" that shares the multi-generational stories of 15 families deeply connected to one of the South Coast's most scenic seaside communities.

His legacy as a father, grandfather, uncle, engineer, educator, and mentor will continue to inspire future generations. The family will hold a private service, and a celebration of his life is planned for later this year. In honor of Robert's fondness for Mattapoisett, donations to Mattapoisett Land Trust (mattlandtrust.org) will help preserve natural resources and wildlife areas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Beverly L. (Whiton) Wareham, of Marion died June 22, 2024 after a long illness surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of the late William M. Wareham.

Born in Medford, daughter of the late Lewis F. and Edna F. (Foster) Whiton, she lived in Marion most of her life.

Beverly was formerly employed as a bank teller and later worked at Marion Town Hall.

She was an active member and volunteer at the First Congregational Church of Marion for many years and was a proud of being part of the founding members of Penny Pinchers.

Beverly enjoyed boating, tennis and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her 2 daughters, Karen Sanborn and her husband Philip of Marion and Laurie of Wareham; 3 grandchildren, Shaun, Kyle and Jessica; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Shirley Laing.

Her Graveside Service was held on Friday, June 28th at Old Landing Cemetery. Her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 10 am in the First Congregational Church of Marion, 144 Front St. Marion. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse & Hospice 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719 www.communitynurse.com or to the First Congregational Church of Marion, P.O. Box 326, Marion, MA 02738 www.marionfirstchurch.com. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

George J. Edwards Jr., 70, of Mattapoisett passed away on Tuesday June 18, 2024 after complications with cancer. Born September 2, 1953 in New Bedford, George was the son of George Sr. and Lorraine Edwards and brother to Douglas Edwards and the late Shawn Edwards. George is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carla Edwards; his children, Rory Edwards, Justine Racheotes, and Sarah Fuller; his granddaughters Miri, Laina, Lola, and Cleo, and his former wife Erica Nelson.

George is also survived by many great friends, including the Coucci family, the Hughes family, and the Wilbur family.

George enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking in the woods, taking drives around Mattapoisett to the dock and Town Landing, doing crosswords, antiquing, and watching classic movies with his wife. For many years George worked for Brownell Systems, where he met Carla, and retired from Brodeur Machine Company after more than 20 years.

The family will host visiting hours Monday June 24, 2024 from 4 - 8 pm at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals at 50 County Road in Mattapoisett. If you knew George, he didn't like these things - he was a jeans and T-shirt kind of guy - so please come as you are. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Robert J. McGowan, Bob, passed away on June 15, 2024 in Nokomis, Florida after a long illness of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.

Bob was born November 15, 1943 in New Bedford, MA. to Charles and Anna Smith McGowan.

He is survived by his sister, Ann Boucher of Chelmsford, MA.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Charles McGowan of Venice, FL, Paul McGowan of New Bedford, MA and his sister, Susan McGowan of Mattapoisett, MA.

He was the loving husband of Sandra Field McGowan of Venice, FL. He leaves his children Melissa Kang and her husband, Will of Cumming, GA, Heather McGowan and her wife Pat Coryell of Gulfport, FL and Kelly Ochoa of Fairhaven MA. He was predeceased by his son, Jonathan, McGowan.

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Nicole and Daniela Ochoa of New Bedford and Chloe, Isabella and Liam Kang of Cumming , GA.

Bob graduated from Holy Family High School in New Bedford, MA., Bentley College, Boston, MA and Babson College in Wellesley, MA.

During college he worked at Jordan Mash in Boston, where he met "his bride" Sandy. They were married at ST. Cecelia's Church in Boston and enjoyed almost 58 years of marriage.

After college graduation, Bob worked at St. Regis Paper, in New York City, Sisalkraft in Attleboro, MA, Plymouth Rubber in Canton, MA, New England Nuclear in Boston, DuPont in Boston and finished his career at CIS-US, Bedford, MA as CFO.

After retirement Sandy and Bob moved to Venice, Fl and spent the summers at their family cottage at Pico Beach in Mattapoisett, MA.

The whole family would like to thank Erin McKee for her love and care of Bob for the last 2 years and Tidewell Hospice of Venice.

A celebration of life will be held later in the summer.

Patricia A. (Dragon) Rodrigues, 77, formerly of Mattapoisett died June 15, 2024 at Eliot Center in Natick.

She was the wife of the late Joao "John" "Mr. Rod" Rodrigues.

Born in Acushnet, daughter of the late Claudio and Margaret (Branco) Dragon, she was raised in New Bedford before moving to Mattapoisett in 1977.

She was formerly employed as an executive secretary at several local banks until her retirement.

She was a volunteer an Hearts and Hands and at the Annie Maxim House. She was the recipient of many charitable gifts and she was grateful for those gifts.

Survivors include her 2 sons, Timothy "Mr. Rod" Rodrigues and his wife Anita of Acushnet and Paul Rodrigues of Mattapoisett; 2 grandchildren, Isabella Rodrigues and John Rodrigues; a God son, Chris Santos.

She was the sister of the late Roger Paul Dragon.

Her Funeral will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 9 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday, June 28th from 4-7 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

John Moline Teal, 94, died on June 14, 2024 at Teal Farm. John was an internationally recognized biologist and naturalist. He was best known for his research work on salt marsh ecology, including the popular book Life and Death of the Salt Marsh, co-authored with his first wife Mildred Teal. His research also included deep sea oceanography and oil spills in the ocean. Throughout his career, he used his scientific expertise to effect change in policies and laws. He was instrumental in developing the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act that is a model throughout the US. As author and co-author, he published more than 160 scientific publications, including articles on "The Long-term Effects of Nuclear War " (Science 1983) and others warning of the effects of sea level rise and wetlands loss in the US. He also wrote articles for children on oceanography. He served on boards and government advisory committees including The National Academy of Science, The Conservation Law Foundation (1978-2013), and closer to home on the Conservation Commissions in Falmouth and Rochester, MA.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska to Clarence William and Valentine Moline Teal, he got an early start on his career as an ecologist playing in the ravine wetland behind his house that was later filled in to build more houses. His summers were spent outdoors as a camper and then counselor at Camp Vermilion in northern Minnesota. After his graduation from Omaha's Benson High School in 1947 he went on to get a BA, 1951, and PhD in 1955 from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At Harvard, he sang both with the Glee Club and with a group called the Dunster Dunces, working summers in research labs in Woods Hole, MA.

John's professional career started at the University of Georgia Marine Institute (1955-1959) on Sapelo Island where he lived with Mildred and their children Eric and Tanya. He considered the island a living laboratory and developed techniques to study and measure the biogeochemical functions of salt marshes. He then moved to Nova Scotia and spent two years at Dalhousie University's newly-established Institute of Oceanography before joining Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in 1961, where he became Senior Scientist and served as the Chair of the Biology Department from 1982-85. John loved going to sea on WHOI ships, sampling animals from the deep ocean and introducing students and young scientists to the magic and the rigors of sea-going oceanography. He was active in the WHOI-MIT Joint Doctoral Degree Program as a teacher and mentor. He retired from WHOI in 1994. After retirement, he worked as scientific consultant to several major wetlands restoration and conservation projects in the United States. He became a scientific advisor to Public Service Electric & Gas of New Jersey on their extensive coastal wetland restoration project around Delaware Bay and continued to work on that project until he retired in 2018.

In 1977, he bought a 100-plus-acre farm in Rochester, MA and started a new adventure with his second wife Susan. They added another 50 acres a few years later with generous support from their neighbor, Julia Enroth, who believed in their vision to protect farm land in their community. They also subtracted some land when they gave a house lot to John's daughter Tanya and a few acres to the Rochester Congregational Church so that they could build a church hall. This new venture allowed John to buy farm equipment, including two 65-hp John Deere tractors, a back hoe and haying equipment. And they built a house, barns, sheds, chicken coops, greenhouses where they raised sheep, geese, ducks, chickens, hay, fruit and vegetables, with an orchard that had over 50 varieties of apples. Teal Farm is permanently protected from development by a Conservation Restriction held by the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern MA.

John was predeceased by his parents, his brother Dr. Peter V. Teal of Billings, MT, and his former wife, Mildred Teal. He is survived by his wife Susan Blackmore (Peterson) Teal, his brother Thomas A. Teal (Anne Nou) of Somerville, MA, his sister Alison V. Teal (Sam Brown) of Key West ,FL, his sister-in-law Annie Teal of Tucson, AZ, his son Eric Teal of Townsend, GA, daughter Tanya Sanders (David) and grandchildren Matthew Sanders (Kayla), David Sanders Jr. (Sybil Krawczyk) all of Rochester, Carolyn Abrantes (Eric) of South Dartmouth, and Alexander Carroll-Teal of Falmouth, MA. He has three wonderful great-grandchildren: Weylyn, Rhiannon, and Freya Sanders.

John leaves many friends, colleagues, students, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Though known to terrify his graduate students, over time he mellowed and even learned to smile. His comfortable old age on the farm would not have been possible without having his grandsons, Matt and Dave, and their families, living and working on the farm.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Conservation Law Foundation of New England (CLF.org), the Rochester Land Trust (rochesterlandtrust.org), or Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI.edu). Following the example set by his parents, John has donated his body to the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Roy N. Daniel, 65, of Rochester passed away Wednesday June 12, 2024 after a brief illness. He was the husband of Susan M. (Boucher) Daniel,

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Albert and Lorraine (Lecuyer) Daniel, he was raised in Acushnet and had resided in Rochester for many years. He was a graduate of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Roy was formerly employed as a bus driver for the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority until his retirement.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1978-1981.

Roy was a member of the Rochester Lions Club and had been a volunteer for the Wareham Gatemen baseball team. He enjoyed watching sporting events and was an avid fan of NASCAR and the New England sports teams.

He is survived by his wife Susan; his children, Sarah Coucci and her husband Jake, Matthew Daniel, and Sean Daniel and his fiancee Kayla Rasar; his siblings, Carole Gorczyca and her husband Richard, David Daniel and his wife Nancy, Michael Daniel and his wife Sheila, Elaine Negalha and her husband Eddie, and Rhonda Demers and her husband Francis; five grandchildren, Molly, Maeve, and William Coucci, Emmett Rasar, and Willow Daniel; and many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday June 18th at 10 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, Rochester. Visiting hours will be held on Monday June 17th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Barbara M. LeFavor, 77, of Wareham died Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford where she was born on March 3, 1947.

Daughter of the late Phyllis (Chartier) and William C. LeFavor, Barbara graduated from Bishop Stang High School in 1945. She worked in the assessor's office for Town of Wareham, retiring as chief assessing clerk in 2014 after 47 years.

Barbara was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church in Wareham and enjoyed baking, shopping and spending time with her grandchildren who she adored. Barbara's love for family was evident in her thoughtful birthday celebrations and her famous Christmas dinners.

Survivors include her son, Daniel LeFavor and his wife Julie of Marion; her brother, Philip LeFavor and his wife Cindy of Rochester; sisters, Donna Adams of Marion and Deborah Hazlett and her husband Robert of W. Bridgewater; cherished grandchildren, Bree and Jack LeFavor; her aunt, Irene LeFavor of New Bedford, her brother in-law David Ewan of Wareham, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, the late Paula Ewan and her brother in-law, the late Nelson Adams.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Monday, June 10, 2024 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 to 7 pm. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 11 from the funeral home at 9 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 94 High St., Wareham at 10 am. Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Wareham.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Patrick's Church, 82 High St., Wareham, MA 02571. For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Survived by her late husband Charles E Emerson along with her children David, Charles, Warren, Carol, Jeffrey, Irene and William. June (Bowman) Emerson was born and raised in Mattapoisett where a lot of her family still lives. She then moved to Taunton to raise her family. Her Father and Mother were Alaxander and Edna Bowman. Brothers and Sisters Alexander, Edna, John, Warren, Nancy, Wesley, Joyce, Joan, Frank, Sandra and David

She loved her family and devoted her entire life to them. Her Grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved playing cards and board games with them and even stayed up all night long to finish the game. She had the best friendship a person could have with Paul Croutworths. They went on trips to Atlantic City and other casinos where she had the time of her life. The friendship they had will always be cherished by us because we knew Paul protected and guided my Mother for years. He was and still is a very good friend of the entire family.

She loved going to the races with her family at Seekonk Speedway almost every weekend. She met and sat with friends that miss her dearly.

She loved Bingo and looked forward to going every week and sitting with her bingo buddies.

"Nana" cooked her stuffed quahogs and shared them with everyone. She made the best America Chop Suey that everyone loved. Her seafood platters would get eaten by whoever showed up. She would always give away till it was gone and just say "I already had some". But she only sampled one or two, just wanted to be sure everyone had some even if she didn't.

She will be missed by all. We will cherish our memories forever. She was loved by many.

We will have a Celebration of Life on July 7, 2024 from 1-4:00 at the Lakeville Eagles in Lakeville, Mass. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Michael M. Ward, age 65, of Mattapoisett, MA, passed away on Wednesday May 29, 2024.

Mike's childhood was spent in Brockton, MA and later in Fall River, MA. He was the definition of a lifelong learner. Mike earned his Bachelor's degree at Rhode Island College where he met his wife Paula. He went on to earn a Master's degree in Biology from Northeastern University and later a Master's degree in Education Administration at Providence College. He spent his career in education teaching math and eventually education administration.

Mike could never sit still, from running marathons in his younger years, to walks and bike rides as he got older. He enjoyed many summers on his boat in Mattapoisett and winters in Bluffton, South Carolina. His passion was in building things from his houses, to furniture, and general tinkering around. He loved talking sports and finance and playing golf. He truly loved sitting on the porch with his family.

He is survived by his wife Paula, daughter Kristen Ward of Easton MA, daughter Sam Ward of Fairhaven MA, and mother Claire Ward of Mattapoisett MA. He is predeceased by his father David L. Ward.

His memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday June 5th from 3-6 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, either by mail to NORD, Inc. - Donations, Dept. 5930, P.O. Box 4110, Woburn, MA 01888, or online at https://rarediseases.org/donate-nord/. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.