Joseph A. Souza, 89, of Acushnet died August 23, 2023 at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph and Mary (Rebello) Souza.

He was a retired mechanic and repair technician.

Mr. Souza served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

He enjoyed playing guitar with his friends.

Survivors include his sister, Eileen Hall of Marion; a niece, Pamela Lees and her husband John of Marion; 2 nephews, Richard Souza of California and Nelson Rolland of Kingston; 2 great-nieces, Britt St. George and her husband Zachary and Madison Smith and her husband Edward; her great-great-niece, Sunny St. George.

Survivors also include special loved ones; Ruth Barksdale, Danielle Barksdale and her husband Donald, Nicole Hardin Francis and her husband Andrew, Lori-ane Lavoie ,Melissa Westgate and her husband Gary and Talon Lavoie.

Predeceased by siblings James, Joseph, Jr., Everett, Lionel, Noemia, Mary, Lydia and Natalie, her brother-in-law William Hall and her life-long friend Eleanor Jane Martin.

His private Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, September 5th in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Burial followed in the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

Ralph E. Sanford, Jr., 90, a lifelong resident of Mattapoisett, MA, the beloved husband of 63 years to wife Patricia, and devoted father to Caroline, Neal, Mark, and Paul, died peacefully at home on August 15, 2023, with his family by his side.

He was born in Westport, MA, on February 27,1933, to Ralph, Sr., and Emma (Hall). After a wonderful upbringing in Westport, the family moved to Palmer, MA, where Ralph finished high school. He then took a job as an apprenticed draftsman for General Electric located in Pittsfield, MA.

He married and lived in Dalton, MA for several years before moving to Mattapoisett where he and Patricia raised their children. Ralph pursued his education receiving his bachelor's degree from UMass Dartmouth and a master's degree from Bentley College. He was a gifted teacher and patient educator at Old Colony Regional Vocational High School and then as a respected instructor at Bristol Community College, retiring with the honor of professor emeritus. Ralph quietly and warm-heartedly shared his wisdom, knowledge, and joy of learning with his students, family, and all those he met.

He was an Eagle Scout, a proud Veteran of the Army who also enjoyed sailing on Buzzard's Bay, skiing all over the New England area, bicycling, traveling, spending time at Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH, and being a member of the AMC Four-Thousand-Footer Club. Members of the family will continue to carry on his many interests.

He is lovingly survived by Patricia, their children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours are on Sunday (9/10) from 2 to 4 pm at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday (9/11) at 11 am at St. Raphael Church, 103 Walker St., Manchester. Committal prayers will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 D.W. Highway, Boscawen, NH.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the services of veterans by way of the Manchester (NH) VA Medical Center (ATTN: Voluntary Service) at 718 Smyth Road, Manchester NH 03104 (https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675) .To leave a message of condolence, please visit https://www.lambertfuneralhome.com/

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Janet Theresa (Burdette) Risgin. She passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 11, 2023 at the age of 76.

She was the loving and devoted wife of the late John E. (Jack) Risgin with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. She was also the loving daughter of the late Everette A. and Helen M. (Long) Burdette, born on March 31, 1947 in Washington D.C.

Janet is survived by her 3 children: Jill K. Risgin and Antonio Botta of Wareham, MA; John A. Risgin and his wife Leanne of Dartmouth, MA; and Joseph E. Risgin and his wife Julie of Franklin, MA. She also leaves behind her five grandchildren: Dylan Zell, Adrienne Risgin, Ethan Risgin, Jamison Risgin and Ruby Risgin. She is also survived by her four siblings: Gary Burdette of Scottsdale, AZ; Sharon Francis of Bakersfield, CA; Steven Burdette of Pleasant Hill, CA and Deborah Burdette of Tulsa, OK.

A wake service will be held for Janet on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals located at 50 Country Road (Rt 6) Mattapoisett, MA. She will be cremated with her ashes to be scattered at a later date along with our Father's. For full obituary, directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Tucker Zenski (formerly Michael Osenkowski), 46 years old of Salem, MA died on August 10, 2023 in Seaside, Oregon.

Tucker was born March 25, 1977 in Petersburg VA.

He was a graduate of Mount St. Charles Academy, class of 1995 and University of Massachusetts Boston.

Tucker's quest for life began in the wild eyes of a boy named Mikey on the beaches of Mattapoisett with his family and Sac O Beans. It took him to the dance floors and living rooms of Salem and then out to the West Coast where he fell in love. As Mikey grew, his quest assigned him another name, Tucker. Off he went to Arcosanti, a commune in Arizona, where he met his life partner, Darina. He lived in San Francisco, where he was an EMT and then finally settled in the redwood forest where he amassed a huge group of friends that also became his family.

Tucker had a zest for life that was palpable. He was a dedicated friend and fiercely loyal. His level of vibrant energy and child like wonder balanced with his natural spiritual essence drew people towards him.

His imagination as a child helped create the best forts, and as an adult, magical wands and incredible grandiose stories and ideas. His creativity lead him to pottery, poetry and art.

His struggle in this life did not make it an easy one, but everyone who knew him did everything they ever could to love and support him and keep him healthy just as he did his best for everyone he knew.

As his quest for life slowed down, he fought for peace. In the end he truly felt like he was in a better place and slowly sailed into the West Coast sunset.

He is survived by his parents, Paul and Susan Osenkowski, his sister, Kimberly Delisle, his two nieces, Sarah and Marielle Delisle, his life partner Darina Trendafilova, his Sac O Beans crew, his Arcosanti family, and his Humbolt county family.

His visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 18th from 4-8 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 10:30 am at Shoolman Park adjacent to 8 Oaklawn Ave. Mattapoisett. His family will receive guests from 10 - 10:30 am prior to the service.

Robert J. "Bob" Larsen, 80, of Mattapoisett died Tuesday, August 8, 2023 unexpectedly at home. He was the husband of Carol (Sephton) Larsen.

Born in Penn Yan, NY, son of the late James and Martha (Fullagar) Larsen, he lived in New York until joining the United States Army after college. He later lived in Maryland until moving to back Massachusetts where he resided for many years.

Bob was a member of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Marion, where he served as Junior Warden.

He was formerly employed at various high tech companies including Raytheon, Compugraphic, and Sycamore Networks.

Bob loved to sail and enjoyed competitive sailboat racing. He also loved to spend time with his cats and his family, especially his grandchildren. Bob was a handyman and in retirement enjoyed helping do work for others.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Kristen Vesey and her husband Joseph of Connecticut; three step-children; five grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.

His Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 124 Front St., Marion. A private burial service will be held at Shawsheen Cemetery in Bedford, MA. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Dr. R. Michael Scott, 82, passed away at his home in Mattapoisett, MA on August 4, 2023 with his beloved wife, Susan, at his side.

Dr. Scott served for many years as Neurosurgeon-in-Chief at Boston Children's Hospital and as Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School.

He carried out pioneering work on the neurosurgical treatment of stroke in children and was an internationally recognized authority on vascular malformations of the brain in pediatric patients.

He was born in Philadelphia as the oldest of four children and the son of Michael Scott, a neurosurgeon, and Catherine Fadde Scott, a child welfare nurse.

After his early schooling in the Philadelphia area, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Williams College in 1962 where he majored in English and he obtained his MD degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1966 where he was Senior Class President.

After a Surgical Internship at Boston City Hospital and a two-year clinical research fellowship at the National Institute of Neurologic Diseases and Stroke, he began Neurosurgical residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital, completing his Chief Residency in 1973.

Dr. Scott began his academic Neurosurgical career at Tufts University Medical Center where he worked for 15 years, developing a specialty practice in Pediatric and Vascular neurosurgery. He then joined the faculty at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School where he became a full Professor and was appointed Neurosurgeon-in-Chief in 2004.

He received lifetime achievement awards from the Neurosurgical Society of America, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Joint Pediatric Section and The New England Neurosurgical Society.

A revered teacher, Dr. Scott received the Silen Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award from Harvard Medical School in recognition of his training and mentoring of countless residents and students of all levels of medical training. Throughout his career, he trained more than 25 fellows who themselves became leaders in Pediatric Neurosurgery throughout the country.

Mike had many interests outside of medicine including gardening, literature, opera, classical music, and cinema. Chief among them was his love of jazz and jazz piano-playing.

He headed a neurosurgical jazz quintet that played throughout the country for more than 20 years at neurosurgical meetings. He particularly enjoyed playing inventive jazz duets with an accomplished trumpet-playing friend, Jim Rose.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan Taylor Scott, whom he met when she was an operating room nurse at the New England Medical Center.

Mike treasured the many years they had together with long walks, theater, concerts, dinners and travels. Their Mattapoisett home was a beautiful quiet retreat where they could be alone together, garden together and enjoy the company of neighbors.

Through the years, with his brother, Dick and his wife, Mary, Mike and Susan enjoyed walking tours to Croatia, Sicily, England, France, and Italy. There were also memorable visits to Normandy and Northern Ireland with his siblings Dick, Bill, Judy, and their spouses. An annual month in Hawaii with Susan was a treasured respite in his post-retirement years.

Mike was a loving father to his three children, Elizabeth Tervo, Robert and David Scott and to his stepdaughter, Heather Bliss. He loved being with his five grandchildren: Paul, Lucy, Taylor, Isabella and Mae, whether taking one of them to a Red Sox or Bruins game or just hanging out with them playing board games, singing at the piano or gardening. He also shared his love of gardening with his daughter, Elizabeth, even though she lived on the West Coast, by trading photos of their prized plants and flowers. Like Mike, his sons Robert and David are accomplished musicians themselves, and when the trio got together, their jam sessions were spectacular.

Mike's first wife, Catharine Sweeney Scott, pre-deceased him and he is survived by their three children; Elizabeth Tervo and her husband, Father Michael Tervo of Bellingham, WA; and by Robert Scott of Provincetown, MA and David Scott of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Heather, and her husband, Greg Bliss of Hingham, MA.

Mike has three surviving siblings: Richard Scott and his wife, Mary, of Dedham, William Scott and his wife, Helene, of Indianapolis and Judith Scott and her husband, Don Stillman of Orcas Island, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Dr. Scott's memory be made to Temple University School of Medicine for benefit of the Catherine G. Scott Scholarship Fund or to The Southcoast VNA Hospice Program at www.southcoast.org/VNA.

LuAnn M. (Celeberto) Stemper, age 61 of New Bedford, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023 at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of John E. Stemper, to whom she had been married for 35 years.

She was born in Providence, RI, the daughter of Joseph Celeberto of Narragansett, RI and the late Beverly (Traficante) Celeberto. She was a graduate of Classical High School in Providence and earned her Bachelor's Degree in nutrition from the University of Rhode Island.

LuAnn was a Clerk in the United States Postal Service for 38 years. She started her career in Providence and moved closer to home working in Mattapoisett and later Rochester. She was a member of New Seasons Worship Center in E. Freetown and an avid Patriots Fan.

In addition to her husband and father, LuAnn is survived by her three sons, Aaron, Michael, and Daniel Stemper all of New Bedford, and her close friend who was there by her side Lisa Ortiz.

LuAnn's Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, from 9-10:30 am in the New Seasons Worship Center, 34 County Rd., E. Freetown. Her Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 am followed by her burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the New Seasons Worship Center, 34 County Rd., E. Freetown, MA 02717. Arrangements are in the care of the Rock Funeral Home in New Bedford. To place an online tribute, please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com

Peter Richard Pina Jr. 67, of Mattapoisett passed away Thursday August 3, 2023 peacefully at home.

He was the son of the late Peter Richard Pina Sr. and Janice Pina (Frates) of Dartmouth.

Peter formerly lived at the Paul Dever State School until 1997, he then moved and lived with a close group in his home in Mattapoisett for the past 26 years.

Peter was grateful and appreciated all the love and support, and would like to thank all the Southeastern Residential Services and caregivers throughout for their exceptional care and dedication over the years.

Peter was a very loving individual who enjoyed concerts, all sports and spending quality time with his house mates. He was also involved out in the community where he met up with friends in the Mattapoisett walking group.

He is survived by his sibling Ronald Scott Barboza of Dartmouth and a nephew Ethan Scott Barboza also of Dartmouth.

Peter's services will be held Monday, August 21st, 2023 at Rural Cemetery on Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 at 12:00 pm.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.

Jennifer Ann Rusinoski, lovingly known as Jen, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023, at the age of 66. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and joy that touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born in Atlanta, GA, Jen was the daughter of the late Helen (Gifford) and Claude (Cal) Ladner, and William J. Wilson, Jr. She spent the majority of her life in Mattapoisett, where she built lasting connections and became an integral part of the community.

A remarkable mother and grandmother, Jen found true happiness in the company of her family, particularly her beloved grandchildren. The Rusinoski household was a hub of creativity, as Jen was constantly engaged in knitting, sewing, painting, and other forms of artistic expression with her grandchildren. She also had a loving rivalry with her cousin Phil Gustafson, with whom she would often compete to see who could make the best fried chicken.

Jen devoted 23 years of her life to Center School and Old Hammondtown School, where her passion for crafts and giving back flourished. She initiated a heartwarming gift basket program, which saw students delivering hundreds of baskets to seniors in the community. Her dedication to fostering a strong sense of community extended beyond her work, as she was an active and committed member of the PTA. It was this strong commitment to the community that named her Mattapoisett Woman of the Year in 2009.

A fervent New England Patriots fan, Jen's excitement for football was unparalleled, transforming her living room into her own private stadium for each game. She would also perform her pregame 'war dance' to wish the Patriots good luck. Tom Brady, Gronkowski, and Edelman were her heroes, and she celebrated each touchdown with a shot of 'Fireball' Whiskey, exclaiming her signature catchphrase, "Fire in the Hole!". She was also a fierce competitor in Fantasy Football, having won many family leagues. Her enthusiasm didn't stop there; Jen was also an avid follower of the Golden Globes and Oscars, turning her home into a personal red carpet for these star-studded events.

Jen's positivity and boundless drive to make others happy were the cornerstones of her character. She was a true motivator, offering unwavering guidance and support to anyone who needed it. Her impact on those she encountered was immediate and enduring, leaving a lasting imprint on their hearts and lives.

Jen's memory will forever be cherished by her devoted husband, Walter J. Rusinoski, her beloved children, Cara Witherspoon and her husband Graham of North Carolina, Brent Rusinoski and his wife Julia of Sandwich, and Blake Rusinoski of Mattapoisett. She also leaves behind her loving sister and brother-in-law, Candace Gifford Toomey and Paul Toomey of West Wareham, four adoring grandchildren, Rylee, Taylor, and Gabe Witherspoon, Odin Rusinoski, and two step-grandchildren Alecia and Michaela Slappey. Additionally, she will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Cliff Wilson and Willene Mann.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Scott Paradis Ashley, 68, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023 in the loving company of his wife and daughters. The youngest of four, Scott was born on December 31, 1954, and raised in East Freetown.

Scott completed his BS in Biology from Murray State University where he also competed on the cross-country running team, and was an active member of the Sigma Pi fraternity. Upon his graduation, Scott returned to Massachusetts to launch his career as owner and operator of Old Tuck Cranberry Corp., continuing the multigenerational profession of cranberry farming.

Throughout his life, Scott was an avid hunter, trapper and true outdoorsman. He was always happiest outside; enjoying the wildlife on his farm, caring for his apple orchard, landscaping his property, or tending to an expansive vegetable garden. He amassed a substantial antique single shot rifle collection and enjoyed the research and restoration of antique motorcycles. Other hobbies Scott was passionate about included scuba diving, travel, music and reading, particularly American history. Above all, Scott was a social person, he loved being surrounded by family and spending time with his friends. Notorious for his jokes, sense of humor and good-natured pranks, Scott made a lasting impression.

In addition to his wife, Kymberly, Scott leaves behind his two daughters Rebekah Rubin and Rachel Ashley, sons-in-law Daniel Rubin and Alvaro Ortiz, four grandchildren Ari and Claire Rubin, Lucia and Caleb Ortiz, and his sister, Alexis Blowers of Rochester, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Edward Ashley and Karl James Ashley III, and his parents Karl James Ashley Jr and Grace Rose Marie (Paradis) Ashley.

His funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 30th at 2:00 pm at the First Congregational Church of Rochester. Burial will follow in White Cemetery, East Freetown. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, July 29th, from 1:00-5:00 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Scott's memory can be made to: Lewy Body Dementia Association; or The Lewy Body Dementia Fund of the American Brain Foundation.