Obituaries
John Joseph Kapenas, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in the 91st year of his life. He was in the loving company of his wife and two sons.
John was born in Lowell, in 1935 and grew up in Groton. He was the first child of John Joseph Kapenas of Lowell and Nora Kapenas (nee Callaghan) of County Clare, Ireland, who met while both of whom worked at Groton School.
John served in the U.S....
The greatest way we can honor those we have lost is by continuing to live our lives with purpose, joy, and courage – because we know that’s exactly what they would want for us.
It is with love and great affection that his family remembers and celebrates the simple but remarkable life of Timothy Edward Whalen, who was born on March 31, 1943, in Bakersfield, CA. He was the cherished son of the late Mary (Hatton) Whalen and LeRoy Whalen, who was a...
Robert Arthur Hancewicz, life-long resident of West Groton, died peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the age of 77. He is survived by his brother Alfred Hancewicz, Jr. and wife Judy; nephew David, all of Yuma, AZ; and niece Jennifer Hancewicz and husband Kai Malloy of Moab, UT; and a second brother Ralph Hancewicz and his wife Euthecia of Rehoboth; nephew Christopher and his wife Elaine Speer of Bolton Valley, VT; and niece Sheryl...
John Murphy, a lifelong resident of Groton, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, July 30th, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born into a family deeply rooted in Groton, John was the fourth generation to call the town home, and proudly continued the legacy of the Murphy Plumbing Company as a master plumber and master gas fitter, and then later the Groton plumbing inspector. He was appreciated for his integrity and work...
Neil Joseph O’Brien, 67, of Groton, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at home surrounded by his family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Neil is survived by his beloved wife Lori (Genetti), son Andrew Scheipers and wife Stephanie; son Casey and wife Ashleyl son Chris and wife Morgan; and son Taylor. Neil was the proud grandfather to Lily, Noelle, Eamon, Josie, Cameron, Grant, Ava, and Willard, all of whom he loved dearly. He is also...
Ruth Treen died peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 95. She was born August 21, 1929 in Harvey, Illinois to Karl and Jessie Treen. Their fourth and youngest child, she had wild curly hair and a tendency to veer off the expected path.
Ruth graduated from the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana. The highlight of her studies was playing the lead in the university’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Ruth continued to be active...
It is with deep love and sorrow, we share the passing of our dad, Alford Dyson Jr. — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend — who left us peacefully at the age of 88.
Alford shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Edda, whom he lovingly called “Sweetie.” Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. He was a proud father to Todd Dyson and Jenepher Spencer, and nothing brought...
Robert “Bob” Shaw, Jr. died peacefully in Groton on Friday, June 27, 2025 just two days short of his eighty-eighth birthday.
The son of the late Esther (Macneir) Shaw and Robert Shaw, Sr., Bob was a one-of-a-kind character who spoke in a vernacular limited to a population of one (a winnebago was a “moose-of-a-hog,” his daughters were either “champions” or “chimpanzees,” doing poorly was “dogging it”). In his youth, Bob teased, tormented, and...
Ellen Truitt Hargraves’ long and courageous journey came to a peaceful close on Sunday, June 15th. After years of neurological decline, her body—worn from countless battles—finally found rest. Yet as her strength faded, her spirit grew ever more luminous. She left this world surrounded by love, having gifted her family and friends with a lifetime of wisdom, warmth, and unforgettable memories.
Ellen’s love touched many lives, especially those of...
William Fraser Shute, lovingly known as Bill, passed away on June 1, 2025. He was a charismatic beacon in his community. Born on January 21, 1934, in Boston, MA, Bill’s life was a testament to his dedication to service, creativity in his pursuits, and his loving nature towards everyone he encountered. His zest for life and his infectious energy filled every room he entered, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate to cross his path.
Bill’...