Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home

Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home Toomey Funeral Service was established in 1885 by Robert Toomey, who was in his early years a furniture maker in West Springfield.

We remain committed to exceptional service for over 140 years.

Todd D. GardnerTodd Gardner passed away unexpectedly on April 4th in Springfield, MA. He was 63 years old. He was born i...
04/23/2026

Todd D. Gardner

Todd Gardner passed away unexpectedly on April 4th in Springfield, MA. He was 63 years old. He was born in Philadelphia on May 16, 1962, to Jane (Whitelaw) Gardner and the late Bob Gardner. He was raised in Port Washington, NY. He met his future wife, Barbara Becker, in 10th grade at Paul D. Schreiber High School where they both graduated in 1980. He later earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY at Old Westbury in 1989. For many years, Todd worked as a self-employed business consultant. Todd and Barbara were great friends who married in 1989. They lived in Port Washington, NY and Easthampton, MA, before finding their home in West Springfield, MA.

Todd will be remembered for his wonderful singing voice with which he blessed many choirs, including Christ Church Cathedral, Sinai Temple, Mak'hela and SCA Barony of Bergental, in the last few years. He was known for his warmth, generosity and sense of humor.

Todd was predeceased by his father Bob and his uncle Reid Whitelaw. He will be missed by his loving wife Barbara, her sister Betsy Becker and Neal Kushner; his mother Jane Whitelaw Mason; his sister and family Adrienne, Larry, Jack and Landon Kurland; foster children and other acquired family, and his many friends and coworkers.

Calling hours will be 10 – noon on April 29 at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME followed by a Memorial Service.

You may make a donation in Todd’s name to your favorite musical organization or send flowers if you prefer.

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Alson Kilbourn Canary, Jr.Alson Kilbourn Canary, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 17. 2026. He was bo...
04/21/2026

Alson Kilbourn Canary, Jr.

Alson Kilbourn Canary, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 17. 2026. He was born in Springfield on October 3, 1934 to the late Alson Kilbourn Canary & Ruth (Howard) Canary. He graduated from West Springfield High School in 1952 and soon married his high school sweetheart, Shirley (Marilyn) Dupuis, settling in West Springfield to raise their family. Al was an incredibly hard worker holding down several jobs to provide for his young family. He finally found his niche when he took a sales job with Allstate Insurance Company. He built a sizeable client base so when Allstate moved out of the State of MA in 1989, he took the leap to start his own, independent insurance agency. With his daughter Sandra by his side, he partnered with Richard Blomstrom and together they grew the Agency into the Canary Blomstrom Insurance Agency, which is still thriving today. Al & his wife enjoyed traveling far & wide but mostly enjoyed the life of RV camping throughout the US and spent several years as snowbirds in Titusville, FL. They have always been active in their various church affiliations throughout the years, serving as volunteers in many capacities. Most currently they are members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Holyoke. Al had also been actively involved in several AA groups throughout his life and had celebrated his 50th anniversary as a “Friend of Bill’s”. He was incredibly proud of all of his family and easily expressed his love and appreciation for each of them but especially for “his gal” Marilyn.

Al is survived by his wife of 72 years, Shirley (Marilyn), his children Stephen Canary & wife Karen, Sandra Brodeur, Michael Canary & wife Barbara, as well as his grandchildren Dana, Jessica, Jonathan, Benjamin & wife Megan, Lora & husband Jovan, Alyssa & husband Kevin, his great-granddaughter, Emma, and great-grandson, Leo as well as several “adopted” nieces, nephews and grandchildren whom he loved and fully embraced as family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27th from 10AM-12Noon at Toomey O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield, concluding with Al’s Funeral Home Service at 12Noon. Burial will follow in Paucatuck Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Rd., Holyoke, MA 01040.

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Jerome K. BarrettJerome K. Barrett of Easthampton passed away on April 16 at the Massachusetts Veterans Home in Holyoke,...
04/17/2026

Jerome K. Barrett

Jerome K. Barrett of Easthampton passed away on April 16 at the Massachusetts Veterans Home in Holyoke, on the feast day of St. Bernadette, patron saint of illness. He was 90 years old. Born in Pittsfield, MA, he was one of five children born to the late James and Marie (Walsh) Barrett. Jerome lived in West Springfield for many years where he was a mail carrier.

Jerome was a devout Catholic who enjoyed daily Mass at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Easthampton where he lived for over 20 years after his retirement.

In addition to his parents, Jerome was predeceased by his brothers Jackie and James Barrett and sister Eileen Murphy. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Delgado, (Junior) and Gina Curran, (Tom), 5 granddaughters, his brother Joseph Barrett, (Eleanor), AnnMarie Noel, Joe Barrett, Jr. as well as other nieces and nephews.

There will be a calling hour at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME from 9-10am on Thursday, April 23 and a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Church followed by burial at St. Thomas Cemetery in West Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jerome’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or NAMI. The family would like to thank the Soldiers’ Home for the amazing care and love they show all of their residents as well as Hospice of the Fisher Home.

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Alberic Jean BrissonAlberic Jean Brisson, 97, has entered into eternal rest on April 11, 2026. He was born on April 2, 1...
04/14/2026

Alberic Jean Brisson

Alberic Jean Brisson, 97, has entered into eternal rest on April 11, 2026. He was born on April 2, 1929, in Saint-Gervais, Quebec, Canada. Alberic was the 12th of 13 children. Shortly after marrying the love of his life, Jeannette (Larochelle), on July 12, 1952, Alberic began a new chapter. The day after their wedding, they moved to the United States and settled in Springfield, Massachusetts, where they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. For 73 years, Alberic and Jeannette shared a marriage defined by deep devotion, everlasting love, and a cherished nightly goodnight kiss—a simple ritual that spoke volumes about their bond. Known to many as “Beric,” he was a skilled builder and proud co-founder of Brisson Building Corp., constructing homes throughout Western Massachusetts. His craftsmanship and dedication to his trade left a lasting legacy, including a street named in his honor. He also built the two homes in West Springfield, Massachusetts where he and Jeannette raised their five children. Alberic found great joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, and woodworking, and was happiest when working with his hands or spending time in nature. Beric was outstanding at horseshoes and enjoyed card games with family and friends. A devoted man of faith and community, he was a longtime member of St. Thomas Church and the Knights of Columbus. In 2025, he was honored with his 75-year membership pin—a testament to his lifelong commitment and service. Alberic and Jeannette have resided at Heritage Woods Assisted Living for the past six years. His family is deeply thankful to the staff for providing him with a comfortable, safe, and caring community in which to reside. Alberic will be remembered for his strength, craftsmanship, and the quiet, enduring love he showed his family every day. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the family he raised, and the countless lives he touched. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannette (Larochelle), and his loving children, Suzanne Ashe and her husband James, Lorraine Brisson and her partner Michael Fairchild, Francis Brisson, and Florence Bolella and her husband Steven; his five beautiful grandchildren, Michelle, Jesse, Brook, Garrett, and Brittany; seven great-grandchildren; and his three siblings, Clementine, Beatrice, and Dollard of Quebec, Canada. He was predeceased by his son, Normand. A Funeral Service will be 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 22, 2026, at Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield. Visitation will take place 10:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, join the family in celebrating Beric’s life and share a fond memory with family and friends.

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Marsha Ann RyanWestfield – Marsha Ann (Gorski) Ryan passed away on April 11 with her husband of 51 years James E. “Jim” ...
04/14/2026

Marsha Ann Ryan

Westfield – Marsha Ann (Gorski) Ryan passed away on April 11 with her husband of 51 years James E. “Jim” Ryan at her side in their Westfield home. She was 75 years old. She was born in Holyoke on November 30, 1950, to the late Bolislaw and Stasia (Perlowski) Gorski. Marsha was raised in Holyoke and graduated from Holyoke Catholic High School in 1968 and Holyoke Community College in 1970. She and Jim lived in Agawam before settling in Westfield in 1984. She was a Staff Assistant at Holyoke Community College for 41 years, and then part-time for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education for 8 years.

Marsha was an enthusiastic Beatles fan and went to Las Vegas specifically to experience a Cirque du Soleil Beatles show. She loved travelling with Jim, visiting many European locales, Alaska, many US National Parks and taking a Rhine River Cruise.

Marsha will be deeply missed by her loving husband Jim; cousins Erin Walther of Florence; and sisters-in-law Jennifer Conde of Ellington, CT and Jill Ryan of Smithfield, VA.

Services will be private and have been entrusted to Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marsha’s name to Holyoke Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040.

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Ronald R. KwiatkowskiRonald Kwiatkowski, 99½, passed away on April 8, 2026. Born in Agawam, he lived most of his life in...
04/10/2026

Ronald R. Kwiatkowski

Ronald Kwiatkowski, 99½, passed away on April 8, 2026. Born in Agawam, he lived most of his life in West Springfield and summered at Hampton Ponds in Westfield. He graduated from Agawam High School and enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17½. Ronald was trained at Amarillo AFB on B-29 bombers. He was sent to the Philippine Islands, where he maintained and flew on B-25 bombers and C-46 troop carrier aircraft.

After an honorable military discharge, he was employed at Westover AFB, where he worked in aircraft maintenance. Many of Ronald’s favorite memories were of summers spent relaxing at Hampton Ponds and flying his ultralight airplane.

Ronald was predeceased by his first wife, Rita (Dighello) Kwiatkowski. He was also predeceased by his second wife of 15 years, Kathleen Kelly-Kwiatkowski. He leaves behind his son, David Kwiatkowski, and his wife, Debra, of West Springfield, and his daughter, Nancy Valego, of Southampton.

Ronald was predeceased by his two brothers, Thomas and Larry, and his sister, Virginia Gilbert. He also leaves behind three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be private and have been entrusted to Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Hampton Ponds Association Inc, 7 New Broadway Westfield, MA 01085.

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Edward KleciakWest Springfield – Edward Kleciak passed away on April 7 in Enfield, CT. He was 84 years old. Born in Holy...
04/10/2026

Edward Kleciak

West Springfield – Edward Kleciak passed away on April 7 in Enfield, CT. He was 84 years old. Born in Holyoke on November 11, 1941, he was one of 3 children born to the late Leo and Stella (Guzik) Kleciak. Edward was raised in Chicopee and also lived in Springfield before settling in West Springfield with his wife Margaret 50 years ago. He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts where he earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He worked at Hamilton Standard as an aircraft engineer for many years. After “retiring” he invested in the next generation, teaching math at Holyoke Community College.

Edward was a lifelong fitness enthusiast, weightlifter and runner who ran 5 miles every day until he was nearly 80 years old. He was an avid shooter and member of the Pioneer Valley Gun Club and also collected and repaired antique fi****ms.

Edward was predeceased by his parents as well as his brothers Leo and Fred Kleciak. He was a loving husband to his wife of 53 years Margaret (Tolan) Kleciak and devoted father to his sons Edward S. Kleciak of Chicopee and John M. Kleciak of Brevard, NC.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sacred Heart Church on Chestnut St. in Springfield at 11am on Tuesday April 14. Burial will be private. All arrangements have been entrusted to TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Edward’s name to Dakin Animal Shelter, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105.

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Martin G. BalboniMartin G. Balboni, age 80, passed away peacefully at home. with his family by his side. He was born on ...
04/07/2026

Martin G. Balboni

Martin G. Balboni, age 80, passed away peacefully at home. with his family by his side. He was born on July 4, 1945, in Springfield to the late Carlo and Rose Balboni. He is survived by his loving wife, Gail to whom he was married for 57 years. He is also survived by his three sons and their wives: Carlo (Rebekah) Alameda, CA, Matthew (Laurie) West Springfield, and Nicholas (Tara) Russell. He also leaves behind his seven beloved grandchildren: Giovanni, Delano, Jacob, Vivianne, Leo, Cecelia, and Jesse as well as many loving nieces and nephews who had a special place in his heart.

Marty was reared in the Italian section of North Agawam with his late siblings Joyce Polastri, Ronald Balboni, and is survived by Kenneth Balboni and his wife, Mae.

He grew up in the family business as a baker at Balboni Bakery. Marty was proud of his family business and worked there on weekends during his forty-year career as a high school history, psychology, and social studies teacher in the Chicopee school system.

In his retirement he became an author and columnist writing the book The Opera on King Street and the columns Reflections and Majestic Theatre reviews in the West Springfield Record.

Marty had a passion for politics and activism, participating in civil rights marches and anti-Vietnam War protests to present day No- Kings marches.

Gardening was more than a passion to Marty with his goal to feed his family from his abundant backyard harvest. He could be found almost year-round tending the garden, in his greenhouse, or battling woodchucks.

Marty loved music, everything from doo-wop to rock and roll to opera. He was interested in music history and the story behind the songs.

Later in life Marty became an active member of the UNICO club. He took great joy in taking part in the club activities and fundraisers.

A very special thanks to family friend and caretaker Cindy Spirito. She brought comfort, compassion, and humor during difficult times. We are grateful to Baystate Hospice for their excellent care.

We are so grateful for the joy and laughter Marty brought to our lives and for the love that will forever reside in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield. Calling hours will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to UNICO (www.unico.org), It Takes a Village in Huntington, MA (www.hilltownvillage.org), and/or Dakin Animal Shelter (www.dakinhumane.org).

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Dorothy A. GomezWest Springfield – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy A. Gomez, 93, of West...
03/26/2026

Dorothy A. Gomez

West Springfield – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy A. Gomez, 93, of West Springfield, Massachusetts, who passed away on March 24, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Genevieve (Roy) Bernard.

Dorothy was the devoted wife of Manuel Gomez until his passing in 1992. A loving and dedicated mother, she is survived by her children, Roy Gomez, Anita Stewart, Tom Gomez and his companion Denise, and Bob Gomez and his wife Cindy. She also leaves behind her siblings, Donald Bernard, Joni Dunn, and Linda Bernard.

Dorothy will be fondly remembered by her cherished grandchildren, Sara Adams (Troy), Alyssa Tomaselli (Steve), and Bobby Gomez and his fiancée, Jaileen, as well as by her beloved great-grandchildren, Benjamin Adams and Mia Tomaselli, whom she adored. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Ryan Stewart; her son-in-law, Peter Stewart; her sister, Marie Treggerari; and her brother, Johnny Bernard.

Dorothy had a deep love for gardening and was an avid sports enthusiast. She passionately supported all Boston sports teams and enjoyed sharing those moments with friends and family. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing dominoes with friends, traveling with her sisters and companions, and attending watercolor classes at the West Springfield Senior Center. She was also a subscriber and gold member of the Majestic Theatre, the West Springfield Garden Club, and the Friends of the Library.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, followed by a funeral home service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center https://www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com/.

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Walter J KruczekWalter J. Kruczek, 92, of West Springfield, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving...
03/24/2026

Walter J Kruczek

Walter J. Kruczek, 92, of West Springfield, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 23, 1933, in Chicopee, he was the son of the late Jacob and Katherine (Bielecka) Kruczek. Walter attended Western New England College and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Hamilton Standard for over 30 years, where he was Supervisor of Manufacturing Engineering in Space and Sea Systems. He had responsibilities for manufacturing engineering for the Apollo, Shuttle, and Space Station programs. He was a recipient of NASA’s Silver Snoopy Award for outstanding contributions. Walter was a communicant of St Thomas Church, West Springfield, and a US Army veteran during the Korean War. Walter was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Joseph Vignaly Jr., his brother Thaddeus (Anna) Kruczek, and sister Jane (Walter) Oleskiewicz. He is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian (Marcinek) Kruczek. Their 70 years of dedicated marriage stands as an example of timeless love to all. He was a devoted father to his children, Dr. Michael (Allison) Kruczek of Beaver, PA, and Katherine Vignaly of Stratham, NH. Walter was lovingly known as Dziadziu by his grandchildren, Jonathan (Tracey), Lauren, Christopher (Aimee), Nicholas, Katherine (Diego), Ellen (Lane), Benjamin (Jennifer), and Joshua, and his great-grandchildren, Jay, Isaac, Simon, Leo, and Gabriel. For the past 35 years as Dziadziu, gatherings in West Springfield and on Martha’s Vineyard created cherished lifelong memories. Walter is remembered fondly for his wit and industrious nature, and for his loving devotion to his wife and family. Walter’s funeral mass will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 9AM at St Thomas the Apostle Church, 47 Pine St West Springfield with burial to follow at St Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. A calling hour will be from 7:30-8:30AM at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home 1043 Westfield St West Springfield. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Thomas Church, 47 Pine St West Springfield.

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Howard R DauryHoward R. Daury drew his last breath on March 9, 2026 after 93 happy and healthy years. He was born on Sep...
03/19/2026

Howard R Daury

Howard R. Daury drew his last breath on March 9, 2026 after 93 happy and healthy years. He was born on September 12, 1932 in Pittsfield, MA to Howard J. Daury and Emeline V. Daury (Guyette). Howard graduated from St Joseph’s High in Pittsfield, MA in 1951 and immediately enlisted in the 82 Airborne 508 Regimental Combat Team where he rose to the level of Sargent. He served most of his military time at Fort Benning, Georgia. It was there that he met his beloved wife of 72 years Gladys T. Daury (Taylor) who was living in nearby Opelika, Alabama. After marrying, Howard and Gladys moved back to Pittsfield, MA where he began working as a US Postal letter carrier. During that time he was a proud member of the American Postal Workers Union. Eventually, he was promoted and worked his way through various management positions at the Post Office, including spending a year working in US Postal Headquarters in Washington, DC. He completed his career as the Postmaster in Westfield, MA where he resided since 1982. After retiring in 1985, Howard and Gladys began splitting their time equally between Westfield, MA and Prattville, AL. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, drawing, reading and cheering on the Red Sox and Celtics. After walking his mail route in his early career, he never lost the habit of long walks. He continued to play golf and to walk several miles every day regardless of the heat or cold until the day he departed. He is survived by his wife, Gladys T. Daury and two sons, Timothy R. Daury and his partner, Jill Taylor of Punta Gorda, FL and Steven K. Daury and his wife, Diana Alejandra Daury (Madrid Cardenas) of Mystic, CT, along with the grandchildren he cherished, Noella, Ashley, Keith and Luna and his great grandchildren. He was also very close to and loved his ex-daughter-in-law, Kathy Kelly and her daughter Rachel. Additionally, he leaves behind many treasured friends, including a large fan base of folks who met him on his long and consistent walks. He was most proud of being known as a good, dependable man who loved his family and friends. He believed simple things are the best things. In accordance with his last wishes, there will be no calling hours. He will be interred at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA after a private ceremony.

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James F MartinJames F. Martin, 82, of West Springfield, MA, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. He was born on Aug...
03/18/2026

James F Martin

James F. Martin, 82, of West Springfield, MA, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. He was born on August 22, 1943, in Danbury, CT, the son of the late Thomas J. Martin and Evelyn G. (Marquette) Martin. Jim was predeceased by his brother, Thomas J. Martin. He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen C. (McGovern) Martin; his daughter, Mary K. Martin-Bakr of Windsor, CT, and her husband, Youness Bakr; his son, Christopher T. Martin of Middletown, CT, and his wife, Amy; and his son, Sean P. Martin of Orange, CA, and his wife, Shana. He also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren. Jim began his career as Supervisor of Special Education in West Springfield and later served as Director of Special Education at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School in Palmer, MA. A proud and active member of the West Springfield Lions Club since 1977, Jim served as President for four terms. In recognition of his humanitarian service, he received the Charles J. DeAngelis Fellowship Award and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow. Jim had a deep love for music, especially playing the bagpipes. He proudly marched in parades and performed at events throughout New England. He was a dedicated member of the Springfield Kiltie Band for over 40 years. Jim was also a proud member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, where he frequently played at social events, celebrating his Irish heritage. A period of visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA, followed by a Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to a charity of one’s choice

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1043 Westfield Street
West Springfield, MA
01089

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