Obituaries & Death Notices

BOSTON (AP) — Some members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and the Republican governor are mourning the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with some saying the vote on a replacement should come after the election. Ginsburg, who became the court’s second female justice, died Friday at her home in... .

HYANNIS — After hearing the news that Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had died, residents and visitors in downtown Hyannis reflected Saturday on her work and shared their hope for the future.Ginsburg, a legal pioneer for gender equality who became the second woman to serve on the nation’s highest court and ultimately became a pop culture icon, died Friday at the age of 87.The vacancy gives President…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a towering women’s rights champion who became the court’s second female justice, has died at her home in Washington. She was 87. Ginsburg died of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, the court said. Ginsburg’s death just over six weeks before... .

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a diminutive yet towering women's rights champion who became the court's second female justice, died Friday at her home in Washington. She was 87.Ginsburg died of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, the court said.“I’m profoundly saddened by the loss of Justice Ginsburg," U.S. Rep. William Keating, D-Mass., said in a statement Friday night. "This…

Ginsburg, who made few concessions to age and recurrent health problems, died Friday of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer at her home in Washington at 87.

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday from complications of metastatic pancreas cancer, according to published reports. Ginsburg was 87. Reports of her death prompted immediate reaction. On Twitter, state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, D-Falmouth, wrote: “No no no no no no no.” U.S. Rep. William Keating,... ...

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a diminutive yet towering women's rights champion who became the court's second female justice, died Friday.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a diminutive yet towering women's rights champion who became the court's second female justice, died Friday at her home in Washington.

John (“Jack”) Kelley, the inaugural head coach of Martha’s Vineyard high school football and a famed hockey coach with Boston University and the New England/Hartford Whalers, died on Tuesday at the age of 93. In 1953, Kelley taught physical education at the Tisbury School, and had an idea of establishing an Island... ...

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:24pm Frank S. Yeomans of Chilmark died of natural causes on Sept. 2. He was 80. He was born on Oct. 23, 1939 in New York city, the son of Ann Sears and Moreau Yeomans. Frank attended Milton Academy, graduated from Harvard College in 1961, and graduated with a master’s degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. He was a star sprinter while attending Harvard. Early in his career he was a history teacher, but soon after that became…

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:20pm Lucille Gardner Whitman died in St. Petersburg, Fla., on August 17 after a brief illness. She was 91. She was born on Jan. 26, 1929, in New Bedford to Gladys Koenig Hillman and John Gardner Hillman. She spent her early years living in the home of her paternal grandparents on Pope Street in New Bedford and in Providence, R.I. After graduating from New Bedford High School, Lucille attended St Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing.…

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:17pm Richard James (Dick) Walton died unexpectedly on June 1. He was 74. Dick was a local attorney who started his practice in Oak Bluffs in 1973. He was attracted to the profession by being able to help local people. He was diplomatic and genuine, a straight talker with a great sense of humor and a kind heart. He was born on Feb. 25, 1946, in Romansville, Pa. He was a 1964 graduate of Downingtown High School, where he played the tuba…

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:14pm Former New Hampshire Gov. Stephen Everett Merrill died at his home on Sept. 5, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74. He had been a longtime visitor to the Vineyard, which provided him an escape from public life and where he enjoyed endless hours relaxing and pursing the Island way of life. Born in Norwich, Ct., on June 21, 1946, he grew up in Hampton and attended Winnacunnet High School there before entering the University of…

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:12pm David Mayoh Lawton of Portsmouth, R.I., and East Chop died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 5. Dave was born on Jan. 24, 1936, in Providence, R.I. to Charles Hamilton Lawton and Sarah Mayoh Lawton. He spent his early years in Pawtucket with his sisters Suzanne (Jeffers) (deceased) and Carolyn (Volmer). He attended the Moses Brown School, class of 1954, and went on to study at Brown University where he graduated in 1958 with a bachelor’s…

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:09pm Roy Langley died peacefully at home on Saturday evening, Sept. 12, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92. Affectionately known as Bunga to many who knew and loved him, Roy is survived by seven children and 12 grandchildren. A full obituary will appear at a later date. A celebration of life is planned for next summer. Article Updated: Date Updated: Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:09pm

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:07pm William Dean Holtham died suddenly on Thursday morning, Sept. 10 at his home in Kingfield, Me. He was 71, and was the former longtime owner of the iconic Home Port restaurant in Menemsha. He was the husband of Madeline Holtham and father of Jessica Bradlee, Michael Holtham and Megan Bliss. A service will be held at a later date, and a full obituary will follow. A flag flew at half staff at the Home Port this week. Article Updated: Date…

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:05pm Louise Frances Griffin Gould died peacefully at home in Vineyard Haven on Sept. 9. She was 87. A funeral service will be held Friday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church on Franklin street, Vineyard Haven, with a reception to follow. A full obituary will appear in a future edition. Article Updated: Date Updated: Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:05pm

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 8:02pm Robert Louis Graves Jr. of Sarasota, Fla., died August 7. Junior, as he was lovingly called, was born on Feb. 2, 1933 in Springfield, the son of Robert Graves Sr. and Laura Graves. He worked as a machinist and married Shirley Hinson Graves, who later predeceased him; they had eight children. After living for years in Springfield, he Shirley moved to their beloved Martha’s Vineyard where he was the proud owner of Graves Machine…

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 7:59pm Suzanne K. Blake of Edgartown died unexpectedly in the arms of her husband Jack, on Sept. 3. She was 61. Sue was born April 24, 1959 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late Priscilla and John F. Kleinstuber. She married the love of her life, Jack Blake, on May 18, 2009 on the Island. Sue worked for many years as a dental hygienist in several Coast Guard base medical offices around the country while she raised her children…

To the Editor: The Island has lost a great friend. Governor Stephen E. Merrill died at his home in Manchester, N.H., on Sept. 5, surrounded by his family. While he was raised in New Hampshire and graduated from UNH, in his adult life, especially after his election, the Vineyard became a place of rest, anonymity,... ...

William Dean Holtham, 71, died suddenly on Thursday morning, Sept. 10, 2020, at his home in Kingfield, Maine. He was the husband of Madeline Holtham, and father of Jessica Bradlee, Michael Holtham, and Megan Bliss.  A service will be held at a later date, and a full obituary will follow in another edition of this... ...

MASHPEE – The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reports that a Massachusetts man died after suffering an unknown medical condition while summiting Mt. Jefferson on Saturday afternoon September 12. Officials say that 60-year-old Joseph Gormley from Mashpee, was hiking in a small group when he suddenly collapsed just before 2:00 p.m. Several Good Samaritan […] The post Mashpee man dies while hiking in White Mountains appeared first on CapeCod.com.

John Early, 74, died on Sept. 11, 2020, after struggling for many years with complications of Parkinson’s disease. A longtime resident of West Tisbury, and later Chilmark, he gave much of his adult life to Martha’s Vineyard organizations and causes while leading one of the Island’s premier construction companies. He... ...

Richard James Walton, or “Dick,” as he was known to most, died unexpectedly on June 1, 2020. He was 74. Richard was a local attorney who started his practice in Oak Bluffs in 1973. He was attracted to his profession by being able to help local people. He was one of the most diplomatic and […] The post Richard... ...

A Mashpee man who died while hiking in the White Mountains on Saturday has been identified.The victim was 60-year-old Joseph Gormley, said Lt. Mark Ober of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.The cause of Gormley's death has not yet been determined, Ober said.Gormley suffered a medical emergency while hiking at about 2 p.m. Saturday on Mount Jefferson, according to a statement from the department. Several hikers, many of whom were in the medical profession, [...]

Roy Langley, 92, died peacefully at home in Edgartown on Saturday evening, Sept. 12, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Affectionately known as Bunga to many who knew and loved him, Roy leaves behind seven children and 12 grandchildren.  A full obituary will appear in this paper at a later date. A celebration of... ...

Former Gov. Stephen Everett Merrill, 74, passed away at his home on Sept. 5, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Norwich, Conn., on June 21, 1946, he grew up in Hampton and attended Winnacunnet High School there before entering the University of New Hampshire from which he graduated, Phi Beta Kappa and magna... ...

Richard Reston The Nantucket Sound Islands Trust bill died in Congress Thursday after more than four years of divisive and often bitter debate over proposed federal legislation to protect fragile coastal areas of the Vineyard, Nantucket and the Elizabeth Islands. The legislation, passed by the Senate last December, evaporated in the House subcommittee on national parks and recreation during a morning hearing to prepare the Trust Bill for…

BOSTON (AP)-The chief justice of Massachusetts’ highest court has died after suffering a heart attack earlier this month. The associate justices of the Supreme Judicial Court announced the death of Chief Justice Ralph Gants in an emailed statement. Gants released a statement last week saying he suffered a heart attack on Sept.... .

WELLFLEET — The waves came in one after another at Newcomb Hollow Beach on Sunday. The sun shone steady on beachgoers enjoying a late summer day in September. The white aprons of waves beckoned surfers.Nearly two years ago, Arthur Medici came to the same beach to take advantage of the waves. He died after suffering injuries from a shark attack.But on that day, Sept. 15, the community of beachgoers and surfers and swimmers who were there became a part of…

WELLFLEET — The waves came in one after another at Newcomb Hollow Beach on Sunday. The sun shone steady on beachgoers enjoying a late summer day in September. The white aprons of waves beckoned surfers.Nearly two years ago, Arthur Medici came to the same beach to take advantage of the waves. He died after suffering injuries from a shark attack.But on that day, Sept. 15, the community of beachgoers and surfers and swimmers who were there became a part of…

John Early, a former West Tisbury selectman and a longtime master builder, died Friday from complications related to Parkinson’s disease, according to his sister, Alice Early. He was 74. John was at the Bridges of Mashpee, a memory care assisted living facility where he’d been for about a year. His wife Shakti... ...

Julia WellsJohn Early, the former longtime West Tisbury selectman, Island builder and community activist, died Friday night, his family confirmed. He was 74 and had battled Parkinson’s disease for many years. He had led a life of work and public service for decades.

David Mayoh Lawton of Portsmouth, R.I., and East Chop passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, Sept. 5, 2020. He was loved and is greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, Judy (Hartley) Lawton, his family, and his many friends. Dave was born on January 24, 1936, in Providence to Charles Hamilton Lawton and Sarah... ...

Louise Frances Griffin Gould passed away peacefully at home in Vineyard Haven on Sept. 9, 2020, at the age of 87.  A full obituary will follow in another edition of this paper. The post Louise Frances Griffin Gould appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times. ...

Frank S. Yeomans of Chilmark died of natural causes on Sept. 2, 2020.  Frank was the son of Ann Sears and Moreau Yeomans, and was born on Oct. 23, 1939, in New York City. He attended Milton Academy, graduated from Harvard College in 1961, and graduated with a master’s degree from Trinity College in Dublin,... ...

Suzanne K. Blake, 61, of Edgartown passed away unexpectedly, in the arms of her husband Jack, on Sept. 3, 2020. Sue was born on April 24, 1959, in Washington, DC, daughter of the late Priscilla and John F. Kleinstuber. She married the love of her life, Jack, on May 18, 2009, on the Island. Sue […] The post... ...

BOURNE – Bourne officials are urging the state legislature to work to make mutual decisions regarding police reform bills. The Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives have both passed bills to address changes to policing protocols throughout the Commonwealth. They were drafted and passed in the wake of... .

CAPE COD – The latest Mass DPH report shows 8,937 people have died from COVID-19 in Massachusetts. During the past week, there were 28 new cases of COVID-19 in Barnstable County. Three people died in the past week bringing the toll on Cape Cod to 169. Hospitalization: Cape Cod Hospital – 1 hospitalized, 0 in […] The post Weekly COVID-19 update 9/09/20 appeared first on CapeCod.com.

SOUTH SAGAMORE — Cecelia Finnegan, 26, of South Chatham, has been identified as the motorcycle operator who died in a crash late Sunday night, a Bourne Police Department official said.Bourne police and fire department personnel responded to the crash at 10:07 p.m. at Sandwich Road and Cranberry Highway in South Sagamore, Officer Connor McAnaugh said.The crash involved a motorcycle and a Jeep Cherokee. Finnegan had life-threatening injuries and was taken…

Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - 12:00pm Autumn McGowan died on the weekend of August 23, and the world grew dimmer for her family and friends. Formerly known as Austin McGowan, she was just shy of 24. She was a talented artist, skateboarder, friend to many, and loved by even more. A celebration of life is being planned for October. Article Updated: Date Updated: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - 12:00pm

Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - 11:56am Suzanne K. Blake of Edgartown died at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Sept. 3. She was 61 and was the wife of John (Jack) Blake. In addition to her husband, Suzanne is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Ryan) Mullaney and her husband Brian; sons, David Ryan and John Ryan and his wife Stephanie; and three grandchildren. Donations can be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, online at [https:]…

The American Legion Post 257 on Martin Road is flying the flag of the late George Lane for the month of September, commander Jo Ann Murphy wrote in an email. Earlier this year, the Legion began flying flags given to families of a veteran who died. The post Legion flies Lane’s flag appeared first on The Martha's... ...

HARWICH – Rescuers were called after a man reportedly passed out while working on a roof at a Parallel Street residence in Harwich. The victim was brought into the house through a window and further evaluated. The post Man rescued after passing out on roof in Harwich appeared first on CapeCod.com.

SOUTH SAGAMORE - A 26-year-old South Chatham motorcyclist died in a crash late Sunday night, a police official said.Bourne Police and Fire personnel responded to the crash at 10:07 p.m. at Sandwich Road and Cranberry Highway in South Sagamore, said Officer Connor McAnaugh.The crash involved a motorcycle and a Jeep Cherokee. The female motorcyclist had life-threatening injuries, was transported to an off-Cape hospital and later pronounced dead, he said.The crash remains…

In 2012, in the face of quiet resistance from the Obama administration, Congress passed the Magnitsky Act, named for a Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who was left to die in a Moscow prison in 2009 for blowing the whistle on a $230 million scam perpetrated by government officials.In 2020, in the face of what would be likely resistance from the Trump administration, Congress has a chance to do something useful by passing a Navalny Act, named for the Russian opposition…

At town meeting Sept. 21, Provincetown voters have a unique opportunity to reduce the urgent problem of plastic pollution by voting “Yes” on Article 14. If passed, a ban on single-use plastic water bottles would take effect a year from now. And guess what? Voters in every other town on the Cape have the same opportunity over the coming year, thanks to Sustainable Practices, a local nonprofit that created this regional campaign. This means that, together,…

Suzanne K. Blake, 61, of Edgartown, passed away at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Sept. 3, 2020. She was the wife of John (“Jack”) Blake. In addition to her husband, Suzanne is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Ryan) Mullaney (Brian), her sons, David Ryan, and John Ryan (Stephanie), and her grandchildren, Ryan,... ...

A 40-minute power outage Saturday that affected 8,896 customers in Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown was caused by animal contact with power equipment, according to Eversource."The outage was caused by an osprey that came in contact with our equipment in Wellfleet," Eversource spokesman Reid Lamberty said in an email Saturday. The bird died as a result of the contact, he said.The power went out just after noon on Saturday and was restored at 1:03 p.m.On Aug. 15, an…

The Portland Gale of 1898 has gone down as one of the most tragic stories in New England maritime museum. Over 450 people died at sea during that monstrous Thanksgiving weekend winter hurricane, including 192 aboard the steamer Portland.Sad stories from this storm are abundant, but none might tug at the heartstrings more than the story of the lives of two children affected directly and indirectly by the disaster.In the days, weeks, and even months following the storm,…