Obituaries

Sandra Lee Celozzi, 78, of Framingham and formerly Hopkinton, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, December 16, 2024. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Amalia “Molly” (Riga) and John J. Celozzi.

Sandy was known for her infectious smile and joyful laugh, which brightened the lives of those around her. She dedicated many years to her work at Shaws in Ashland, where she was a familiar and friendly face. In her earlier years, she also worked as an X-ray technician, a role in which she took great pride.

Mary Palinkas Grenga, 100, passed away peacefully on Tuesday 12/17/2024 after living a long full life.

John “Jack” R. Dunphy, 79, of Hopkinton, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Virginia (Burke) and John B. Dunphy. He was the husband of 34 years to the late Christine (Gallagher) Dunphy. He was a longtime resident of Hopkinton, where he lived for 46 years.

John T. McInerney, 86 of Hopkinton, formerly of Wellesley, passed away Monday Nov. 4, 2024 at his home. Born in Chicago, he was the son of the late John J. and Bernadette (Crowley) McInerney. He spent his early years living in Brazil with his family. He was a talented athlete, playing soccer, baseball and football, known for his fastball and educated toe, he was also an expert fisherman. He enjoyed mountain climbing, touring the national parks, and singing in glee clubs and choirs.

Wayne Wright Merrifield, 72, a lifelong resident of Hopkinton, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Monday, October 28, 2024, after a brave battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Doris (Wright) and Stuart H. Merrifield.

Carol Ann DeWaele, 92, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024. Born in Holden, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Joseph and Kathryn (Sheehan) Buthray. A proud graduate of Holden High School, Carol was the valedictorian of the class of 1950 and received the History Medal for her outstanding academic achievements.

Carol continued her education at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, before graduating from LaSalle College in Newton, Massachusetts.

Philip Joseph Mercurio, Jr., 90, of Hopkinton, MA, passed away on October 20, 2024. He was born in Quincy, MA, the son of Philip and Rose Mercurio. He graduated from Quincy High School in 1951 and went on to Northeastern University to earn a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1954. He started work at GE then transitioned to Raytheon, where he worked for over 30 years.

Philip married Brenda Oakes on October 12, 1963 in Pittsfield, MA. They were married for 37 years before she passed away from cancer.

He was active in the Knights of Columbus and Sons of Italy.

Esther G. McKenzie (Brown), 90, of Hopkinton, passed away, peacefully, while surrounded by her family on October 15, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Esther (Gibbs) and Ralph Brown. She was the beloved wife of the late Emery A. McKenzie.

Esther graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1952. She enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening, and bowling. She loved spending time with her husband and being a mother to her children, a grandmother to her grandchildren, and an aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

James J. Jordan, 87, of Hopkinton, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Born in Cambridge, MA, he was the son of the late Eleanor (Viennese) and James Jordan. He was the husband of 51 years to Christine (Collins) Jordan of Hopkinton.

John K. George Jr., 77, died suddenly on October 8, 2024. He was the husband of Kathleen M. (McCarthy) George, to whom he was married for 54 years. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late John K. George Sr. and Eileen (Carpenter) George.