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Complete Passings List

Frank A. Pelaggi, 84, a Brockton native and 1960 graduate of Brockton High School, passed away October 4, 2026, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Frank and his wife, Sally Jane (Fay) Pelaggi, raised two daughters and shared 49 years of marriage before Sally’s death in 2014. Frank is survived by his daughters, Dianne F. Pelaggi (Hans J. Irr) of Bethlehem and Susan M. Pelaggi of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania; his beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Newins (Patrick), Taylor Irr, Ryan Irr and Tenley Irr; his brothers, Robert Pelaggi and Steven Pelaggi of Brockton, Massachusetts, and Barry Pelaggi of Hollywood, Florida; and nieces, nephews and extended family.

Frank’s lifelong involvement in aviation began when he took his first solo flight at age 16. He earned his Private Pilot certificate in 1963, beginning a career spanning more than six decades of military, corporate, commercial and private flying. Frank’s military service included active-duty Air Force training and later service with the Rhode Island Army National Guard. He also completed Army helicopter flight training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. During the Blizzard of 1978, Frank flew National Guard helicopter missions transporting and rescuing people when deep snow and impassable roads brought areas of New England to a standstill.

In 1978, Frank became a corporate pilot for Bethlehem Steel where he continued his part-time military service at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Frank later joined Continental Airlines, based in Newark, New Jersey, where he flew domestic and international routes. After retiring, he continued to fly privately for many years. Frank earned an extensive range of aviation certificates and ratings in both airplanes and helicopters. He held Airline Transport Pilot and Commercial pilot privileges and was a flight instructor in both airplanes and helicopters, including instrument instruction. He was also an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. Frank was meticulous about aircraft safety. In July 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration presented him with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing more than 50 years of safe flying and his contributions to aviation safety.

In retirement, Frank volunteered as a pilot for Pilots N Paws, flying dozens of rescue missions to help transport dogs from the Southeast to rescue organizations in the Northeast. In later years, Frank studied Italian on Duolingo and accumulated a 2,164-day streak, a milestone he took particular pleasure in sharing.

A memorial gathering will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilots N Paws in Frank’s memory: Pilots N Paws 4651 Howe Rd. Landrum, SC 29356. Consider a donation, as requested by the family.


 

Linda Frances (Burke) Centrella, 84, died peacefully on October 3, 2026, at Hope Health Hospice in Providence, RI, after a period of sudden illness. Born and raised in Brockton, MA, and graduated from Brockton High School, Class of 1960.

She met the love of her life in 4th grade and in 1963, married Edmund A. Centrella Jr. Their unwavering love for each other remained constant for 63 years.

Linda spent much of her working career supporting her husband in their small businesses and as a receptionist. She always said her most loved job was being a Mother and Grandmother. It was her biggest joy, and she truly treasured the time she spent with them. You could always find her at sporting events, dance recitals, babysitting, and enjoying everyday moments.

In addition to her lifelong love, Edmund A. Centrella Jr. of Mansfield, MA, she is survived by her four children Edmund A. Centrella III of Cincinnati, OH , Lisa J. Centrella and her partner Hillary Woodruff of Mansfield, MA, Jeanne F. Centrella and her partner Williams Pires of Fairhaven, MA, and Christina L. Centrella of Highlands Ranch, CO. She was the grandmother of Felicia Workman, Isabella Centrella, Cameron Stuut and Maximus Stuut, and the great-grandmother of Teagan Workman, Brayden Hines, Kaysen Hines and Adelyn Hines. She is also survived by her sister, Sheila Auger of Brockton, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Jane M. Garvin and grandson Eric S. Workman.

Services will be private and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Linda’s memory may be made to Mansfield Animal Shelter, https://www.mansfieldshelter.org/donate, supporting her love of animals and the great work this organization does. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com


 

Tom Chew learned that our classmate, Paul Anthony Cerce, passed from this life in Port Charlotte, FL. The following is his Obituary:

Paul Anthony Cerce, 83, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026. Born on November 14, 1942, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Paul was the only child of William and Carmen (Petrucci) Cerce. He spent much of his life in Massachusetts before relocating to Florida in his fifties.
Paul was a graduate of Brockton High School and proudly served in the United States Army. He began his career in healthcare, serving as the head of an X-ray department, before transitioning into sales, where he spent many years. In retirement, he became known for what would become one of his favorite pursuits: crafting and selling shark tooth necklaces in Falmouth, Cape Cod. His entrepreneurial spirit and love of the ocean earned him the affectionate nickname of the "Shark Tooth Salesman."

Paul was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis Cerce. He is survived by his children, Laurie Miller, Lisa Giannetta and her husband Anthony Giannetta, Mark Cerce, and Paul Michael Cerce and his wife Angela Cerce; his grandchildren, Allen Miller, Danielle Miller, Jessica Owen, Luke Giannetta, Nicholas Giannetta, Matthew Giannetta, Travis Cerce and his wife Hannah Cerce, and Anthony Cerce; and three great-grandchildren.

Known as "Grampy" to his grandchildren, Paul especially enjoyed spending time with them at the beach collecting seashells, sharing ice cream, and taking them out to eat. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play baseball and took pride in following their activities and accomplishments over the years.

One of Paul's greatest pleasures was life on Cape Cod. He embraced the coastal lifestyle in Falmouth, spending countless hours near the water, searching for shark teeth and enjoying the beauty of the ocean. He also looked forward to trips to Pennsylvania to visit family.

Paul will be remembered for his independent spirit, his appreciation for the simple pleasures of beach life, and the many memories shared with family and friends throughout the years.

Memorial services will be held in Massachusetts at a later date
.


Martin Alfred “Al” Koski, 83, of Bourne, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026. A native of Brockton, he was the son of the late Martin and Mary Helen (Nitz) Koski. Al was a 1960 graduate of Brockton High School and retired as a claims representative from the Social Security Administration after 23 years. He loved to travel all over.

Al was the beloved spouse of James T. Fitzgerald; brother of the late Irene E. Koski; uncle of Brian D. Hogan and Shawn P. Hogan; and a great-uncle of many. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

All are welcome to calling hours on Monday, August 10th from 4-7 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Private cremation and burial in the family plot at Melrose Cemetery.


Richard M. Kelleher, 83, resident of Bridgewater, passed away June 10, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born and raised in Brockton, MA, but lived many years in Scituate before moving to Bridgewater. He was the son of the late James and Margaret Kelleher of Brockton, MA. Richard graduated from Brockton High School, Suffolk University, and Boston College, earning a Master’s Degree. He was an Orientation and Mobility Instructor for the blind, working at the Hellen Keller Institute for most of his professional career.

Richard is survived by his beloved niece, Kerri (Kelleher) MacDonald and her husband John of North Easton, MA, along with their children, Johnny, Megan, Elizabeth, and Michael, his nephew, Sean Kelleher of Virginia, sister -in- law, Jean Kelleher, of Brockton, MA, as well as his guardian angel cousin, Kathleen (Lyons) Sirois, of Brockton, MA, cousin Austin Lyons, of East Bridgewater, MA, along with many other Lyons cousins. Richard was predeceased by his siblings, the late John (Jack) Kelleher, James Kelleher, Nancy (Kelleher) Connors, and his nephew Paul Kelleher. He shared over fifty years of love with his late life partner, Shari King of Scituate, MA

He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and service to others. He was a true Irish gentleman with a great sense of humor who was so proud of his Irish heritage. He loved his family and friends, most notably, any gathering at the Trojano, Lyons, or MacDonald households. He enjoyed classical music, was an avid reader, an avid fan of going to the movies, and had a huge appetite for all kinds of food. He loved all animals (especially his cats), and excelled in outdoor adventures, like skiing, biking, and running. He was especially proud of completing both the Los Angeles and Boston Marathons.

Throughout his retirement, Richard enjoyed traveling with Shari, which included many trips to Spain, Canada, New Orleans, and the Florida Keys. He was dedicated to his volunteer job at “The Talking Information Network”, where he read newspapers and books to his visually impaired audience. He found peace and comfort walking by the lighthouse in Scituate, playing poker at High Pond Estates, and sampling bolognese on trips out to dinner. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at Russell & Pica Funeral Home of the Bridgewaters, 441 S Main St., (Rt28) WEST BRIDGEWATER, MA 02379, from 12:00-2:00p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard’s name to The Talking Information Network, at www.ticnetwork.org or to Accent Care Hospice, 1 Edgewater Dr. Suite 103, Norwood, MA 02062


Lawrence M. "Larry" Siskind passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 83. Son of the late Nathan and Anna Siskind. Loving husband of the late Judith (Macktaz) Siskind. Beloved father of Neal and his wife Malu, and Marc and his wife Veronica. Cherished grandfather of Solomon, Alec, Myles, and Alana. Dear brother of Marsha Siskind.

Larry was born in Brockton on June 22, 1942, and he never left the City that made him. As a boy he worked in his father's shoe store on Legion Parkway, and he went on to become one of Brockton High's finest: a four-sport athlete in football, basketball, track, and tennis who earned All-State honors in football, served as president of the student council, and graduated valedictorian of the Class of 1960. His athletic achievements later earned him induction into the Brockton High School Sports Hall of Fame.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Boston University in 1964 and his law degree from Suffolk University in 1967, beginning his career with the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C. In 1970, he returned home to Brockton and opened the Law Office of Lawrence M. Siskind where he became a general practitioner. Larry eventually focused his practice on helping injured accident victims. His son, Neal, later joined the firm which has become one of the most respected personal injury law firms on the South Shore. Larry's legal career spanned over 50 years, and he was a recognized authority in labor and employment law, writing a weekly column for The Enterprise and the Business Journal of Southeastern Massachusetts and serving as Assistant City Solicitor and Labor Counsel for the City of Brockton and Labor Counsel to the Plymouth County Commissioners.

But it was his commitment to Brockton itself that defined him. He was a founding director of the Boys & Girls Club, served on the boards of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, the Brockton Area Private Industry Council, and HarborOne Credit Union, and was a proud President of the Brockton Historical Society, where his knowledge of the City's history was unsurpassed. As head of the Rocky Marciano statue committee, he helped bring the 26-foot monument of Brockton's hometown champion to its permanent home overlooking Marciano Stadium, and he was instrumental in the federal effort to rename the City's post office in Marciano's honor. In 2009, the Brockton High School Alumni Association honored him with its Distinguished Alumni Award. "I love this City," he once said. "I came back because of what a great place this is to live. I know Brockton as a true Champion City."

Above all, Larry's greatest pride was his family. He was endlessly devoted to his wife, Judith, caring for her through her years living with Multiple Sclerosis, and the greatest champion of his sons, Neal and Marc. Quick-witted, sincere, and full of jokes, he could light up any room and make anyone smile, a gift he maintained through his very last days. He found joy in sports, the music of the fifties and sixties, good food, and gardening, and was a well-known car enthusiast. He stood by family, friends, and those who needed him most. He was a man of absolute loyalty and unshakable character even in the face of his own adversities and challenges. He transformed struggles into purpose by giving back and by leaving an enduring mark on everyone he touched.

Larry's legacy is one of love, resilience, and devotion to the family he adored and the City he never left. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Friday, June 12th at 10:00 AM at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org


Deanna Taranteno reported to Judy Donohue that our classmate, Harriet Elizabeth (Dalton) Dunklee, 84, of Kingston, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026. She was the wife of the late Daniel E. Dunklee, Jr.

We do not have a current photo of Harriet, but here is her Yearbook Photo temporaraily. Also, currently there is no official Obituary from the family, so this is a temporary notification. Tom Chew remembered the corner store at Belmont and Grafton Streets and provided the following:

"I have known her since the Red Feather Kindergarten. Her dad ran the little store connected to their house on the corner of Grafton and Belmont St for years. Later he worked as a courier for the Plymouth Home National Bank on School St. I played cribbage with him at lunch many times. In her later years she lived at Rocky Nook in Kingston with a great view of Plymouth Bay:"

Anyone else have a short remembrance of Harriet? ------ Complete obituary to follow. ------


It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Diane L. (Jumpe) Perry of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, who passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 83, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Diane L. Perry to show support.

Though her name may fade from the lips of time, the imprint Diane leaves upon the hearts of her loved ones remains eternally vivid — a testament to the depth of her spirit and the richness of her legacy.

Diane was a R.N. employed in research at BIDMC. Civic-minded, Diane served West Bridgewater on the Housing Authority and ADA compliance board and also on the Brockton ARC board. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brockton. Diane was the beloved wife of David A. Perry since 1979, daughter of the late Frances (Santilli) Harrington, sister of the late John F. Jumpe; she leaves several nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to her memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18th 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church (900 Main St, Brockton, MA 02301).

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the church.


Judy Higgins Donohue notified us that our classmate, Mary Arnone Lalli, 83, of Brockton, MA, passed away on January 24, 2026. Born in 1942 to Reta and Pasquale Arnone, Mary was known for her warm personality, her infectious smile, and her dedication to political activism and the women's liberation movement.

Mary was a woman who cherished the simple joys-hosting holidays for her family, lobster rolls in the summer, and dreaming of world peace. She was a devoted mother and a legendary Nonna.

She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Pia Lalli (John O’Grady), and Miken Lalli; her granddaughter, Nina (Patrick) Cahill; and her great-grandson, Oliver Cahill. She is also survived by her siblings, Suzanne Taylor and William Arnone, and many lifelong friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, with a funeral service beginning at 2:30 pm, in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton.

The family kindly accepts flowers as a tribute to Mary's vibrant essence.




Complete Passings List

To keep you all informed, we will add any new
classmate passings as we receive the details.

Website designed and maintained by Kerry Harkins, Promaras / BHS class of 1960.
email: kfharkins@gmail.com

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