John W. Beck Jr., 74

Nov 25, 2020 by

Published November 27, 2020 MELROSE — John W. Beck Jr., 74, resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home. Born on March 2, 1946, in Cambridge, Jack (as he was called) was one of three children of the late John W. and Mary (Ehler) Beck Sr. He grew up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge High and Latin. He enjoyed candlepin bowling and was in numerous leagues throughout his youth. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served as a platoon commander during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968 as a 1st Lieutenant, receiving a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. After Jack’s service to his country, he married Jeanne Sasso on July 2, 1972. They settled in Melrose to...

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Bernice A. Doherty, 84

Nov 25, 2020 by

Published November 27, 2020 MELROSE — Bernice A. (Amirault) Doherty, 84, formerly of Melrose, passed away at the Notre Dame Health Care Center in Worcester on Nov. 12, 2020. Bernice was the beloved wife of the late John C. Doherty. Loving mother of Diane M. Richmond and her husband Jon of Boylston, Robert J. Doherty and his wife Barbara of Medfield and Linda M. Doherty of Rockport. Cherished grandmother of John and Katherine Doherty. Caring sister of Paul Amirault and his late wife Grace of Florida, Virginia McLaughlin and her late husband Bernie of California, Theresa Adams and her late husband Wayne of Saugus and the late Emile Amirault and the late Joseph Amirault and his wife Pauline of New Hampshire. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Interment was last...

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Dawn Folopoulos, 54

Nov 25, 2020 by

Published November 27, 2020 MELROSE — It is with a heavy heart that the city announces that our dear friend and colleague, Dawn Folopoulos, passed away on November 6, 2020 at the age of 54. She fought a long, courageous battle her way and is at peace now.  Her smile and kindness will be remembered forever.  Her many relationships and dedication to our seniors will be a gift of inspiration. Dawn served as the executive director of the Melrose Council on Aging since April of 2011. Her surviving family members include her loving husband Chris; father in-law George Folopoulos; son Benjamin Seprosevo; granddaughters Kassandra Seprosevo and Arika Seprosevo. Stepchildren John Folopoulos and his wife Nicole and their children Joseph and Holly, George Folopoulos his wife Veronica and their children Anita and Georgie; sister April Bostick...

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Local COVID cases spike

Nov 25, 2020 by

Published November 27, 2020 MELROSE — While acknowledging the difficulty of the request, Mayor Paul Brodeur last week urged Melrosians to stay put for the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday as the COVID-19 pandemic continued unabated. Speaking remotely on Thursday, November 19, Brodeur cited big spikes locally in total positive cases over the previous 14 days. He said, “If at all possible, please do not travel this Thanksgiving. Enjoying a quiet holiday with members of your immediate household this year will make a difference in slowing the spread of the virus.” Brodeur was echoing the concerns of many state and national leaders, who watched highways fill with vehicles this week and Boston’s Logan Airport do a brisk business, although volumes remained much lower than last year. This uptick closely followed a new advisory from the Centers for...

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Small Business Saturday is here...

Nov 25, 2020 by

Published November 27, 2020 MELROSE — On Saturday, November 28, the Melrose Chamber of Commerce wants to share Small Business Saturday® with you! This national campaign, started by American Express®, happens the Saturday after Black Friday and reminds us all: Support our local small businesses. Think of a few stores, restaurants or businesses you would miss if they disappeared, and plan to spend money there this holiday season. It makes a big impact! This year, Cambridge Savings Bank is the local Presenting Sponsor, and with their support there will have a DJ in downtown Melrose to help get everyone into the spending spirit. “Small businesses like those in Melrose are the economic engine of our local communities and Cambridge Savings Bank is proud to be the local Presenting Sponsor of Small Business Saturday,” says Louie Soares,...

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Meet Mike Simonelli, now the barber of Brightview...

Nov 25, 2020 by

Published November 27, 2020 By GAIL LOWE MIKE SIMONELLI MELROSE —When Michael (Mike) Simonelli was a high school student, he worked part-time at a textile mill, a chicken store and a local market where he made deliveries to customers. But none of these jobs would lead him to the career he enjoyed for 68 years. Like his father, Mike was destined to become a barber. For 63 years he worked at his own shop on Main Street in Melrose —Mike’s Barber Shop. When the building that housed his business was torn down, he worked for five additional years at Plaza Barber Shop a short distance away. Today, Mike continues to enjoy his craft one day a week at Brightview Senior Living in downtown Wakefield where he has lived for the past two years. When...

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