GHS59-News

BARRE- Richard Frank Renes, 85, of Barre, Massachusetts, passed away at home on October23, 2026,surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Judith A. Renes, withwhom he shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Gardner, Massachusetts, on July 8, 1941, Richard was the son of Gardner Chief of Police Joseph J. Renes and Lucy Y. Renes. He was a standout basketball and baseball player at Gardner High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Judith A. Hannula. They marriedon June 22, 1963, beginning a life together centered on home and family.

Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He began teaching science and earth science in Seymour, Connecticut, in 1963 before moving to Barre in 1967 to become one of the original teachers at the new Quabbin Regional High School. During his 21 years at Quabbin, he taught earth science, introduction to physical science, and chemistry, as well as driver's education after school. He loved teaching and touched the lives of hundreds of students, sharing his knowledge with patience and care. He later worked as a salesman and district manager for American Frozen Foods in Worcester.

A kind and gentle father, Richard was known for his big, hearty laugh, extraordinary patience, and boundless generosity. He and Judy found happiness at home, cooking dinner, grilling, and welcoming family around their table. They also enjoyed taking cruises together. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hiking, and long walks in the countryside and at the Quabbin Reservoir with his daughter, Marsha. He also passed along to her his love of swing music and early rock 'n' roll. He took great pleasure in tending his yard and planting flowers and trees. His enthusiasm for UMass Minutemen football and basketball became a lifelong bond with his son, Jonathan, with whom he shared games from Jonathan's toddler years onward.

Richard treasured time with his family, including his siblings, nieces, and nephews, and especially his grandson, Oliver. He delighted in fishing and target practice with Oliver, sharing his love of model rockets and airplanes, and helping him build Lego sets as he grew up. On many occasions, Richard rented a lake or beach house where the whole family could gather, celebrating their love for one another and the great outdoors.

Faith was an important part of Richard's life. He served as an organist at St. Joseph's Church in Barre for over 20 years and helped with the church's upkeep. He also diligently tended the grounds of the Barre Cross, a place meaningful to him and the local faith community. "God's Wisdom," a phrase associated with the Cross, was a guiding belief in his life. In addition to his wife, Judith, Richard is survived by his son, Jonathan S. Renes of Swansea, Massachusetts; his
daughter, Marsha E. Mochizuki of Kaneohe, Hawaii; his beloved grandson, Oliver K. Mochizuki; his sister, Beverly A. Mosher of West Hartford, Connecticut; his brother, Anthony J. Renes of Shelburne Village, New Hampshire; his sister, Cynthia A. Barrington of Coppell, Texas; and 15 nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 3,2026 with a Mass at 11:00a.m. in St Joseph's Church 29 South St. Barre. A calling hour will be held from 9:30-10:30a.m in Pillsbury Funeral Home 96 S. Barre Rd Barre. Burial will be private for the family in the parish cemetery. All are invited to gather following the Mass for lunch in Richard's memory in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to a charity of your choice or to the National Kidney Foundation 30 East 33rd Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10016.

Jacqueline M. (Brodeur) Kraskouskas, 85 of Gardner died peacefully surrounded by family on October 29, 2026 after a period of declining health.

She was born on April 8, 1941 to Yvon and Lucille (Couture) Brodeur in Gardner Massachusetts. She grew up in a very loving and tight knit family and they stayed close to one another throughout her life. She was a life-long resident of Gardner having attended Holy Rosary School then later Gardner High School graduating in 1959. It was here she met the love of her life and husband of 63 years Anthony Kraskouskas Jr. Jackie and Anthony moved to Valdosta, Georgia during Anthony's military service and here she had her first child, Anthony III. Jackie and Tony returned to MA where she would have three more children and dedicate her life to caring and nurturing them in every way imaginable.

Jackie was involved in her community in innumerable ways. She was always volunteering her time and energy to her kids' activities including the Greenwood Memorial Swim Club and Scouting. She rarely missed a concert, sporting event or ceremony. Anyone who needed a ride somewhere knew they could count on Mrs. K. She was known for her cooking and baking skills and would contribute many sought after items in bake sales and events. She always had a hot meal to offer to someone in need during difficult times. Every year she would cater a much appreciated special buffet to the workers of the family business on Christmas Eve complete with a batch of clam chowder. She was on the board of Trustees of the Gardner museum and proudly served her government as an election poll worker for decades. Jackie was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus church in Gardner where she served as a lecturer and Eucharistic minister. She volunteered at Heywood Hospital in the medical records department later transitioning to an employee role where she was beloved by all and flourished. She was a skilled bookkeeper and managed the accounts of "the laundry" and the cape house. With her husband, Tony, She managed a successful rental business of their home on Cape Cod in Dennisport which she cared for and tended since 1982. Jackie enjoyed keeping busy and found pleasure in cooking, reading, playing cards and board games, quilting and listening to music and being a Memere to her 6 beloved grandchildren whom she adored. Jackie was very proud to be part of a loyal group of friends who met as young children and remained friends to this very day. They had many adventures together near and far including going to Las Vegas and a European River cruise on the Rhone River. She stayed in touch with members of her high school class arranging and organizing many get-togethers throughout the years. Jackie spent many wonderful vacations on Prince Edward Island with her family where she made life long friends and memories. Jackie often commented that her kids took her "all over the world" going as far as Alaska and Africa to visit them.

Above all, Jackie cherished her family. She was a devoted and supportive mother who encouraged her children in all their endeavors and took great pride in the lives they led. As her family grew she embraced the joy of being a Memere to her six beloved grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a blessing to her children in all she offered as a mother and grandmother she will be missed dearly.

Jackie is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 63 years Anthony Kraskouskas Jr of Gardner; two sons, Anthony P Kraskouskas III and his wife Bonnie of Shelton, WA, Michael and his wife Tracey of Swanzey NH; two daughters Lynne Merriman and her husband Justin of Hubbardston and Jennifer Brooks and her husband Christopher of Gardner; a sister Georgette Pollard and her husband Michael of Tolland CT; a brother Philip Brodeur and his wife Cheryl of Gardner; five grandchildren, Katie, Amelia Kraskouskas, Ellen Brooks, Malakai Kraskouskas and Scarlett Merriman as well as two great grandchildren Zairean and Kaivyn Kraskouskas. A grandson, Shane Roger Merriman predeceased her in 2007. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jackie had four children of her own, however there are numerous other people out there that lovingly called her their second Mom.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Care Central Hospice VNA of Gardner and Leominster Crossings assisted living community for their kind and compassionate care of Jackie in the past few months of her life.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will follow from the funeral home with a Mass at 12:00 p.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.
Burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA at the convenience of the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org. Please reference in memory of Jacqueline M. Kraskouskas.