Month: December 2021

Philip Matthew Findlay passed away peacefully at the Salem Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 23rd after a long battle with ALS. Born and raised in East Boston, Philip was a fun, loyal and hardworking man. He worked early in his life with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the Suffolk Clerk of Courts and Bank of America, but his passion was for the restaurant business. He worked most of his life as a waiter and bartender and was the manager of the Dark Horse Tavern in Somerville until his illness required him to retire. Philip was a kind and loving friend, brother, son and partner to Harry for nearly thirty years. A long-time member of the Boston Prime Timers, Philip also enjoyed all types of movies but became a big fan of the Marvel Comics Movies.

The beloved partner of Harry Fullerton for nearly 30 years, Philip was the devoted son of Mrs. Patricia (Murphy) Findlay of Chelsea. He was the dear brother of Bruce Findlay and his wife Robin Daley of East Boston, and Kellie Findlay of Chelsea. He was a devoted uncle to Louis Garcia, Michael Findlay, Amanda Lanzilli, Joseph Daley and Matthew Findlay.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Wednesday, December 29th from 4 – 7 PM.

Somerville, MA – Bernard E. Michels, 88, of Somerville, MA died of natural causes on October 26, 2020. He was born on January 21, 1932 to Edward and Emma Michels. Bernie grew up in Raynesford, MT with his parents and four brothers: Bud, Elvin, Vern, and Del. He graduated from Belt High School in 1949.

Then Bernard traveled around Montana and worked several jobs in agriculture and construction. He attended Montana State College, Bozeman and earned a degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in Soils in 1953. Later that year, he was drafted into the US Army. Bernie served for two years at California bases as a truck mechanic. After being discharged, he lived in Los Angeles and San Diego areas for twenty years. Bernard worked for electric companies and banks before he found his calling in social work with the Department of Public Social Services. He also earned his Masters’ degree in Sociology at San Diego State College.

In 1976, Bernard moved across the country to pursue his doctorate in Sociology from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. Once a professor, he taught classes at Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts. Both are in the Boston area. At this time, Bernie grew plants and entered them into competitions. He also involved himself in exercise regimens to improve his health.

Bernard is survived by his brother Vern Michels, NYC; his sister-in-law Marilyn Michels, Great Falls; nephews: Larry Renney, Helena; Bill Renney, Billings; Ed Michels, Great Falls; Steve Michels, Raynesford; and Tim Michels, Spokane; nieces: Melanie Hallett, Clancy; Laurie Deckert, Longmont, CO; and Lisa Norfolk, Spokane; and good friend Herb Breneman, Pasadena, CA. Cremation has taken place and his family will hold a celebration of life next summer.

Bernard took pride in his life achievements. He was born during the Great Depression to a working-class family in rural Montana. His education started in a one room country school and he pursued his studies until he became a Professor of Sociology. Bernie taught about social inequality at distinguished institutions. He made it his mission to speak out about the social injustices of modern society. Bernard was also the family historian. He wrote thirty plus chapters on various relatives and collected decades of family photos. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be greatly missed.

“Beloved Husband and Lifelong Advocate for Gay Rights”

Frederick Joseph Riley, 89 of Lowell, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Emile Edouard Dufour with whom he shared the past 35 years.

He was born in Lynn, MA on November 7, 1932 and was a son of the late Joseph Frederick Riley and the late Catherine (Ellard) Riley. He was raised in central Massachusetts where he attended the area schools. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country for a number of years before his honorable discharge. After his service, he attended Rhode Island School of Design on the GI Bill.

Fred was employed as an engineer at Raytheon for over 30 years before his retirement. He enjoyed art and was a member of the Whistler House Museum of Art in Lowell and was a supporter of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. He also enjoyed antiquing and was a friend of Bill W. for over 35 years.

Fred was a lifelong advocate for gay rights and with his husband, was one of the first gay marriages in Massachusetts, married for the past 17 years. Together they co-founded Greater Lowell Equality Alliance. He was also a longtime member of the Boston Prime Timers.

In 2007, Fred and Emile were both interviewed for a front page article in the New York Times entitled “Aging and Gay and Facing Prejudice in Twilight.” Additionally, in 2015 they were the subject of a short documentary entitled Fred and Emile which was a co-production of Image Theater and Breaking Branches Pictures produced by Jerry Bisantz and Ann Garvin.

In addition to his beloved husband, Emile Edouard Dufour of Lowell, he is survived by his sons, Jay Riley of Hollywood, Florida, Paul Riley and his wife, Robin, of Fort Madison, Iowa and Brian Riley of Keokyk, Iowa. He is also survived by his former wife Virginia Riley of Fort Madison, Iowa.

He was also the father of the late Kevin Riley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852, and Whistler House, 243 Worthen St, Lowell, MA 01852.

In accordance with Fred’s wishes funeral services have been omitted. Arrangements by McDonough Funeral Home, (978) 458-6816, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Please visit McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence.

View the online memorial for Frederick Joseph Riley