Newell S. Bugbee

READING, Mass. -- Newell S. Bugbee of Reading passed on Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at the Arnold House Nursing Home. He was 88 years of age.

Born in Waterville, Maine, Newell was the son of the late Lillian (Higgins) Bugbee and Leslie U. Bugbee. Newell was a warm and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sorely missed.

During high school Newell was active in drama and the school newspaper and was a honor student and a member of the Glee Club. He was a member of the camera club and vice president of the senior class.

Newell was a passionate patriot, loved the United States of America, and was proud of his service to his country. During World War II, Newell proudly defended our freedom by serving in the Army, 841st Ordnance Division. He was a staff sergeant in the European Theatre.

Newell worked for General Motors for 40 years. He also owned Merri-Mart in Lawrence for five years. Newell was an avid history buff, loved science, gardening, and enjoyed fishing with family and friends. He was a great story teller, and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Newell was the beloved husband of the late Katherine P. (Larracey) Bugbee.

He was loving father of Laurinda Gallant and her husband, George, of Ashland, Karen "Bonnie" German and her husband, Manuel, of Reading, Wendie Bugbee of Pittsfield, N.H., and the late Patrick Bugbee, Dr. Darlena Blucher and Capt. Gary Bugbee, Army. He was the cherished grandfather of 10, great-grandfather of four. He was the dear brother of Alta Giroux of Augusta, Maine, and the late Thurl Bugbee and half-brother of Leslie Bugbee Jr. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday from the Doherty-Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St., Reading, followed by a funeral Mass celebrating Newell's life at 9 a.m. in St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St., Reading.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot on Linden Street. Interment will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville.

Please honor Newell with donations to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

For directions or to send a memorial condolence visit www.josephdohertyfuneral home.com