James R. Aho

James R. Aho, 84

WESTMINSTER -- James R. Aho, 84, a longtime Westminster resident, died Friday evening, Dec. 7, from injuries sustained after being struck by a car, in Fitchburg.

His wife of 52 years, Helen A. (Schrodt) Aho, died in 2005.

He leaves two sons, Michael J. Aho, and his wife, Linda, and Mark C. Aho, and his wife, Laurie, all of Westminster; one daughter, Jill E. Berry, and her husband, Alfred, of Petersham, MA; one sister, Shirley Wiik of New Ipswich, NH; and 8 grandchildren, Amy Roode and Brian Roode, Holly Cross, and her husband, Shawn, Nathan, Meghan and Jenna Berry and Jonathan, Leah and Ethan Aho; and a companion, Mary Ann Leblanc of Westminster. He was predeceased by two brothers, Leonard and Harland Aho, a sister, Lila Allain and a stepsister, Lillian Niemi.

Mr. Aho was the owner and operator of the James R. Aho and Son Lumber and Logging Company in Westminster for many years.

During World War II, he served 3 years in the U.S. Merchant Marines. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving at the rank of Corporal in Company A, 716th Police Battalion.

He was a member of the American Legion, former member of the Westminster Lions, member of the former Good Shepherd Church in West Fitchburg and the N.R.A. He was an avid wood worker and an active outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting. He was a proud cancer survivor.

He was born in New Ipswich, NH, on September 22, 1928, a son of the late Leonard J., and Lillian (Walkonen) Aho.

AHO -- His Funeral with Full Military Honors, will be celebrated on Friday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA. Rev. Calvin Miller and Rev. Gary Collette will co-officiate. Calling Hours at the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 123 Main St. will be on Friday, Dec. 14, from 10 to Noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund of the Bread of Life Church, 22 State Rd. East, Westminster, MA 01473, or Neighbors Helping Neighbors of the Westminster Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 63, Westminster, MA 01473 or the Westminster Lions Club, P.O. Box 618, Westminster, MA 01473 or can be left at the Funeral Home.

See www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net for further information.