IN MEMORY

Joseph A. Yacino, 91, of Douglas passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.  He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandra (Messier) Yacino; 3 sons Joseph Yacino and his husband, Bryan of Jensen Beach, FL; Christopher Yacino and his wife Susan of Dudley; Eric Saviano and his wife Erin of Northbridge; his daughter Jamie Saviano and her fiancé, Bob Martin of Millville.  He also leaves 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren - one recently born and five in Florida that he unfortunately never met; his brother Michael and his wife Debra of Douglas, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Joanna Rhody, on November 8, 1989, and his son, Peter Yacino, on May 19, 2026.  He was the brother of Frank S.P. Yacino, who passed on September 15, 2025. Born in Whitinsville on May 16, 1935, Joe was the son of Frank A. and Philomene M. (Vecchione) Yacino. Joe graduated from Douglas High School in 1953 and began working as a machinist at Hamilton Standard in Connecticut. At age 19, he joined the U.S. Army and after basic/advanced infantry training, he was stationed at Ft Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., and advanced to the Honor Guard.  In the 1950's the Honor Guard met arriving prime ministers, presidents and politicians at Washington National Airport, which was the "front door" to arriving international VIPs.  Joe's dream to walk the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dashed when at 5' 8", he learned the height requirement at the tomb was 5' 10". He was sent to Korea when the country was in a state of tense, non-active warfare under a fragile ceasefire. Following honorable discharge in 1956, Joe served in the 9114th Air Force Reserve Recovery Squadron. After serving in the military, he became a draftsman/junior engineer working at Whitin Machine Works and Draper Corporation before joining the Nelmor Company and advancing to plant superintendent.  He also worked as a maintenance supervisor before being approached by the Co-op Coordinator at Blackstone Valley Tech to be a substitute teacher. It was that experience that led to his love of teaching - specifically vocational education. Joe earned an associate degree and graduated from the evening division of Worcester Junior College Magna Cum Laude, and in 1982 began teaching the Maintenance Mechanics program at Assabet Valley Vocational. Once again, he began attending college nights and weekends and in 1987 earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Fitchburg State College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Joe left Assabet in 1994 and joined the faculty at Blackstone Valley Tech where he taught Construction. He served as class advisor for many classes at both schools. He retired from teaching in 2000, leaving behind a legacy as teacher, mentor, advisor, role model, and surrogate father to many students who later became lifelong friends. Joe never looked for credit or repayment for his time spent - in or out - of the classroom and remained humbled and honored by their praise and affection. Joe loved practicing his faith and was a life-long parishioner at St. Denis in Douglas. He began altar service at age 10 and continued through his military service. He also taught CCD classes to teens for many years. Joe also loved attending St. Paul's when “snowbirding” in Arcadia, FL. Joe was a member of the BPOE, Loyal Order of Moose, American Legion, Appalachian Mountain Club, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Arcadia, FL. Joe loved his wife, “Sandra darlin”, and his children, extended family, and friends, and prayed daily for family unity. He loved traveling in his RV, listening to all music, especially country and blues, being of Italian heritage, and visiting Italy. He was a legendary floor hockey player, played in three softball leagues, coached Little League, and refereed and coached soccer. He was an avid hiker bagging all 4000' peaks in NH, VT, and ME, as well as the 100-mile Wilderness, the most remote and challenging stretch of the Appalachian Trail. In later years, he gave up elevation for backpacking more scenic woodland trails with his dear friend, Fran. He bicycled over 20,000 miles before his odometer stopped working!  More recently, he enjoyed watching college sports, tennis, the Bruins, and the Red Sox.  In warmer weather, he could often be found basking in the sun on the back deck, enjoying a couple of fingers of Jameson. La Dolce Vita!  A compilation of personal memories will be included in Joe's eulogy.  If you have a story to share, please email Sandy:  sjyacino@gmail.com  Following cremation, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 6th at 11:00 AM in St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug Street, Douglas. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Denis Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will then be held in the Keresy Hall at the church. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 5th from 4–7 PM at Jackman Funeral Home, 7 Mechanic Street, Douglas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe’s name may be made to Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 2096, Arcadia, FL 34266.

Margaret King Roberts   1940–2026   Margaret King Roberts, 85, of Sidney, Maine, died peacefully on May 18, 2026, in Brunswick, Maine, surrounded by love, prayers, and comforting presence of her family. Margaret was born in June 1940 in Rumford, Maine, the youngest of seven children. She graduated from Stephens High School and attended Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, where she met the love of her life and first husband, Bernard King. She worked as a legal assistant and later part-time as a substitute teacher and aerobics instructor while staying home to raise her three children. When her children were grown, she returned to work as a Hearings Reporter for the Department of Health and Human Services, a role she greatly enjoyed. Margaret was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith throughout her life and passed those values and beliefs on to her children. Together with Bernard, they built their lifelong home on Messalonskee Lake, where they raised their children and were active members of St. Theresa’s in Oakland, where she taught CCD and sang in the choir. Summers were spent lakeside with family and friends, while winters were filled with cross-country skiing, snow forts, ice skating and festive holiday gatherings. She lovingly hosted large Thanksgiving dinners and proudly carried on the tradition of making her mother-in-law’s homemade doughnuts for the annual Fourth of July lake parties. Margaret treasured lifelong friendships from her high school and college years, and once you met her, you were considered a friend. Her home, her laughter, and her faith made people feel safe and loved.  She was genuinely optimistic and joyful, bringing warmth, sparkle, and kindness wherever she went. She was quick with a laugh, a word of encouragement, or a heartfelt compliment. Proud of her Irish heritage, she cherished her family above all else.  She was a talented crafter and enjoyed cross stitch, knitting and quilting. After 22 years together, Margaret tragically lost Bernard when she was only 44 years old. With faith, strength, and resilience, she continued raising their children on her own while keeping Bernard’s memory alive in their home and hearts. She carried Bernard’s memory with her every day and found comfort in the faith that they would one day be reunited. Several years later, Margaret found love again when she married Donald Roberts. Together they embraced retirement fully — traveling across the country to Alaska in their fifth-wheel camper with friends, visiting Ireland three times and connecting with her first cousins, boating along the Maine coast, and spending winters in Florida, where she formed many treasured friendships. She loved line dancing and ballroom dancing and brought her joyful spirit everywhere she went. Becoming “Nana” was one of the greatest joys of Margaret’s life.  She took them on annual camping trips, to summer musical performances, out for ice cream and miniature golf.  Her grandchildren knew Nana as a source of endless warmth, fun, encouragement, and plenty of sweet treats. Margaret is survived by her children: son Matthew King and partner Shannon Walker of Alexandria, Virginia; daughter Jennifer McBrierty and her husband Tom of Freeport, Maine; son Brian King and his wife Sarah of Sidney, Maine; stepson John Roberts of Bowdoinham, Maine; stepson Joe Roberts and his wife Nancy of Brewer, Maine; and stepdaughter Jeanne Roberts Wright of Augusta, Maine. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dr. Katherine King, Christopher King, Cassie Roberts, and Brent Roberts, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Ellen Mary Kett and Thomas Patrick Ronan; her husbands, Bernard King and Donald Roberts; her brothers William Ronan, John Ronan, Thomas Ronan Jr., Timothy Ronan, and Stephen Ronan; and her sister, Mary Ellen Ronan Pomber. A Celebration of Life and Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church in Waterville, Maine, with a reception immediately following at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret’s name to either to the Blessed Sacrament Sisters (by mail to: 101 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901) or to Friends of Messalonskee using the link provided. https://friendsofmessalonskee.com/donate-membership  The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many nurses, caregivers, and staff members at The Garden at Mid Coast Senior Health for their compassionate care and support.

Shirley Repik passed away April 24, 2026.  Shirley and her husband, Bill, were long time residents of Toby's before moving to Oakview a few years ago.  Bill passed in 2025 and Shirley moved back north to be closer to family.  More information will be published when made availab.e