The Memorial Wall

Howard William Embree 78, of Franklin passed away September 28th surrounded by his family. He passed away from Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Norwood and raised in Bellingham, he graduated from Bellingham High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Bryant University. He spent many years working as and managing engineers in various fields, including aerospace and medical technology.

His fondness of his friends, brothers, and parents carried over to a family of his own. Howard was a loving husband who cared for his wife as she battled ALS and Lyme Disease, a selflessly devoted father who worked hard to give his daughters endless love and the most amazing lives, and an adoring grandad, who filled his grandchildren’s days with love, hugs, and fun. He loved his brothers and especially valued how close they were. It was an example his daughters and grandchildren witnessed daily and therefore emulate as they have become each other’s respite. He also cherished his father and mother – a love that his daughters inherited as they love their mom and dad with all their hearts.

Howard often reminisced of his younger days, passing down his stories to future generations. His face lit up the room when he talked about his childhood and teen years, his family, and his passion for music. There was always music when Howard was around, and he always had his own personal connection to most songs. This was how he shared himself with those he loved. Now, when his family hears those songs, they will forever know that he is with them, enjoying all of life’s moments and loving us through its tribulations.

Howard is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Celeste (Introini), his caring mother and father, Edna and John Embree, and his brother, John Embree, all of whom we are sure were there to greet him in heaven. He leaves behind three daughters, Jennifer (husband Aviv) Kaufmann and their three children (Kai, Emma, and Adam), Jaime (husband Brian) Chung and their four children (Mia, Madi, Millie, and Brody), and Jodie (husband Craig) Shiosaki and their three children (Colton, Carter, and Conor). He is also survived by his brother, Murray Embree and his wife, Lynda. Howard also leaves behind in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Martin Joseph Foy, 81, loving husband, father, brother and grandfather died peacefully on September 25th, 2024, at Georgian Bay Seniors Lodge in Penetanguishene, Ontario.  He took his last breath in the presence of his son, Darryl Foy, and daughter, Melissa Ambrose.  Martin Foy died after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Kelvin Foy, and his parents, Joseph and Catherine.  Marty is survived by his younger brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Anne Foy; his son and daughter-in-law, Darryl and Andrea Foy; his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Jason Ambrose; and his two grandchildren, Russell and Arlynn Ambrose. 

Marty was born on June 3rd, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario.  Marty, forever known as a ‘troublemaker’ in the best sense, had boundless amounts of energy that he channelled into a lifelong passion of playing competitive sports, especially football and golf. Marty prided himself on a successful career in sales and eventually ownership of a battery redistribution company.  

Marty’s life forever changed, in the early 1960s, when he met the love of his life, Linda, at the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute.  Marty and Linda’s love spanned decades wherein their relationship was defined by friendship, laughter, companionship and trust.  Marty and Linda raised a small family in Lorne Park, Ontario, and resided in Collingwood, Ontario, during their retirement years.  It is easy to say that there was no Marty without a Linda in his life. Marty received the most joy out of the simple things in life like playing a round of golf, going for walks, reading the newspaper, laughing with friends and spending time with family.   

We love and miss you, Dad.  Your sense of humour, vibrancy, generosity and love for family will be forever etched in our memory and hearts.  

Edward Alton Risinger, Jr. November 15, 1944-October 4, 2024 of Westfield, IN died after a long gallant fight with Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years Carol (nee Wood), children Edward (Kim) of Bloomington-Normal, IL, Eric, (Amy) of Glenview, IL, Michelle of Washington, DC (Jeremy) and Mary Ridley (Jordan) of Noblesville, IN. Cherished grandchildren Mark, Matthew, Annika, Annabelle, Connor, Lucas and Summer and loving sister Carol Risinger Robbins (Leroy) as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Edward Alton Risinger and Jeanne (nee Lautebauche) Risinger of Hartford City, IN, sisters Catherine of Hartford City and Barbara Cheney of Lexington, Ky. 

Edward was an Air Force veteran serving as a squadron commander stationed in Clovis, New Mexico from 1966-1970 following his participation in the ROTC. Edward moved to Chicago following graduating from Ball State after earning a doctorate in American History and Education to work at National-Louis University (formerly National College of Education) as a professor and then administrator. He moved to Stockton, Illinois in 2005 to enjoy “Country Living” on his wooded 3 acres for 13 years and then to Westfield, IN in 2018 to be closer to family and grandchildren. 

For the 23 years that Ed fought against Parkinson's, he remained committed to knowledge, information and academia. As a historian, he dedicated his time to understanding and appreciating the complexities of humanity. Surrounded by books, articles, and journals, he committed his life to grasping the intricacies of human nature, embracing the diversity that defines us. He spent countless hours reading and studying various religions and was driven by a genuine desire to comprehend and learn about various beliefs. With in-depth knowledge, historical insight, and an open heart, he could discuss different religions, viewpoints, values, and lifestyles with precision and curiosity. His inherent ability to see the value of another being was a quality that drew others to him. Whenever he encountered an unfamiliar concept or value, he approached it with an eagerness to learn and an open mind. He used his knowledge for understanding, not judgment, and his intellect to advocate, not marginalize. 

Ed sought to understand and recognize the value in everyone. He was a person of humility and authenticity, never boasting, with his priorities firmly set on the comfort and happiness of his family above everything else. Ed's profound love for his wife Carol was heartwarming, and her unwavering devotion in return enabled him to spend the final days of his illness in the peace and comfort of their home. Carol, in essence, faced Parkinson's alongside Ed, standing by him as his devoted partner.

Ed was a true animal lover and environmentalist, frequently spotted in an animal rescue t-shirt while perusing a National Geographic article. For any stray cat that stumbled upon him, it was akin to winning the lottery for life. His respect for nature and ability to coexist peacefully with all creatures served as an inspiration. Ed was beloved for his humorous "quips," mastery of dad jokes, and his signature thumbs up. He adored the laughter of children, relished family gatherings, and had an unapologetically strong sweet tooth.

Ed was the embodiment of what it means to be both good and unique, and to say he will be missed is an immense understatement for his family. 

Floreine Gilliam Fitzwater died October the 7th of complications from Parkinson’s at 94. A native of Farmville, VA and graduate of Farmville High School, she worked most of her life as a clinical laboratory technician. An accomplished mother, wife, cook, nurse, knitter, weaver, and dog whisperer, she will be missed for her wit, wisdom and love. She is preceded by her husband, Ralph, Sr of 60 years and survived by her two sons, Ralph and Kirby and grandchildren Grace and Thomas. 

 The co-owner of Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston has died. David Lebel was 57 years old.

David’s wife, Kathy Lebel, shared the news Tuesday in a Facebook post, saying her husband’s death was unexpected. A post from David’s brother, Tim, says he battled Parkinson’s for more than 15 years. It is not known whether that was a factor in his death. 

The Lebels bought Schemengees more than 25 years ago, fueled by a love of billiards. The couple expanded the restaurant and grew the business at its location on Lincoln Street. 

The bar and restaurant was one of two locations where a gunman opened fire in October, killing 18 people that night and injuring more than a dozen. It has been closed since the shooting. 

The couple also owns the Station Grill down the road from Schemengees.

In the post, Kathy said she and David shared “37 wonderful years together, raising our son and creating a life filled with love.”

Lebel said David was “kind, gentle and loving—a true partner in every sense” adding, “I don’t believe there’s anyone out there who met him and didn’t feel a connection.”

Indeed, by Wednesday night, more than 300 Facebook commenters shared messages of love and grief, a testament to the large and positive shadow Lebel cast on the Lewiston community.

In response to a request for comment from NEWS CENTER Maine, one woman who knew Lebel wrote: “Just call him a pool shark fried chicken master and everyone will laugh.”

According to Kathy Lebel’s post, David leaves behind a son. Lebel writes, “our family will never be the same without you my love. I will love you forever.”