Joe Silvestro, November 2023

Joe Silvestro died suddenly on November 8, 2023 at age 72. Joe has been umpiring in EMASS for 10 years and was a member of IAABO board, USA Softball, and EMBUA. He umpired in EMASS and many other leagues working 3, 4 or 5 games per day, and frequently worked 7 days a week. He also found time to referee basketball and football games and loved to play golf. Joe was the caretaker of his elderly father until he passed away last year. Joe enjoyed his umpiring duties and loved to discuss interesting play situations with our other umpires. He was always reliable and available to serve our league. 

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the coming weeks by his family. 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/joseph-silvestro-obituary?id=53565029

Emory Payne, September 2023

Emory managed teams in several divisions, managed a division and wasn on the EMASS board for several years. With a brain cancer diagnosis in 2022, Emory did his best to keep contributing to our community as a player, a manager, and a board member in 2023.  His friendship, work ethic and sense of humor had a positive impact on many of us and his behind-the-scenes work as a tireless equipment manager helped EMASS operations run smoothly. He had to withdraw from these activities over the last year but he was still as snarky as ever, entertaining us all in an uplifting way as he always has. Emory knew how to make people laugh and he enjoyed playing senior softball in every division. 

Emory was one-of-a-kind. He was also one kind-hearted man who cared about EMASS. 

Chas Crawford, August 2023

Chas was a very talented shortstop and hitter who played on many championship Bay State 8 teams in EMASS and was passionate about playing the game.  He was quite vocal in commenting on the play of his teammates and opponents.  He played on several national championship teams as well.  He founded the Gray Sox, which played in a traveling Bay State League in Eastern New England.  A link to his obituary may be found here:

https://www.capecodtimes.com/obituaries/pneo0548679

Pat Romano, March 2023

His obituary can be found here. 

Fred Scerra, August 2022

Fred Scerra died on August 11. He was 88 years old. Fred was one of the original 82 members in the first EMASS season in 1995. There were only 4 teams then. We have come a long way and Fred stopped playing just a few years ago.

• Fred loved softball and knew everything about bats. I once told Fred about a bat I wanted and in less than a week he gave one to me and wanted nothing in return. I remember him as being generous and caring friend.
• I have many fond memories of playing with and against him in the Marlborough B league as well as EMASS. He helped me find at least 3 new bats. But my most vivid memory was when he walked me 6 times in 2 games. He was a great competitive pitcher.
• Fred's pitching made it a cakewalk to win the National division championship in 2010. Fred never missed a game and would arrive early to practice his pitching and hitting. Fred was also a reliable participant in the July 4th family games. 

Fred Scerra was an influential player and EMASS player for 25 years. As I moved into a board position 7 years ago, Fred offered me great counsel in how the league's culture had evolved. He was proud of the league he helped build and passionate about retaining its culture of community, sportsmanship and competition. His legacy lives on.

Ferdinand A. Scerra Jr. Obituary - Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Joe Defelice, May 2022.

Joe Defelice died on Sunday evening, May 15 of kidney failure. He was 81 years old. 

Joe was good friends with Cab Devoll since they were Little league age. They played with and against each other for 7 decades. In the last 10-20 years, Joe was also Kevin Hayes' (and many other EMASS member's) favorite tournament team manager. "He loved to win and he lived to win." According to Cab and Kevin, nobody east of the Mississippi has played and coached more games then Joe and he has the trophies to prove it. If you were on Joe's team, you loved him. If not, you feared him as an opponent.

Back around 2002, Cab was standing next to John Stewart, an EMASS founder and board member. He pointed to Joe and said "John, that guy will make you change your rules about forming teams." If not, he is going to win the league every year. Cab was right. EMASS moved to a focus on balanced competition and competitively balanced teams shortly thereafter.

Joe made a big difference to the joy we all get out of EMASS softball. 

Joe Defelice obit

Ray Theriault, August 2021.

And Ray was a memorable character and couldn't always remember other player's names. He would respond by saying something to the effect, ‘Hey you guys, I have 27 grandchildren and I don’t know their names either.’  He was a good pitcher.  He knew the game of softball very well, and was always willing to give advice during a game.  “Keep your glove down.”  “Your weight is on your front foot when you hit.”  “When running after a fly ball, don’t put your arm out until the last second.”  He was well known for getting angry at something in a game and walking off.  But he would soon return, and take the mound.  What we learned most from Ray was how to play senior softball better, and how to have fun doing so.  He brought a joy to the game which was infectious and made us all like him, quirks and all.  

Pete Putnam, June 2021.

Pete was a member of EMASS for over 17 years, playing in multiple divisions, and on many championship teams. He was a long time employee of the Post Office and retired in 2020. Anyone who knew Pete knows that to say he was an avid golfer is an understatement. He loved playing tennis and softball, as well as umpiring, coaching, and refereeing. Pete was a member of the Natick Men’s Softball League for many years. He played for and coached “Pete’s Pirates” for George’s Pizza to multiple Division Championships and was named MVP several times. Pete was a longtime E-Mass Senior Softball player for over 15 years and was awarded MVP and the Courage Award.

Joseph Casperowitz, May 16, 2021.

"Joe Casper" Age 84, a longtime resident of Framingham, passed away peacefully Sunday.  Joe played in EMASS from the 1990s till about 2012 - A solid, steady player - left-handed first baseman. Quiet, friendly guy. Always a great teammate.Joe loved kids and volunteered countless hours to help area youth. He was a member of the Framingham United Soccer Club and dedicated over 25 years to coaching youth soccer and over 20 years assisting area elementary schools, and has mentored at the high school. Joe was proudly honored at the 2007 "Salute to Framingham" with an award to acknowledge his volunteerism with local schools and sports.

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Buddy Dublin, May 11, 2021

Buddy Dublin died in an accident at home on May 11. Buddy was 59 and a good friend, a good teammate, and a worthy opponent to many of us in the Atlantic Division over the last few years. Blessings to his family.

Tom McNamara, May 8, 2021

Tom McNamara, aka "MAC" was a great guy who was taken away from his friends and family after suffering a massive heart attack. Tom loved his family, friends, Senior Softball, and Dragon Boats.   Tom started his softball career in Canton, where he played and coached many teams in a highly competitive league. Tom loved to compete and he was President of the Canton Over-30 league for many years before moving over to EMASS in the early 2000s. Tommy was retired after 42 years in HR / Labor Relations living in St Augustine, Fl.    Words can't describe how much everyone that knew Tom is going to miss him. He had a heart of gold and was kind to everyone that he met.   Rest in Peace Mac, the Softball Gods have called you to coach a team in Heaven.

Elliot Winer, May 6, 2021

Elliot Winer passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. A longtime member of EMASS, Elliot played for many years in the Atlantic Division as well as in the Pacific Division since its inception. Elliot was 75. A quiet man with spindly legs and glasses, Elliot didn’t fit our image of an athlete, but he was. As Jeff Allan says, “Elliot could play.” Jeff remembers Elliot as a good line-drive hitter and a very good outfielder, known for his diving catches. Every now and then Elliot would get hold of one and drive it deep over the left fielder’s head. Jeff says he could never tell where that power came from. Rob Mitchell was Elliot’s Bat Attitude teammate when they won the 2019  Atlantic playoffs, and he was Elliot’s teammate on a team that won their ‘70s bracket in the Cape Tournament that same year. Rob recalls that over three days and seven games on the Cape, Elliot batted nearly .800 and fielded his position in the outfield with his customary, unassuming grace. Just days after returning from the Cape, Elliot went 4 -for-4 with four RBI in Bat Attitude’s do-or-die second game of the Atlantic Division finals. His final at-bat was a walk-off single in extra innings to drive home the tying and winning runs. A respected economist for the State of Massachusetts, Elliot was a much loved and admired member of our senior softball community. Steve Elkinson remembers Elliot as a classy gentleman and one of the best players in the Pacific for his age. As Steve says, we were privileged to share a field with him.   

Keith Cassedy, January 16, 2021 

Keith Cassedy (87), one of the original EMASS players in the 1990s, passed away on January 16, 2021. Keith pitched for the Newton team from 1995 until the early 2000s. He also played on several EMASS Cape tournament teams and in the Hawthorn basketball game. Keith spent his career as a teacher and elementary principal in Natick. He is remembered by older EMASS players as a calm, friendly team-mate, a pitcher with solid control and a guy who could often rise to the competitive occasion with a well-placed base hit. 

His obituary can be found here. 

Joe Camgemi, December 14, 2020 

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Bud Carrier, November 15, 2020

Bud Carrier died of pancreatic cancer on November 15, 2020. Bud was a longtime EMASS member and a strong player in multiple divisions. He was a local product of Wayland MA and active in the community.  We will all miss Bud, a strong teammate and a worthy opponent. He was liked and well respected by everyone. He was always a friendly and a very competitive player. Bud played shortstop, which in EMass is one of the most prestigious positions, and only the best players play there.  He was good: he fielded well and had a strong arm. Bud played in the Pacific Division in 2017. His team the Turn 2, took 1st place. Bud was a regular at ForeKicks during the indoor winter seasons. Bud was a wonderfully personable and supportive teammate. 

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James Charles Raymond, August 30, 2020

Jim, a long-time member of EMASS passed away after a valiant battle with blood cancer with his loving wife Margaret “Maggie” (Brick) Raymond at his side. 

Jim was born in Hanover, New Hampshire while residing in Woodstock, Vermont.  Jim received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Vermont.  He later received a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Northeastern University. Jim worked at Raytheon in Wayland, MA after college and enjoyed a successful and productive career with Computer Vision, Honeywell, Prime Computer, UB Networks, New Bridge and Alcatel.

In 2009 Jim traveled and played softball in Cuba with a group from EMASS in a Cultural Exchange Tournament.  Known for his sense of humor and quick wit, Jim was always ready with a good joke and humorous stories.  Besides playing softball, he loved to ski and auto race. Jim played in many EMASS divisions over the years and was a well-respected teammate for both his softball skills and quiet friendship. Jim was not able to play for most of 2019 due to illness but worked hard to be able to come back to be the shortstop and key hitter for the Cape Tournament 75 Championship team from EMASS for the second year in a row. 

Don Frei, Sunday, July 12, 2020

Don died from cancer in Puerto Rico at the age of 68. He played in the National League for five years. He was the co-manager of the Boomers for the last three years. As a co-manager, he was deeply admired for his fairness and understanding. Don was very cheerful, funny and could hit the cover off of the ball.

Don returned to college at the age of fifty to get his Master’s Degree.  He worked as an administrator with NOAA.  Which oversees and regulates marine resources, monitors fishing, and protecting the oceanic environment. Whenever the local fisherman complained about quotas Don would be sent to arbitrate and explain the reasons behind the quotas. The fisherman trusted him to be fair even as he enforced the rules.  He had seen the ocean from both sides.  For the last thirty years, Don loved to fish off of the rough shores of Alaska.  

Lawrence Grodman, February 2020

Lawrence Klass Grodman  Age 86, of Dedham formerly of Newton passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2020. In the early 2000’s Larry pitched in EMASS Tuesday’s league. He played in EMASS for about 10 years before retiring from softball. He was well-known for having played for years in fast-pitch leagues in the Newton-Waltham area.

Fred Greer, December 2019

Fred Greer Passed Away on December 24, 2019. At Quincy High School, he was an All-Scholastic basketball player. He continued his education at Northeastern University getting a degree in business. Fred's career was in the sporting goods industry. He when on to co-founding Seneca Sports. Fred played in EMASS softball for many years. Fred played in many tournaments including the Cape tournament. This year he asked to be on the roster as a non-player keeping score and cheering on his team. Fred couldn’t play in the 2019 EMASS season because he was being treated for cancer. On the field, he was a good glove guy who played the left side of the infield and was a solid right-handed line-drive hitter. Fred was the quintessential senior softball teammate, reliable, dependable, and competitive to the core. In 2018, the last year that he played, Fred played in two divisions the Atlantic and on the Metro Hawks.  Fred was a very easy going player that we will miss here at EMASS.

Warren Daniel, October 2019

At the age of 71, Warren Daniel passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2019. Warren as an architect designed some of the newer and nicest golf course clubhouse facilities in the area. He played baseball when he was younger. It would be 50 years or so before he would get to play again this summer. He started as rookie on the EMASS Metro Hawks team. Warren had unrelated health issues which made him miss a good part of the first half of the season. In the second half of the season, he slowed down as the symptoms from his yet to be diagnosed with lung cancer took its toll on his body.  In a short time that he played, he showed promise as a hitter. He was a great team player and a nice person.

Louise Felton, September 2019

Louise Felton passed away suddenly on September 4.  She was an independent, feisty athlete who probably never met a sport she wouldn’t try.  Golf, swimming, volleyball, and pickleball all got lots of her attention over the years, but her constant love was softball.  There were no other women in EMASS when she joined 15 years ago but that did not daunt her. She held her own on the field and volunteered many hours on the Board, especially as communications chairperson, publishing the members’ directory before we had an online version. 

She also played with women’s teams in tournaments all over the US, in several National Senior Games, and she went to Cuba with EMASS twice.

Louise was a respected clinical psychologist who retired a few years ago to devote even more time to sports.  In a cruel twist of fate, 6 months later she was struck with a serious virus that left her with nerve damage that affected her balance.  Not one to give up what she loved easily, she was soon back on the field and courts, adapting.  

In the last 8 years, she was also devoted to the Franklin Park Zoo, willing to do whatever tasks needed to be done, from preparing food for the gorillas to cleaning the kangaroo stalls!   A memorial fund has been set up at the zoo in her name: 

 https://www.zoonewengland.org/act/ways-to-give/louise-felton-zookeepers-memorial-fund/

(note: specify that the donation goes directly to the “Louise Felton Zookeepers Memorial Fund” in the Special Notes section, otherwise donations go to a general fund)

John Darack is also pursuing the possibility of having a spectator bench at the Wayland field, in memory of Louise, and perhaps others.

Sean Murphy, June 2019.

Sean Murphy, 77, a longtime resident of Framingham died Sunday, June 30, 2019, following a brief illness. Sean was raised in Chestnut Hill, was a graduate of St. Sebastian’s School, and Boston College. He was affectionately known as “Papa Friday.” Sean enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and playing EMASS Senior Softball since 1997. Sean has been on numerous championship softball teams. He spent many hours volunteering with BayPath Seniors, the American Arthritis Foundation, and the Jimmy Fund.  Sean was a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship, and fraternity. He always put other people first, and with his big smile, he always asked you how you were doing before you could ask him. Even when he was feeling sick, he still had a smile on his face and jokes to tell. He took on many challenges and always had a positive attitude. Last spring Sean said to me “I am having a hard time running to first base.” Stupid me said "Well Sean, they did take a third of your lung” Sean looks at me and said, “No, that’s not it.” There was never a moment where Sean thought that he couldn’t do better. He kept trying all season, every year, never giving up.  That was the spirit of Sean. He always thought that if you put in the work that you will do better. That’s how Sean viewed everyone in his life. Sean and his sons played in the EMASS family games every July 4th. Year after year the team to beat was the Murphys. Sean's son Brett has joined the EMASS league to follow in his father’s footsteps.

George Chan, June 2019.

George P. Chan, 85, of Marlborough, MA, died Monday, June 10, 2019 at MetroWest Medical Center, Framingham, MA. George had pitched in the Atlantic division for many years.  George loved to pitch and would play in many pickup games and batting practices. He was 85 years old. George was a friendly softball teammate. If you drove by Cochituate softball fields late in the afternoon, with no games going on, there was a good chance you would see George on the pitching mound, a bucket of balls at his feet, all by himself, practicing his pitching. He was always working to be the best that he could be. His Obit page can be reached here. 

Norman E. Harrison, March 2019.

Norm Played in EMASS for many years. He competed on several championship teams in the American and Pacific divisions. If you showed up early for a game, you would always see Norm out there with his own personal bucket of balls warming up his pitching arc. Norm didn't care about playing against younger, stronger guys, he just loaded up with body armor and pitched. The more you hit up the middle the more he scowled and then challenged you to do it again with a sly grin.  He loved to play and we all loved to play with him.

He was born on November 10, 1948 in Pawtucket, RI to the late Henry and Ruth (Wood) Harrison. He was raised and educated in Pawtucket, graduated from Pawtucket West in 1967 and from Roger Williams University in 1971.

Norman was an accountant for Verizon for many years before his retirement in 1994.  He enjoyed gardening, spending time with his two grandsons and pitching for Nashua Indoor Softball League as well as the Wayland MA Senior Softball League. He loved to serve the Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team and helped run many events throughout New England including Wounded Warrior Kid’s Camp for over 20 children with amputated limbs. 

Here is a link to the tribute on the opening day of the 2019 Pacific division.

Download Attachment  (Available until June 5, 2019)

Ed Demeo

Mike Franceschi, May 2017

Mike played in Metro division since its creation, and for several years before that in the "Tuesday league". He always wore his hair long and sported a flowing beard, reflecting the scholar he was off the softball field. He was a dedicated competitor and friend to all. He loved to play and to chat.

Marco Di Giovine, December 2016

Marco lost his battle with cancer on the morning of Saturday December, 10 at the age of 56. He was a member of EMASS for a short two years and played on 5 EMASS teams in the American (Medical Miracles/North), Pacific (Silver Sox/Turn-2), and Atlantic (Blast). He also subbed on the Baystate "A Team".

Marco played for the 50/60+ AAA EMASS Deep Purple team, helping them to win the Northeast Regional Championships in 2015. He is the winner of the special 2016 EMASS Courage award and was consistently nominated as the MVP on his teams. In 2016, Marco was on the roster of the EMASS 50/60 AAA team in the Rhode Island 2016 Ocean State Classic. Although he was not well enough to play in the tournament, the team dedicated each game to him, shouting his name just before the "Play Ball." He was also remembered before and after each game his former team, Deep Purple, played in 2016. Deep Purple presented Marco with plaques and medallions from their three tournament victories and a medallion commemorating their 2nd place in the 2016 60+AAA LVSSA/SSUSAvWORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

His teammates tell stories of his strength and speed on both defense in left field and at the plate. Marco would often score from first on a single although it was rare for him to be on first since he routinely hit deep to right for Doubles, Triples, and Home Runs. But he will be remembered most for his kindness and quiet simplicity. His infectious smile often was enough to propel his teams to victory. Even in the throes of the final stages of cancer, when asked to pinch run or sit Marco would always simply smile and reply "Whatever you want coach."

Marco is survived by his father, brothers, wife, and twin children. It is a tribute to the impact of Marco's short time in the league that even out of season, his wake and funeral were well attended by teammates from around New England, many of whom toasted him following the wake. May his memory be eternal.

Rich Chesmore, May 2016

Rich Chesmore passed away Saturday, May 28, 2016, at the age of 69, from complications from Parkinson's Disease. As Jim Thompson so eloquently remembers, "Rich never wanted or even knew how to give up; whether playing softball with us or those rare occasions when he showed up for basketball in Newton. He definitely must have been one terrific competitor in his prime and will always be remembered for that great smile, even when he might have fallen down swinging or had trouble on the court. He simply knew and understood that it is much more important to try, no matter what the outcome. We all learned (a lot) from him.

Paul Chambers, September 2015

Long-time Bay State and EMASS player/manager Paul Chambers has passed. He was a class act. Kind, friendly and always ready to help. Generous to a fault, a real gentleman. Always ready with a funny story or comment.

Al Goldstein, August 2015

Al Goldstein passed away on August 2, 2015. He played in EMASS from 2002 until his retirement in 2013, at age 83. Al was a hard-hitting outfielder in the Metro Division (and the old "Tuesday league") and played on several Cape Classic teams, with the 70s and 75s. He was a charter member of the "Albermarle Batting Academy" a dedicated group of players who meet every Sunday morning in Newton for b.p. and endless chatter about the game we all love so dearly. Al never stopped trying to improve his performance on the field and he was a great supporter of EMASS, recruiting several players, including Cal Bastian and Bob Billage. Above all Al Goldstein was always a fine teammate and a loyal friend.

Dick Scales, November 2014

November 6th, 2014 SCALES, Richard L. Of Braintree, formerly of Westwood, passed away after a brief illness November 6, 2014. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen P. (Moclaire) Scales. Loving father of Richard M. of Braintree, William D. of Jamaica Plain, Kathleen M. and her husband David Lefcourt of Westwood, Sarah E. of Milton, Ryan R. and Kerri L. of Brooklyn, NY, Margaret J. of Falls Church, VA, and James W. of St. Louis, MO. Grandfather of Sean T. Scales and Moclaire J. Lefcourt. Loving Brother of the late Elizabeth "Betty" Stowers and her husband Joseph of Pocasset, Robert H. Scales Jr. and his wife Lilly of Arlington, and the late John T. Scales and his wife Susan of Westwood. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A 1956 graduate of Milton High School, Richard went on to study accounting and worked for the family business, R.H. Scales Company, for over 50 years. Richard lived in Westwood for 35 years, where he and his late wife raised their family. An athlete at heart, he continued to play competitive sports late in life. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St. (off Route 109) WESTWOOD, on Monday, Nov. 10th from 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning, Nov. 11th at 10am in St. Margaret Mary Church, Westwood. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute - private, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02215 or to The Home for Little Wanderers - private, Development Department, 10 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135, www.thehome.org

Daniel Langdale, September 2014

September 28th, 2014 -- Dan was a long-term player and team manager with EMASS. A wonderful, gentle man, who always maintained his cool, and made sure that all the players on his team did likewise.

The Dan Langdale Memorial Financial Aid and Scholarship Fund http://reganyouthleague.org/

Bernie Toothaker, May 2014

Bernie was a player in several EMASS divisions and founding manager in the Metro Division. Great sense of humor. Self-effacing style. Proud commitment to EMASS both before and throughout his illness. Bernie will be greatly missed by many who knew him.

Ken Foster, October, 2013

Kenneth J. Foster passed away on Oct. 22, 2013 at age 77. Ken had been an applied research physicist for a Massachusetts defense contractor. He was active in sports throughout his life and in later years he managed the team “Boys of Summer” in EMASS’ Atlantic Division. In addition, Ken was very active in the charity  ‘Christmas in the City.’ Members of EMASS were frequent volunteers at its yearly event.

Richard Lynch, October, 2011

Richard Lynch died on October 29, 2011 at the age of 77. Richard was a veteran of the US army and worked as a truck driver for Coan Oil Company for 40 years. He played softball in the EMASS Atlantic Division, showing great courage and spirit in spite of the physical limitations imposed by the illness he struggled with.

Gavin Clowe, November, 2009

Gavin Clowe of Lexington, died Nov. 1, 2009 at the age of 63. He graduated from MIT in 1969 and was a member of the MIT soccer team. After retiring in 2000, he competed in table tennis tournaments across the Northeast and coached Lexington Little League. Gavin played in both the National and Atlantic Divisions of EMASS and was named Sportsman of the Year in 2009.