Barbara Ann Hunt Peirson died November 22, 2025 at the age of 98 in her home in Wayland, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. Barbara passed from this life in the same way she had lived each day; with determination, dignity, and a great sense of humor.

Barbara is preceded in death by John Peirson, her husband of 70 years. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Robert Peirson, John Peirson Jr. (Donna Ventura), Pamela Peirson Emslie (Dave Emslie), and Susan Peirson (Paul Ritger), eleven grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and her cat Star.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Barbara was the daughter of Donald C. Hunt and Dorothy H. Hunt. She spent her childhood, and much of her adult life in Wellesley, Massachusetts, before moving to Wayland, MA after her children were grown. Barbara, and all four of her children attended, and graduated from Wellesley schools. She loved being a grandmother, and was very proud of each of her 18 grandchildren, never failing to mark important milestones, birthdays, and holidays with funny cards, gifts, and phone calls.

As a lover of nature, and all things beautiful, Barbara shared this appreciation of nature with everyone in her life. She loved the ocean, and during her childhood she spent much of the summer with her extended family on the seashore at Rockport, and with her father on Cape Cod in his later years. Barbara and John shared this love of nature, traveling across the country on their honeymoon, and to many beautiful sites around the world throughout their marriage. After retirement, they cherished their winters together on Siesta Key in Florida, where they enjoyed the beautiful beaches and time with family and friends. Barbara took great joy from her beautiful gardens, and enjoyed watching the birds at her backyard feeder and birdbath.

Barbara enjoyed music, especially the standards from the “Great American Songbook”. She even skipped high-school one time to see Frank Sinatra perform in Boston (and she took great pride in the wisdom of this decision). She always loved to read, and particularly enjoyed reading mysteries and historical fiction. She had piles of books, and was always excited to share one, but only if you promised to return it when you were finished.

Known to many by her childhood nickname of “Punkie”, Barbara had an amazing sense of humor, and was quick to joke and tease. She loved to laugh, and she loved to make others laugh. She was very charming, and made a strong impression on the people she met. Everyone from her children’s friends, her caregivers, her hairdresser, to complete strangers, enjoyed being around her and would comment on “what a character” she was.

Barbara will be remembered for her charming personality, and for her thoughtful, generous, caring and compassionate ways. She loved her family and friends dearly, and she was loved dearly in return. We have all been touched by this love and will hold her memory close in our hearts.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held at the Wellesley Congregational Church, 2 Central Street, Wellesley, MA. at 11:00AM on January 10, 2026. A reception will follow.

Obituary originally published at Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home.

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Michael Eby, a civic-minded attorney who served for 25 years as an appointed member of Wellesley’s Permanent Building Committee, died on Tuesday, December 16, of complications from Parkinson’s disease caused by exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He was 79.

After graduating from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. In August 1968, he was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he trained in artillery. He subsequently chose to attend Officer Candidate School in the infantry and was deployed to Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing OCS—and learning of the high mortality rate among infantry lieutenants—Michael elected instead to deploy to Vietnam as an enlisted artilleryman. He was stationed in Chu Lai, a coastal base just south of the DMZ.

While in Vietnam, Michael decided to take the LSAT in a Quonset hut amid the sound of artillery fire. Entering the Army as an E-1, he was discharged two years later as an E-5.

Upon returning to the United States in 1970, Michael was admitted to Boston University School of Law, where he earned both a J.D. and an LL.M., determined to prepare himself thoroughly for the challenges of a legal career. He began his professional life as an assistant attorney general in the Administrative Law Division of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving under Attorneys General Robert H. Quinn and Francis X. Bellotti. In 1976, when reproductive-rights activist William “Bill” Baird challenged the state law requiring parental consent for minors seeking abortions, Michael was part of the legal team that argued—and won—the case for the Commonwealth before the U.S. Supreme Court, “on the wrong side of the issue,” as his wife Jackie later wryly observed.

Michael later spent two years on the regulatory board of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities before entering private practice at the Boston law firm of Gilman, McLaughlin & Hanrahan. He became a partner and built a reputation as a lawyer of integrity—logical, trustworthy, and stubborn, with occasional flashes of flexibility.

Michael and Jackie moved to Wellesley more than 54 years ago, where they raised their family and immersed themselves in local civic life. Drawing on his experience with the state’s Public Utilities Commission, Michael understood that public service required commitment, patience, and countless meetings. He nevertheless took great pride in his many years—often as chair—on Wellesley’s Permanent Building Committee. During his tenure, the committee oversaw the construction of a new high school, completed ahead of schedule and under budget; a new public library; a new police station; Sprague Elementary School; renovations to Town Hall; and the architecturally acclaimed fire station on Route 9. As a member of the board of the Wellesley Country Club, he also played a key role in rebuilding both the clubhouse and pool. Beyond committee rooms and board meetings, Michael coached, refereed, and played soccer in the town he loved.

Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to the late Susan Byerly Eby and Ralph Wanner Eby, Jr., Michael grew up in Paradise, Pennsylvania. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through sixth grade, riding his horse there as other children rode bicycles. His paternal grandfather owned and operated the Lancaster County Seed Company, and anyone who admired Michael’s spectacular banks of rhododendrons could see that the family’s green thumb endured.

Michael’s conservative, humble, and reserved demeanor suggested a quiet and serious man. This impression was misleading. He was, in fact, an adrenaline enthusiast who hiked, skied, golfed, played endless soccer, and rode motorcycles—especially his prized Ducati—though he also slowed down to windsurf and sail with family and friends at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

In addition to his wife Jackie, Michael is survived by his daughter, Jenn Satterthwaite, and her husband, Jamie, of Boston; his son, Dr. Joshua Eby, and his wife, Jean, of Charlottesville, Virginia; and his four beloved grandchildren: Danny Satterthwaite of Chicago, Illinois; Maggie Satterthwaite of Boston; and Brader and Izzy Eby of Charlottesville. Known affectionately as “PopPop,” he will be deeply missed. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Curtis of Seattle, Washington, and his brother, Peter Eby of Huntsville, Alabama.

The Eby family extends heartfelt thanks to Russell Hyland, Michael’s devoted personal caregiver; Maggie Curtain, the nurse practitioner on his VA Home-Based Primary Care team; and Dr. Ornella Dubaz, his neurologist at the Veterans Administration, all of whom formed meaningful connections with him and brought comfort in his final days. They also gratefully acknowledge the extraordinary care provided by the VA Home-Based Primary Care team and Home Base, the national nonprofit founded by the Boston Red Sox and Massachusetts General Hospital to support veterans and their families.

Donations in Michael Eby’s name can be made to Home Base on its website: homebase.org. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

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James J. “Jim” Fadule, of Wellesley, MA, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family — his wife of 33 years, Jill (Hubbell) Fadule, and their four sons, Matthew, John, James, and Joseph — after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on October 8, 1962, in Hazleton, PA, Jim was the beloved son of the late Joseph G. Fadule Sr. and Theresa Silveri Fadule. A lifelong Catholic, he was shaped by the values instilled by his parents and teachers. He attended Holy Trinity German Roman Catholic School and often credited Sister Mary James with teaching him the faith, discipline, hard work, and commitment to team and execution that guided his life and career.

Jim starred at Hazleton High School as quarterback and was also a standout basketball and baseball player. He graduated from Harvard College in 1984 with a B.A. in English and American Literature, playing varsity football on the Ivy League Co-Champion teams of 1982 and 1983. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1989, where he met his wife.

Professionally, Jim was a visionary leader and entrepreneur. He is considered by many the “Godfather of 529 College Savings Plans,” helping millions of families save for higher education. In 2000, he founded Upromise Investments, Inc. (UII), transforming it from a start-up into the nation’s largest direct-to-consumer 529 plan manager, with more than 250 employees, $20 billion in assets under administration, and over 1.4 million investor accounts.

Through Jim’s commitment to affordable, technology-driven savings solutions, UII administered many of the most successful 529 plans in the country, including the Upromise College Fund, the Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan, and New York’s 529 College Savings Program. He built enduring partnerships with firms such as Vanguard, State Street, Barclays iShares, Franklin Templeton, Columbia, American Century, and T. Rowe Price, as well as major distribution platforms.

Before founding UII, Jim spent eight years at Fidelity Investments, where he developed the company’s 529 business and designed the first nationally marketed direct-to-consumer plan. He later led similar efforts at Merrill Lynch, launching the first nationally marketed advisor-sold plan. Earlier in his career, he held roles at IBM, in consulting, and in venture capital.

Beyond business, Jim was a devoted coach and mentor. For more than a decade, he coached Wellesley Youth Football, leading teams — including three of his sons — to a remarkable 54-game win streak, an American Youth Football National Championship in 2013, and a runner-up finish in 2014. He instilled in his players the same discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail that defined his life. In October 2025, he was honored by Wellesley Youth Football, inspiring the community with a poignant speech and presentation.

Above all, Jim was devoted to his family. A second-generation American of Italian, Lithuanian, and Lebanese heritage, he centered his life on family, purpose, and service. The care and devotion surrounding him during his illness reflected the deep love he inspired.

Jim is also survived by his siblings: Joseph G. Fadule Jr. and his wife, Mary, of Robbinsville, N.J.; Angela Fadule Smith and her husband, Reginald, of Upper Darby, PA; Anthony Fadule and his wife, Jean Marie, of Hazle Township, PA; Matthew Fadule and his wife, Susan, of Hackettstown, N.J.; and George Fadule and his wife, Lisa, of Sugarloaf Township; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Rd., Wellesley, on Friday, December 19, from 4–7pm, followed by a funeral Mass on Saturday, December 20, at 11am. Interment will follow at Wellesley Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Wellesley Youth Football
www.wellesleyyouthfootball.org/faduledonations/
P.O. Box 812839
Wellesley, MA 02482

or

Charles River Center
www.charlesrivercenter.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/personal-giving/
Attn: Development Department
59 East Militia Heights Drive
Needham, MA 02492

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BRIDGTON, ME- Alison Schechter, a prominent figure in Wellesley real estate for many years, died peacefully on November 26, 2025 at the age of 89. Alison was born May 26,1936 and raised by her parents, Alton and Kathryn Rhoads, on Ponus Ridge in New Canaan, Connecticut. Alison attended George School and Mount Holyoke College, and earned an MA degree in history from New York University. She met her future husband, Alan Schechter, while in college, and they married in 1958.

Alison and Alan moved to Wellesley, MA in 1962, when Alan joined the faculty of Wellesley College; they lived there for the next 61 years. Alison taught in the Newton school system, Rivers School, and Pine Manor College, and was Associate Director of Admissions at Wellesley College before deciding to go into residential real estate sales in the mid-70s. Within a few years she became a major figure in her field, and founded Suburban Property Center and subsequently, Prudential Landmark Property, which she ran for over 20 years.

In addition to being an accomplished business woman, Alison was an award winning horseback riding enthusiast. She loved showjumping, and had two horses growing up, Vega and Major, a former NYC police horse. Alison also loved dogs, especially Topsy, a small mixed terrier, and Buddy, her Beagle.

She was gifted at languages, spoke French and Italian fluently, and loved camping and traveling. After retiring, Alison and Alan lived with Italian friends in Rome for several months nearly every fall. Alison was extremely gregarious, had a sharp quick wit, laughed often, and was always ready
with a snappy comment. She had many close friends, both in the US and abroad. Alison is survived by her husband, Alan; her three children, Kate, Andrew, and Stephen; and her grandchildren, Alex, Anna, and William. Alison was deeply loved and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Please consider making a contribution in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 8 Elm St., Bridgton, ME. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

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Edward John “Ed” Burke of Wellesley, Massachusetts, passed away on November 25th, 2025, at the age of fifty-nine surrounded by his loving family.

Edward is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Nicole Burke (Zinna); his three loving children, Kayla Lynch (and her husband, Jimmy Lynch), Nicolas Burke, and Brianna Burke; and his brothers, Daniel Burke (and his wife Marianne) and Michael Burke. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law Jodie Zinna, and his nieces and nephews: Lauren, Sean, and Paige (children of Daniel), and Caitlyn and Connor (children of Michael). Ed also held a very special place in his heart for the family dog, Sadie, his beloved golden retriever. He is predeceased by his parents, Joanna and Richard Burke; his mother and father-in-law Kay and John Zinna Sr.; and his brother-in-law, John Zinna Jr.

Ed was born and raised in Wellesley and continued raising his own family there until he retired to Hampton, New Hampshire, in 2020.

His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. Ed grew up going to Hampton Beach with his parents and brothers, and as an adult, he continued the tradition of spending time at the family beach house with his wife, kids, and in-laws. He loved bringing them to the beach, body surfing the waves, and then going to the casino to play arcade games or even a night game of beach wiffle ball. Other highlights he enjoyed were the yearly summer brunch at the Old Salt, grabbing lobster rolls and big cups of ice cream at the Beach Plum, and trips to Water Country with his kids.

From a young age, Ed lived and breathed football. He started playing in the second grade and continued all the way through high school. He was very proud to be a Wellesley High “Red Raider” and loved to reminisce about the glory days of his football years. He loved watching football too. As a massive New England sports fan, Ed was a loyal fan of the New England Patriots and considered Tom Brady his “G.O.A.T.” player. He also enjoyed going to Bruins games with his brothers and kids and having fun in the Legends bar.

Music was a constant in Ed’s life. Whether he was just hanging out, doing yard work, working at his work bench or in the garage, fixing up his old Dodge Durango, he would always be listening to music. He particularly loved U2, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and the Who.

Another one of Ed’s greatest passions in life was his career. He began working in the funeral business with his esteemed grandfather, Henry, and later began a lengthy career in law enforcement as a proud corrections officer for Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office from 1994–2022. He always loved doing new things at work, which, among other accomplishments, landed him on the NCSO Special Response Team. Ed collected many accolades throughout his career, including recognition for responding to the Boston Marathon Bombing and his service in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In his work, Ed made long-lasting friendships with his cherished coworkers, who gave him the long running nickname of “Burkie,” which he loved. Fishing trips, among other outings with his work friends, were some of Ed’s fondest memories. His steadfast commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on his children, each of whom chose careers in public service. His son Nicolas, in particular, became a police officer, inspired by the example set by his father.

Those who knew Ed knew his strength and determination. Throughout every challenge he faced in life, his fun-loving personality always remained the same and he was always able to put a smile on anyone’s face. No matter the circumstances, his cheerful personality and sense of mischief was always on full display. A cherished husband, father, brother, son and friend; Ed will be deeply missed by all who were lucky to know him. He will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills, MA, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  A funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Edward Burke can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Stanley W. Spear, Jr., a devoted family man, proud Marine and dedicated advocate for veterans, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025. He was 83 years old.  He was born in Belmont, MA on July 9 1942.

In 1962, Stan honorably enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After training, he was assigned to the Fleet Marine Force and served aboard the U.S.S. Springfield, the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, during the Vietnam War. He was severely injured in a firing exercise involving the ship’s 5-inch gun turret, resulting in the loss of his left hand. Stan’s resilience and courage defined the years that followed. He was honorably discharged with a service connected disability.

Stan went on to build a successful career as the owner and manager of the Stanley W. Spear Insurance Agency, serving clients throughout Wellesley and the greater Boston area until his retirement in 2010. For forty one years, he and his wife, Beverly, made their home in Wellesley, where they raised their two daughters. In 2018, they moved to their current residence in Framingham.

A tireless supporter of veterans, Stan dedicated decades to service through numerous organizations. He joined the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Wellesley Chapter 86 in 1980, later serving four terms as Chapter Commander and as Commander of the DAV Department of Massachusetts. He was a longtime member of the Wellesley Veterans’ Council, serving as its President from 2004 to 2008. His volunteer work included Honor Guard duties at wakes, funerals, and ceremonies; participation in the annual D.A.V. “Forget-Me-Not” Drive; Flag Day ceremonies; and Memorial and Veterans Day observances. He took particular joy in helping at Senior Citizens’ Cookouts, Thanksgiving dinners, and many other community events.

In 2010, Stan was instrumental in forming the West Suburban Veterans Services District and was appointed its first District Director, concurrently serving as the Veterans Service Officer for the towns of Wellesley, Weston and Needham. In recognition of his unwavering dedication, he was honored with the 2016 Chief of Staff Award by the Wellesley Celebrations Committee.   He retired after serving as a Veterans Service Officer in Sudbury, from 2018-2021.

Above all, Stan loved his family. His favorite place was simply being at home, surrounded by loved ones, sharing meals, cheering on the Celtics, and enjoying a bowl of ice cream.   He will be remembered for his big smile, kind and gentle demeanor, patient spirit, and the deep love he carried for those around him.

Stan is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Beverly; his two children, Susan Plurad, and Laura Spear; his two grandchildren, Madeline Plurad and Caitlin Plurad; his son in law, Joe Plurad;  and his sister-in-law Virginia Renick. Stan was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Helen, and his sisters, Barbara Leidy and Priscilla Spear. His legacy of service, kindness, and quiet strength will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Rd.Wellesley Hills followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley. Visiting hours are Sunday, November 30 from 2-5PM in the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington St. Wellesley Hills.

Donations may be made in his memory to Disabled American Veterans at  https://help.dav.org or Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at giving.bilh.org/bidmcgive

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