obits

David Ogden

David Ogden, a Boston investment counselor who served in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division during World War II and later helped guide several educational and cultural organizations, died peacefully at home on March 11, surrounded by family. He was 101.

Ogden was born in 1924 in Torquay, England, though his family at the time was living in the south of France in a villa known as Villa Cortland. His mother traveled to England shortly before his birth so that he would be born there rather than in France, thereby avoiding the mandatory military service then required of boys born in that country. Shortly after his birth, the family returned to the south of France.

His father came from an American family with substantial real estate holdings in New York State, and much of Mr. Ogden’s early childhood was spent in Europe, where the family lived and traveled extensively. As tensions mounted in Europe before the outbreak of World War II, he left England with his father in 1939 aboard the S.S. President Roosevelt, bound for New York. The ship was crowded with Britons and refugees from across Europe fleeing the gathering conflict, and while his father shared the berth with a stranger desperate to escape the war, young David ended up sleeping, as family members later recalled, “under the sink.”

The precaution surrounding his birthplace carried a certain irony: two decades later, Ogden would serve in the United States Army during World War II.

Friends and family knew him for an unusual calmness and a reflective cast of mind. He possessed a deep curiosity about science and the natural world and was widely regarded within his family as a source of steady wisdom and perspective. Though he spent more than 60 years in the United States, he retained a faint but unmistakable British accent and mannerisms from his early upbringing, something friends often found quietly distinctive.

Mr. Ogden was educated at Sunningdale School and Charterhouse School in England before leaving the country in 1939 as war gathered in Europe. He continued his schooling in the United States at St. Paul’s School. He entered Harvard University in 1942 but left to serve in the U.S. Army, joining the 10th Mountain Division, the specialized alpine training force created to prepare soldiers for mountain warfare. Stationed in the Colorado Rockies, he helped train troops in mountain combat and winter operations, rising from private to second lieutenant before completing his service in 1946. He returned to Harvard after the war and graduated in 1949. That same year he married Joan Anable, who died in 1968.

Ogden began his career in finance at Kidder, Peabody & Co. and later worked at the University of Rochester. He subsequently joined Massachusetts Financial Services, one of the country’s earliest mutual fund companies. In the late 1960s he joined the Boston investment counseling firm Thorndike, Doran, Paine & Lewis, which later became part of Wellington Management Company. He eventually served as president of the firm. After leaving the firm in 1984 he worked independently as an investment counselor and trustee, advising families and institutions for many years.

Beyond his professional work, Ogden was active in several educational and cultural organizations. He served as a trustee of the deCordova Museum, the Children’s Museum of Boston, and the Bert L. and N. Kuggie Vallee Foundation, which promotes international collaboration among biomedical scientists. He was also chairman of the board of trustees of the Cambridge School of Weston.

Fishing was one of his enduring pleasures. Whenever he could, Ogden cast a line along the coasts of Massachusetts and on Martha’s Vineyard, returning home with the day’s catch and often improvising a meal cooked simply and, family members liked to say, frequently finished with a generous helping of mayonnaise.

Ogden spent nearly three decades living in Lincoln, where he took part in productions with the local theater group, the Lincoln Players. Castmates often gave him roles that suited him perfectly: the slightly eccentric, upper-crust Englishman, pipe in hand and delivering his lines with the unmistakable accent that never quite left him.

In November 1978 he married the educator Judith Ellison Grosvenor, a union that became the central partnership of his life. Their marriage, which lasted 47 years until his death, was marked by deep affection and by the devoted care she gave him in the many years they shared together. Friends and family widely regarded his marriage to Judy as the great love of his life.

In his later years, Ogden donated to the Morgan Library & Museum an original illuminated family copy of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“The Night Before Christmas”), written by his great-great-grandfather Clement C. Moore.

Ogden was a member of the Harvard Club and the Concord Country Club. His interests also included stamp collecting, golf and tennis in his younger years, and collecting antiques and art.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Ogden; his children, Ann Helpern and her husband, David Helpern, Linda Squibb and her husband, Ed, Sam Ogden, and David Grosvenor; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren, as well as a half-brother, Clement M. Ogden of Pasadena, Calif.; a niece, Sarah Garbett of Somerset, England; and a cousin, John Garbett of London.

To his family, he remained above all a steady presence — calm, thoughtful and quietly wise.

Theodore A. Cerri

Theodore Angelo Cerri, age 99, formerly of Wayland, Lincoln, and Stoughton, died on February 28, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. Ted was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a major of the U.S. Army, an active-duty veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, and a Bronze Star medal recipient.

Born on July 15, 1926, in Rumford, Maine to Domenic Cerri and Anna Negrini, Ted was raised in Dedham. He was the third-oldest child, predeceased by all his siblings: Lawrence Cerri, Walter Cerri, and Virginia (Booj) Francesconi.

Ted married Carmela (Candy) Defilippo on June 8, 1952, the week before he was deployed to Korea. They were happily married and completely devoted to each other for nearly 73 years when Candy passed away in January of 2025.

After attending Dedham High School but before graduating and still in his 17th year, Ted joined the U.S. Merchant Marine. He sailed to Europe, Asia, and Africa on a liberty ship called the S.S. Henry Ward Beecher, delivering supplies and soldiers to strategic locations while facing a constant threat of attack on the high seas. Ted enjoyed describing his experiences as a mariner — climbing to the crow’s nest, passing ammunition to the gun crews, steering the ship, and standing lookout on the bow in thick fog for the blue warning light on the stern of the vessel that was just yards ahead in the convoy.

Ted Cerri while in the Army.

Ted’s regular military service began in 1945 as an enlisted man serving in Germany until 1948. During that time, he worked as an MP, and also visited various German towns by jeep, looking for parts and supplies for the U.S. Army base in Bremerhaven. Upon his return to the U.S., he attended Boston University on the G.I. bill, made the Dean’s List, participated in the ROTC program, and was designated Distinguished Military Graduate, accepting a regular army commission in 1952 at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. His degree was in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in German literature.

Acceptance of his officer’s commission meant immediate entry into the Army for a minimum of three years and his active-duty orders arrived on June 12, 1952, while he and Candy were on their honeymoon. He was sent to Fort Benning for Infantry Company Officer’s School and then to Fort Knox to train recruits in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Division in Korea. While there, he received his briefing on the division’s missions and status from Col. John Eisenhower (Ike’s son). The next day he was assigned to G Company of the 65th Regiment, which was on the front or main line of resistance near the 38th parallel of the Korean Peninsula. A military transport dropped him off alone at the side of a road at dusk near a trail and the driver instructed him to go find his company. It grew dark after he climbed a few hundred meters and, seeing no sign of his company, spent the night on that hill in freezing temperatures. The next day he was assigned to lead the company’s second platoon.

In January of 1953 while out on patrol in Wonju, Ted found a little South Korean girl abandoned and hiding in a cave. Ted put her at ease and then brought her to a MASH unit where she got the care she needed. In later years, when asked about his combat experience, Ted was quick to point out that the fact he was able to help that innocent victim of the war is what made it all worthwhile.

Ted Cerri with the South Korean girl he found hiding in a cave.

Lieutenant Cerri received the Bronze Star Medal for outstanding heroism. On July 16, 1953, near Kumwha, North Korea, a U.N. patrol became trapped in a minefield, with several men wounded from detonated mines. When Ted heard of this, he immediately left the comparative safety of his position with one or two of his men and moved toward the minefield under heavy fire. He directed the evacuation of the wounded and remained there with complete disregard for his personal safety until all the casualties had been safely removed. He received a second Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, a Korean Citation for his service in the front line, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

After the war Ted reverted to inactive status and joined the Massachusetts National Guard, serving as a captain there for four and one half years in various capacities, including Company Commander and Battery Commander. He was assigned to the 94th Command Headquarters as Operations Supervisor, Combat Commander, and Assistant G-1 from 1963-1965. He was promoted to major in 1965 and served in the Army Reserve until 1972. He retired from the military after serving 24 years.

Ted had a long career in the insurance business, beginning with the Employer’s Group in the later 1950s and then moving on to Utica National Insurance Group where he was the regional loss control manager until his retirement.

Ted was a skilled woodworker (his father was a carpenter by trade), and he especially enjoyed precision work with molding and paneling, often using his lathe and a table saw for which he built a customized table. Ted and his father, Domenic, built Ted and Candy’s house on 93 Forest Road in Stoughton in the 1950’s, where they resided for over 45 years before moving to Lincoln in 2008. They lived independently until May 2024, when they moved into Sunrise Senior Living in Wayland.

Ted, who will be extremely missed, is survived by his two children, Jo Ann Cerri England (Dan England) and Michael Cerri (Judith Campos); his six grandchildren, Genevieve Rudolph (Andy Meisenheimer), Domenic Cerri (Mary Beth Grewe), Camila Campos-Cerri, Daniela Acosta, Marie England Doe (Nic), and Theodore England; and his great grandchildren August Rudolph, Eliana Acosta-Lopez, Isabel Grewe-Cerri, Raphael Grewe-Cerri, and Adeline Carmela Meisenheimer.

Ted also leaves behind his late wife’s dear sister, Maria Falcione, and their brother-in-law, Harold Hanlon, as well as five nephews and two nieces, a host of other relatives, and close family friends. Known as Grampy Ted to both family and chosen family, he deeply loved and cared for each of us. His honorary great-grandchildren Milo, Landon, and Layla Guzman, also had a special place in his heart.

He cherished his Sunrise of Wayland community (staff and friends), who referred to him as a “real gentleman.” He adored the nurses and therapists from Transitions with Care. He was so appreciative and touched by Brian Tony Mwesige and his team from Platinum, who were lovingly by his side these past few months. Our family is so grateful to them all.

Ted had many friends and neighbors to whom he was devoted. He also loved many family dogs, including his grand-dog Lucy who recently passed as well. Ted (Grampy) was always present for us all. He will forever be in our hearts.

A private celebration of life will be held later this year, at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, with full US Army military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wreaths Across America program at the MVMC in Winchendon, or to the Friends of the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Checks can be mailed to either group at 14 Winter Place, Winchendon MA 01475.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. Click here to share a condolence or remembrance on Ted’s tribute page.

Barbara Greene Davis

Barbara Greene Davis of Lincoln died peacefully in the comfort of her home on February 6, 2026, at the age of 103. She was surrounded by family in the final days of her long and fulfilling life.

She was born in Kansas City, Mo., on February 24, 1922 as the daughter of the late John and Mabel (Osmond) Greene. She graduated from Texas Christian University in Forth Worth before completing her education at St. Paul School of Nursing in Dallas. During World War II, Barbara served the country in the Army Nurses Corps in England, France, and Nuremberg, Germany from 1943 to 1945.

A 70-year Lincoln resident, Barbara cherished her family home overlooking Walden Pond. The prime location with beautiful views inspired her to found Thoreau’s Walden Bed and Breakfast, which she operated out of her residence for 25 years. Her commitment to healthcare continued for many years as a registered nurse for Emerson Hospital and the former Waltham Hospital.

Barbara was a beloved and faithful parishioner at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Lincoln, where she served on numerous committees in support of the Church. Additionally, she was a longtime member of the Lincoln Council on Aging, where she delivered Meals on Wheels well into her 90s.

Barbara was the wife of the late Ronald C. Davis. She is survived by five children: Kirk Davis and his late wife Donna of North Carolina, Brian Davis of Wayland, Cindy Roberts of Lincoln, Kelley Elderkin and her late husband Don of Rhode Island, and Andrew Davis and his wife Elisa of Sudbury. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Page Greene.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Barbara’s memorial service in St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 147 Concord Road, Lincoln on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to American Red Cross or the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence on Barbara’s tribute page, click here.

Carolyn Snelling

Carolyn Ruth Snelling, born March 18, 1942, passed away on January 4, 2026, surrounded by love with her two children by her side.

Carolyn was born and raised in Weston and spent her life in Lincoln, where she built a home centered on love, family, and kindness. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and her family was always her highest priority. Known for her kind heart and gentle spirit, Carolyn gave endlessly of herself to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Donald Mason; her brothers, Donald Mason and his wife Rita Mason, and Arthur Mason and his wife Shirley Mason Reynolds; and her sister, Priscilla Ashworth Glass and her husband Gene Glass.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Donna Linstrom (Peter Linstrom); her son, David Snelling (Dannielle Snelling); her grandchildren, Erica Aucoin (Collin Aucoin), Rianna Romano (Ben Romano), Samantha Linstrom, Zachary Snelling (Lauren Snelling), and Logan Snelling; and her great-grandchildren, Madison and Elena Aucoin, and Peter and Oliver Romano. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Mary Anne Moszka of Concord along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Carolyn will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and the love she shared so freely.

A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to hospice house in Lincoln via Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St. #B-102, Danvers MA 01923.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence, click here.

John F. Knutson

John Frederick Knutson died peacefully in Lincoln on December 26, 2025, at the age of 85. He was known for his kind and generous nature, his dynamic problem-solving abilities, and his thoughtful leadership skills in business and volunteer organizations. John was a patient and loving husband to Judy, a role model as a father and grandfather, a wise and caring brother, a loyal friend, and a humble contributor to his community.

John was born on August 31, 1940, in Framingham to Mary Barrett Knutson and Frederick William Knowlton Knutson. John was the middle sibling between two sisters: Katherine Knutson Meier and Carole Knutson Romp. The Knutson family grew up in a home full of music in Millbrook, N.Y., and John went to Millbrook School, where his father taught Latin and coached football. John was an outstanding student, excelling in math. He graduated from Yale University (’62), Stanford University (’64), and Harvard Business School (’68).

From 1964–66, John was a volunteer in the Peace Corps. After rigorous training, including an intensive Spanish conversation course, John was appointed professor of electrical engineering and tasked to set up the first computer at the University of La Paz in Bolivia. His time in the Peace Corps also included traveling with a doctor through the Bolivian countryside, testing communities for tuberculosis. Volunteering for the Peace Corps in Bolivia became a pivotal life experience for John.

In 1968, as John was finishing up at Harvard Business School, he met Judy Spicer. He moved to Detroit to begin his job with Chrysler Corp., asking Judy to join him. John and Judy were married on a snowy day in December 1968. Learning Spanish while in the Peace Corps and studying electrical engineering and business had directed him toward what would become a 33-year career at Chrysler Corporation. After John and Judy moved to Mexico City in 1969, their children, Christina and Carl, were born in the early 1970s.

John and Judy lived a total of 25 years in the Detroit area and 11 years in Mexico City. During that time, John’s position as deputy managing director of Chrysler de Mexico was especially rewarding for him. After John and the family returned for the second time to Detroit in 1983, he held several positions at Chrysler Corp. He particularly enjoyed his work as director of finance and international strategic plans, starting in 1985. At the time of the DaimlerChrysler merger in 1998, he was appointed vice president of product development finance.

After John’s retirement in 2001, he and Judy returned to Boston and had fun living in the city for 15 years. When John and Judy weren’t spending time with family or friends, John contributed to the well-being of nonprofits. He worked as a consultant for the Executive Service Corps and raised funds for the Latin American Scholarship Program of American Universities. As a board member of Wheelock College for 10 years, he participated in the successful merger of the school with Boston University.

John’s passion in life was singing. He sang with a beautiful tenor voice at Millbrook School, in the Yale Glee Club, the Duke’s Men of Yale and in the choirs of the Episcopal church in Mexico, Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Trinity Church in Boston as well as the Saengerfest Men’s Chorus. His interest in singing led both John and Judy to travel and sing with the Yale Alumni Chorus in fifteen different countries.

John enjoyed playing tennis and was the president of the Weekapaug Tennis Club in Rhode Island. Long-distance biking kept him active and happy, particularly in his later years.

Since 2020, John and Judy have lived at The Commons in Lincoln. Prior to that point, John was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia with Parkinsonism. Judy has devoted her time caring for him, keeping him comfortable and active with physical therapy sessions, and thoroughly researching his disease. John’s family is very thankful for the wonderful care he received for the last two years in the Harbor Mind and Memory Care on the campus at The Commons.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith Spicer Knutson; his children (and spouses), Christina Knutson Honos (Edward Honos); Carl Frederick Knutson (Jennifer Couzens); and six grandchildren: Grace, Cate, and Luke Honos; Halle, Maren, and Finley Knutson. John is also survived by his sister, Carole (Dale Liebenthal), and niece and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his sister, Katherine, and his parents Mary and Fred Knutson.

The family will host private memorial services to celebrate John’s life during the year with specific dates to follow. In lieu of flowers, the Knutson family would be truly grateful for donations made to The Massachusetts General Hospital Lewy Body Dementia Research Fund in tribute to John Knutson. Donations may be made online,  or checks can be mailed to: Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. Click here to share a memory or send condolences.

Anthony Mrugala

Anthony J. “Tony” Mrugala passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 at the Aberjona Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Winchester.

He was born on March 15, 1934, the son of Antoni and Frances (Sagan) Mrugala. Tony grew up in North Cambridge and throughout his life was very proud of his Polish ancestry. He was predeceased by siblings Jeannette, Ted, Peter, Edward, and Frannie and is survived by two nephews, Ted and Rich Mrugala; Rich’s wife, Doris; a niece, Chris Harmon; and several great-nephews and -nieces.

After earning his Master’s Degree from Boston College, Tony was a guidance counselor for many years before retiring from the Waltham School system.

Like a Renaissance man, Tony pursued a number of passions. The arts — listening to classical music, playing the piano, and creating lovely calligraphy — brought him great joy. He traveled extensively, was an avid skier, and became a ski instructor at Mount Sunapee.

Horses were a central part of Tony’s life. Locals in the Concord and Lincoln area frequently saw him with his horse and carriage carrying people to special events such as wedding receptions in grand style. His was also a familiar face at the local hardware store where he worked part time for a number of years following his retirement.

Services for Tony will be private. The family requests no flowers, but if desired, a donation may be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. For Tony’s tribute page, click here.