December 6, 2006

Fugitive rapist is sentenced
Dudley man on run after fleeing in 1989

By Gary V. Murray TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER— A Dudley man who jumped bail in 1989 and eluded law enforcement authorities until last year was sentenced to 15 to 20 years in state prison yesterday for a series of armed sexual assaults in Worcester and Millbury and other crimes in Spencer and Leicester.

Donald J. Comerford, 40, was sentenced after pleading guilty in Worcester Superior Court to five counts each of aggravated rape, kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife) and assault and battery, four counts each of indecent assault and battery and attempted kidnapping, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) and a single count of indecent behavior.

Besides imposing the prison sentence recommended by Assistant District Attorney Thomas E. Landry and Mr. Comerford’s lawyer, Michael S. Hussey, Judge John S. McCann placed Mr. Comerford on probation for 20 years, to begin upon his release from custody.

The crimes to which Mr. Comerford pleaded guilty occurred over a period of several months in 1988. Because they predated the state’s truth-in-sentencing law, which became effective in July 1994, Mr. Comerford will become eligible to seek parole after serving 10 years. His parole eligibility is based on guidelines in effect before truth-in-sentencing.

Mr. Comerford was arrested on Oct. 18, 1988, on Coolidge Road in Worcester after three assaults on females were reported that morning in the area. He failed to appear in Worcester Superior Court on Sept. 7, 1989, after being released from custody on $60,000 cash bail. He was at large until Nov. 8 of last year, when he was stopped for a traffic violation in Texas and authorities there discovered that he was wanted in Massachusetts.

Between 1989 and last year, Mr. Comerford, a self-employed painter and son of a retired state trooper, married and fathered four children, his lawyer said yesterday. Mr. Landry said Mr. Comerford gave false names to Texas police, but that his true identity became known after he was fingerprinted.

The rape and indecent assault and battery charges against Mr. Comerford related to sexual assaults in Worcester and Millbury, and involved four female victims ranging in age from 17 to 39, Mr. Landry told Judge McCann yesterday. In some of the assaults, Mr. Comerford approached the victims on the street and initially told them his girlfriend had broken up with him and he just wanted to talk, the prosecutor said.

Some of the victims were bound with white strips of cloth and sexually assaulted after being forced into woods at knifepoint, according to Mr. Landry.

The victims identified Mr. Comerford as their assailant after his arrest, the assistant district attorney said. Mr. Landry also said DNA evidence linked Mr. Comerford to some of the sexual assaults. In two cases, DNA profiles from biological evidence recovered by investigators matched Mr. Comerford’s DNA profile, according to the prosecutor.

If Mr. Comerford’s case had gone to trial, the prosecution was prepared to offer expert testimony that the chances of such a match occurring at random were “1 in 1.621 quadrillion” in the Caucasian population, Mr. Landry said.

As conditions of probation, Mr. Comerford was ordered to undergo sex offender counseling and to have no contact with his victims. Only one victim appeared in court yesterday. She chose not to address the court, but Judge McCann read her prepared impact statement to himself.

Mr. Hussey said his client was likely to be classified as a Level 3 sex offender, subject to GPS monitoring, upon his release from prison. He said Mr. Comerford was truly remorseful for his “horrific” crimes, but was at a loss to explain why he committed them.

Mr. Landry praised Worcester police, and particularly Detective Diane McFadden, for their “tireless job” building a case against Mr. Comerford.

February 14, 2006

Long-sought rape suspect ordered held without bail

By Gary V. Murray TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER— A rape and kidnapping suspect who jumped bail more than 16 years ago was ordered held without bail yesterday.

Donald J. Comerford, 39, formerly of Dudley, was back in Worcester Superior Court yesterday, where he is facing aggravated rape, indecent assault and battery, assault and kidnapping charges stemming from a series of sexual assaults he is accused of committing in 1988. Mr. Comerford was returned to Massachusetts after being arrested Nov. 8 in Texas, where he was stopped for a motor vehicle violation.

He had been at large since Sept. 7, 1989, when he failed to make a scheduled appearance in Worcester Superior Court on the sexual assault charges against him. The $60,000 cash bail posted by his father, James Comerford, was later forfeited to the state.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas E. Landry asked Judge Francis R. Fecteau yesterday to hold Mr. Comerford without bail. In support of his request, the prosecutor cited the seriousness of the allegations against Mr. Comerford and his flight from Massachusetts more than 16 years ago in an apparent effort to avoid prosecution.

Lawyer Jennifer Sellitti asked that Mr. Comerford’s bail status be set without prejudice, clearing the way for another bail hearing in the future. Ms. Sellitti, who was standing in for Mr. Comerford’s appointed lawyer, Michael S. Hussey, predicted that Mr. Hussey would want an opportunity to address the court before a final bail determination was made in the case.

Judge Fecteau ordered that Mr. Comerford be held without bail pending a bail hearing at Mr. Hussey’s request.

Mr. Comerford is charged with crimes that allegedly occurred over a period of several months in 1988 in Spencer, Leicester, Millbury and Worcester. He was arrested on Coolidge Road in Worcester on Oct. 18, 1988, after three attacks were reported that morning.

February 7, 2006

Rape suspect to be extradited
Fugitive fled Dudley for Texas

By Harold A. Gushue Jr. TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF 

hgushue@telegram.com

A former Dudley resident, arrested in November in Texas after he fled this state 16 years ago on charges of rape and assault involving a dozen area women, is to return to Massachusetts.

Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte said in a press release yesterday that Donald J. Comerford, 39, fought extradition proceedings in Texas but after a hearing in the 319th District Court in Corpus Christi, Judge Thomas Greenwell ordered that Mr. Comerford be returned to Massachusetts.

Mr. Conte said state authorities are scheduled to pick him up on or before Feb. 16, but an exact date has yet to be determined.

Mr. Comerford had been held at the Nueces County Jail in Texas since his Nov. 8 arrest on a motor vehicle charge. He was being held on the Texas class A misdemeanor of failure to identify himself. He was also being held on bond on both a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and the Massachusetts charges on which the federal charge is based.

Mr. Comerford was indicted in December 1988 by a Worcester County grand jury alleging the following offenses in 1988: One count of open and gross lewdness on April 15 in Spencer; four counts of indecent assault and battery, on Sept. 14 and 23 and Oct. 18 in Worcester and on Oct. 3 in Millbury; five counts of aggravated rape, three in Worcester on Sept. 20 and two on Oct. 3 in Millbury; five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife) on Sept. 1, 20 and 23 and Oct. 13 in Worcester and Oct. 15 in Leicester; five counts of kidnapping on Sept. 14, 20 and 23 in Worcester and Oct. 3 and 10 in Millbury; five counts of assault and battery, including twice on Oct. 3 in Millbury and on Oct. 13 and 18 in Worcester; and four counts of attempted kidnapping, on Oct. 13 and twice on Oct. 18 in Worcester and on Oct. 15 in Leicester.

Mr. Comerford was arrested in Worcester Oct. 18, 1988, after a teacher chased him from Doherty Memorial High School. He was being sought in connection with three attacks that day on women in the city's West Side. Mr. Comerford was freed on $106,000 bail posted in October 1988 by his father, James Comerford, then a state police trooper.

Mr. Comerford was arraigned Dec. 15, 1988, in Worcester Superior Court, when bail was reduced to $60,000 at his lawyer's request. His lawyer, Michael M. Monopoli, told the court the suspect's father had taken on a financial burden by borrowing the money to post bail.

In September 1989, Mr. Monopoli told the court his client was missing. That November, Superior Court Judge James P. Donahue revoked the cash bail. Mr. Monopoli told the court then he did not know where his client was or even if he was alive. Mr. Monopoli said in a telephone interview yesterday he would not be representing Mr. Comerford when he returns.

When Mr. Comerford was arrested, he lived at 11 Chestnut St., Dudley, and was a self-employed house painter.

February 6, 2006

Accused rapist on the lam since 1989 to return to Massachusetts

7 New England  WHDH TV

WORCESTER (AP) -- An accused rapist and kidnapper from Dudley who was arrested three months ago in Texas will face charges in Massachusetts later this month.

Donald James Comerford was on the lam for more than 16 years.

Worcester District Attorney John Conte says a Texas judge ordered Comerford to return to Massachusetts, where he's wanted in connection with crimes he allegedly committed against twelve Worcester County women in 1988.

Comerford was indicted in December 1988 on five kidnapping and rape counts, among other charges. Conte says that after posting $60,000 cash bail, Comerford never showed up for a court date set in September 1989.

He was arrested in Texas on November eighth during a routine traffic stop after police said he ran a stop sign.

Nov 11, 2005,

Massachusetts fugitive caught in Corpus Christi
KRIST TV Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI - A man that Massachusetts authorities are calling a serial rapist, has been captured in Corpus Christi. Donald James Comerford was arrested Tuesday night out on Padre Island.

A Corpus Christi police officer caught him running a stop sign and felt the story he gave just didn't add up. The last time 39-year-old Donald James Comerford was photographed for a mug shot was when he was arrested in his former hometown of Dudley, Massachusetts in 1988.

According to the Worcester County District Attorney, Comerford was indicted on 32 counts of 8 charges including kidnapping, rape, assault with a dangerous weapon, and open and gross lewdness. His most recent charge was running a stop sign on the island. An alert officer wasn't buying the story he got.

"He felt that something wasn't right. The driver didn't have identification or a driver's license, and something just didn't click," said CCPD Commander Bryan Smith.

Comerford was taken to be fingerprinted, and the prints matched the ones taken 16 years earlier 2,000 miles away. What's unclear is exactly how long he's been in Corpus Christi.

"I would say he's been here a significant amount of time. He has family here, and apparently was living a life that would appear normal for all practical purposes," Cmdr. Smith said. A life brought to a complete stop all because he didn't. "Even the most routine situations in law enforcement often times are not routine at all."

Altogether, 12 women were believed to be victims of Comerford. He's being held on charges of failing to truthfully identify himself and will most likely be extradited back to Massachusetts at a hearing next week.

November 11, 2005

Area suspect in rapes caught
Texas arrest revives ’88 case

By Harold A. Gushue Jr. TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
 hgushue@telegram.com

A former Dudley resident who fled charges of rape and assault involving a dozen women in the Worcester area 16 years ago has been caught in a traffic stop in Texas.

Donald J. Comerford, 39, was arrested about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday after being stopped for running a stop sign in Corpus Christi, Texas, Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte said in a news release. Mr. Comerford had no license, identification or proof of insurance, and gave police a false name, Mr. Conte said.

At the police department, he was fingerprinted; when police discovered his identity, they learned he was wanted on state and federal warrants.

Mr. Conte said that after Mr. Comerford was booked into jail in Texas, he admitted he was wanted in Massachusetts. He was charged in Texas with the class A misdemeanor of failing to identify himself.

He is being held without bond in Neuces County Jail on a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and the Massachusetts charges on which the federal charge is based. Mr. Conte said an extradition hearing has not been set, but is expected to take place next week.

Mr. Comerford was arrested Oct. 18, 1988, in Worcester after a teacher chased him from Doherty Memorial High School. He was being sought in connection with three attacks that day on women in the city’s West Side. Mr. Comerford was freed on $106,000 cash bail posted in October 1988 by his father, James Comerford, who was then a state police trooper.

He was indicted by a Worcester County grand jury in December 1988 alleging the following offenses, all in 1988: one count of open and gross lewdness on April 15 in Spencer; four counts of indecent assault and battery on Sept. 14 and 23 and Oct. 18 in Worcester and on Oct. 3 in Millbury; five counts of aggravated rape, three in Worcester on Sept. 20 and two on Oct. 3 in Millbury; five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a knife), Sept. 1, 20 and 23 and Oct. 13 in Worcester and Oct. 15 in Leicester; five counts of kidnapping on Sept. 14, 20 and 23 in Worcester and Oct. 3 and 10 in Millbury; five counts of assault and battery, twice on Oct. 3 in Millbury and on Oct. 13 and 18 in Worcester; and four counts of attempted kidnapping, on Oct. 13 and twice on Oct. 18 in Worcester and on Oct. 15 in Leicester.

While Mr. Conte said in the news release that the crimes were against 12 women, news stories at the time said there were 11 victims. Mr. Conte could not be reached for comment last night.

Mr. Comerford was arraigned Dec. 15, 1988, in Worcester Superior Court, when bail was reduced to $60,000 at the request of his lawyer, Michael M. Monopoli, who told the court that the suspect’s father had taken on a financial burden by borrowing the money to post the bail.

In September 1989, Mr. Monopoli informed the court his client was missing. In November 1989, Superior Court Judge James P. Donahue revoked the cash bail. Mr. Monopoli told the court then he did not know where his client was, or even if he was alive.

At the time of his arrest in 1988, Mr. Comerford lived at 11 Chestnut St., Dudley, and was a self-employed house painter.

Mr. Monopoli said last night he had not heard from the younger Mr. Comerford, and did not know whether he would continue to represent him.

James Comerford, now a retired state trooper, could not be reached for comment last night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

December 27, 1995

James Donald Comerford 425 Main Street, #22D Hudson MA 01749 Admitted to the bar on 1995-12-27

December 31, 1995

AREA CHURCHES TEAM UP TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED

Kate Spillman; Telegram & Gazette Staff

The award is given through the National Science Foundation, with assistance from the National Science Teacher Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

James D. Comerford of Marlboro has passed the Massachusetts bar exam. He attended the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover and received his jurist doctor degree in June. He was sworn in Wednesday.

In September, Comerford retired after 24 years of service with the Massachusetts State Police. He was a member of the State Police Tactical Team and Accident Reconstruction Team. He was once named "Trooper of the Year."

The UMass Community Physicians, a primary care network, has added a new doctor to serve the Northboro area.

November 9, 1989

$60,000 FORFEITED WHEN SON FAILS TO APPEAR IN COURT

Author: George B. Griffin; Staff Reporter/ Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)

A veteran state trooper forfeited $60,000 yesterday when his son, who is charged with raping and sexually assaulting 11 women last autumn, failed to appear in Superior Court.

Donald J. Comerford, 23, had been free since last October on bail posted by his father, Trooper James Comerford.

The younger Comerford was arrested Oct. 18, 1988 in Worcester, after he had been chased from Doherty Memorial High School by a teacher. He was being sought in connection with three attacks on women in Worcester's West Side earlier that day.

After he was in custody, police from surrounding communities also filed charges against him in connection with sexual attacks on women in those communities.

INDICTED

A Worcester County grand jury indicted Comerford in December on 32 charges stemming from attacks on women during three months of 1988.

The indictments alleged offenses, all occurring in 1988, as follows:

- One count of open and gross lewdness, April 15, in Spencer.

- Five counts of aggravated rape, three on Sept. 20, in Worcester and two on Oct. 3, in Millbury.

- Four counts of indecent assault and battery on Sept. 14, Sept. 23 and Oct. 18 in Worcester and Oct. 3 in Millbury.

- Five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a knife, on Sept. 1, Sept. 20, Sept. 23 and Oct. 13 in Worcester and on Oct. 15 in Leicester.

- Five counts of kidnapping, on Sept. 14, Sept. 20 and Sept. 23 in Worcester and on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 in Millbury.

- Five counts of assault and battery, twice on Oct. 3 in Millbury and on Oct. 13 and Oct. 18 in Worcester.

- Four counts of attempted kidnapping, on Oct. 13 and twice on Oct. 18 in Worcester and on Oct. 15 in Leicester.

Yesterday, Superior Court Judge James P. Donohue revoked Comerford's cash bail of $60,000.

WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN

Comerford's lawyer, Michael M. Monopoli, told the judge he did not know where Comerford was or even if he was still alive.

Comerford had been a self-employed house painter living at 11 Chestnut St., Dudley. His original bail was set at $106,000, an amount raised by his father through mortgaging his home.

Bail was reduced to $60,000 by Superior Court Judge William C. O'Neil Jr., after Monopoli indicated the elder Comerford was having trouble keeping up payments on loans for the bail money.

Comerford then moved in with his father, who had promised to keep track of his son.

Monopoli said Comerford had left his father's house in Framingham and had not been seen for some time.

"The situation is this young man's father mortgaged his house and raised the $60,000 in cash for bail," Monopoli said. "But he is gone, and we don't even know if he's alive."

Monopoli said Comerford left many personal effects in the house, including clothing and photographs of his child, that led him to believe Comerford may not be alive.

"We don't know what happened to him," Monopoli said. "If at some point we find out there has been an act of God, if he's not alive or something, then we will file a request for return of the bail."

Donohue said that if Comerford is dead, "I don't imagine the commonwealth would have a problem with returning the $60,000."

November 8, 1989

FATHER FORFEITS $60,000 IN BAIL HOME MORTGAGED IN RAPE CASE

George B. Griffin; Staff Reporter/ Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)

A veteran state trooper forfeited $60,000 today when his son, who is charged with raping and sexually assaulting 11 women last autumn, failed to appear in Superior Court. Donald J. Comerford, 23, had been free since last October on bail posted by his father, State Police Trooper James Comerford.

The younger Comerford was arrested Oct. 18, 1988 in Worcester, after he had been chased from Doherty Memorial High School by a teacher. He was being sought in connection with three attacks on women in Worcester's West Side earlier that day.

After he was in custody, police from surrounding communities also filed charges against him in connection with sexual attacks on women in those communities.

INDICTED

A Worcester County grand jury indicted Comerford in December on 32 charges stemming from attacks on women during three months of 1988.

The indictments alleged offenses, all occurring in 1988, as follows:

- One count of open and gross lewdness, April 15, in Spencer.

- Five counts of aggravated rape, three on Sept. 20, in Worcester and two on Oct. 3, in Millbury.

- Four counts of indecent assault and battery on Sept. 14, Sept. 23 and Oct. 18 in Worcester and Oct. 3 in Millbury.

- Five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a knife, on Sept. 1, Sept. 20, Sept. 23 and Oct. 13 in Worcester and on Oct. 15 in Leicester.

- Five counts of kidnapping, on Sept. 14, Sept. 20 and Sept. 23 in Worcester and on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 in Millbury.

- Five counts of assault and battery, twice on Oct. 3 in Millbury and on Oct. 13 and Oct. 18 in Worcester.

- Four counts of attempted kidnapping, on Oct. 13 and twice on Oct. 18 in Worcester and on Oct. 15 in Leicester.

This morning, Superior Court Judge James P. Donohue revoked Comerford's cash bail of $60,000.

WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN

Comerford's lawyer, Michael M. Monopoli, told the judge he did not know where Comerford was, or even if he was still alive.

Comerford had been a self-employed house painter living at 11 Chestnut St., Dudley. His original bail was set at $106,000, an amount raised by his father through mortgaging his home.

Bail was reduced to $60,000 by Superior Court Judge William C. O'Neil Jr., after Monopoli indicated the elder Comerford was having trouble keeping up payments on loans for the bail money.

Comerford then moved in with his father, who had promised to keep track of his son.

Monopoli said this morning Comerford had left his father's house in Framingham and had not been seen for some time.

"The situation is this young man's father mortgaged his house and raised the $60,000 in cash for bail," Monopoli said. "But he is gone and we don't even know if he's alive."

BELONGINGS LEFT

Monopoli said Comerford left many personal effects in the house, including clothing and photographs of his child, that led him to believe Comerford may not be alive.

"We don't know what happened to him," Monopoli said. "If at some point we find out there has been an act of God, if he's not alive or something, then we will file a request for return of the bail."

Donohue said that if Comerford is dead, "I don't imagine the Commonwealth would have a problem with returning the $60,000."

In the meantime, the money would be forfeited to the court, Donohue said.

The elder Comerford was not in court today. Monopoli said he was recuperating in a hospital from surgery.

September 30, 1989

$60,000 BAIL FORFEITURE CASE IS RESET

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)

A hearing to determine whether $60,000 cash bail will be forfeited in the case of a Dudley man charged with a series of sexual attacks on women was continued to Nov. 8 yesterday in Worcester Superior Court.

Donald J. Comerford's lawyer, Michael M. Monopoli, reported to the court earlier this month that his client was missing. Comerford, the son of state Trooper James Comerford, has pleaded not guilty to 32 charges stemming from assaults on 11 women. The charges include five counts of aggravated rape.

Most of the offenses are alleged to have occurred between Sept. 14 and Oct. 18, 1988, in Worcester, Millbury and Leicester.

Monopoli said yesterday his client's whereabouts were still not known. Comerford had been free on $106,000 cash bail before being arraigned Dec. 15 in Superior Court.

At that time, O'Neil reduced the bail to $60,000 cash at Monopoli's request. Monopoli told the Judge Comerford's father had placed a financial burden on himself by borrowing the money to post his son's bail.

Monopoli told O'Neil in December that Comerford was living with his father and was not allowed to leave the house unaccompanied.

Comerford, a self-employed house painter, was arrested last Oct. 18 on Coolidge Road in Worcester after three attacks were reported that morning in the area. He was to have been married four days later.

September 8, 1989

DUDLEY MAN CHARGED IN RAPES FAILS TO APPEAR FOR COURT DATE
Polly Pruneau; Staff Reporter/ Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)

A Dudley man charged with assaults on 11 women last fall did not appear in court yesterday as scheduled.

Central District Court Judge Herbert F. Travers ordered that a default warrant be issued to arrest Donald J. Comerford, 22, of 11 Chestnut St., Dudley.

Michael M. Monopoli, Comerford's lawyer, told the judge that Comerford, who is missing, knew that the matter scheduled in court was a conference, not a trial date. According to Monopoli, Comerford has been missing since Tuesday.

Monopoli told the judge that Comerford's personal belongings are still at his home. He also told the judge that Comerford's family members don't know why he is missing.

Comerford has been free on $60,000 cash bail. He had been reporting to the probation department on a regular basis, Monopoli said.

Comerford's bail was originally set at $106,000 and reduced after a bail review in which Monopoli noted that the original amount placed a financial burden on Comerford's father, State Trooper James Comerford.

The judge continued the issue of bail to Sept. 29 for further consideration. He told Monopoli that he should feel free to notify the court if there is a need for further continuance at that time.

Comerford is charged with committing assaults on 11 women between Sept. 14 and Oct. 18 last year in Worcester, Millbury and Leicester.

He is also charged with four counts of indecent assault and battery, five counts of aggravated rape, five counts of kidnapping, five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, five counts of attempted kidnapping, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and indecent behavior.

Sgt. James Comerford

March 10, 1990

REGIONAL REPORT

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
LEOMINSTER

Man ordered to undergo observation

A Fitchburg man has been sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for 30 days observation following an altercation with state police.

Jon P. Robillard, 20, of 32 Burnap St., Fitchburg, was arrested at 6:40 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of Routes 12 and 13 and charged with assault with intent to commit murder, assault and battery on a police officer, larceny of a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol, and a variety of other motor vehicle infractions, according to state police.

A state trooper at the Leominster barracks said Trooper Mark Caponette had stopped the AMC Spirit after learning the car had been reported stolen. He was assisted at the scene by staff Sgt. James Comerford and Trooper Paul Russell. According to state police, Robillard became combative, attacked the troopers and tried to bite them. He was taken into custody, and held for arraignment yesterday in Leominster District Court, state police said.

May 13, 1990

COURT LOG

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Leominster May 7 Judge Daniel F. Toomey

Jon Paul Robillard, 21, 32 Burnap St., Fitchburg had four counts of assault with intent to murder dismissed at the request of the Commonwealth. The charges stemmed from a March 8 incident involving staff Sgt. James Comerford, Trooper Mark A. Caponette, Trooper Jeffrey Joachim and Trooper Colin McCauley, all members of the state police.

Robillard was found guilty on a charge of larceny of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 18 months in the House of Corrections. He was credited with 60 days, time served. On a charge of assault and battery on a police officer (Sgt. Comerford), he was found guilty and received a six-month sentence. On a charge of operating under the influence, he was found guilty and received a six-month sentence.

Robillard also was found guilty of operating a motor vehicle without a license. The charge was filed. For a charge of attaching plates to a motor vehicle, he was found guilty and the was filed. A responsible finding was rendered for the civil violation of operating an unregistered motor vehicle. 

March 2, 1990

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)

DUDLEY James D. Comerford and Joyce E. Comerford to Denise G. and William M. Henry, 9 Wysocki Dr., 57,000.  

May 5, 1991

DONALD COMERFORD, 75

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)

MARLBORO - Donald J. Comerford, 75, of 74 Essex St. died yesterday in Marlboro Hospital after an illness.

He leaves his wife, Isabel E. (Rowe) Comerford; five sons, James D. and David J. Comerford, both of Marlboro, Michael R. Comerford of Weare, N.H., Philip J. Comerford of Gilbertville, and Harry T. Comerford of Hardwick; two daughters, Mary I. Giancola of Marlboro and Donna E. Messier of Shrewsbury; a brother, William Comerford of Clinton; two sisters, Sister Mary Edith, with the Sisters of the Presentation in Leominster, and Mary Valentine of Lancaster; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces. Mr. and Mrs. Comerford observed their 51st wedding anniversary Jan. 30. He was born in Worcester, son of Harry and Lena (Rivard) Comerford, and lived here 50 years.

He worked as a supervisor in the street division of Commonwealth Gas Co. in Southboro for 25 years. He retired in 1978.

Mr. Comerford was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the Happy Hollow Club and Marlboro Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a member and past chief steward of Local 12009, United Steelworkers of America, in Southboro.

The funeral will be held Tuesday from John P. Rowe Funeral Home, 57 Main St., with a Mass at 9 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 22 Prospect St. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow.

February 8, 2004

Isabel E. (Rowe) Comerford, 93

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)

MARLBOROUGH Isabel E. (Rowe) Comerford, 93, of Marlborough died Friday (Feb. 6, 2004) at UMass Memorial Health System-Marlboro Hospital after an illness.

Her husband of 51 years Donald J. Comerford died in 1991.

She leaves her children; Toni E. Lind and husband Donald of Marlboro, Mary I. Giancola and husband Fred of Marlboro, Donna E. Messier and husband Charles of Shrewsbury, James D. Comerford and his wife Joyce of Hudson, Michael R. Comerford of Manchester, N.H., Philip J. Comerford of St. Petersburg, Fl., Harry T. Comerford and wife Jean of Hardwich, and David J. Comerford of Portland, OR. Also leaves 22 grandchildren: Peter Lind, Molly Lind, Jay Lind, Amy Katsis, Ellen Terrio, Kerry Emick, Jamey Giancola, Jeanne DeMalia, Susan Stitham, Donna Sapienza, Kelly Shom, John Comerford, Donald Comerford, Tammy Hedderig, Heidi Snook, Candice Comerford, Katie Comerford, Willie Comerford, Waylon Comerford, Wade Comerford, Marcella Comerford and Liam Comerford. Aso leaves 24 Great grandchildren.

She was born in Marlborough daughter of the late Thomas C. and Mary J. (Keane) Rowe and lived most of her life in Marlborough.

She was a 1928 graduate of Marlborough High School and also was a 1931 graduate of St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in Long Island, N.Y.

She was a registered nurse for many years at the former Westboro State Hospital and previously was a nurse at St. John’s Hospital in N.Y. and also at Marlborough Hospital.

She was a member of St. Ann’s Church and a member of the Marlboro Nurses Club. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She also dabbled in antiques at the former Church Street Market in Marlborough.

Funeral will be held at 9 A.M. Tuesday (Feb. 10, 2004) from the John P. Rowe Funeral Home Inc., 57 Main St., Marlborough with a Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Ann Church, Lincoln St., Marlborough. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Marlborough.

Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday 3 TILL 8 P.M.

Flowers may be sent or memorial donations may be made to; St. Ann’s Memorial Fund, 466 Lincoln St., Marlborough, MA 01752 or to charity of one’s own choice.