Thanks to the generosity of the Stevens Family Foundation and supporters like you, our community raised more than $30,000 last month to support the families of fallen active-duty police officers and firefighters across Massachusetts – funds that will directly support families who have lost a loved one.In May alone, Massachusetts lost four firefighters and one State Trooper—men who dedicated their lives to protecting others and whose families are now facing profound loss. These tragedies are a stark reminder of why the Hundred Club of Massachusetts exists.Because of your support, we are able to respond when families need us most. Your generosity provides immediate financial assistance, compassionate outreach, and the reassurance that their loved one’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. While we wish these calls never had to come, we are grateful that, together, we can fulfill a promise to these families: that they will never face their loss alone and will always have the strength and support of the Hundred Club community behind them.
With gratitude,
Tracie A. Hines
Executive Director
Since our last newsletter, the Massachusetts firefighting community has endured the heartbreaking loss of four firefighters. Neil Leonard, Jim Emerton, and Paul Smyth each faced courageous battles with cancer, while Firefighter Robert Kilduff Jr. was lost while battling a fire in Dorchester. The Boston Fire Department laid him to rest on June 1, 2026. As we reflect on his service, our hearts are with all the families of the fallen heroes we have lost. Whether their passing occurred in the line of duty or after a courageous battle, each life mattered, each sacrifice was significant, and each family deserves our remembrance and support.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn alongside their families, friends, and fellow firefighters across the Commonwealth. At the same time, we are continually inspired by our mission and stand ready to respond, honoring their sacrifice by supporting their families – and ensuring that their service is never forgotten.
This spring, the Hundred Club of Massachusetts had the pleasure of spending meaningful time in Western Massachusetts. An area of the Commonwealth we do not get to visit nearly as often as we would like.
During our trip, we hosted a wonderful community event that gave us the opportunity to meet constituents, supporters, and members of the both the police and fire communities from that part of the state. It was a heartfelt reminder that the mission of the Hundred Club reaches far beyond any one city or town and that support for our police officers, firefighters, and their families extends across all of Massachusetts.
We were also honored to visit six different police and fire stations throughout the region, bringing treats and, more importantly, offering our gratitude in person to the brave men and women who serve their communities every day. Our visits included stops in Holyoke, where we had the opportunity to speak at the Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police meeting, as well as Southampton and Chicopee.
We had the privilege of sharing dinner with beneficiaries from Western Massachusetts. It was an evening filled with laughter, meaningful conversation, and genuine connection. So much so that we could have talked long into the night. With us was Carla Ambrose and Claire Mawaka. Carla lost her husband, Kevin on June 4, 2012, and Claire lost her husband Paul on October 30, 1973. We are continually inspired by the strength, resilience, and warmth of these remarkable families. We also had the opportunity to check in with other families throughout our visit bringing flowers and saying hello.
Every department, supporter and family member welcomed us warmly, and we left feeling deeply appreciative of the kindness, hospitality, and dedication we witnessed throughout Western Massachusetts.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with us and share in our mission.
At 95 years old, Rosemarie DeSantis remains a remarkable part of the Hundred Club of Massachusetts family as one of our oldest living beneficiaries, and a living connection to a promise we have kept to her family for more than four decades.
Rosemarie and Lou DeSantis’ story begins in 1947 at a dance at City Hall in Revere. She was just 17, Lou was 22, and from that moment on, their lives were intertwined. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, and service, raising three children, Lou, Donna, and Debra.
Before becoming a firefighter, Lou worked in a factory. A job he never loved but did to support his family. One day, he came home and told Rosemarie he wanted something more meaningful. He wanted to become a firefighter. And he did. At 40 years old – considered older for the profession at the time – Lou began a 21-year career with the Revere Fire Department.
Lou was known not only for his dedication on the job, but for who he was off it. He was a devoted husband and father, a man who found joy in simple things like playing horseshoes, working on crossword puzzles, and showing off his skills as a talented ping pong player. At the firehouse, he was the cook, best known for his split pea soup. Like many firefighters, Lou also worked a second job, driving a limousine to the airport, a role he loved because it gave him the chance to meet new people.
He was also a decorated veteran, having served in the Marines and receiving a Purple Heart. His bravery extended into his work as a firefighter, where he was recognized by the City of Revere for his brave actions during a multi-family residential fire in 1976.
In 1986, Lou lost his life while responding to a brush fire in Revere – a call his Beechmont station was dispatched to only because the company normally assigned to that area was already tied up on another call. It’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the job, and the sacrifices made without hesitation.
When Lou’s life was cut short, the loss was not only emotional, it was also financial. With his regular income suddenly gone, the future was uncertain. That’s when the Hundred Club of Massachusetts stepped in to provide immediate financial support for Rosemarie. She has been a part of the Hundred Club family ever since.
The DeSantis family attended their first Hundred Club Christmas party in 1986, where they were personally welcomed by Founder, Norman Knight. From that moment on, they became part of a community that would stand beside them for decades. Lou’s children still fondly remember the experiences made possible through the Hundred Club like trips to Fenway Park to watch Roger Clemens pitch, moments that brought joy during difficult times.
Today, 40 years later, that promise continues.
Rosemarie still receives annual birthday gifts, regular check-in calls throughout the year, and invitations to events and outings like the Holiday Pops Concert. These are small but meaningful reminders that Lou’s service and her family’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. The Hundred Club’s commitment is not just immediate; it is lifelong.
Lou’s legacy lives in many ways. At Revere High School, a scholarship in his name ensures that future generations will know his story. More importantly, his legacy lives on through his family, Rosemarie, their three children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
And it lives on in the promise we continue to keep.
Thank you to all of our members who stand with our families every step of the way. Today, tomorrow, and always, you embody our motto – “we care for those who care for us.”
The Hundred Club of Massachusetts is proud to welcome TD&I Truck Diagnostics and Inspections, Douglas A. King Builders, and Choice Insurance as our newest Business Members.
Their commitment to supporting the families of fallen active-duty police officers and firefighters helps strengthen our mission and ensures that no family walks their journey alone. We are grateful for their partnership and their investment in the communities they serve.
Thank you for joining the Hundred Club family!
Registration for the 2026 JGPR Golf Tournament in support of the Hundred Club of Massachusetts will open on April 6, and spots will fill quickly.
This highly anticipated event brings together supporters, partners, and friends for a day of camaraderie, competition, and meaningful impact. Every swing taken on the course helps us continue our mission of supporting the families of fallen active-duty police officers and firefighters across Massachusetts.
In addition to a fantastic day on the course, this tournament will feature some exciting highlights. We’re especially thrilled to share that one of our generous members is sponsoring a hole with a chance to win $50,000. So, start practicing as this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
More details about this exciting contest and other event features will be shared soon, but for now, mark your calendars and get ready to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable day. You can register for this event HERE. We are incredibly grateful to JGPR and all those who help make this event possible. Your support ensures that we can continue to stand by the families we serve, today and into the future.
A heartfelt thank you to Jeff Pugliese from the Watertown Fire Department and owner of Legendary Parties for hosting this wonderful community event. While Mother Nature required us to be flexible, it certainly didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Families came out in force and enjoyed an unforgettable day filled with Touch-a-Trucks, ice cream trucks, face painting, balloon artistry, and so much more.
It was a fantastic celebration of community, families, and our local heroes. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special.
| Becoming a member of the Hundred Club of Massachusetts is a meaningful way to stand beside the families of fallen active-duty police officers and firefighters across the Commonwealth. Whether you are an active or retired first responder, a community member, or a business looking to make a lasting impact, your membership helps provide ongoing support, compassion, and stability to the families we serve during their most difficult times. Every membership strengthens our mission and reminds these families that they will never face their journey alone. |
Gift by Will (Bequest)
You can include the Hundred Club of Massachusetts in your will or trust by naming us as a beneficiary. Whether you choose a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other distributions, your legacy can have a lasting impact.
Retirement Assets (IRA or Employer Plans)
Designating the Hundred Club of Massachusetts as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b), is a simple and impactful way to give. In some cases, this approach may also offer tax advantages.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
We gratefully accept gifts made through donor-advised funds. To make a contribution, simply recommend a grant to the Hundred Club of Massachusetts through your fund sponsor. If you would like your gift to support a specific program, you may include that designation in your recommendation.
Please note: final approval of grants is determined by your DAF sponsor
