Dr. Alphonse M. "Al" Tatarunis

Dr. Alphonse M. “Al” Tatarunis, 96, of Andover, died September 15, 2022 at High Pointe House in Haverhill after a period of declining health. Born January 24, 1926 in Lawrence MA to Mary (Arbocus) and Michael Tatarunis, Al was educated in the Lawrence public schools and then joined the US Army serving in the European theater with the 253rd Infantry, 63rd Division and was a Purple Heart recipient. After the war, he enrolled at Lowell State Teachers College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education and met his future wife, Marcia Lovering with whom he shared 56 years of marriage until her death in 2007.  Post-grad, Al earned a master’s degree from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Education from Boston University.

Al was the Director of Music and Media Services in Danvers, MA until his retirement in 1984.  His interest in helping others led him to his next career as a stress management consultant. He was a partner in the Greater New England Academy of Hypnosis and later founded his own practice, New England Stress Management Center.

In his spare time, Al enjoyed travel, reading, composing music, meditation and singing in the church choir.  He is survived by his son Steven and his wife Celia Atkinson of Methuen, grandson Michael Donahue and his partner Allie Weiner of Tolland CT, grandson Scott Atkinson and his wife Jill of Pelham, NH, great grandchildren Morgan and Bryce Atkinson of Pelham, NH and son in law Darrell Katz of Waltham. Al was pre-deceased by his daughter Dr. Paula Tatarunis and his sister Sophie Sluskonis and her husband Peter.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 10:00 am to Noon followed by a funeral service on Saturday September 24 at Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway in Methuen, MA.  At the request of family, masks should be worn while inside the funeral home.  Burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to High Pointe House, 360 North Ave. Haverhill, MA 01830. To leave an online condolence, please visit Al's  tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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