Milton Edward Twining

Milton Edward Twining, 91, a lifelong resident of Springfield, died late Sunday evening, March 31, 2019 at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born and educated in Springfield, one of fifteen children to the late Clifford D. and Gertrude E. (Knowlton) Twining. Milton immediately joined the war effort enlisting in the Navy during WWII and was stationed in Guam. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. Upon his honorable discharge from active service he returned home to civilian life where he was employed as a mechanic and machinist for many years, and more recently until his retirement as a well-known handyman in the Greater Springfield area. Milton was the devoted husband and best friend of 65 years to the late Nina H. (Plumb) Twining, one of the original “Breck Girls” who died in August of 2018.  He leaves seven loving children, Jeffrey E. Twining and his wife Trish of Feeding Hills, Steven M. Twining of Springfield, Jody W. Santanella and her husband Nick of Fort Pierce, FL, Michael J. Twining of Wilbraham, Sally D. LaPorte and her husband James of Springfield, Daniel P. Twining and his wife Annie of Belchertown, and Jason A. Twining and his wife Frances of Springfield; his former daughter-in-law, Bonnie Twining of Ludlow; a brother, Richard Twining of Georgia; four sisters, Judy Beaudet and her husband Roger of NH, Jean Carriere of Sunrise, FL, Beverly Drover of Uxbridge, and Doris Berard and her husband Pete of Woonsocket, RI; 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Milton was predeceased by a son, David M. Twining, his six brothers and three sisters. His family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers including his neighbors, Barbara Dupre and her son Robert, his nephew Sonny Twining, and Sheryl and Pam from Beacon Hospice.  Relatives and friends may call on Friday morning, April 5th from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM with a service beginning at 11:00 AM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St., with burial and Military Honors to follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker St., both in Springfield. Contributions in Milton’s memory may be directed to the charity of one’s choice. For more information, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com