Edward Gillooly
GE Retiree and Horseracing Fan
Edward Gillooly, a resident of Westborough, formerly of Salem and Chelsea, died on September 7. He was 89 years old.
Born in Chelsea on August 1, 1923, the son of Charles and Rose (Capistran) Gillooly, he was raised in Chelsea and attended Chelsea High School before enrolling in the Armed Forces in 1941. He originally enlisted in the National Guard as World War II heated up in Europe but ultimately served for several years with the US Marines aboard the USS Cleveland which supported numerous troop landings in the Pacific. Mr. Gillooly fought as part of battles in New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines and spent time in Australia, earning several medals for his wartime service.
Upon returning from war, he began a 38 year career with General Electric, working as a quality control inspector in the engine plant in Lynn and turbine plant in Everett. He retired from GE in 1986.
An avid horseracing fan, Mr. Gilooly spent many days at Suffolk Downs where he had worked in the stables during his youth. He was once asked to become a jockey due to his appropriate stature but was ultimately prevented from doing so by his parents. Mr. Gillooly and his family visited many of the tracks across the United States on vacations, including Gulfstream, Saratoga, Rockingham and others.
He is survived by his two sons, Edward and John and their wives, Kathy and Deborah; a brother, Joseph and his wife, Mary; six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by three spouses, Margaret, Jeanette and Frances; two brothers, Francis, who was killed in action during World War II and Charles and two sisters, Winifred and Beatrice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Murphy Funeral Home, Salem. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. For online guest book or additional information, please call 978-744-0497 or visit: www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.
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John Donarumo
Hairstylist, Sports Fan, Musician and Cary Square Associates Member
John M. Donarumo, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, died unexpectedly on September 7 at the Beth Israel Deacon Medical Center in Boston. He was 78 years old.
Born in Winthrop, he was a hair stylist all of his life, retiring just a few years ago. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed playing golf, photography, piano, the accordion and was a proud member of the Cary Square Associates since the 1950’s.
He was the devoted husband of Marie A. (Caggiano); beloved father of John Vincent Donarumo and his wife, Marcia Webb-Donarumo of Templeton, Robert J. Donarumo and his wife, Cindy (Wilson) of Chelsea and the late Paul R. Donarumo; loving brother of Diane Martinello of Peabody; cherished grandfather of Sara J. Donarumo of Chelsea, Julia M. Donarumo of Templeton, Hayley A. Donarumo of Chelsea, Victoria M. Donarumo, Clothilde M. Donarumo and Nicolo D. Donarumo, all of Templeton. He is also lovingly survived by his aunt, Viola Stratos of Chelsea as well as 18 nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements were by the Smith Funeral Home, Chelsea. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. To send a message of condolence to his family, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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Lynda Slevoski
Human Resources VP of Associated Industries of Massachusetts
Lynda M. (Kirchner) Slevoski of Georgetown died on September 8 in her home with her loving family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 63 years old.
She was born May 10, 1949 in Chelsea, daughter of the late Doris A. Glennon, graduated from Chelsea High and She School, class of 1967. After high school, she met and She married the love of her life, the late Charles W. Slevoski. For the last 18 years, she was Vice President of Human Resources at Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Throughout her professional career she was blessed to make many lifelong relationships. She became known amongst her peers as “the hotline queen” for her extensive knowledge of the industry and problem solving ability. Lynda’s passions were her family, her career, shopping, and her large iced coffee every morning. Nothing brought more of a smile to her face than her children and grandchildren, as she did for them as well.
She is survived by her two loving sons, Walter C. and his wife, Denise (Tebbets) Slevoski of Merrimac, MA and Kurt M. and his wife, Kathy (Savage) Slevoski of Georgetown. She was the grandmother of Nicholas B., Peyton E., Logan W., Jake C., Abigail M., and Trevor M. Slevoski; sister of Kenneth Kirchner of Texas, Drusella Pegnato of Salem, Roberta Lea of Nashua, NH, and Robert C. Meuse Jr. of Saugus and her sisters in law, Barbara Dunn of Everett and Ruthann Carbone of Billerica, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Merton E. Roberts Jr. & Conte Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant St. Georgetown, MA 01833. At the request of the family, funeral services and burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society PO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com.
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Osias DaSilva
Osias DaSilva died on September 9 surrounded by his loving family.
He was the beloved husband of Maria Amelia DaSilva; devoted father of Tiago, Fabio, Debora and Kelly and cherished grandfather of Ana Clara, Emily, Louise, Carolina and Mariana.
A period of memorial visitation was held in the Chapel of the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston.
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James Twomey
Of Revere, Formerly of Chelsea
James J. Twomey of Revere, formerly of Chelsea, died on September 6.
A US Navy veteran of World War II, he was the devoted father of James A. Twomey and his wife, Frances of Methuen, Deborah McNall of Maine and Darlene Twomey of New Hampshire; dear brother of Margaret Skurski of Revere and the late Patricia Bowman; cherished grandfather of 10 grandchildren and the late Richard McNall and eight great grandchildren. He was the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne. For guestbook, please visit: www.vazzafunerals.com.
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Orlando Castro
Retired Environmental Worker, Active at Chelsea Senior Center
Orlando J. Castro of Chelsea, a retired environmental worker, died after a long illness on September 2 at the Eastpointe Rehabilitation Center in Chelsea where he has been receiving supportive care for the past two years. He was 86 years old.
Born and raised in Habana, Cuba, in 1951 he married Barbara Fernandez and began raising their family of two sons. He came to the United States in 1971 and settled in Chelsea. After the 1973 Chelsea Fire he relocated to Tampa, Florida in search of employment to better support his family. When the company he was working for moved to Texas, he decided to return his family to the northeast settling in Stoneham and working for the New England Memorial Hospital Environmental Services. He retired in 1989 after working with the hospital for 11 years.
He and his wife returned to Chelsea where he was an active member at the Chelsea Senior Center where he enjoyed playing cards, dominos and checkers. At home he was an avid sports fan. He briefly moved to South Carolina with his son who helped care for his aging father.
Two years ago he took residence at the Eastpointe facility in Chelsea cared for by staff and his devoted wife.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara (Fernandez) Castro of Chelsea; his loving children: Orlando E. Castro and his wife, Luisa A. of Chelsea, Ricardo L. Castro of Greenville SC; cherished granddaughters; Isbel Modica and Elizabeth Castro Diaz and two adoring great-grandchildren, George Mario Modica and Isabella Luisa Modica.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Rose Church on September 6. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. To send expressions of sympathy, please visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea.
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Karen White
Former Model and Chelsea District Court Assistant Magistrate
Karen A. White, a lifelong Revere resident, died at her home on September 6. She was 64 years old.
Born in Everett, she was the daughter of Margaret White of Revere and the late former Mayor and City Councilor Edward White. A graduate of Immaculate Conception High School and Endicott College, she worked for more than 30 years at the Chelsea District Courthouse as the Assistant Clerk Magistrate. A former model and known as a slave to fashion, she loved to travel.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her son Christopher and her companion and caregiver Arthur Argenzio of Revere; her sister Janet Case of Virginia and her brother Edward White of Revere and is also survived by an uncle, aunt, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral arrangements were the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. For condolences, www.BisbeePorcella.com.
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Mary Congiliando
Homemaker
Sheila Mary (Kane) Congiliando of Maple Glen, PA and Revere, formerly of Chelsea, died at home on September 5 after a brief illness. She was 66 years old.
A homemaker, she was born in Chelsea, the daughter of the late James F and Helen (Mullen) Kane and was a graduate St Rose High School.
She was the beloved wife of Ernest J.; devoted mother of Ernest J. III and his wife, Jennifer and Stephen R. Congiliando, all of Pennsylvania; dear sister of James “Jess” Kane and his wife, Andrea of Mashpee, Eileen Dannenberg of Revere and Owen Kane of Saugus; sister in law of Robert and Margaret Power of Wilmington and loving aunt “known as Aunt Pixie” of Genevieve, Vanessa, Julia, Lauren, Jamie, Jeremy and Cara.
Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. For guest book please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.
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Roy Gurkin
Chelsea School System Retiree, Member of Cary Square Associates
Roy W. Gurkin, a lifelong Chelsea resident, died unexpectedly at home on September 4. He was 75 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, he was the son of the late Roy and Anne (Burke) Gurkin. He attended St. Rose Elementary School and was a graduate of Chelsea High School. After high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country during the Vietnam Era. He was honorably discharged in 1966.
He worked for the City of Chelsea for over 20 years for the Chelsea Public School System, retiring just over 13 years ago. A longtime member of the Cary Square Associates, he enjoyed baseball, reading his daily newspapers and travelling with this family to Hawaii.
He was the loving son of the late Roy and Anne (Burke) Gurkin; dear brother of Jack Gurkin and his wife, Ethel of Needham and Patricia Marsters of Avon and her late husband, William; cherished uncle of Frank, Debbie and Steven Murphy, Patty Blais, Susan, Katie and John Gurkin, Joanne Butler, Jeannie Burke and the late Jimmy Murphy. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Rose Church on Monday, September 10th. Services concluded with Military Honors and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. To send expressions of sympathy, please visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home.
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Miram Smith
Winthrop Resident
Miriam Smith of Winthrop died on August 24. She was 71 years old.
She was the devoted mother of Jeffrey L. Smith, Howard M. Smith, and Anna G. Smith; loving daughter of the late Charles and Esther (Melniker) Smith; dear sister of Sandra King; loving grandmother of Eric Fabrizio, Michael Fabrizio Smith, Salvatore Rinaldi and Angelina Rinaldi and great grandmother of Julian Fabrizio Smith and Lillee Fabrizio Smith. She was the dear niece of Morris Melniker, loving cousin of Ann Maddaford and is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral arrangements were by the Torf Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. Burial was at Chevra Mishna Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, MA Division, 9 Riverside Road, Weston, MA 02493.
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Elizabeth Little
Died On Her 57th Birthday
Elizabeth (O’Hara) Little died on her 57th birthday, September 4 in Revere.
She was the beloved wife of Joseph G. Little; cherished mother of Shannon P. O’Hara and her fiancé, Jonathan V. Stasio and Joseph G. Little Jr., all of Revere; dear sister of Judith A. “Judy” Violette of Ipswich, Eileen O’Hara of Chelsea, Paula G. Zarni and her husband, James A. of Revere and the late Dennis O’Hara and is also lovingly survived by her granddaughter, Lydia E. O’Hara and her nieces, Janna, Jessica and Katie. She was the daughter of the late Revere patrolman Vincent J. O’Hara and the late Margaret Y. (Donovan) O’Hara.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio and Smith Home for Funerals Revere. Memorial donations may be made to the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell, 350 South Huntington Ave. Boston Ma 02130-9923. For information, visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com
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George Janvrin
Of Everett, formerly of Revere
George F. Janvrin of Everett, formerly of Revere, died on September 3.
A US Navy Vietnam veteran, he was the beloved husband of Diane (Iannetti); loving father of William Janvrin of Chelsea and his companion, Rhonda Kerivan and Janine Sullivan and her husband, Patrick of Saugus; cherished grandfather of Olivia, Lily, Lilah, Taylor and Emily; brother of the late Robert Janvrin, son in law of Rita Iannetti of Chelsea, nephew of Alexander Crucioli of Chelsea and is also survived by brothers and sisters in laws nieces, nephews and many caring neighbors.
Funeral arrangements were by the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For condolences: www.BisbeePorcella.com.
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Bernard DeWolfe, Sr.
Of Florida, formerly of Chelsea
Bernard J. DeWolfe, Sr. of Florida died on September 4. He was 84 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, “Bernie” later lived in Weymouth before moving to Florida 32 years ago. He proudly served in the US Army during World War II and worked as an insurance auditor for Shelby Mutual for more than 30 years, retiring in 1993. He was an avid New England sports fan and enjoyed playing softball, pool and spending summers at his family home in Mt. Snow, Vermont.
He was the beloved husband of Grace (Maloney) DeWolfe of Florida; devoted father of Bruce DeWolfe and his wife, Elaine of Raynham, Bernard J. DeWolfe, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen of Holbrook, Lisa Clark and her husband, Kevin of Pembroke, Brian DeWolfe and his wife, Christianne of Florida, Denise Gomes and her husband, Michael of Raynham, David DeWolfe Christopher DeWolfe and his wife, Erika, Paul DeWolfe and his wife, Tonya and Sean DeWolfe, all of Florida and Michael DeWolfe of New Jersey. He was predeceased by four sisters and one brother and was the cherished “Grampy” of 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Funeral arrangements were by the McDonald Funeral Home, South Weymouth. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. See www.McDonald-FuneralHomes.com for online condolences or call 781-335-0045.
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Catherine ‘Vera’ Breslin
Lifelong Chelsea Resident
Catherine “Vera” (McBride) Breslin, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, died on August 31. She was 87 years old.
She was the wife of the late Arthur L. Breslin, Sr., with whom she shared 64 years of marriage; devoted mother of Joanne B. Luti of Chelsea, Arthur L. Breslin, Jr. and his wife, Diane of Connecticut, George J. Breslin and his wife, Janis of Wilmington; daughter of the late Michael J. and Katherine (Hughes) McBride; sister of Ruth T. Mosey of Tewksbury, Margaret “Elaine” Nevin of Roslindale and the late James, Ivan, Gerald McBride, Mary Brosseau and Evelyn Pascowski. She is also lovingly survived by six grandchildren, Dennis J. Luti and his wife, Caitlin of Danvers, Kristen and Ryan Breslin of Wilmington, Lauren, Shannon and Patrick Breslin of Connecticut and four great-grandchildren, Noelle, Matthew, Jason and Joseph.
Funeral arrangements were by the William R. Carafa & Son Home For Funerals, Chelsea. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.