Laurel Shaughnessy
Former Chelsea resident
Laurel B. Shaughnessy passed away on Saturday evening, February 11 at the Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, NH after a brief illness. She was in her 100th year.
Born in Chelsea in 1917, she was one of five children of the late Peter and Malgorzeta (Gaska) Balon. She attended St. Stanislaus Parochial school and graduated from Chelsea High School. She was married to William A. Shaughnessy and together shared over 50 years of marriage up to the time of Bill’s passing in 1992. A devoted housewife and mother of three, Laurel also worked outside of her home as an Office Clerk for Leonard Silver. A former resident of Chelsea, she and her husband resided for a time in Marblehead and West Peabody and spent their winters in Naples, Florida. Later she settled in Salem and recently in Charlestown, New Hampshire.
In addition to her parents and husband, Laurel was also preceded in death by several siblings; the late Blanche Socha, Stanley and Chester Balon. She was the cherished mother to William A. Shaughnessy and his wife, Sally of Maine, Patricia Shaughnessy of Charlestown, NH and Edward Shaughnessy and his wife, Jill of Melrose; devoted grandmother to Patrick and Gisela Shaughnessy, Ryan and Christopher Young, Reza and Claire Marukelli, Josh, Shelly and Cecilia Marukelli, Rebeccah Shaughnessy, and by extension to Victoria and Todd Prouty; and loving great grandmother to Perry and Meghan Shaughnessy, Shauna and Sofia Marukelli and by extension to Jacob and Charlie Prouty. She is survived by her only surviving sibling, her brother, Alfred Balon of Lexington, MA.
Her Funeral will be held from Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, today, Thursday, February 16, at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Stanislaus Church, 163 Chestnut St., Chelsea at 9:30 a.m. Services will conclude with Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Stanislaus Church, or to the USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus, 39 East 83rdStreet, New York, NY 10028.
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Malcom Bruce, Sr.
1979 Chelsea Person of the Year
Malcolm “Mal’ R. Bruce, Sr. passed away after a long illness on Sunday, February 12 at the Alliance Health Care Facility in Braintree. He was 88 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, a son of the late Robert and Ruth Bruce, he attended local schools and graduated from Boston Trade High School. After a graduation, he started working at Forbes Llithograph in Chelsea. Three years later he enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1952 at the rank of PFC, returned home to Chelsea and resumed his employment at Forbes Lithograph.
He married the former Mary T. Crowley and they made their home in Chelsea raising their family of two sons and four daughters residing most of his life on Webster Avenue in the same neighborhood of his own earlier childhood. Mal was hired as a teller at the former Broadway National Bank and rose to the position of head teller. To further support his family, Mal held second jobs tending bar at Ed’s Grill on Broadway and lastly at the Avon Café on Eastern Avenue.
Mal was very much involved in Chelsea Little League volunteering as league treasurer and coaching in the minor league segment. He was also a member, past president and treasurer of the Merritt’s S and A Club. He was honored in 1979 as Chelsea Person of the year. His hobbies include horseshoe pitching, bowling, swimming, playing bocce and entertaining friends with his musical spoons. After retiring, he and his wife settled in Braintree several years ago. He also initiated a senior’s bocce league at the Braintree senior center.
He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Mary T. (Crowley) Bruce at home in Braintree. He was the dearly devoted father of Terri Perrotta and her husband, Tom of Tewksbury, Sandra Moore and her husband, Richard of Lynn, Linda MacLellan and her husband, Martin of Braintree, Malcom Bruce with Susan Antosca of Chelsea, Alyce Russo and her husband, Vincent of Revere and Tom Bruce and his wife, Anna of Middleton; dear brother and brother-in-law of Martha Greene of Londonderry, Fred Bruce of Quincy, Tom Crowley and his wife, Sue of Florida, Alice Ferris and her husband, Tom of Lawrence, Eddie Gill of Weymouth and the late Robert Bruce, Caroline Gill and Ethel Sullivan. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held from the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea today, Thursday, February 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend. His Funeral will be held from the Welsh Funeral Home on Friday, February 17 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Rose Church, 600 Broadway Chelsea at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Funeral Home fully handicap accessible, ample parking opposite Funeral Home.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc.
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Rose LoPilato
February 03, 1922 – February 09, 2017
Rose LoPilato passed away suddenly at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Thursday evening, February 9. She was 95 years old.
Born and raised in Boston’s North End, she was a lifelong resident of that historic Boston neighborhood. One of three children born to the late John and Catherine Tenore, she attended Boston public schools and received her high school diploma from Boston. She married Pasquale “Pat” Lopilato and resided in the same North End apartment for many years. She was widowed in 1989. Rose worked as an office clerk with Tabor Custom Stamp Co. in Boston.
In addition ot her parents and husband, Rose was preceded in death by her brother and sister; Mary Fischer and Rocco “Tommy” Tenore and her nephew, Robert Fischer. She is survived by her beloved nieces and their husbands; Flavia Siuda and her husband, Thomas of Methuen, Gail Iebba and her husband, Armand of Reading, Janet Gottlieb and her husband, John of New York and one sister-in-law, Grace Tenore of Saugus. She was the adored great aunt of Jennifer Scott, Thomas Siuda, Sarah and Joshua Gottlieb, Francesca and Nicholas Iebba and is also survived by several great-great grand nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Following a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Grace Church, Chelsea, interment was at St, Michael Cemetery. Roslindale.
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Agnes Drigotas
Retired home health aide of Lynn, formerly of Chelsea
Agnes M. Drigotas of Lynn, a former longtime resident of Chelsea, died at home on February 5 surrounded by her loving family who were giving her supportive care as her illness progressed. She was 78 years old.
Prior to her retirement, she worked as a health aide for 11 years at Inter City Homemakers and then another 11 years at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
She was the devoted wife of the late Joseph S. Drigotas, beloved mother of Joseph Drigotas and his wife, Rochelle of Lynn and Christopher Drigotas of Roslindale and the sister of Joseph Doherty of Saugus.
Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Celebration of her Life on Saturday, February 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. with prayers being offered at 2:30 p.m. Committal Services are private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.To send a message of condolence to her family, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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Anthony ‘Icky’ DiMonte
Retired barber
Anthony “Icky” DiMonte of Chelsea, formerly of Revere, died unexpectedly on February 8 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 73 years old.
“Icky” lived in Revere for most of his life before moving to Chelsea more than 15 years ago. He spent most of his working career as a barber for several local shops.
The beloved son of the late Angelo and Rosaria (Riccio) DiMonde, he was the devoted father to Melissa Delmonte of South Boston; the cherished brother of: Jean Barrett of Norward, Pasquale Dimonte of Seabrook, NH, Anna Rotondo of Saugus, Gloria M. Ferullo, Lena Spagnola, and Rose Festa, all of Revere and the late Angelo and George DiMonte, Marie M. DiMonte, Margaret DiMonte and Antonetta Lea. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 50 Walnut Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. For additional information, visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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Francis ‘Frank’ Konieczny
Retired Chelsea Police Officer; member of the Star of Bethlehem, A.F. & A.M. and the Medford American Legion Post
Francis ‘Frank’ Konieczny passed away Wednesday evening, February 8 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston surrounded by his loving family. He was 65 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, the son of the late Edward and Anna (Niedzwicki) Konieczny, Frank attended Chelsea Public Schools and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1969. He attended classes at the North Shore Community College for two years.
On September 11, 1972, Frank enlisted in the US Air Force and served during the Vietnam era. He was honorably discharged from the service on February 11, 1974 but remained in the Air Force reserves for an additional four years. Frank served and protected the city he grew up in as a police officer for the Chelsea Police Department. He dedicated 29 years of service before retiring in 2012. He was a member of the Star of Bethlehem, A.F. & A.M. and the American Legion Medford Post. Frank has been residing in Stoneham for 10 years but was a previous resident of Melrose and an active member of the Cliftondale Congregational Church in Saugus.
The beloved husband of Pamela (Fallstich) Konieczny with whom he shared 41 years of marriage, he was the devoted father of Jacob E. Konieczny and his wife, Kristina of Stoneham and Aimee A. Konieczny of Somerville; dear brother of Edward L. Konieczny and his wife, Judy of California and is also lovingly survived by one grandson, George Konieczny and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted at the Cliftondale Congregational Church, 50 Essex St., Saugus on Monday, February 13. Interment followed the service at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. Arrangements were by the Carafa Family Funeral Home, Chelsea.
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William ‘Buck’ Mugford
World War II veteran of battles at Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima; outstanding Captain of the State Champion Chelsea High School Football Team of 1939
William C., “Buck” Mugford of Chelsea passed away peacefully on February 4. He was 96 years old.
The devoted husband of the late Phyllis (Gillette), he was an extremely proud U.S. Marine who fiercely defended our country during the World War II Pacific Campaign in battles at Saipan, Tinian and the most treacherous, Iwo Jima.
Buck, as he was known to most of his friends, was born in Chelsea in 1921. He was a devoted son to his father, Ben, and his mother, Florence, and a steadfast brother to his other five. Attending Chelsea High School, he was an outstanding athlete, lettering in several sports, but showing his tremendous talent on the football field, where he helped lead his senior year team as a bruising fullback and excellent punter to the state championship in 1939. He would never lose his attachment to those many classmates from that same year.
Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Buck felt it necessary to enlist in the US Marine Corps to help do his part to defend our nation. At this same time, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Gillette. Intelligently moving up through the ranks, he became a highly respected drill instructor, teaching young men the techniques that would perhaps allow them to survive the terrible battles to come. He was not one to stay at home while so many other brave men went to serve overseas. So he volunteered to fight in some of the most devastating battles of the war.
Miraculously, he returned to Phyllis in Chelsea and started a family in 1946. Although a somewhat private man, he would later attribute his war time service as being life altering. Soon after, he found his niche in ironwork and devoted his tireless energy to it for 40 years. During this time, he was an excellent teacher, helping young apprentices to finally hone their ironworking craft. His great love was bridge building and throughout his superintendent tenure, he worked on constructing and repairing many bridges around Massachusetts and out of state. The more challenging the project, the more he enjoyed it.
He also dutifully met the challenges of those less fortunate than he, using his talents as an all around Mr. Fixit to repair broken appliances and give them to needy families in the neighborhood.
After retiring, he and Phyllis devoted time and energy to various political causes and especially to keeping bonded the 39ers organization that brought together his high school senior class members for many years. Another highlight of his retirement was working at Chelsea’s Sokolowski school as a mentor to young children and as a Mr. Fixit, earning him the moniker “Mr. Buck,” out of respect for his care and compassion for the hundreds of children he motivated to achieve success.
His later years were richly filled with the camaraderie he found with many friends who would get together and solve the world’s problems. These friends stayed true to him until the end. At this same time, he would also visit Arizona and spend time with his son Robert and his wife, Sandy, often venturing to Sedona, one of his most favorite places. This wonderful father, husband, and friend will be truly missed.
A celebration of his life was held in the Smith Funeral Home, 125 Washington Avenue, Chelsea on Februry 10 with the Rev. Thomas Coots, who presided over his wife Phyllis’ funeral in 1992 officiating. Committal Services were private. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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John McCarthy
Retired bartender
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours today, Thursday, February 16 from 9 to 11 am. In the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107) Revere for John T. McCarthy who passed on February 11 at his Admiral’s Hill residence in Chelsea following a well fought 10 year battle with metastatic carcinoma.
Born and raised in Revere, he attended Revere High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1950.
All of his life was spent as a senior bartender within the circle of high end supper clubs and lounges in downtown Boston, Gloucester and Florida. He formally retired in 2003.
John had a passion for the “good life,” particularly fine food and wines, dapper clothes and adventurous traveling. He owned a large and wonderful personality, enjoyed many long time friendships and relationships throughout his 84 years.
He was the beloved son of the late Thomas J. and Lillian M. (Burns) McCarthy); the adored brother to Marilyn M. Malone; devoted uncle of Judy H. Rizzo and her husband, David of Peabody, Kathleen Angelini and her husband, Gary and Shawn Cook and her husband, Michael, all of Revere. He is also lovingly survived by four grandnephews: Jason D. Rizzo of Peabody, Nicholas D. Rizzo and his wife, Sarah of Wilmington, Michael Cook and his girlfriend, Colleen of Lynn and Matthew Cook of Revere.
His funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home immediately following the visitation today at 11:15 a.m. All services will conclude with entombment at Holy Cross Community Mausoleum, Nahant. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Fr additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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George LaMonica
Member of the American Legion, Franco American Posts, the DAV and Valladolid Council 70, Knights of Columbus
George J. LaMonica of Peabody died Saturday, February 11 in a local nursing home after a long illness. He was 84 years old.
The husband of the late Gertrude M. (Clark) LaMonica, he was born and raised in Chelsea, the son of the late Joseph and Rose LaMonica. He moved to Lynn in 1960.
A 1952 graduate of Everett Vocational and Trade School, Mr. LaMonica was a US Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. He served with the 3538th Field Maintenance Squadron in the Mather Air Base, California. He was a member of the American Legion Post 6, the AmVets, the Franco- American posts and the DAV. He was a member of the Valladolid Council 70, Knights of Columbus in Lynn since 1963 and played softball with the K of C when younger. He enjoyed square dancing and making model planes. He was employed as a Union Sheet Metal Worker, Sheet Metal Worker’s Local 17, retiring in 1990. After his retirement, he worked as a courier for North Shore Cardiovascular Associates on Highland Avenue in Salem.
Mr. LaMonica is survived by his sons: George LaMonica and his wife, Susan of Lynn, and Stephen LaMonica and his wife, Barbara of Beverly; his grandchildren Linda and Laura LaMonica, his brother, Nicholas Rucci of Philadelphia, his aunt, Gloria LaMonica and his friend, Emma Rossi of Peabody. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Constance Koczrowski and Joseph and Anthony Rucci.
Funeral arrangements were by the Solimine Funeral Home, Lynn. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. The family prefers donations be made to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108. For guestbook, visit: www.solimine.com