Obituaries 10-04-2012

Mary Biagiotti

Member of Courageous Generation and Mt. Carmel Society of St. Lazarus Parish

Mary E. (Lotti) Biagiotti of East Boston went home to the lord peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 30.

She was a past member of the Courageous Generation and Mt. Carmel Society of St Lazarus Parish and volunteered for many years at JB Central High School North End with sewing classes.

She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony Biagiotti; devoted mother of Francis Biagiotti and his late wife, Joan, Jayne Biagiotti, Mary Biagiotti and Joseph Biagiotti and his wife, Joy, all of East Boston; cherished sister in law of Ralph Biagiotti of Medford and the late Ida Pienta; adored grandmother of Malinda Pulicari and her husband, Ronald, Anthony Biagiotti and Sarah Biagiotti and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral will be held from the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston on Friday, October 5 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of her life at the Madonna Queen of the Universe Shrine, 150 Orient Ave. East Boston at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m.

In respect for the love and devotion she had for St. Lazarus Parish, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph-St. Lazarus Church, 59 Ashley St., East Boston, ATTN: Building Fund. For more information: www.ruggieromh.com.

Eloise Gilbert Strickland

Longtime Volunteer and member of Winthrop Improvement and Historical Society

Eloise Gilbert Srickland died at her Winthrop home on October 1 after a period of failing health. She was 96 years old.

Born in Waltham, the loving daughter of the late Georgia (Little) and John R. Gilbert, she resided in Waltham for many years prior to moving to Winthrop more than 40 years ago. She was a longtime volunteer at the R.E.W. Healthcare and a member of the Winthrop Improvement & Historical Society.

The beloved wife of the late Gordon Simson and Samuel P. Strickland, she was the devoted mother of John L. Simson and his wife, Paula of Florida, Laurie DeAngelis and her husband, Robert of Lynn and Bruce Simson of Winthrop. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Robert DeAngelis and his wife, Tia Marie and Alexandria DeAngelis.

Services will be conducted at the Ernest P. Caggiano & Son – O’Maley Funeral Home, 147 Winthrop St., Winthrop today, Thursday, October 4 at 10 a.m. followed by burial in the family plot in Mt. Feake Cemetery, Waltham. Relatives and friends are cordially invited. For online condolences go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Rita May

Holocaust Survivor, Organized the First Holocaust Memorial Observance in Winthrop in 1995

Rita May of Medford, formerly of Winthrop, died on October 1. She was 91 years old.

Born on November 1, 1920 in Berlin, Germany, the daughter of Otto and Greta Fromholz, she and her parents fled Germany during the Nazi era and arrived in the United States in 1938.  Rita and her husband, Ralph first settled in New York before moving to Winthrop in 1952.  Together, they owned and operated The Ralph May Organization, Inc., a leather import/export company with international clients and suppliers.  After the death of her husband in 1973, she continued to operate the business for many years with the help of her daughter, Rhona and Barry Thomas.

After retiring from the business, Mrs. May pursued many active passions, including swimming, reading, yoga, traveling, and visiting with friends.  She was also an active patron of the performing arts including music, opera and theater.

In 1993 she returned to Berlin for the first time in 55 years to be welcomed by the city as a Holocaust survivor.  In 1995, Mrs. May organized and led the first ever Holocaust memorial observance in Winthrop in partnership with the public school system. She was a long-time member of Temple Israel in Boston where she was a very close personal friend of many members of the clergy, including Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn.

The education of children was a passion of Mrs. May and was marked by her work as an intergenerational volunteer in the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel in Boston.  She volunteered for many years in the school’s Toddler Room, a passion that was commemorated in 2005 on the occasion of her 85th birthday with the dedication of the room in her honor.  It was not unusual to find Mrs. May dressed in her impeccable style sprawled on the floor with the toddlers, or with one sitting in her lap.

She was the widow of Ralph May and is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rhona May-D’Onofrio and Paul D’Onofrio; two granddaughters, Rebekah May Barkowitz and Danielle May Thomas, a grandson-in-law, Daniel Barkowitz, and three great-granddaughters, Rachel May Barkowitz, Caroline Read Barkowitz and Emma Eloise Driscoll.

Funeral services were held at Levine Chapel in Brookline.   Burial was at Temple Israel Cemetery in Wakefield.  Memorial observance will continue at her former residence, 18 Pitcher Avenue, Medford today, Thursday, October 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Friday October 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 7 from 12 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rita May Toddler Room at the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center of Temple Israel, Boston (477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA  02215) or to the charity of your choice.

Anna Cowhig

Recipient of Girl Scout’s Highest Catholic Award, the St. Anne Medal

Anna M. (Vetere) Cowhig of New York, formerly of Revere, Lynn and Tuftonboro. NH died on September 27.

A devoted member of St Pius V for many years, she was a Girl Scout Leader for seven years and received the highest Catholic Girl Scout Award, the St Anne Medal. She was a nurse and caregiver for her family.

She was the beloved wife of the late John; devoted mother of Victoria Zimmerschied of New Hampshire, Kathleen Mudge and her husband, Daniel of New York and Dennis Cowhig and his wife, Kathleen of Pennsylvania; dear sister of Nella Galardi of South Carolina, Edie Calla of Winthrop, Florence Fournier of Peabody, Marie Jackson of Salem and her sister in law, Eleanor Fielding and brother in law James Cowhig, both of Revere. She was the loving grandmother of Craig Zimmerschied of New Hampshire, Adam Zimmerschied of Maine, Tapley-Ann Paxson of Pennsylvania, Ashley Mudge of New York, Rose Ann Cowhig of Pennsylvania and Deidra Ann Zimmerschied of New Hampshire and is also survived by two loving great grandchildren, Emma Ann Zimmerschied of Maine and Taven Ann Paxson of Pennsylvania.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Puritan Lawn Cemetery. For guest book, please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Mary Georgia McDonough

Swampscott Resident

Mary Georgia (Slaney) McDonough of Swampscott died on September 29. She was 75 years old.

She was the wife of the late James J. McDonough; mother of James McDonough Jr. and Terri Petzold of Andover, Mary Webster of Swampscott, Sean and Louise McDonough of Sterling, Lynne Schueler of Topsfield, Valerie and Pete Inzana of Swampscott and Kevin and Denise McDonough of Plymouth; beloved grandmother of Sean, Andrew and his wife, Shieun, Jillian, Zachary, Andrea, Dylan, Alexandra, Sierra, Jason, Graham, Jimmy and Brynn and Brady Whelan who she thought of as a grandson; sister of Jacqueline DeBonis and her late husband, Robert of Winthrop, Christina McDermott and her husband, Henry “Bud” of Sherman, CT, and the late Elizabeth Shannon and her late husband, Martin and the late John Slaney. She also leaves her sister-in-law Dona O’Donnell of Winthrop, as well as her loving and caring sisters-in-law Jayne McCarthy, Anne Bowen, Pat McDonough and Lois McDonough and their families and numerous friends.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Solimine, Landergan and Richardson Funeral Home, Lynn. Burial was in Winthrop Cemetery.. Those who prefer may make donations to Cancercare at wwwcancercare.org. For guestbook: www.solimine.com.

Joseph Cochrane

East Boston Yacht Club Member and Past President of the Buddies Club

Joseph F. Cochrane died in East Boston on September 29.

A member of the East Boston Yacht Club and Buddies Club Past President, he was the beloved husband of Vivian L. (Kimball); father of Maureen Gilligan of East Boston and her late husband, Michael, Judy Gray of East Boston and Nancy Guiffre and her husband, Joe of Winthrop; brother of the late Patricia DiCarlo, Clayton and James Cochrane; Papa to Robert and Ryan Gray, Alexa, David, Joey and Gabriella Giuffre and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Magrath Funeral Home, East Boston.  Entombment was in Woodlawn Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the Special Olympics would be appreciated. MagrathFuneralHome.com.

Louis ‘Red’ Pelosi

Treasurer of the Korean Veterans of Massachusetts,  Educator, American Airlines Retiree and World Traveler

Louis M. “Red” Pelosi of Saugus, formerly of East Boston, died peacefully in bed at home while surrounded by family and friends. He was 84 years old.

Louis attended East Boston schools, was a graduate of East Boston High School and was blessed to have enjoyed life-long relationships with his East Boston friends. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. For gallantry in action in Korea he was awarded the Silver Star and was also the recipient of three Purple Hearts. “Once a Marine, always a Marine” became part of his life and an often recited phrase to his children and grandchildren.

After his military service, he graduated from Boston University and was employed by American Airlines for 17 years. He then became an educator in the Saugus School System where he taught for 17 years. Louis reveled in spending time with his family and attending school functions and sporting events to see his participating children and grandchildren.

His retirement was full of Marine Corps activities, travel, family and friends. He attended his Marine Corps F-2-5 reunions regularly and was treasurer of the Korean War Veterans of Massachusetts, playing a significant role in obtaining funding and seeing the completion of the Korean War Memorial at Shipyard Park in Charlestown. He represented Korean War veterans in a variety of ways including marching in local parades and speaking at Memorial and Veterans Day events.

With his loving wife Rita, he traveled the world enjoying trips to Europe, S. America, Africa and Asia. Highlights included over a dozen trips to Italy, cruising the Nile, a S. African safari, hot-air ballooning in Turkey, snorkeling among the Galapagos Islands, hiking Machu Picchu and viewing the Terracotta Warriors in China. He was always a great ambassador for the United States, making conversation and friends around the world. Most importantly, he was an inspiration to his children, grandchildren and those who knew him well. He was always ready to lend a hand, and never too busy to miss an opportunity to help. Louis lived a life full of love, accomplishment and adventure. He will be remembered by all who know him for his compassion.

He was the son of the late Michael and Agnes (DiPietro) Pelosi, and is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Rita (Iavicoli) Pelosi of Saugus, his sister Palmena Pelosi of Chelsea and his brother, Angelo “Blondie” Pelosi of Hollywood, FL. He was the loving father of Michael and his wife, Patricia of Wilmington, Andrea and her husband, Eric Pizzotti of Melrose, Christine and her husband, Nicholas Meninno of Swampscott, and Louis and his wife, Susan Purdy Pelosi of Palo Alto, CA; devoted grandfather to Erica, Amanda and Nicholas Meninno; Jack, Elena, Andrew and Christian Pizzotti; Michael Pelosi; Isabella and Sophia Pelosi.

Funeral arrangements were by Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Louis M. Pelosi Scholarship Fund, Saugus Federal Credit Union, 509 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906. For guestbook. www.vazzafunerals.com.

Vincent Eruzione

Retired US Army Staff Sergeant

Vincent A. Eruzione of Winthrop died at the Eastpointe Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Chelsea on September 26. He was 93 years old.

Mr. Eruzione retired after over 20 years of service retiring as a Staff Sgt, in the U. S. Army, serving during World War II and the Korean War.

He was the beloved husband of the late Elvira (Esposito) Eruzione. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Michael and Concetta (Rossi) Eruzione; devoted father of Constance M. “Connie” Chinaglia of Winthrop; adored grandfather of George, Cynthia, and Stephanie Chinaglia; dear brother of Eugene Eruzione, Annette Fucillo and her husband, Anthony and Anne Jaworski and her husband,  Jerry, all of Winthrop and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, Winthrop. Burial was in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle Isle Section). Donations in his memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675 or to www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For guestbook, visit www.mauricekirbyfh.com.

John Accettullo

Former Clerk of Boston Trial Court

John R. Accettullo of New Hampshire, formerly of Revere, died by accident on September 26. He was 64 years old.

The former Clerk of the Boston Trial Court, he was the beloved son of the late John and Anna (Penta); dear brother of Michael and his wife, Bridget of Revere; devoted uncle of Michele Accettullo of Revere and Jill Accettullo of Winthrop and is also survived by his aunt Mary Penta and many loving cousins.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 1 Bulfinch Place #201, Boston MA 02114. For guestbook please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Thomas Ryan

Cambridge Resident

Thomas R. Ryan of Cambridge, formerly of Lynnfield, died on September 25.

A US Marine Corps veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was the beloved husband of the late Marjorie (Hamady); devoted “pal” of Renee Callahan; loving father of Thomas Ryan, Jr., Michael Ryan and his wife, Debra, Judith Romano and her husband ,Wayne and Timothy Ryan and his wife, Karen. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was the brother of Norma Berkovitz and the late Jackie Greeley and Frances Evans.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Donovan-Aufiero Funeral Home, East Cambridge. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Semper Fi Fund, 715 Broadway St., Quantico, VA. 22134. Burial was in Puritan Law Cemetery, Peabody. donovanaufierofuneralhome.com.

Beatrice ‘Bea’ Stern

Self Taught Artist

Beatrice D. “Bea” Stern, a long-time resident of Brookline and Winthrop, died October 2 at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham.  She was 90 years old.

Born February 27, 1922 in Malden, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Rose Cohen) Siskind, the stepdaughter of the late Jack Miller and the wife of Theodore “Ted” Stern who died in 1991.

‘Bea’ was a self-taught artist who excelled in painting the portraits of many friends and family members.  She also enjoyed going to the symphony and spending winters in Arizona.

Her survivors include her sons, Joel Stern of Kingston, Robert Stern and his wife, Vanessa of Framingham and daughters-in-law, Sandra Stern, of Winthrop and Janet Stern of Scottsdale, Arizona.  She also leaves seven grandchildren, five (soon to be six) great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her son, Dr. Barry Stern, of Keene, NH and Brookline and her sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Isadore Brown, of Del Rey Beach, Florida, formerly of Quincy.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Patrick’s Manor for the wonderful care they provided to Bea over the past two years.

Services will be held at Temple Tifereth Israel, 93 Veteran’s Road, Winthrop today, Thursday, October 4 at 11 a.m.  Burial will be in Lindwood Memorial Park, Randolph.  The family will receive visitors at the home of Robert Stern in Framingham today, Thursday, October 4 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Memorial donations can be made to St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham, the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by

Stanetsky Memorial Chapels

www.stanetsky.com.

Anita ‘Tink’ Martin

Author and Winthrop Transcipt Writer

Anita L. “Tink” (LeBlanc) Martin of Winthrop died on September 28.

Tink wrote for the Winthrop Transcript with the weekly article “Around the Waterfront”, co-authored the book “A Cruising Guide to Narragansett Bay and The South Coast of Massachusetts”, was a contributing writer to “A Cruising Guide to the New England Coast”, Boating Almanac, and previously wrote a column for Offshore Magazine.

She received a Bachelors Degree from Wellesley College, a Masters from Rutgers, and a PhD from Columbia University. She was a Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Aux. and a member of the Winthrop Commission on Disabilities.

She was the beloved wife of the late William S. Hanna and was previously married to the late Jay J. Martin; devoted mother and grandmother of Beverly Ann Martin Goodman of Medford and her children, Cindy Matthews and Steven Goodman, Corinne Martin Doud and her husband, Bob of Bedford and their children, James and Kassie Doud; step-mother and step-grandmother of Doug Hanna of Concord, MA, and his children, William, Bridget, and the late Molly Hanna, Katharine Hanna of Tucson, AZ, and the late Peg Hanna House and her children, Andrew Johnston and Iah House and step-great grandmother of Iah’s daughter,r Noel Bowlby. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Sophia Goodman and half-sister of Robert J. LeBlanc of Hanover.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Saturday, November 3 at 1 p.m. with a reception following the service at Tink’s home, 139 Washington Ave, Winthrop. Her wishes were to be cremated. In place of flowers, donations may be sent to The Friends of Belle Isle Marsh which is dedicated to preserving the marsh and publicizing its importance as a natural resource, Box 575 East Boston, MA 02128. For  guestbook and directions, visit www.mauricekirbyfh.com.

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