Richard “Dick†Dimes
Dedicated Husband and Lifelong Winthrop Public Servant
Richard “Dick†Dimes, 94, passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 13 at his Winthrop home.
A dedicated husband to Margaret, his high school sweetheart at Chelsea High School and wife of 73 years, he was born in Chelsea in 1926, his early childhood was spent in Winthrop before moving back to Chelsea.
In the 1950’s, he and Margaret returned to Winthrop to begin a long life together in “The Town by the Seaâ€. Besides raising three children here, the couple became lifelong public servants of Winthrop.
Using his engineering skills, Dick first entered
Winthrop politics as a member of the Planning Board before serving several terms as Selectman. He continued to sit on various town committees well into his 80’s. In 2012, the town’s Department of Public Works building was named “The Richard D. Dimes Public Services Facility.â€
He was always passionate and (quite) outspoken about what he felt was in the best interests of his fellow residents. Dick was also an active sailor at the Cottage Park Yacht Club, and one of the founders of youth hockey in Winthrop. Both of which he enjoyed with his children.
Dick was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Winthrop, daughter, Deborah and her husband, Frank Traniello of Amesbury, son Richard and wife Cami of Stanwood, WA and son, Jonathan and his wife, Mia Ambata of Baltimore; adored grandfather of Marisa and Vanessa Traniello, Corianda and Tyler Dimes, Kimberly and the late Christopher Dimes.
Due to these uncertain times with the pandemic, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St, B-102, Danvers, MA. Funeral arrangements were by the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., WINTHROP. To sign Dick’s guestbook, please visit: www.mauricekirbyfh.com.
Michael Reddy
Mechanical Engineer
Michael J. Reddy, born in 1957 in Winthrop, he was the son of James Reddy (deceased) and Fran Reddy.
Michael was a mechanical engineer working in the aeronautical sector, where he received distinguished recognition. He was a lover of music and the great outdoors, a terrific story teller and a kind spirit. He entertained us all during the family gatherings, especially his nieces and nephews.
He leaves his siblings: James Reddy, John Reddy and Donna Perry, Linda and Gary Young, Maureen Reddy and Chris and Kerry Reddy. Uncle of Shane, Bridget, Jillian, Lindsay, Nolan, Shannon and Nick.
The Celebration of Michael’s Life will be privately held. In memory of Michael, please commit a random act of kindness and listen to your favorite song.
Michael Prew
Of Clinton, formerly of Winthrop
Michael D. Prew, 61, of Clinton, formerly of Winthrop, passed away at home on January 17.
The beloved husband of Laurie J. (Nalewajko), Michael was born in Winthrop, the cherished son of Marjorie A. (Grady) Prew and the late Robert W. Prew of Winthrop.
Michael loved watching and cheering on the local professional sports teams including the Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots. He enjoyed many outdoor sporting activities including camping, skiing, golfing and boating. Michael liked playing pool and sitting down with friends in Clinton and playing a good game of cards.
He was the devoted father of Danielle M. Ross and her husband, Seth and
Christopher M. Prew, all of Winthrop, the adored grandfather of Avery, Brayden and Brielle Ross. Michael was the dear brother of Dianne Silverio and her husband, Gerard of Stoneham, Robert Prew and his wife, Paula of Lynnfield, Carolyn Rao and her husband, Attilio of Saugus, Dennis Prew and his wife, Sole of Winthrop, Denise Lemieux and her husband, Frank of Marshfield, Susan Prew of Winthrop and Cynthia Bellino and her husband, Paul of Tewksbury. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Michael’s Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Saturday, January 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Please go directly to church. Current Covid-19 guidelines must be followed inside the church and masks must be worn. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be madeto the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development/Jimmy Fund PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or to the American Liver Foundation, PO Box 299 WestOrange, NJ. 07052. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop. To sign the online guestbook, please visit our website at www.mauricekirbyfh.com
Petraq Xheka
Logan Airport Retiree
Petraq Xheka, 79, of Governors Drive, Winthrop passed away at home on January 16.
Born in Albania, he was the beloved son of the late Dhorke and Spiro Xheka. A resident of Winthrop for over 24 years he was employed as a custodian at Logan International Airport.
He was the devoted husband of Marjanthi (Liko) and the loving father Piro Xheka.
A funeral service was held in the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 20. Services concluded with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.
Italo Freda
Proprietor of Freda Corp.
Italo S. Freda, 72, of Winthrop and Saugus passed away at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on January 10.
Born in Avellino, Italy, he came to this country at an early age residing in Chelsea. A graduate of Chelsea High School he went on to become the proprietor of Freda Corp., a heavy equipment company building parks for the City of Boston.
He was the devoted husband of Gina (Campo) and the loving father of Italo Freda, Jr.and Gregory Freda, both of Saugus and Marissa Freda of Winthrop; dear brother of Joseph Freda, Anthony Freda, Gina Musto and Filomena Sellitto and cherished grandfather of Carli.
The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home , Winthrop on Friday, January. Services concluded with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.
To sign the online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
Rita Panetta
Published Author and former Sons of Italy Woman of the Year
Rita A. Panetta of Winthrop passed away at home on January 14.
Born in Boston, she was the beloved daughter of the late Rita (DeMaio) and Felice Bomarsi.
As a child, she was an avid rower. She enjoyed rowing along the beaches behind her home on Court Road. She attended Chamberlain Junior College earning an Associates Degree in Business Administration. She went on to work as Director of Operations for Fort Heath Apartments in Winthrop. She was also a licensed Real Estate Broker and notary public.
She was the Past President of the Ladies Lodge Son’s of Italy in East Boston and Vice President of the Son’s of Italy Winthrop Mixed Lodge. She was a former Deputy for the Grand Lodge Sons of Italy and was also named Sons of Italy Woman of the Year. She enjoyed reading and loved to dance. She received a diploma from The Institute of Children’s Literature and was a published author of children’s stories and poems. She also won an editors choice award for her poem entitled “A Special Request.â€
She was the devoted wife of the late Ralph J. Panetta and the loving mother of Ralph J. Panetta, III and his wife, Lynn of Saugus, Mark S. Panetta and his wife. Debra of Saugus and Dr. Karen Panetta Heller and her husband. Jamie of Rockport; cherished grandmother of Christine Panetta, Mark Panetta, Jr., Sabrina Panetta and Benjamin Heller; dear sister of Edward F. Bomarsi of Revere and the late Josephine Bomarsi, Viola Bomarsi, Mary L. DePierro, Leonora Eramo and Lillian Darcy. She is aAlso survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Services and interment are private.
To sign the online guestbook, go to [email protected]. Arrangements were under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.