Stephen Joseph Giardina
Family And Friends Will Hold His Memory Close to Their Hearts Forever
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved father, Stephen Joseph Giardina, who departed this world too soon on September 10, 2023. Stephen was born on March 10, 1957 to Mary Ann “Snooki” Puopolo and James Giardina in Boston and is survived by his two loving daughters, Angelica Giardina of Everett and Nicoletta Giardina of Winthrop;, his siblings, Julie Ann and Frank Strangie and Jimmy and Milva Giardina, all of East Boston and Richard Giardina and Meca Andrade of Sao Paolo, Brazil; his step-mother, Karen Giardina of Peabody and his step-siblings: Tina Elliot and Jason Elliot, both of Peabody and Tonya Hernandez of Tewksbury along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.
While we mourn his physical absence, we also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the enduring love he gave to us all.
A memorial service to honor and remember Stephen will be held today, Thursday, October 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St, East Boston. In lieu of sending flowers or planting a tree, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association as it was a cause dear to his heart.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit www.ruggieromh.com.
Richard McDonald
Former Proprietor of Heights Donuts
Richard E. McDonald, born in Winthrop on May 4, 1943 and a long-time resident of East Boston and Revere, passed away peacefully on October 14.
Richard was a beloved figure in his community, known for his warm heart, love for family and passion for life. He was the former proprietor of Heights Donuts, a place where friendships were forged and stories were shared over coffee and pastries. Beyond his dedication to his business, Richard had a deep affection for music, movies, horse racing,and keno. He had an insatiable love for life’s simple pleasure, and these interests brought him joy throughout his journey.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Nina Elizabeth (Walsh), and his loving children: Linda Cohen and her husband, David of Winthrop and Richard McDonald and his wife, Jacqueline of Waltham. Richard was also a cherished brother to Rosemarie Murray. He leaves behind a legacy in his grandchildren: Kenneth McDonald, Cameron McDonald and his partner, Cayla and Isabella McDonald, as well as great-grandchildren Madison and Hazel.
Richard was predeceased by his brothers William McDonald, John McDonald and his surviving spouse, Mary, Anthony Ferragamo Jr. and his sister, Carolann Guarino. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he held dear.
Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, October 18 at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston. A funeral service to honor Richard’s life will take place today, Thursday, October 19th at 10 a.m. at the same location. Richard will be laid to rest at Winthrop Cemetery, Belle Isle section.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Survivors by the Sea, 180 Lincoln St, Winthrop, MA, a cause that was close to Richard’s heart. Richard’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Antonios “Tony” Zikos
A Great Greek Immigrant Who Loved and Appreciated America
On October 12, 2023, Antonios “Tony” Zikos of Winthrop passed away peacefully at the age of 93.
He was the loving husband of the late Demetra (Tsiotos), father to Gregory and Christos and grandfather to Antonios, Jamie and Samantha. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Melitsa Manoloules as well as many nephews and nieces in the US and Greece.
The youngest of six children, Antonios was born in the tiny mountain village of Skotani in the Peloponnese region of Greece. In 1967, he was sponsored by his late brother-in-law Constantinos Tsiotos and immigrated to the US to pursue, as many immigrants did, a better life for his family. He settled his wife and kids in the town of Winthrop and remained here for the last fifty-six years of his life.
He immediately started working two, sometimes three jobs to provide for his family and allow his wife to care for their sons. Antonios spent twenty years as an employee of both Saks Fifth Avenue and the Sheraton Boston Hotel; he was a hard worker and loved by all. During this period, he also found time to become a master donut maker for Dunkin’ Donuts as well as studying for his American citizenship test, which he passed in 1972.
However, an unexpected accident forced him to stop working and go on disability. This was a mixed blessing, as shortly after the accident, his wife, Demetra was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and he became her primary care giver. His devotion, care, and love allowed her to be cared for at home with her family until she passed in 1994.
He was a proud father who only asked that his children be good students and go to college. Both did their best to not disappoint. His sons attended Winthrop High School where they were very good student-athletes. Gregory was a National Honor Society award recipient who was accepted into Harvard University where he played both football and lacrosse. At his graduation, you would hear his father yell “God Bless America!” Greg went on to Boston University to earn both his Law and LLM degrees and then to UCLA Anderson School of Management for his MBA. Christos followed his brother as a student-athlete and attended the College of the Holy Cross, where he played varsity basketball. He then went on to compete professionally in Greece.
As proud as he was of his sons, he was even prouder of his grandchildren. He adored them and he would light up when they visited, so he could feed and entertain them. He cherished the fact that they all graduated from prestigious colleges, have good careers, and most importantly, grew up to be kind, respectful and loving.
If you were fortunate enough to know Antonios, you were blessed. He was a sweet and generous man who was always willing to help family or a friend. He had a green thumb and always planted a garden so he could share his bounty of fruits and vegetables with loved ones and neighbors.
Antonios was well-known to many Winthrop residents, as they would see him on his daily walks, wearing a cap and carrying his cane, but rarely did that cane touch the ground.
Antonios, “Tony, “Papou Tony” or “Theo Antoni” as he was affectionately called, was all about family. Even though he was the youngest, his brothers and sisters always looked to him for advice and help. He would visit Greece often and, in many instances, would provide assistance when needed.
He was selfless. He loved the holidays, especially Easter, when all gathered at his brother-in-law’s house. He would prepare the lamb, light the fire to roast the whole lamb on a spit, and then proceed to lead the nephews, nieces and all the neighbors and friends, in no particular order, in song, dance, and drink (his beverage of choice was “Tsipouro” – Greek moonshine).
He was a natural entertainer and a very good singer, as he was always asked to sing at family christenings and weddings. His favorite songs were the Greek Tsamika, especially the song “Tria Kala Einai Sto Ntounia.”
Tony loved a good time! He always wanted to have fun and make people happy. Sweet, affectionate and a bit of a wise-guy, Papou Tony always found a way to create a little trouble and a lot of laughs. In the end, Chris would always tell his dad, “Everyone seems to love you” and he would reply, “Why wouldn’t they!? I’ve never wronged anyone and have been good to all.”
May he Rest In Peace and have a happy reunion with his parents, wife, brothers and sisters.
He was predeceased by his wife, Demetra (Tsiotos); brothers, Demo, Vasily, Andreas and sisters, Antonia and Stavroula of Greece.?
A toast to a great Greek immigrant who loved and appreciated America.
Yiasou Theo Antoni! Yiasou Papou Tony! Yiasou Tony!
Antonios’ funeral service was held in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S. Common St. Lynn on Wedesday, October 18th at 11:30 a.m. Interment was in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle Isle Section).
Antonios loved going to church and was an active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S. Common St., Lynn MA. 01902.
Funeral arrangements were from the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop. To sign Antonios’ guestbook, please visit;
www.mauricekirbyfh.com?.