Obituaries 08-22-2024

Peter Joseph Frasso

An amazing man whose passing leaves a gaping hole in his family’s fabric

Peter Joseph Frasso, 75, of Haverhill passed away after a brief illness on August 12th surrounded by his loving family.

Peter, son of the late Nicholas and Elena Frasso, leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Paula, of Haverhill, his son, Anthony Frasso and his wife, Tiffany of North Reading, his daughter in-law, Alyssa Frasso and daughters, Gianna Proia and Piper Frasso of Haverhill and his siblings: Madeline and her husband, Thomas Burke of Winthrop, Nicholas and his wife, Patty Frasso of Winthrop, Alida and her husband, Wendell Poirier of Swampscott, Rosemary Frasso and John Marsicano of Philadelphia, PA, Joseph Frasso and Stacy Rand of Winthrop and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his son, Peter Joseph Frasso, Jr. in January of 2021.

Peter was born and raised in Winthrop. Following high school, he graduated from Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Peter worked for Varian Vacuum Products for much of his career. He rose to the level of General Manager and led the division to a Malcolm Baldridge Award and the designation of Best Plants in America. He was so proud of the achievement that he sent a stretch limousine for his parents to attend the award ceremony upstaging Senator Ted Kennedy who arrived in a black nondescript SUV.

He traveled extensively during his career. His mother and father, who had never traveled further than New Hampshire, were captivated by the travelogue stories. He visited most of Europe, Japan and China. He climbed the Great Wall and ate live crustaceans in Japan. He visited Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. He was fascinated by the street shopping district in Korea arriving home with misprinted socks, discounted costume jewelry and fancy purses for his wife.

Peter was a hands-on guy. A true mechanic at heart. From an early age he had a penchant for taking things apart to figure out how they worked. He had a fascination for cars and bought his first car even before he learned how to drive. That car was taken apart and put together numerous times until he finally had it running!

In his later years, he fulfilled his dream of owning a red two door (that’s important!), 1957 Chevy Bel Air. He so enjoyed working on that car, cruising with the top down and showing his car at classic car shows.

Peter always had a new hobby or interest.  He delved into everything with  curiosity and enthusiasm. He loved   photography, especially   sports   photography, and   spent   hours   online learning new techniques. He developed an interest in magic both sleight of hand and purchased professional tricks. He was once invited to perform magic for his 5-year-old nephew’s birthday party. The professional trick he included in the show – cutting off his mother’s arm – was so realistic that he drove his nephew screaming from the room. He loved his nieces and nephews, loved to tease them, and loved to wrestle and play with them.

Peter was kind, compassionate and loving. He rarely had a bad word to say about anybody. He genuinely liked people and they liked him in return. He had a great sense of humor. He often? lent a helping hand to a friend or neighbor without hesitation. He once spent an entire weekend helping a neighbor replace his rotors and brakes, saving him the cost of an expensive repair.

Peter was an amazing Papa. He loved Gianna as one of his own, always supporting her and her successes. Three-year-old Piper Josephine was a shining light during his retirement years. They enjoyed playing games, putting together puzzles and reading books. Even when he was not steady on his feet, he always had the energy to take her hand and follow her to whatever activity she wanted to show him.

His passing leaves a gaping hole in the family fabric. He was the anchor, the glue, the family patriarch in every way. He was always the voice of reason and a sage advisor. He will be missed at the dinner table. He will be missed in front of the TV cheering on the Red Sox or the Patriots. He will be missed for his wise advice, his ability to fix just about anything and for his cheesy Dad jokes. He will be missed.

Services were privately held with burial in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. A Memorial Service for friends and extended family will be held in the early Fall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or the Peter J. Frasso, Jr. Music Scholarship Fund, 15 Parker Lane, Haverhill, MA 01832.

Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com.

Rita Zunino Chaplin-Lorance Winthrop Market Place Easter Bunny

Rita Zunino Chaplin-Lorance, 69, a 40 year resident of Winthrop, formerly of Medford, left us on August 8, 2024 in the presence of loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer of multiple organs at Care Dimensions Hospice in

Danvers.

Rita, born to Gloria and James Zunino, was a loving wife to Carl A Lorance of Winthrop for 43 years, loving mother of: Carl (Scooter) Lorance, Jr of Winthrop, George Lorance (Alexa) of Holliston, Michael Chaplin (Michelle) of Revere and Michelle Chaplin-Donnelly of Somerville. Rita’s very loved grandchildren are: Anabelle, Jack, Khloe, George, Ariel, Derek and Andrew; beloved brothers and sisters include: James Zunino (Elaine) of Tewksbury, Robert Zunino of Stoneham, AnnMarie Landers (John) of Seabrook, NH, Donna Zunino of Stoneham, Linda Zunino-Doherty of Maine and Theresa Landers (Daniel) of New Hampshire along with many nieces and nephews.

Rita’s employment was spent taking care of the elderly both publicly and privately, a career she held dear to her heart. Later, she worked at the Winthrop Market Place holding many positions, but her favorite was being the Easter Bunny for the store for all the children in town. Rita enjoyed working with Marc Wallerce and the other employees at Winthrop Market Place.?

Rita’s most precious years of her life were spent living in Winthrop by the sea.  She lovingly named the breakers the “Five Sisters” after herself and her four sisters and two jetties after her two brothers. The beach became the place for get togethers with family and friends.

Rita will be remembered and not forgotten for her delicious Italian cooking, her soap operas and her very contagious laugh.

There will be a Celebration of Life Sunday, September 1, 2024 at the PSA Hall, 1032 Shirley Street, Winthrop at 1 p.m. We ask that everyone bring a dish or side you think Rita would love.