Brian Christopher Finn
He lived a life defined by love, family and friendship
Brian Christopher Finn, 68, of Winthrop passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife, beloved daughter and son.
Brian was born on April 26, 1957, in Boston and was raised in East Boston along with his two brothers. He was educated in Boston Public Schools and was a graduate of Boston Technical High School, Class of 1975. Brian became a Teamster Local #25 with Airborne Express and later DHL. His career spanned over 20 years before he retired.
Brian married his best friend, Judith (Andreason) on April 20, 1985. The couple moved to Winthrop in 1988, where they began their family together, having two children. Brian was a family man through and through. His life revolved around his family.
Brian was an athlete in high school and beyond. He enjoyed playing many sports, coaching and refereeing. He was a Hockey Guru, it was truly his favorite sport and he knew every detail, player and stat. Brian was also a history buff who enjoyed learning new things and events.
Later in life, Brian’s greatest pride and joy were his grandkids. He acquired the nickname of “Beep Beep” from his oldest grandchild which stuck with everyone. He loved nothing more than spending quality time with them whether it was on vacation, hosting a pool day, watching them play sports, going for long walks, surprising them with donuts, hugs, or his daily face time phone calls to ask them how their day went. Nothing put a bigger smile on his face than getting to spend quality time with them.
The beloved husband of 40 years of Judith l. (Andreason) of Winthrop, he was the loving father of Meaghan L. Stone and her husband, Ryan of Hanover, MA and Christopher B. Finn and his wife, Nicole of Lynnfield; the treasured grandfather of Callum, Cameran, Christian, Riley and Henry; the devoted son of the late Edwin M. Finn and Catherine C. “Peggy” (Flaherty) Finn’ cherished brother of Ret. Boston Police St. Det. Kevin P. Finn and his wife, Renee of Winthrop and the late James M. Finn. He is also lovingly survived by his nieces and nephews:, Kevin Finn and his wife, Jessica of N. Andover, Janelle Cunningham and her husband, Ryan of Nashua, NH and Caitin Cleary of Winthrop. Brian will also be deeply missed by his many brothers and sisters-in-law as well as numerous nieces and nephews on the Andreason side of the family.
Brian Christopher Finn lived a life defined by love, family, and friendship. He will be profoundly missed, but will always be remembered as a good man with a huge heart.
Family and friends attended Visiting Hours on Saturday, September 27th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Michael the Archangel Parish – St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop MA. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Brian’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.
Patricia Ciccarelli
Former N.E. Tel and Tel phone operator
Patricia A. (McGrath) Ciccarelli, 93, died on Friday, Sept. 26th at the Jeffrey & Susan Brudnick Center for Living in Peabody. She was the wife of the late Peter A. Ciccarelli.
Born in Flushing, NY and a lifelong resident of Winthrop, Mrs. Ciccarelli was the daughter of the late Howard and Evelyn (Trombly) McGrath. A former telephone operator with New England Telephone she loved baking, traveling with her great circle of friends and was a huge sports fan.
She is survived by her four children; Peter A. Ciccarelli and his wife, Cindy of Chelmsford, Diane Gelineau and her husband. Lawrence of Waltham, Donna Ciccarelli of Winthrop and Janis Survilas and her husband, Kirk of Peabody, grandchildren; Michael and his wife, Anna, Lauren and her husband, Michael, Peter, Alyssa, Erin, David, Christopher and John. She was the sister of Janice Day of Arizona and the late Howard J. McGrath Jr, Richard McGrath and Barbara Ryan. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association @ www.alz.org/manh.
Relatives and friends were invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Avenue, Saugus on Monday, September 29th and a funeral mass was celebrated on Tuesday, September 30th at St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop. Interment was at Belle Isle Cemetery, Winthrop. For condolences visit www.BisbeePorcella.com.
Nicola “Nicky”
Felice Spinazzola
He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family and the love he poured into every part of his life
Nicola “Nicky” Felice Spinazzola, 68, of Winthrop, passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family after a courageous battle with ALS.
Born in Melito Irpino, Italy, Nicky was the son of the late Benedetto Spinazzola and Nicoletta (Sacco) Spinazzola, both of Italy. He came to the United States as a teenager and built a beautiful life rooted in family, hard work, and love. He was married to his beloved wife, Deborah, for 47 years, and together they raised five children: Maria Grifone and her husband, Kevin, Nicole Pelosi and her husband, Nick, Antonio Spinazzola and his wife, Ines, Benedetto Spinazzola, and Luigi Spinazzola and his girlfriend, Tiana DiBenedetto, all of Winthrop.
Nicky was the proud grandfather of Nicola Felice and Giannina Nicola, who were the light of his life and his greatest joy. His role as “Nonno” brought him endless happiness, and he cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren,
He is also survived by his loving siblings: Felice Spinazzola and his wife. Vincenza of Salem, NH, Maria Degirolamo and her husband, Giuseppe of Reading and Tony Spinazzola and his wife, Olga of Winthrop.
A mechanic by trade, Nicky had a gift for fixing and building anything. Whether it was repairing cars, working with his hands, or sharing his love of soccer, he was admired for his talents, determination, and generosity. Above all, Nicky will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family and the love he poured into every part of his life.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience that will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Friday, October 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Saturday, October 4 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.In honor of Nicky’s memory, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), an organization that provided support and comfort throughout his journey at https://ccals.org/
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
James R. Evans
Beloved Winthrop educator, administrator and coach
It is with great sadness that the family of James R. Evans announces his passing on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the age of 88. A lifelong resident of Winthrop, Massachusetts, Jim was a beloved educator, administrator, and coach whose career spanned over three decades. He will be fondly remembered for the countless lives he touched and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Jim graduated from Winthrop High School in 1955 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. He earned his undergraduate degree from Springfield College in 1961 and later received his Master’s Degree in Education from Salem State College in 1966.
Jim began his career in education in 1961 as a physical education teacher and quickly became a cornerstone of Winthrop’s athletic community. He served as head baseball coach from 1965 to 1972, leading the team to multiple Northeastern Conference titles. In 1972, he was appointed Athletic Director—a role he held with distinction for 22 years until his retirement in 1994.
Among his many accolades, Jim was named Massachusetts Athletic Director of the Year in 1987, a crowning achievement that recognized his dedication and leadership within the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). He also received the Northeastern Conference Man of the Year Award in 1976.
Jim was a passionate advocate for student-athletes and believed strongly in the importance of coaches being educators. He championed high participation rates in sports and he was always proud of the fact that even though Winthrop was one of smallest schools in the conference, they still accumulated over 60 Northeastern Conference titles across all sports in his tenure as Athletic Director. He was instrumental in implementing Title IX in Winthrop, ensuring equal opportunities for female athletes. His efforts led to numerous championships for girls’ teams at the conference, regional, and state levels.
Beyond Winthrop, Jim contributed significantly to statewide athletic initiatives, including league scheduling, chemical awareness programs, and conference realignment. His guiding principle was always: “What is in the best interest of the students.”
Even in retirement, Jim remained a revered figure in the community. Whether at the golf course or attending a Winthrop sporting event, former students and athletes continued to affectionately call him “Mr. Evans” or “Coach,” a testament to the respect and admiration he earned throughout his life.
From a family man perspective, he was affectionately known as Dad or Grand Dad. He truly enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports whether it was baseball, basketball, football, soccer, track or cheerleading. He loved attending each and every event with great family pride.
Jim Evans leaves behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth and education. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Winthrop community.
Jim was predeceased by his long-term partner, Carol Kane (17 years) as well as his former wife, Marie Evans (25 years). He was also predeceased by his father, James F Evans, his mother, Marion Evans and brother, Kenneth Evans. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa and her husband, Anthony Federico of Georgetown. He is also survived by his son, James K. Evans and his wife, Jill of Hudson. He was the proud grandfather of James R. Evans and his partner. Holly Cardoza of Ipswich, Jessica S Rich and her husband, Carmen Rich of Winthrop, Ashley Cerbone and her husband, Michael of Middleton, Anthony Federico of Georgetown as well as Grant and Carter Evans of Hudson . He was also predeceased by his granddaughter, Julia A Evans. In addition, there are countless nieces and nephews. Of special distinction as a great-grandfather to Calvin Rich, Gianna Cerbone and Joseph Cerbone which made him laugh and smile with each visit.
Visitation and memorial service will be closed to only immediate family at special request. Memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund at www.jimmyfund.org in the support of fundraising to find a cure for pediatric and adult cancer.
Of special memorial recognition, the Winthrop High School baseball field will be named James Evans Baseball Diamond in the near future to acknowledge Jim’s dedication to Winthrop Athletics in his career.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.