Obituaries 11-06-2025

Vincent Nicholas Del Piano Jr.

Electro-Optical Systems Analyst, Boat Builder, and Celebrated Marine Artist
Vincent “Vin” N. Del Piano Jr, 85, passed away on September 30, 2025, after a long illness, at Sandy River Center, Farmington, ME with his beloved wife at his side.

Physicist, engineer, boat builder, vagabond under sail, art dealer and finally marine oil painter, Mr. Del Piano had an eclectic and diverse life. He brought all of these to his Art.

Born in Winthrop, MA, he learned to sail and spent most of his adult life there. After graduating from UMass-Amherst, he participated in the American Space Program in the 60’s as an Electro-Optical Systems Analyst and laser physicist. Another 10 years was consumed applying his skills as a boat builder and sailor. Following that he was owner and proprietor of an art framing gallery in suburban Boston. This latter experience led him back to his own roots as an Artist, which he had demonstrated as a child.

Vin painted his knowledge of clipper ships, schooners, lobster boats, and dories with particular skill depicting wind and waves. Many who spend their lives on the water have commented on how accurate his paintings are. He once said; “The essence of my paintings comes from memory. I’m a studio painter. When it comes to painting the interplay of wind, sea, sky and way a ship or boat “lives” in its environment you can’t look it up…you have to have been there. Of course, if I intend to render a ship that sailed 150 years ago, I need to do some research to reproduce it’s detail, but it is the same ocean, the same wind, the same sky, the same wave under the stern, and the same spirit of the moment that I share with all mariners, modern or ancient.”

Vin has gallery representation at the Arnould Gallery, Marblehead, MA and was represented at the former Art of the Sea Gallery in South Thomaston, ME. He was a member of the International Society of Marine Painters and the American Society of Marine Artists.

Vin moved to Vienna, ME with his wife in 2010. Taking to homesteading with the same energy and enthusiasm, he renovated their home and took particular interest in landscaping, creating his image of a painting with the natural elements. He continued to paint well into his 80’s. 

Vincent is survived by his spouse, Diane S. Snow; his sister, Patricia Stathopoulos and her husband Anthony of Winthrop, MA; his nieces, Andrea Stathopoulos of Peabody, MA and Leah Lamb of Winthrop MA; and his great niece, Alyssa Lamb of Winthrop, MA. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Vincent “Nick” Del Piano, former Commodore of the Winthrop Yacht Club and his wife Ethel, both lifelong residents of Winthrop, MA; brother-in-law, Peter Snow of Wakefield, MA; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Snow of Portland, OR, Christine Snow and her spouse, Thomas Feraco of Spruce Head, ME, Michele Snow of South Paris, ME, and Carol Snow and her spouse, Jim Lash, of Dufur, OR.

A small Memory Gathering of family and friends occurred on October 5, 2025, where many of his paintings were on display.

Vincent’s wife, Diane, would like to express her sincere gratitude to the staff at Sandy River Center for their attention and care for Vincent during his time at their facility. 

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.

Julie Ann Davie

Her legacy is the warmth she left in our lives and the better people she helped us become

Julie Ann (Bates) Davie of Lynnfield, daughter of the late Gregory H. and Constance (Coletti) Bates, died recently.

Born on October 11, 1976, she is survived by her husband, James J. Davie; her daughter Grace M. Davie of Lynnfield; her sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Adam Landry of Waltham; daughter-in-law of Denise M. Mahoney of Winthrop, and James C. and Marcia Davie of Lynnfield; sister-in law of Nicole M. Davie of Brookline. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins and her close friends.

Julie was the kind of person who made every room gentler just by being in it. A proud law enforcement veteran, she carried quiet courage and unwavering integrity. She gave of herself without keeping score an endlessly patient mother, a loyal and steady friend, and a devoted wife whose love showed up in a thousand quiet ways. Steadfast and strong, she faced grief with gentle courage that helped carry the rest of us. Her compassion wasn’t just a feeling; it was action, meals cooked, hands held, late-night talks, and open-door kindness for anyone who needed it. To know Julie was to be seen, supported, and loved. Her legacy is the warmth she left in our lives and the better people she helped us become.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund at www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Paul McGoldrick

His gregarious spirit and genuine interest in others made him a friend to all who crossed his path

Paul McGoldrick, 63, of Winthrop, passed away peacefully after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born and raised in Lynn, Paul was the middle child in a large, loving Irish Catholic family. He was the son of the late Paula Jeanne (Moran) McGoldrick and James Robert McGoldrick, who instilled in him the values of faith, family, and finding joy in everyday moments.

Paul’s gift was his ability to connect with people. Whether striking up a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store or sharing his razor-sharp wit with old friends, he had a remarkable talent for making everyone feel seen and leaving them with a smile. His gregarious spirit and genuine interest in others made him a friend to all who crossed his path.

Paul and Cheri married 22 years ago and together built a beautiful life centered on shared passions: a love of Boston sports and an unwavering commitment to family. Paul’s greatest pride, however, was being “Dad” to his three children: James, Susie, and Matthew. Whether cheering from the sidelines at countless games or enjoying weekend trips to the park, Paul cherished every moment with his kids. He was their biggest fan, their trusted confidante, and their steady guide through life’s adventures.

Paul dedicated over thirty years to the IT department at Mass General Brigham, where his colleagues became an extension of his family. His loyalty, humor, and dependability made him not just a coworker, but a friend who will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Cheri; his children James, Susie, and Matthew; his sister Kathy and her husband Roger Chadbourne; his brother James and his wife Lisa McGoldrick, all of Lynn; his sisters, Eileen McGoldrick (Tibs) of Salem and Janet and her husband, John Mahar of Marblehead; his mother-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara and David Lee of Winthrop; his sister-in-law, Christine and her husband, Mike Power of Medfield; and his niece, nephews, and extended family members who were blessed to know him.

Paul McGoldrick lived a life rich in love, laughter, and connection. His impact on his family, friends, and all who knew him is immeasurable, and his memory will be cherished always.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the funeral home today, Thursday, November 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, November 7 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 lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mass General Brigham Cancer Center in Paul’s memory at www.https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Timothy J. Luna

His kindness was his defining feature

The world is a little less bright and Boston sports lost one of its most dedicated fans, with the passing of Timothy J. Luna.  Tim, 69, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at the Kaplan House in Danvers after a short but devastating illness.

To know Tim was to know his huge, infectious smile and his equally big laugh.  He was a man who truly never met a stranger and was always the first to offer help to anyone who needed anything at all.  His kindness was his defining feature.

Born in Somerville on August 10, 1956, Tim grew up in Winthrop and was a proud member of the Winthrop High School, Class of 1977.  His love of sports started early, playing for both high school and recreational teams.  This passion evolved into a lifelong, unwavering devotion to all Boston sports teams, especially his beloved New England Patriots.  He cheered for every win and felt every loss.  Tim was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and was honored to have served his country. 

He joins his parents, the late John and Theresa Flaherty in rest. Tim’s warmth and generous spirit will be greatly missed by his siblings, Albert D. Luna of Winthrop, Thomas Flaherty of Winthrop, and Margaret Dondero of Bradford.  He also leaves his very dear friend, Joan Jopp of Tewksbury, whom he loved very much, as well as many other family members and friends who were lucky enough to know him.

In keeping with Tim’s easy-going nature, there will be no formal services at this time.  A Celebration of Life will be announced and held next summer to honor his memory in a way he would have enjoyed—full of laughter and shared stories.  If you would like to make a donation in Tim’s name, please consider the Kaplan House in Danvers, MA, in gratitude for their amazing and compassionate work.  We will miss Tim, his laugh, and his incredible smile very much.

Joseph Flynn

Winthrop DPW Retiree

Joseph M. Flynn of Winthrop passed away at the Cambridge Health Alliance in Everett on October 30, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Born in Everett, he was the beloved son of the late Elizabeth (Muncey) and Joseph M. Flynn. A life-long resident of Winthrop, he enlisted in the United States Navy at an early age. After his honorable discharge. he went on to work for the Department of Public Works for the Town of Winthrop.

He was the dear brother of Kathleen Vilasi of Revere, Rosemary Flynn of Vermont and the late Elizabeth Vitkovitch. He is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop today, Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 8:30 to 9:30 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 lieu of flowers. memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Parish, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop MA 02152.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Maria Antonia Giuseppina Simonati Zisa

She and her husband established Zed Group, an exporting company, designed as an international department for American manufacturing companies, well before the internet

Maria Antonia Giuseppina Simonati Zisa was born on September 3, 1933 and passed away on October 17, 2025.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Zisa, her children; Elizabeth Zisa and her husband, Joseph Jockel of Silver Spring, MD, Cecilia Zisa Courtney and her husband, Sean Courtney of Worcester, Claire Zisa of Winthrop, and John Zisa of Salem,; her grandchildren; Nathaniel Jones, Devlin and his wife, Meredith Courtney, Finnbar Courtney, Alex Zisa and David and Michael Buckley, and her niece. Yseult Peloso. She was pre-deceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Gabriella and Pierre Peloso of Paris, France.

Maria lived a long and wonderful life. Born in Verona, Italy. Her family escaped occupation and bombing in Italy during WWII by moving to the countryside. Later, when her mother died suddenly, she went to live with The Little Sisters, a private school for girls. After her primary education, she attended school in Venice, Italy where she studied languages, including English. Venice remained her favorite place on earth for the rest of her life. Later, she became a teacher and eventually worked for the U,S. Army, teaching Italian to American soldiers. This is where she met her husband, Robert, while he was stationed in her hometown of Verona, Italy. Upon completion of his tour, they were married in Italy. A short time later she immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Winthrop. She became a U.S. citizen in 1975.

Maria and Robert started a small business together in two rooms in their home, called Zed Group, an exporting company. It was designed as an international department for American manufacturing companies, well before the internet. They grew this business and thrived, turning a small operation into a flourishing enterprise.

They traveled extensively, at first as a part of the business and later for pleasure. Maria was a natural caregiver, nurturer, teacher and student. Neighbors, strays, lost animals were all cared for. Bargain priced houseplants in a questionable state often came home to be nursed back to health. For many years she took care of her grandsons during the day. She said it kept her young. The home was always filled with classical music and cooking aromas. As much as she continuously shared and taught, it was matched with a passion for learning. Her many talents and loves will not disappear; she passed them on to her whole family and friends. She taught her children to love and seek out beauty.

“Weeds never die” — Maria

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Thursday, October 30, 2025 followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

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