Atty. Michael A. Laurano III
Well Known Boston and North Shore Attorney
Attorney Michael A. Laurano, 77, was born on January 30, 1943 at Norfolk, Virginia where his dad was assigned to the U.S. Navy Base.
He spent the early years of his life as a resident of Orient Heights, East Boston until making the move to Newbury, Massachusetts in 1993.
He attended St. Mary, Star of the Sea Grammar School, East Boston graduating in 1957. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, East Boston, Class of 1961 and an alumnus of Boston College, Class of 1965 and then went on to graduate from Boston University School of Law in 1968.
As a young man, he developed a keen interest in politics, which drove him into a successful campaign for the Democratic Ward Committee.
He began his law career with the late Attorney Joseph Oteri in Downtown Boston. However, soon he set his shingle out at 71-73 Meridian St., East Boston, the home of the Michael A. Laurano Insurance Agency. The agency was founded by his paternal grandfather in 1923, maintained and carried on by Michael A. Laurano, Jr. (Attorney Laurano’s father) and subsequently carried on by Attorney Laurano until 2011. Michael continued his practice of law until 2018 when failing health made it impossible to fulfill his duties.
Michael’s interests were vast and most interesting. He was a student of everything and anything and would have the ability to teach the subject with thorough knowledge and deliverance. He held an uncanny appreciation for his Italian heritage, particularly for the history and language of his forefathers.
Michael was fluent in English, Italian and Spanish. He was an excellent chef, baker, gardener and teacher. From a very early age, his love for antiques and antiquities was unmatched. However, above and beyond, was his dedication and love of family and extended family.
He carried a wealth of precise information regarding art and the sciences. As an avid reader, he would begin and complete reading a book in the same evening. He was a remarkable self-taught musician, mostly and especially in piano, organ and the mandolin.
Michael played organ for the 4 p.m., Saturday, Weekly Mass at St. Pius Chapel in the Don Orione Nursing Center in East Boston for 10 years. He was fascinated with the old “roller pianos†of which one was always in the finished playroom at 719 Bennington St.
The Laurano home was always the go-to place for a party, gathering, fun and music. Yes, always music, and of course, after all, Michael’s mother was the founder and Senior Teacher of the Lillian Arden Chiampa Laurano School of Dance & Performing Arts, which made its home over the family insurance agency for over 65 years.
Attorney Michael A. Laurano, III was a frequent traveler to Europe and especially to Italy and the small real to life villages in Avellino, from whence his ancestors came. Aside from the sights that most travel to, Michael made it mandatory to locate and visit with the Chiampa and Laurano cousins.
Michael’s memberships included The Boston Athenaeum, The Justinian Society, the Dante Aligheri Society. He was a founder and member of the East Boston Historical Society from the late 1960s until the time of his passing. He was also a member of Riverfront Marina of Newbury, MA and a member of Fitton Council, K of C 84 of East Boston.
The precious son of the late Boston Deputy Fire Chief Michael A. Laurano, Jr. and Lillian Arden Chiampa Laurano, he was the treasured brother of Jeannine A. Lesburt and her husband, Henry of Pompano Beach, FL and Karyn A. Laurano of Peabody; cherished uncle of Eric M. and Erin E. Trigilio, Attorneys Marc E. and Leigh R. Trigilio, Peter M. Vadala, David L. and Erin Vadala. “Uncle Michael†will be unforgettable to his grandnieces: Liliana, Carlina, Amalia, Aria and Mia. He was the beloved friend and companion of Ellen C. Hynes. He deeply loved his faithful Welsh Terrier, Reggie Barney, III. He was also the valued cousin of the late George E. McGee, Jr. and many other loving Laurano and Chiampa cousins.
A Private Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, June 2 at St. Adelaide Church of Peabody, followed by a Private Committal Service at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden in accordance with the mandates and regulations issued by the Comm. of MA and the Boston Archdiocese regarding the ongoing pandemic. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in support of the Mass General Center for Lymphoma in honor of Dr. Ronald Takvorian. Checks may be mailed to Massachusetts General Development Office, Attn: Tyrone Latin, 125 Nashua St., Ste. 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks should be made payable to “MGH Center for Lymphoma.â€
To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosndsmith.com. Funeral Arrangements under the care and direction of the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, Revere.
Corey Ford Abrams
Tireless Worker and Creative Entrepreneur
Corey Ford Abrams passed away unexpectedly on May 31.
Corey was son to Kim (Canniff) and Hal Ford Abrams, both of Revere and was born on February 27, 1976.
He was a proud Beachmont native and a graduate of St. Dominic Savio High School, Class of 1994. Corey married his high school sweetheart, Kristin (Parillo) Abrams in 1996. The couple began their family in Revere, later residing in Reading.
Corey worked as a landscaper and real estate agent with Century 21 Mario Real Estate. He started his landscaping business at the age of 12 and successfully grew the business for over 30 years. Corey also worked as a property manager of a forty-unit residential development. A tireless worker and creative entrepreneur, Corey invested in real estate and maintained a seasonal Christmas Tree business in Winthrop.
He was dedicated to his work and providing for his family. He was also very active in both his hometown of Revere and then in Reading. Corey coached softball, baseball, hockey and traveled the country with his girls’ cheering teams.
He was an avid community volunteer, always being the first to help. More than anything, Corey enjoyed spending time with his family. On any given Sunday he would be with his wife, Kristin and their children, enjoying a meal and watching the Red Sox or Patriots. Corey was an avid Boston sports fan. Taking his kids to Fenway was what he loved most.
Corey took pride in his home. He spent many weekends in the yard with the kids, growing vegetables in his prized garden. Corey loved music and will be remembered for his famous dance moves to his favorite singers.
Corey had a great sense of humor. He could light up a room and always knew just what to say to make you smile. He had an infectious laugh like no other.
Corey was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many lucky people. He was kind and compassionate. He was so full of life and love. To know him was to love him.
Corey leaves a legacy of his most loving family: his beloved wife, Kristin (Parillo) Abrams of Reading and their five children: Kailynn and her fiancé, Brendan Alford, Brianne, Madyson, Aiden and Logan. Corey is also survived by his parents, Kim (Canniff) Abrams and Hal Abrams of Revere, his sister, Kerri (Abrams) Perullo and Francis Perullo of Lexington. Corey also leaves behind adoring nieces and nephews: Zachary Micciche, Arya Parillo, Paige Rampelberg, Olivia and Jack Perullo.
In accordance with the CDC’s current restrictions on gatherings due to Covid-19, all services will be held privately. Interment will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.
Robert Milne, Jr.
Eastern Airlines Retiree
Robert (Bob) K. Milne Jr. passed away Tuesday, May 12 after a brief battle with cancer at the Highpoint Hospice in Haverhill. He was 89 years old.
Bob was a proud US Air Force Korean War Veteran who retired from Eastern Airlines as a Lead Radio Technician.
He was an avid reader and loved his daily crossword puzzles. He was a devoted Yankees and New York Giants fan.
Bob was born in Newark, NJ to the late Robert and Katherine Milne. He was the devoted husband of the late Josephine (Fraina); the father of Scott and the late Diane Zega and her husband Dave Zega.
A private graveside service was held 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.
Kimberly Fisher
Former Proprietor of Golden Images in East Boston and Seaside Salon in Winthrop
Funeral Services were held privately for Kimberly L. Fisher, who died unexpectedly in her home in East Boston on May 22. She was 53 years old.
Kim was born and raised in the Jeffries Point section of East Boston and was a graduate of Boston Preparatory School, Class of 1984. Immediately following graduation, she enrolled in beauty school and became a licensed hairdresser and makeup artist.
Kim was an extremely hard-working woman and her talent and drive led her to become a top tier hairdresser. She immediately had a large following due to her craft and purely her personality. She was witty, feisty, warm and kind and that allowed her to have many successes in business. People simply loved her and she loved them.
She also worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Auditor’s Division as an administrative assistant. She left her position in the Auditor’s division to broaden her horizon by purchasing “Golden Images†in East Boston, a Tanning and Nail Salon and Clothing Boutique. Her vision brought the salon to a new level and always had the latest women’s swimwear, women’s clothing line and accessories. She enjoyed what she was doing and had a natural knack for business. While operating her business, she still was working as a hairdresser next door on Bennington St. at Hair 2001. She would later sell Golden Images and open another hair and nail salon in Winthrop, Seaside Salon.
The birth of her son, Nicholas, was without a doubt the happiest day of her life. She loved being a mother and it meant so much to her. She eventually worked several days a week as a hairdresser at various salons, but due to her declining health, she was forced to stop working completely.
Kim had many talents and passions in life. She was a phenomenal cook and everything she made was delicious. She was also a gracious host for the holidays, birthdays and cookouts. She liked to travel and visit new places. Anyone who knew Kim would always see her looking stunning and in a new outfit. She loved fashion and was a very savvy shopper. Lastly, Kim was a fond animal lover of all sorts, but especially dogs.
Kim will always be remembered as a person with a gentle face, a beautiful smile and a loving heart. She is now safely home in heaven, she will be missed, her memory will be shared and she will always be loved.
She was the beloved daughter of Edith (Petrillo) Fisher and the late Robert L. Fisher; the loving mother of Nicholas J. Bitto of Revere; cherished sister of Robert L. Fisher and his late wife, Audrey M. of Winthrop, David A. Fisher of Revere and Danny Smith and his wife, Patricia K. of Melrose; dear aunt of Robert L. Fisher, Alexandria Fisher and Zachary S. Fisher, all of Winthrop, David A. Fisher of Revere, Justin S. Smith and Matthew J. Smith of Melrose. She is also lovingly survived by her two Maltase companions, Sissy and MoJo and by many other loving friends, family and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the MSPCA – Angell Office of Development, 350 South Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02130 or mspca.org. To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosndsmith.com. Funeral Arrangements under the care and direction of the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, Revere.
Robert Keeler
Retired Massport Construction/Maintenance Manager
Robert P. “Bobby†Keeler, of Winthrop passed away on May 29. He was 72 years old.
Bobby was a member of the Pleasant Park Yacht Club in Winthrop and the Danvers Fish and Game. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. Prior to his retirement, he was the construction and maintenance manager at Massport.
He was the beloved husband of Maureen (McKenna) Keeler and the devoted father of Lauren R. Keough and her husband, Stephen of Salem. Born in Boston, he was the cherished son of the late William D. and Ruth E. (Page) Keeler. Bobby was the dear brother of Anne Byrne of Mocksville, N.C., Gertrude Seaward of Massachusetts and the late Frederick, William and David Keeler, Edith Price and Lillian Oliver. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Due to current restrictions and guidelines, Funeral Service and burial in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle Isle Section) will be private. Donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN. 38105. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home 210 Winthrop St. Winthrop, MA. 02152. To sign Bobby’s guestbook, please visit www.mauricekirbyfh.com.
Kevin McKinnon
Well Known Winthrop Hockey Coach & Player
Kevin J. McKinnon, of Winthrop passed away on June 2, 2020. He was 57 years old. He was the beloved husband of Kelly J. (Petersen) McKinnon. Born in Lynn, Kevin was the cherished son of the late Harold McKinnon and the late Jane (Ryan) Edwards.
Kevin was self-employed, working in the auto glass industry. An avid hockey player and enthusiast, he was the coach of the Winthrop High School Girls Varsity Hockey Team for seven years. He also played hockey in a Men’s League in Winthrop.
Besides his wife Kelly, Kevin leaves behind his beloved children, Ryan W. McKinnon, Jake T. McKinnon and his partner Sophia Grayson, Caroline L. McKinnon and her partner Travis Parker, and Jillian N. McKinnon all of Winthrop. Dear brother of the late Sean McKinnon and his survived by his brother John “Jack†McKinnon and his sister Eleanor Lawson of Las Vegas, NV. He was the loving son-in-law to the late Walter A. and Carol A. (VanTyne) Petersen Jr.
A Funeral Mass will be held in St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St. Winthrop, on Saturday, June 6, at 11:30AM. Please go directly to church. Interment will follow in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle Isle Section). Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home 210 Winthrop St. Winthrop. To sign Kevin’s guestbook, please visit our website at: www.mauricekirbyfh.com.
Richard Stuart
Owner of Triton Construction Management
Richard W. Stuart, 48, of Wilmington, died on Sunday, May 31 after a long and strong battle with brain cancer.
Rich was born on April 25, 1972 in Beverly, to the late Richard W. Stuart and his loving mother, Celia Stuart. He grew up in a wonderful neighborhood in the town of Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High in 1990. Following graduation, Rich attended Fitchburg State and graduated with a degree in Construction Management.
In 1998, Rich opened his own company, Triton Construction Management and built that business to one of the more successful companies in the area.
Rich met his wife, Jane, and they had two amazing kids, Richie and Willie. He built his own home and they settled in Wilmington for the last 19 years. Aside from coaching his kid’s athletics, which he thoroughly enjoyed, Rich’s interests included the Patriots, spending time at his lake house, snowmobiling, boating, and grilling poolside.
Rich is survived by his loving wife, Jane (Gilfoyle) Stuart, of Wilmington, formerly of Winthrop, his two sons, Richie and Willie of Wilmington, his mother, Celia Stuart, of Reading, his brother, Michael Stuart and his wife, Hawli Stuart of Andover, his brother, Ryan Stuart, of North Reading, his father-in-law, John J. Gilfoyle of Winthrop, his sister-in-law, Cathy Stapleton and her husband, Patrick, as well as all his nieces and nephews. Rich was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Inge Gilfoyle.
Family and friends are invited to Calling Hours on Thursday, June 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Nichols Funeral Home 187, Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA 01887. All guests attending the visitation are asked to remain in their vehicles until a funeral attendant escorts you into the funeral home. Masks are required in the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5 at Parish of the Transfiguration, St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA 01887. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rich’s name may be made to National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel St Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington. www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.