Obituaries 06-24-2021

Frederick Altieri

A Kind Soul, Most Happy When Surrounded by Family, Children and His Pets

Frederick J. Altieri, 73, of Winthrop, formerly of Roslindale and Somerville, passed away after a brief illness on June 16 with his wife by his side.

The beloved son of the late Helen (Sarandos) and Joseph Altieri, he leaves behind his wife, Anne-Marie (Inza), step-son David Palen and his wife, Alyssa of Melrose, many nieces, nephews and grand-nephews and his adored dog, Mia.

A proud Vietnam veteran, Fred took a great deal of pride in his service with the United States Army. He loved his country very much and chose to spend his life as a public servant with the United States Postal Service from which he retired after 40 years of service. After his retirement, Fred chose to work as a security officer at the FedEx facility located not far from his long-time postal facility at Logan Airport. He made many friends through his work, always offering a kind smile or joke, which extended in later years to his online presence that brought him a lot of joy and made many, many people smile.

Fred was a kind soul who was most happy when he was surrounded by family, children and his pets. He was caring, giving, and peaceful. He will be eternally missed by the people whose lives he has touched.

 A graveside service was held with military honors in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery on Monday, June 21. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the organization Mia was rescued from: Rufus’s Rescue Dogs, 349 Veterans Lane, Leesville, LA 71446.

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

Arrangements under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.

Francis Valley

A Truly Self-Made Man

Francis J. (“Frank, Bud, Brother”) Valley, 92, of Winthrop, passed away June 19.

Frank was born in Boston in 1928 and was raised in East Boston, Medford and Somerville by his loving parents the late Elizabeth ‘Ma’ Valley (Darragh) and Louis ‘Pa’ Valley.

In the 1940’s, he chose Winthrop as his home, where as a child, he spent the summers with his family. He often spoke of the fond memories of those days and credited his parents for giving him that gift. He had a great appreciation for the town and its proximity to the sea, beach and, in his words, ‘the great City of Boston.’

Frank started working as a young child, taking any job he could, from unloading ships on the docks of Boston to fixing and assembling bikes to setting pins in bowling alleys. In his younger days, he spent his free time in city pool halls seeking out a match and enjoying the satisfaction of the competition. He had the inherent spark of a pool shark.

As a graduate of St Clements High School in Somerville, Frank started his professional career directly out of high school working as a technician at Harvard University on one of the first computers, which is now on display at Harvard University and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.  His only higher-level education being a management certificate program from Northeastern University. Frank’s wit, intelligence, determination and drive brought him to places that most educations could not. He went on to hold several leadership roles at various manufacturing companies and would become a Vice President at Sippican Corp (now Lockheed Martin). And with his reputation and relationships, in 1974 Frank then acquired his company, GEL Systems which he ran for over 30 years with the support of his management team and staff, many of whom were with him from the company’s inception to its dissolution. He thrived on the independence of running the company, persevered through many difficult times and achieved great successes. Frank’s company would eventually have Language Laboratories equipment in 102 countries around the globe, supporting U.S. and Allied foreign militaries in language training. Frank retired in 2005 at the age of 77, and he and Ame shared their time between Winthrop and Merritt Island, FL for the next several years.

A Life Member of Cottage Park Yacht Club for over 67 years and commodore in 1978, Frank ‘Bud’ was a competitive PHRF sailor, captaining his boats Aquarius, Amalie and Goose to many victories. He was instrumental in repairing the extensive damage to CPYC following the Blizzard of ‘78. After Bud gave up sailing, he enjoyed stopping in for a pool match.  While he didn’t frequent ‘the club’ in later years, CPYC meant a great deal to him, he had great times there over the decades where he made lifelong friends. He would tell sailing stories and loved the annual Commodore’s Ball and other parties where he’d dance much of the night.

He was affectionately called “Brother” by his late sisters: Rita Bolton (Bob), Louise Sacco (Lou) and Clare Powers (Martin ‘Joe’). His fondness, appreciation and love of his sisters was unmatched and he spoke of them and missed them every day since each of their passings. And to his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who he adored; he was lovingly known as “Uncle Brother.”

He leaves behind his brother, Tom Valley and his wife, Marie of Holden, ME for whom he had the utmost respect, pride and warmth. He was so proud of his brother and his accomplishments and his sister-in-law and their large extended family. And while in later years, despite the geography that separated them, he would speak of Tom affectionately, saying never in their lives had an unkind word been said between them as he’d reflect on the times they spent together.

And Frank’s wife of 47 years, Amelia (Ame), he credited with giving him a second chance at the happiest life. He cherished and loved her. He often said Amelia was a perfect complement to his imperfections and she gave him the greatest gifts of his life. Ame was there for him in his best times and most difficult times and he would speak her praises for supporting and understanding him. And even as aging took its course, he was comforted simply by her presence. After spending their honeymoon in Puerto Rico in 1974, they bought a vacation home where endless memories were made and where he was most relaxed. The family spent 15 years enjoying that treasure thanks to him.

But of all his achievements in life perhaps the greatest in his eyes were his daughters, Danielle Valley and Celeste Sax, both of Winthrop, with whom he had an indescribable connection. Frank made it so that they would want for nothing but learn the value of independence from hard work and managing money. Along with Ame, he was their biggest cheerleader, inspiring confidence and guiding them through navigating many of life’s challenges and victories. But most of all, whatever he did for or with them was out of the purest love and sincerest intent for their best interests. He was truly a devoted father. And in his final years Danielle tirelessly and happily returned that same devotion in giving the gift of fulfilling all of his wishes as his primary caregiver.

And lastly, Frank leaves Danielle’s partner, Rob Ferland and Celeste’s husband, Michael Sax with whom he was so happy to come into our lives. Frank would gush with love and pride over his grandsons, Chase Donovan and his namesake, Vail Francis. And, always a dog lover, he’d look forward to visits from his grand-dogs, Bitzy and Rummy.

He was intelligent, principled, proud, exceptionally wise, empathetic, a financial wizard, and he had a way with words that was oh so meaningful and eloquent. Frank was practical, conservative, yet progressive and a visionary. In every sense a ‘self-made man’, he was self-taught in almost every aspect of his life, from business to sailing to pool playing to many of his endless trades.

Frank was handy with almost everything and found much enjoyment in the results of a job well done and done himself. He was funny and loved music and he’d always be whistling a tune or singing a song. Forever a dancer, it was hard to get him off the dance floor or to get him to leave a party. He had a way of connecting with people in his professional and personal life and simply overall, he would go out for a quick errand and come back hours later after striking up conversations with friends and strangers alike along the way.

And even though we had him more than most, we’re not prepared for the void of his loss. He will live in our hearts and minds profoundly each and every day. Because without him we would not have been. We will forever be grateful and thankful for him.

Frank’s services are private. In lieu of this, for those that knew and loved him, please reflect, cherish and keep hold of a happy memory of him.

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

Services were under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.

Paula Flynn

Retired Telephone Operator Who Worked the Keno Counter at Winthrop Elks

Paula M. Flynn of Winthrop passed away at home on June 15. She was 83 years old.

Born in Boston, the beloved daughter of the late Pauline (Hansen) and Ralph Anderson, she was a resident of Winthrop since 1964 and worked as a telephone operator for many years. She also worked the Keno counter at the Winthrop Lodge of Elks. She loved to travel to Foxwoods and Las Vegas and especially loved to garden and take care of her pets.

She was the devoted wife for over 61 years to Paul Flynn and the loving mother of Danny Flynn and his girlfriend, Barbara Troy of Winthrop, Patricia Flynn of Winthrop, Tommy Flynn and his wife, Catherine and Kathleen Flynn, all of Wilmington; dear sister of Marjorie Carroll of Winthrop and the late Dolores MacFarlane, Ralph, Freddy and Frank Anderson and cherished grandmother of Michael, Patrick and Connor. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and her cat, Flynnie.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Tuesday, June 22 followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church. Rev. Peter Graziano celebrated the mass and offered prayers at the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the MSPCA at www.mspca.org.

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

Ann Curtis Pepper

Longtime Dance Instructor and Member of Winthrop Elks Emblem Club

Ann Curtis Pepper passed away on May 20, at the Sonata Senior Living Center in Coconut Creek, Florida.

Ann was born on April 16, 1942 to John F. Curtis and Mary Walker Curtis in East Boston.

Ann was a born dancer and taught classes from the time she was a teenager.

After graduation from Girls High School, she worked at Boston City Hospital until her retirement.

Ann was a member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks Emblem Club for many years where she met Warren.  She married Warren F. Pepper on April 12, 1986 and built a home in Acton Me. to settle down and enjoy retirement. Ann and Warren were very happy when Warren suddenly passed away on Jan 9, 1991.  Ann was lonely without him so she decided to follow her passion and started a Line Dancing class called the “Pepper Steppers.” She loved bringing people together, having fun and teaching dancing skills to everyone. Before long Ann had a following and was teaching large groups of students who became her cherished friends and fulfilled the loss of Warren. Ann was also a member of the Choir in Sanford Maine’s Catholic Church.

In 2019 Ann’s health began to fade and she moved to Coconut Creek, Florida to be closer to her sister Mary’s large family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John F. Curtis Jr.

Ann is survived by her stepsons: John W. Pepper of Winthrop and Robert W. Pepper of Raymond, NH; grandchildren, Brittany Pepper, Warren Pepper and Kimberly Robinson and is also survived by her sister, Mary Newall of Coconut Creek, Florida and Mark Newall, Linda Hall and Lisa Rell, all of Florida.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Saturday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 12:30 p.m. Services will conclude with interment in Winthrop Cemetery.

For directions or to sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Lilia Trinidad

Hotel Housekeeper

Lilia Trinidad of Winthrop passed away at home on June 21. She was 82 years old.

 Born in the Philippines, she was the beloved daughter of the late Benita (Apiado) and Louis Trinidad. A resident of Winthrop since 1996, she worked as a housekeeper working in hotels.

 She was the dear sister of Ester Trinidad of Winthrop, Nilo Trinidad and his wife, Sally of Winthrop, Zenaida Villanueva and her husband, Romulo of California and is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

 The funeral will be conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop today,n Thursday, June 24 at 1 p.m. followed by a graveside service in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.

 For directions or to sign the online guestbook, go to  www.caggianofuenralhome.com.

Timothy Pellegriti

Cell Phone Tower Technician

Timothy J. Pellegriti of Winthrop passed away at home on June 14. He was 46 years old.

Born in Everett, the beloved son of Rosalind Tryder (March) and her husband, John and Peter Pellegriti and his companion, Carol Silverman, he was a lifelong resident of Winthrop, attended Winthrop Schools and went on to work as a technician on cell phone towers.

He was the loving father of Tayna Pellegriti of Winthrop and the cherished brother of Julie Pellegriti of Peabody and A. Thomas Pellegriti and his wife, JoAnn of Stoneham; beloved uncle of Peter Pellegriti, Kassandra Grieco, Capri, Astro, Cairo and Caira Martinez; nephew of Thomas and Krissy Pellegriti of Florida and grandson of the late Nora (Carresi) and Dr. A. Thomas Pellegriti.

A funeral service was held in the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Wednesday, June 23. Rev. Christopher O’Connor celebrated the service and offered prayers at the interment in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

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