Obituaries 01-27-2022

Roberta Palange

Retired Hairdresser

Roberta A. Palange of Winthrop passed away at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on January 22. She was 76 years old.

Born in Winthrop, she was the beloved daughter of the late Frances (Zeigler) and Charles McGowan. A life-long resident of Winthrop, she worked as a hairdresser for many years.

She was the devoted wife of Mathew P. Palange and the loving mother of Robert M. Palange and his wife, Alicia of Lynn, Jodi Fitzpatrick of Winthrop and Marc Palange and his wife, Elizabeth of Londonderry, New Hampshire; dear sister of the late William “Butch” McGowan, beloved cousin of Marion Ouellette and cherished grandmother of Aaliya, Lorelai, Lucas and Owen.

A funeral service was held in the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Wednesday, January 26. Deacon Jim Leo celebrated the services and offered prayers at the interment in the Cross Street section of Winthrop Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter at www.northeastanimaleshelter.org.

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

James Richard Sullivan

Proud Member of Winthrop Yacht Club, Knights of Columbus and American Legion

James Richard Sullivan, 75, of Naples, Florida, peacefully passed away on January 7 with his family by his side.

James was born on November 16, 1946 to

Doris (Maclauchlan) and John F. Sullivan in Winthrop. He graduated from Winthrop High School, enlisted in the US Navy and served a tour in the Vietnam War on patrol boats.

James built a career in the construction industry as a member of the Piledrivers Local Union 56 for 40 years and as a Superintendent for both Franki Foundation and NEFCO. He was a proud member of the Winthrop Yacht Club, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

He was the dedicated husband of Diana who he  married in 1974 and the proud of  father of James Jr., Michael and Stephen.

James was known for his culinary skills and his love for entertaining family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, his three sons, his brother, Jack and sister of Winthrop and two nephews.

A memorial will be held in Winthrop at a later date.

Donations may be made to your favorite charity.

Bob “Puppy” DePippo

Star Fullback for Winthrop High School, Class of ‘57 and Honored United Airlines Retiree

Bob DePippo, known by everyone as “Puppy,” was a longtime Winthrop Resident.

The son of the late William and Constantina DePippo, he graduated from Winthrop High School, Class of ‘57. He played WHS football and excelled as a fullback, compiling numerous write-ups in the newspapers highlighting his successful career. After high school, he enlisted and served in the Marine reserves for six years.  

Puppy was known to many as an extension of their own family for many of his children’s friends, nieces, nephews and their children. He was informally known as “Pup.” He was a regular at the Center Coffee Shop and each morning he looked forward to meeting up with his friends at French Square, which he always referred to as “Shady Acres.” They caught up on all the latest gossip and reminisced on old times. He was an avid Patriots fan and never missed the opportunity to attend the games at Gillette Stadium with his family.

Pup had a zest for life, a twinkle in his eye along with a sly smile. He and his wife Susan opened their home on South Main Street to everyone with 4th of July pool parties, Christmas and Super Bowl gatherings for close to four decades. If you came to their home, you instantly felt like family. He adored his wife, Susan with whom he shared 39 years of marriage and he loved his four children.  He was especially proud of his grandchildren. He happily attended all their sporting events, dance recitals, award ceremonies, birthdays and graduations with pride and admiration.  

He was employed by United Airlines for over 35 years and upon retiring was honored with a special dinner in Washington DC, recognizing him as ‘Employee of the Year.’ During his retirement he and his wife traveled by cruise to so many places, Alaska being his all-time favorite. He would light up telling the story of the 28-mile rail excursion that descended over the White Pass Summit and into Skagway, then shop, have lunch, or just stroll around the unique and historic area.  

Just as much as friends and neighbors adored him, he was absolutely loved by his wife and his four children. Pup was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who always put the needs of everyone else first. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves behind his Wife, Susan DePippo (Trainor) of Winthrop; his children: Robert DePippo and his partner, Adele Centola of Topsfield, Michael DePippo and his wife, Margaret of Swampscott, Patty Cresta and her partner, John Donovan of Salem, NH and Barbara Cole and her husband, Greg of Hamilton; grandchildren: Christopher Cresta, Jennifer Cresta, Stephanie Cresta, James Evans, Jessica Rich and her husband, Carmen, Capria Cole, Amanda DePippo, Michael DePippo, Stephanie and Pete DiOrio and predeceased by his granddaughter Julia Evans and his brother, the late William DePippo. He also leaves his great grandchildren: Anthony Cresta and Sophia Cresta and his brothers: Thomas DePippo and his wife, Dolly of Florida and Richard DePippo and his wife, Fran of Florida.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop today, Thursday, January 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, January 28 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to his favorite charity, The Jimmy Fund at www.dana-farber.org in honor of his late granddaughter, Julia Evans.

William Gordon

Of California, formerly of Winthrop

William M. Gordon, 68, of West Hollywood, California, passed away November 25, 2021.

The beloved brother of Amy Francer and her husband, Gary and David Gordon and his wife, Natalie, he was the dear uncle to Jacob Francer and niece, Rachel Keeling and her husband, Josh.

He was born on August 2, 1953, the son of the late Robert and Natalie Gordon. Bill grew up along the ocean in Winthrop. Recently retired, he was beginning a new phase of his life when he succumbed to cardiovascular disease.

A good student and an avid reader at an early age, Bill loved finding meaning in nearly everything. Whether exploring the universe with a home telescope or scrutinizing the miniscule under his microscope, he sought comfort in learning about and being part of the natural world.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston University and a brief period working for an environmental firm, Bill was a long time employee of Delta Airlines in the 80’s. Florida, California and England were favorite destinations. He moved to California in the mid nineties and found a home in West Hollywood. He worked as an Assistant Director of Admissions at USC for over 20 years.

Wanting to keep close to longtime friends and family, he made several trips back to the Boston area. His study of Astrology, Tarot Cards and The I Ching drew people into his circle of friends. He wrote many articles on the subject but it was the interaction with people and their lives he enjoyed most.

He was active in West Hollywood and California gay politics working for various candidates. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Assn.

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