Obituaries 05-09-2024

John Guthro

He Will Forever Be Remembered as a Devoted Veteran, Educator, Coach and Community Member Who Touched the Lives of Many and Left a Lasting Legacy of Love and Kindness

John F. Guthro, dedicated Winthrop High School teacher, passionate coach of several sports and Vietnam Air Force Veteran passed away at the age of 78 on May 6, 2024. John, a cherished member of the Winthrop community, will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his students, athletes, and community organizations.

Born in Quincy, John served his country with honor in the Vietnam War as a member of the Air Force. After his military service, he returned home to pursue a career in education, where he touched the lives of countless students as a teacher and coach at Winthrop High School. His commitment to fostering the growth and development of young minds both in the classroom and on the playing field left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Outside of his professional life, John was a member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks and a devoted fan of Boston sports teams. His love of golf, gambling, and family were among his greatest joys in life, and he could often be found enjoying a round of golf with his son and friends, cheering on his favorite sports teams or spending quality time with his loved ones.

John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the Winthrop community at large. His kind heart, generous spirit and passion for life will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He was the devoted husband of Shirley S. (Wood) and the loving father of Diane Stangle and her husband, Richard and Jay Guthro and his wife, Sarah Judge, all of Winthrop; dear brother of David Guthro and his wife, Jane of Framingham, Paula Ahern and her late husband, Donald of Billerica, Kathleen Comeau and her husband, Charles, Deborah McKeon and her late husband, Jeffrey, all of Florida and Paul Guthro and his wife, Lisa of Newburyport; cherished grandfather of Andrew, James, Jayden, Gavin, Jordan and Gillian and beloved son of the late Mary P. (Edwards) and Paul S. Guthro.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop today, Thursday, May 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, May 10 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 military honors in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

John F. Guthro will forever be remembered as a devoted veteran, educator, coach and community member who touched the lives of many and left a lasting legacy of love and kindness. May he rest in peace.

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

Robert “Rocco” Staffier

Retired Painting Contractor and Proud Lobsterman

Robert A. “Rocco” Staffier of Winthrop passed away at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln on May 3, 2024. He was 81 years old.

Born in East Boston, he was the beloved son of the late Concetta (Orlando) and Rocco Staffier.

A life-long resident of Winthrop, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he went on to work as a painting contractor. He was a proud lobsterman who enjoyed going out on the water on his boat, the Rock Bottom.

He was the loving father of Leah Staffier and the dear brother of David Staffier of Florida, Ida Staffier of Stoneham and the late Steven Staffier; beloved uncle of Steven Staffier, Gina Donati-Staffier, Adam Bial and Jason Bial and great uncle to Luciano, Madison, Dante, Justin and Alex.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the graveside service in the Cross Street section of Winthrop Cemetery on Saturday, May 11 at 12:30 p.m. Celebration of Life following graveside service will be held at the Winthrop Elks from 1 to 5 p.m.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com Arrangements under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.

Barbara-Jean Wynters

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center Retiree

 Barbara-Jean Wynters left this life at the Care One Nursing Home on May 2, 2024. Barbara was born in East Boston and graduated from East Boston High School. She married in 1948 and was a homemaker for 15 years before working for the Boston Public Schools and in the medical field, retiring from East Boston Neighborhood Health Center in 1997. She enjoyed spending her summers by the pool at the Fort Heath apartments.

Barbara was predeceased by her former late husband, Wilford C. Suozzo, a sister, Judith Bishop and a son, Stephen Suozzo. She is survived by a son, Wilford Suozzo of Peabody, a granddaughter, Michele Melvena of Shrewsbury and a grandson, Wilford Suozzo, Jr. of Newburyport. She was the great grandmother of Gabriella, Mia, Paul, Liam and John.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Monday, May 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 11:30 a.m. Services will conclude with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

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

Barbara Louise Nimblett

She Was in All Respects a Dedicated Winthrop-Ite

Barbara Louise (Letson) Nimblett, a lifelong resident of Winthrop, died peacefully on May 22, 2023, at the age of 97 while in hospice care at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. She made the decision while a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital to cease her medical care and finish her life in a hospice environment, trusting her faith in God and fully aware that her earthly life would no longer sustain her. Before her passing, Barbara celebrated the Last Rites with her longtime priest, Father Walter Connelly, of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Winthrop.

Barbara was born in the Metcalf Hospital in Winthrop on December 18, 1925, and spent the rest of her life in Winthrop. She was in all respects a dedicated Winthrop-ite and never ceased to support everything about the town of her birth.

She married the love of her life, John Francis Nimblett (Johnny) in 1945, and they were a dedicated couple for almost 66 years until Johnny died in 2011. She is survived by their son, John Kenneth Nimblett (Kenny/Ken) of Somerville and the mother-in-law of Henry Stuckert Miller (Rusty) who preceded her in death in 2016. Her sister and only sibling, Virginia (Letson) Dempster and brother-in law, John Dempster preceded her in death some years ago. She is survived by her niece, Nancy (Dempster) Eimers and nephew John (Jack) Dempster and their spouses, children and grandchildren. She was sadly preceded in death in 2023 by her loving nephew and niece, Jimmy and Sally (Mills) Nimblett. She was also the aunt of many members of the Nimblett family, most notably Tommy, Ruthie (Nimblett), Wayland, and Bobby Nimblett and their spouses and children.

From her early days, Barbara involved herself in all aspects of the community she loved. She attended Winthrop Public Schools, was secretary of the class of 1943, and was active for many years on the reunion committee of all of her class reunions. In addition, she was involved in numerous civic organizations in the town, many more than can be noted here, but primarily the Winthrop Women’s Club (president); the Popular Authors Literary Club (recording secretary), The Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association, and the Margaret Winthrop Rebekah Lodge. As a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal church, she carried out innumerable responsibilities during her lifetime, including as a member of the vestry, Directress of the Altar Guild, and numerous other church committees and functions. An unmatched parish greeter, Barbara welcomed countless folks into the fellowship of St John’s.

Professionally, Barbara provided secretarial services in a number of agencies and businesses throughout her career, the last of which was her role as secretary to professors in the Botany department at Harvard University. The shorthand she used in her work was a skill she utilized throughout her life. In her personal life, she was totally dedicated to her family members and friends and cultivated an active life of involvement in all ways with them.

She was an accomplished seamstress, sewer, and knitter; and she made many of her own clothes for years as well as items for others. An avid traveler, she journeyed to a wide array of destinations around the world and savored and talked about the experiences she had continually. On these trips she often developed new friendships with fellow travelers and went on future trips with them.

A particular passion she had over the years was amassing a collection of stuffed bears that visitors to her home could always easily see since they were everywhere in her midst.

As a result of her father’s native British heritage, Barbara readily adopted the life of an Anglophile and relished the connection that provided to her identity. A trip she took to the British Isles was not only her first international venture, it was also a time when she visited the home of her father’s birth and cemented the lifelong connection she had had growing up in a British inspired household. The death of Queen Elizabeth II was a particular blow to her since the queen and she were almost the same age; and as Barbara said, “She’s been with me all my life.”

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of her life which will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, corner of Bowdoin and Buchanan Streets, Winthrop. A visitation in the church will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 11. Interment in the Letson family grave will take place immediately after the service. A reception will follow in the parish house directly across the street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the following: St John’s Episcopal Church, 222 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, MA 02152 or Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association, P.O Box 520177, Winthrop, MA 02152.

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

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

Mary Frances Reddy

Her Life Was a Testament to the Power of Family, Friendship and Unconditional Love

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Frances Reddy, known to all as Fran, on May 4, 2024 at the age of 93. Fran was born in Winthrop to Bridget (Ganley) Crean and James Crean and throughout her life, she was a shining example of love, friendship, and service to others.

Fran’s journey began in Winthrop, where she attended Winthrop Schools and later Fitton High School. She built a career as a switchboard operator, working at several companies in Boston before retiring from the renowned law firm Hale and Dorr. During her career, Fran made many lasting friendships, a testament to her warm and welcoming nature.

In her personal life, Fran’s most cherished role was that of a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She met the love of her life, Jim, on a blind date, and their relationship blossomed into a marriage that spanned 58 years until his passing in 2008. Together, they raised six children and created a home filled with warmth, laughter and adventure.

Fran’s love and kindness knew no bounds. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children, as well as the children in her community. She was a familiar face in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and St. John’s Missile Band, always offering a helping hand and an encouraging smile. Fran’s home was the heart of her family, where she hosted epic meals, cocktail parties and lively Trivial Pursuit games during the holidays. Her ability to bring people together was a gift that will be missed by all who knew her.

Fran was an adventurous spirit who enjoyed traveling to different destinations, whether with friends, family or her grandchildren. Wherever she went, she made friends effortlessly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her love and warmth touched the lives of many, and her memory will be cherished by her children: Jimmy, John (Donna), Linda (Gary), Maureen, Chris (Kerry) and the late Michael, and her grandchildren: Shane, Bridget, Jillian (John), Lindsay, Nolan (Alexandria), Shannon and Nick, along with her great-grandchild, Anna. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Fran was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim, her son, Michael, her parents, and her brother, Jimmy (Terry). She was the sister-in-law of Debra and her late husband, Kevin Reddy and Gloria Rutherford. She is also survived by countless friends and family members who will keep her spirit alive in their hearts.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on May 8, 2024 followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church., Services concluded with the interment at Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery on Kennedy Drive in Winthrop.

Fran’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and an adventurous spirit. Though we will miss her dearly, we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved Jim and other loved ones who passed before her. Her life was a testament to the power of family, friendship, and unconditional love, and her memory will forever inspire us.

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