USAF Lt. Col. William Gillis
Graduate of Winthrop High School, Class of 1955
USAF Lt. Col. William A. Gillis ended earth’s mission on 23 Sept. 2025.
After graduating from Winthrop High School in 1955, he entered the first class (as a cadet) at the USAF Academy in Colorado. He graduated in June of 1960 and married his wife (now of 65 years), Kathleen A. Schulz Gillis. Their family includes sons: Thor (Janice), Glen (Huong), Mont (Deceased), Sebastian; daughters: Dawn and Cecelia; grandchildren: Apollonia (Nick), Athena, T.J. (Skai), Luhi, Rosalie; great grandchildren: Aurora, Flora and Arelia. He was preceded in death by his proud parents: Fred and Helen Gillis; brothers: Fred (Geraldine), Robert and Paul (Carol). He also leaves his living Florida brother, Richard (Donna); his loving nephews, nieces, cousins, friends in Massachusetts, various USA areas and in Germany. All will miss their favorite loving Uncle Bill.
He served in the USAF as a Pilot in Vietnam, Thailand and Korea. He was a Fighter Pilot in the F106 and F4 and an instructor of the F15 and F16. He also served as a realtor, financial planner, psychologist, Scout Leader, an Eagle Scout, in the Order of the Arrow, Ski Patrol, VFW, the American Legion and the Dandelions. He treasured his classmates and comrades, especially of the USAF 48th and 95th Squadrons.
Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, October 9th at 10 a.m. at the United States Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Interment will follow the service in the Air Force Academy Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sims Veterans Nursing Home for their loving care.
Wilson Funeral Home, 214 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405
850-785-5272 www.wilsonfuneralhome.net
Richard “Dick” Bangs
His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends and this community that he served so diligently throughout his life
It is with great sadness that the family of Richard “Dick” N. Bangs announces his passing at the age of 94, on October 2, 2025, just shy of his 95th birthday. Surrounded by family, Richard peacefully left this world, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service and commitment to both his family and community.
Richard was born on October 19, 1930, in Winthrop to Harold N. Bangs and Gertrude (Chisolm). He spent his entire life in his beloved hometown, graduating from Winthrop High School in 1948 and earning a business degree from Boston College in 1952.
Richard married Joan M. Sullivan in 1952 with whom he shared 65 years of marriage prior to her death in 2018. Together they raised five children in Winthrop. He is survived by his children: Paul F. Bangs (Sheree) of Port St. Lucie, FL, Patricia M. Winn (David) of North Attleboro, David L. Bangs (Janet) of Hudson, NH, Janice M. MacKay of Winthrop and the late Richard E. Bangs of Winthrop. He is also the proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Justin Bangs, Ryan Winn, Christopher Winn, Matthew Bangs, Stephanie Winn and Bridget Bangs. Richard’s legacy also lives on in his five great grandchildren: Eloise and Evelyn Bangs, Charlie and Jack Winn and Baker Winn.
Richard was an integral part of the local community and his work was dedicated to serving others. A proud veteran, he served as a Petty Officer in the United States Naval Reserve from 1948 to 1960. Professionally he worked at Raytheon Company from 1952 to 1992, where he was an original employee of Lab 16, working as a Purchasing and Subcontracts Manager. After retiring from Raytheon, Richard owned and operated H.N. Bangs & Sons Moving and Storage, Inc.
Richard’s contributions to Winthrop were immeasurable. He served as Selectman from 1989 to 1994, including Chairman in 1994. His dedication to the fire service spanned many years, including serving as Fire Engineer from 1975 to 1981, and as Fire Chief from 1977 to 1981. He also served on the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, a Gubernatorial appointment originally appointed by Governor Edward King from 1979 to 2002, including as Chairman from 1982 to 2002. The “Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award,” which honors a recruit in each graduating class, is a testament to his lifelong dedication to training and mentoring the next generation of firefighters.
Richard was a respected member of several organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chief’s, the Massachusetts Fire Chief’s Association, and the Boston Sparks Association, where he was the oldest living member (1959-2025). He also held leadership roles as the President of the REW Foundation, Vice President of Winthrop Hospital, Director of Winthrop Savings Bank, and was a member of the Boston Fire Museum. He was a Town Meeting Member for over 40 years and served on the Advisory Committee. He was also active with Boy Scouts Troop 78 and a former member of the Cottage Park Yacht Club.
Though Richard’s professional and civic accomplishments were many, he was happiest at home on his porch, greeting family, friends, neighbors, and even the furry companions of the street. His warmth, kindness and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
The funeral will be conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop today, Thursday, October 9 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10 a.m. Service will conclude with the interment in Winthrop Cemetery (Old Section).
Richard’s memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and the community he served so diligently throughout his life.
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.
Sheila M. DeStefano
Beloved wife and mother
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Thursday, October 9th from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere for Sheila M. (Barry) DeStefano, who passed away on October 2nd at 85 years of age. A Funeral Service will be conducted in the Funeral Home at 11 a.m., followed by interment in Winthrop Cemetery – Belle Isle Section, Winthrop.
Sheila was born and raised in Winthrop and was the daughter of James and Evelyn (Burke) Barry. She attended schools in Winthrop and was a graduate of Winthrop High School. When she married Carl DeStefano, she remained in Winthrop with her family.
Sheila was a devoted wife and mother, and she also held several jobs throughout her life. She worked for several years as a bartender at the Sand Bar on Revere Beach and was also a nursing assistant for many years in several nursing homes in Winthrop. Her most recent career was in medical records and at M.G.H. in Revere where she remained until her retirement.
She and her husband travelled to Florida for the winters for over 15 years, before taking full time residence there. As her health declined, she returned home and moved to Peabody.
The beloved wife of Carl C. DeStefano of Peabody, she was the devoted mother of Lisa Kirby and her husband, Daniel of Peabody, William DeStefano and his partner, Kathy Murphy of Peabody, Edward DeStefano and his partner, Angela Williams of Revere, Janine Sujko of Revere and the late Danielle DiChiara and Michael Flaherty. She is also lovingly survived by many grandchildren. She was the dear sister of the late Joseph Barry of Winthrop.
Donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.
Mary Claire Mahoney
Educator and a truly unique and nurturing woman
On Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 Mary Claire Mahoney passed away after battling cancer for over two years with dogged strength, determination and optimism. For 78 years she showered her creativity and passion upon all those she encountered… as a daughter, sister, aunt, Lynn school teacher, wife, Mom and Grammie. We celebrated her fantastic life on Sunday October 5th at Buonfiglio Funeral Home in Revere. What follows are some details and stories of her life, told in the manner and with a flair for colorful details (and lack of brevity!) that Mary loved:
Born in Roanoke, Virginia on July 17th, 1947, Mary Claire Skendall was the third daughter of John V. Skendall, a meticulous safety engineer with Lithuanian roots from Lynn MA, and Margaret (Dunn) Skendall, a feisty Irish homemaker hailing from Winthrop. Mary loved to tell vivid stories and would regale her children about how ‘Grampie’ Skendall courted ‘Grammie’ Skendall by rowing her around the harbor. Eventually, the pair married and settled in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, and Mary attended the nearby Catholic school. St. Ursula at Allison Park – a certain tale of justified fisticuffs between her and a nun are family lore- before graduating from Shaler Area High School with the Class of 1965. She then enrolled at Grove City College before transferring to Penn State to pursue a standard teaching career.
However, Mary was not a standard woman. She was fearless- she embraced offbeat paths with the confidence in which a proper “lady” of her generation was not to possess. In the summer of 1966, she was working at Cedar Point Amusement Park (as a train robbing cowgirl !!) when she encountered a young Marine from Medford MA – Lance Corporal Kevin Mahoney who had traveled to Ohio to officiate scores at the National Rifle Matches. There may have been bar top dancing involved… depending on the source. The pair fell in love and married on January 13th, 1968 after Kevin returned from multiple tours in Viet Nam.
The next chapter of the story took Mary to her mom’s beachside hometown of Winthrop where she was the captain and ballast of the Point Shirley Mahoney Clan. At the end, all of the Mahoney children were together at her bedside when her ship set sail for the final voyage to heaven. Supporting her was first born Meghan Diane and her husband, Matt Whitler, with thoughtful messages from her boys: Aidan, Alex and Henry. Eldest Son Kevin Sean Mahoney – who married Mary Nicosia of Revere – stayed watch at her bedside. Third born was Kerrie Ann who married her husband, Daniel “D.J.” Gottschall – they reside with their daughters, Maggie and Ellie in North Carolina and visited Grammie and Papa to swim in the Bay every summer. The youngest member of the family (and the author of this tribute) came along as Matthew Ryan Mahoney who (got lucky) and wed Kimberly Ann (Carvalho) and reside with mom’s “Joy Boys” Owen and John in Topsfield, MA.
Once she finished raising her children, Mary recommenced her education career. Naturally, she began by teaching prisoners how to read and write for many years at Deer Island Correctional Facility, Shirley House of Corrections and South Bay House of Corrections. Eventually, she earned her Master’s Degree from Lesley University. She procured a public school position and taught for decades in the Lynn Public Schools. She taught at Breed, Connery, Hood and Washington helping students from second grade through middle school. She was so proud and talented at sparking the love of learning in her children in a fun and original way.
Our Mom leaves this world as the first member of the Skendall children to embrace the Lord’s final blessing. Her surviving family include sister, Ann Teele and her late husband, Jim of Ipswich, MA and their children, Lisa and Ted; Patricia Bernot and her husband, Ed with her children: Ed, John, Lynette, Patrick and the late Paul Bernot; John Skendall and his son, Jay.
Mary was predeceased in life by many, MANY cherished pets. Though Dad lovingly called her “Mary Mary quite contrary” she never wavered in her love for pets and having a full and raucous home. At one point our family had four dogs, two cats and a turtle! Our family takes comfort knowing she is resting in heaven surrounded by the wags, purrs and kisses of Sherman, Bearky, Bonnie, Clyde, Trevor, Ms. Prim, Rocky Racoo (after Rolling Rock beer?, the 70’s were a weird time), Rickey, Raja, Houdini, Vanilla Bean, Cuddles and Ditka Bear. Your current “snuggle pup” Amber Rose will meet you up there once she is done helping Dad and our whole family through this sad time adjusting to life without the love and energy of a truly unique and nurturing woman.
In lieu of flowers PLEASE consider donating to: The Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association (WIHA) of which Mary was an active member in her retirement, The Kaplan House in Danvers whose staff cared for her in the final days with professionalism and expertise. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.
Peter Maiolino
Long active in the Winthrop Sons of Italy and the Winthrop Auxiliary Police
Peter A. Maiolino, a beloved member of the Winthrop community, passed away at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on October 4, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 10, 1945, and became a cherished resident of Winthrop in 1957.
Peter dedicated many years of his life as a Massachusetts State vehicle inspector at Bolster’s Service Center, where he was known for his commitment to ensuring the safety of the roads. His diligence and professionalism left a lasting impact on the community he served.
Beyond his career, Peter was actively involved in the Winthrop Sons of Italy, where he celebrated and promoted Italian culture and community spirit. He also proudly served for over 25 years with the Winthrop Auxiliary Police, dedicating countless hours to ensuring the safety and well-being of his neighbors.
He was the devoted husband of Grace (Curran) and the loving father of Peter A. Maiolino and his wife, Erin of Wakefield and Wendi O’Brien and her husband, Richard of Winthrop; dear brother of Josephine Maurer of Hanover, Doreen Bolger of Saugus and the late Rosanne Leonardo and the cherished grandfather of Luke, Lilah, Bryce and Hadley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop today, Thursday, October 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, October 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 the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.
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.
Bettie Faye Lane
March 17, 1940 — Sept. 13, 2025
Bettie Faye Lane, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She was 85 years old.
Born on. March 17, 1940, in Welchers Creek, North Carolina, Bettie was the daughter of the late James B. Elkins and Annie Laura Babson, both of North Carolina. She spent her early years in Bladenboro, where she developed the deep love of family, faith and community that would remain central in her life.
As a young woman, Bettie moved to Massachusetts, first settling in Westfield before making her home in Revere and later in Winthrop. Throughout her years, she was admired for her warmth, grace and dedication to those she loved. She was predeceased by her first husband, Nathan Palecki and her second husband, Charles Lane, both of whom she cherished deeply.
Bettie’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Donna Fazio and Debra Inacio and her son Nathan Palecki, Jr. She was a proud grandmother to Paul Dunn, Corrinne McInnes, Matthew Fazio and Bradley Tirrell and great grandmother to Graham Dunn. She was a source of wisdom, encouragement and unconditional love.
She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, especially spending time with family, traveling to new places, tending to her garden and maintaining an active social life. Bettie’s kindness, generosity and lively spirit touched all who knew her and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.