Obituaries 12-18-2025

Peter Roy Finn

He had a long and distinguished career in education

Peter Roy Finn, born August 8, 1941, in Malden, Massachusetts, to Roy and Lorraine Finn, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, after a long battle with dementia.

Peter was a proud graduate of Malden High School, Class of 1959, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He went on to attend Bowdoin College, Class of 1963, where he played on the basketball team and served as captain of the baseball team.

Peter had a long and distinguished career in education, beginning at Reading High School, where he taught Latin and French, coached baseball, and served as an assistant football coach. Over the years, he held many positions in various school districts throughout Massachusetts, including Vice Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. He later served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Superintendents of Schools Association (MASS) and as Vice President at Harcourt Learning Direct, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s education system and, more importantly, on the lives of his students and colleagues.

In addition to his work in education, Peter was a dedicated college football referee for many years, sharing his love of sports and fair play with countless student-athletes. A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, he followed the team faithfully and would proudly proclaim, “Happy New Year,” every year on Opening Day at Fenway Park.

Peter had been a resident of Winthrop for the past 40 years and was a loyal member of the Winthrop Golf Club. An avid golfer, reader and walker, he could often be seen strolling around town, enjoying the outdoors and greeting friends and neighbors. Family was most important to Peter, and he especially loved watching his children’s sporting events, cheering them on and supporting their passions.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Marie Finn of Winthrop and is lovingly remembered by his six children: Kristen McDonnell and her husband, Kevin, of Marlborough; Courtney Finn of Waltham, Paul Finn and his wife, Samantha, of Framingham, Patrick Finn and his wife, Andrea, of Methuen, Pamela Wood and her husband, Gary, of North Andover and Lorraine Finn of Salem, New Hampshire. Peter was a proud grandfather to: Hannah, Gillian, Ryan, Thomas, Grace, Riley, and JP. He is also survived by his sister, Maryann Finn of Saugus, his sisters-in-law, Marion Finn of Melrose and Connie Doto and her wife, Debra Ciardello, of York, Maine; his brother-in-law, Martin Doto and his wife, Karen Doto, of Melrose and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Finn, formerly of Melrose.

A memorial mass was held in St. John the Evangelist Church in Winthrop on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the countless family members and friends who provided love, care, and support during Peter’s declining health, with special thanks to the dedicated staff of the memory care unit at the PARC Assisted Living Facility in Winthrop for their compassion and exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Peter Finn Memorial Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made out to the Peter Finn Memorial Scholarship Fund and mailed to 125 Washington Avenue, Winthrop MA 02152.

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

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

Robert Edward Furniss

His greatest joy was found in being a husband, father and grandfather

Robert Edward Furniss, 78, of Brownsboro, Alabama, passed away on December 4th, 2025. He was born on October 15th, 1947, in Cambridge, Massachusetts to William F. and Mary G. Furniss (Donovan) of Winthrop. Robert graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston in 1965 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts.

In 1970, Robert enlisted as an Officer in the United States Air Force and served as a 1st Lieutenant and Missile Launch Officer for Strategic Air Command in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Robert was responsible for monitoring and launching nuclear missiles as part of the U.S. nuclear deterrence strategy during the height of the Cold War. Following his military service, Robert continued his education at Harvard University where he earned a master’s degree in urban planning.

Robert spent over 40 years working in the transportation industry, starting with consulting for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Connecticut Department of Transportation. He later worked for CACI Inc., Urban Transportation Development Corp. (UTDC), and he created and led UTDC Transit Services Inc. Robert championed a new start private commuter rail operation, South Florida’s Tri-Rail, serving as President and CEO from 1988 to 1994. Robert’s visionary leadership and accomplishments contributed to a renaissance in U.S. passenger rail, and his services business model soon had a long string of imitators in other cities.

From 1994 until 2017, Robert worked at Bombardier Transportation, serving as Vice President for North America, where he led the strategy and sales process for large vehicle orders. His success resulted in record numbers of vehicles being produced by Bombardier, allowing them to become the largest manufacturer in North America under his tenure. Robert will be remembered for his integrity and dedication to excellence. He loved the relationships he built with customers.

His greatest joy was found in being the husband to Joy, father and grandfather. Above all, Robert was a follower of Jesus Christ. His faith in God directed all his steps and he loved studying Scripture. Robert was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Hampton Cove, Alabama.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joy L. Furniss (Belcher), son, Shawn M. Furniss and his wife, Natasha, son, Brian R. Furniss and his wife, Nicole, daughter, Heather J. Dragash and her husband, John, three grandsons, Noah, Caleb and Gabriel Dragash and two granddaughters, Fiona and Amber Furniss, brother, William F. Furniss Jr., sister, Carol A. Furniss; brothers-in-law include the late Richard Belcher and his wife, Isabel, David Belcher and his wife, Carol, sister-in-law, Jean Scarpa and her husband, Frank and cousin, Katherine M. Furniss, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held in the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on December 15, 2025. Services concluded with the interment in the Cross Street section of Winthrop Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to: Christ Presbyterian Church, 288 Old 431 Hwy South, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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

 Arlyne R. Sampson

Dedicated Registered Nurse who embraced life with joy and warmth

Arlyne R. (Cullinane) Sampson of Peabody and Naples, Florida, formerly of East Boston and Winthrop, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025

Arlyne was the beloved wife of the late Stanley M. Sampson, with whom she shared 51 years of devoted marriage.

Born in East Boston to the late James and Rita Cullinane (Dunn), she graduated from St. Rose High School in Chelsea, Class of 1954, and earned her nursing degree from Chelsea Memorial Hospital in 1957.

A dedicated Registered Nurse, Arlyne served her community with compassion and skill at Chelsea Memorial Hospital, Governor Winthrop Nursing Home, East Point Nursing Home, and Suffolk Downs Racetrack. She also worked alongside Dr. Jacob Burke, MD, in his Chelsea OB/GYN practice.

Arlyne was the cherished mother of Mark Sampson, Pamela Scranton and her husband, Dave and the late S. Michael Sampson, Jr. She was a loving “Mamie” to Jordan, Kaitlin and Michael Sampson and Samuel “Sam” Scranton and a proud great-grandmother to Elyza, Fynn and Jaycob. She was the dear sainted sister of James Cullinane and the late Helen Frazier, and sister-in-law to the late Ellen Cullinane and Joe Frazier. Arlyne is also survived by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Arlyne embraced life with joy and warmth. She loved traveling, bowling, bingo, ceramics, and spending time with her walking group. She had a fondness for a little gambling and a deep love for her family and friends. Her bond with Sally and Tim Leary spanned over 80 years, and she treasured all those who stood by her.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 followed by A Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church. Services concluded with the interment in the Cross Street section of Winthrop Cemetery.

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

James Charles Davie

He was the personification of a “good guy”

 James Charles Davie, 71, of Lynnfield, formerly of Winthrop, died on December 8th at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a long illness.

Born May 20, 1954 in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Charles J. and Ernestine P. (DeFalco) Davie. He is survived by his wife, Marcia (O’Neill) Davie of Lynnfield; his children, James J. Davie of Lynnfield and Nicole M. Davie of Brookline and his granddaughter, Grace M. Davie of Lynnfield and is also survived by his best friend and twin brother, John L. and Cheryl Davie of Reading. He was predeceased by his sister, Julie (Davie) Quinlan and his daughter-in-law, ,Julie (Bates) Davie. He was uncle to Edward J. Quinlan, Jr. of Summerville, SC; Elizabeth Straub, of Pembroke; Melissa O’Karma of Reading; Evan Davie of Reading; and Reilly McNamara of Wakefield; nephew of Angela Sylvester of Winthrop and cousin of Sandra Sylvester Donovan of Hamilton and the brother-in-law of Edward J. Quinlan, Sr. of Marshfield, Sheryl and Richard Pesce of Georgetown, Sandra and Anthony Pesce of Lynnfield and Patrice and John McNamara of Wakefield; life-long friend to Denise M. Mahoney of Winthrop and Dad to his dog, Baylee, and his cats, Rambo and Mabel. He also leaves many cousins and extended family and numerous good friends.

Jim was the personification of a “good guy,” he was loving and loyal to all of his family and friends. Always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone in need, all those who received his love, friendship and support were better because of it. Jim’s family and friends were very important to him and he leaves behind a legacy of love.

 A 1972 graduate of Winthrop Senior High School, Jim was an outstanding three-sport athlete, he was captain of the varsity football team, with an 8-1 record and a starter on the Northeast Conference Championship varsity basketball and baseball teams. Jim attended Boston College where he played baseball and transferred to Bentley University on a baseball scholarship. He graduated from Bentley in 1978 with a BA and teaching certificate. After teaching and coaching for a few years, he joined his brother in the family electrical business, Davie and Sons Electric Co.

Visitation for relatives and friends was held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Monday, December 15. His Funeral Mass was celebrated in Saint Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield on Tuesday, December 16 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Jim’s name to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA (https://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/northeast-animal-shelter/).

Lorraine A. Carroll

Graduate of Winthrop High School, Class of 1974

Family and friends attended Visiting Hours for Lorraine Carroll on Tuesday, December 16th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere, followed by a Funeral Service at the First Congregational Church of Revere, 230 Beach St., Revere. Interment followed in Winthrop Cemetery – Belle Isle Section, Winthrop.

Lorraine was born on April 16th, 1956, in Cambridge to her parents, William and Christine Jacques. Lorraine was raised in Winthrop, alongside her brothers, William and Paul, and their many cousins. She was a graduate of Winthrop High School, Class of 1974. Following high school, Lorraine attended secretarial school and began her long and fulfilling career as an administrator, most recently with some of her dearest colleagues at Legacy Lifecare VNA and Hospice. She also pursued a part time career in real estate, taking great pride in assisting families in finding their homes all along the North Shore.

Lorraine was known for her kindness, generosity, and her deep belief in the Christian faith. She was a longtime member of First Congregational Church of Revere, where she participated in the women’s bible study, prayer groups, and volunteered at the food pantry. Within the church, she made incredibly meaningful and fulfilling lifelong friendships.

Lorraine was married to her childhood sweetheart, David Carroll and they lived their lives together in Winthrop, enjoying their shared love of music, movies, and their weekly television shows. She will be remembered for her love and commitment to her family and friends.

She is the loving wife of 47 years to David J. Carroll of Winthrop; cherished daughter of the late William E. and Christine A. (Sepe) Jacques; dear sister of William Jacques of Winthrop, and the late Paul Jacques. She is also lovingly survived by her children: Cynthia Carroll, Jonathan (Ashley) Carroll, Stephanie (Scott Hamilton) Carroll, Thomas (Tiffany) Carroll, as well as four sweet grandchildren. She will also be missed by her many dear cousins, as well as her nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Lorraine’s memory to the Food Pantry at First Congregational Church of Revere, 230 Beach St., Revere, MA 02151.

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.