Obituaries 6-4-26

Grace Federico

Active at the Winthrop Senior Center, member of the Tenants Board for Winthrop Housing at Golden Drive and longtime worker at the Winthrop Polls

Grace M. (Higgins) Federico of Winthrop passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the age of 91.

Born and raised in Medford, she was the cherished daughter of the late Frederick and Anna P. (Hadley) Higgins.

Grace was a longtime resident of Winthrop, where she did a wonderful job raising her family.

Prior to her return to Winthrop to retire, Grace worked as a circuit board manufacturer at the former Parlex Electronic Manufacturing Company in Methuen. She was very active at the Winthrop Senior Center, a member of the Tenants Board for Winthrop Housing at Golden Drive and for many years, Grace worked the voting tables at all local, state and federal elections in Winthrop.

When Grace was in her early 20’s, she taught herself to sew and embroider, which became a lifelong love close to her heart. She enjoyed being outdoors and taking walks along Winthrop Beach. Above all, Grace treasured spending time with her family.

Grace was the devoted mother of Scott Federico and his wife, Mary of Somerset MA, Michael Federico and his wife, Patty of Winthrop, Susan Tarascio and her husband, Tony of West Simsbury, CT and the late Noel Alexander (AKA Thomas Federico). She was the adored grandmother of Joseph, Christopher, Zachary and Adrian. Grace was the dear sister of Mildred Conway of Manchester, NH, John Higgins of Billerica and the late Frederick Higgins.

A visiting hour will be held in St. John the Evangelist Church (St. Michael’s Parish), 320 Winthrop St. Winthrop on Friday, June 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited.

Grace’s family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Winthrop Pace for the tender care they provided in her later years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to the Winthrop Pace Program, 26 Sturgis St. Winthrop MA 02152.

Funeral arrangements are from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. Medford, MA. 02155. To leave a message of condolence, please visit:

www.dellorusso.net 

Erick Iverson

Past Vice Commodore of the Pleasant Park Yacht Club and past Commander of
the VFW Post 460

Eric Iverson, 78, passed away after a life defined by loyalty, adventure, generosity, and quiet strength.

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Brighton, Massachusetts, Eric was a proud graduate of Brighton High School, Class of 1965. From an early age, he carried with him a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and the simple joys of life.

Eric proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, completing two tours in Vietnam with courage and honor. His service reflected the steadfast character that would guide him throughout his life- dependable, humble, and deeply devoted to those he cared for.

A true tropical soul, Eric found happiness wherever there was sun on his face, salt air in the breeze, and the sound of the ocean nearby. He was an avid deep-sea fisherman and a former scuba diving instructor whose love of the water shaped much of his life. Whether traveling to warm coastal destinations, spending time on the ocean, or enjoying life aboard a boat, he embraced every adventure and believed every sunset was something to be appreciated.

Eric was a Past Vice Commodore of the Pleasant Park Yacht Club and past Commander of the VFW Post 460, where he built lasting friendships and shared countless memories. He was known as a man of unwavering loyalty, to his family, his friends, and his community, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Though never one to seek recognition, Eric quietly gave back to causes close to his heart throughout his life. His generosity supported organizations including Tunnel to Towers, Native American reservation preservation efforts, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His kindness was often unseen but deeply felt by many. Above all, Eric lived life to the fullest. He approached each day with gratitude, humor, and an adventurous spirit that never faded. He treasured time with family and friends and he leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, generosity, and love.

Eric was predeceased by his parents, Eric and Sarah Iverson. He is survived by his brother, Dean Iverson, and Dean’s wife, Claire, along with his niece and nephew, Courtney McKelvey and Craig Iverson and their families. Eric’s family and many friends were all enriched in life by knowing him.

As we say goodbye, we imagine Eric sailing peacefully into his final sunset, the ocean breeze at his back and the music of Jimmy Buffett playing softly in the distance.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held at a later date. To sign the online guestbook, go to caggianofuenralhome.com.

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

Richard Summers

Retired Nuclear Engineer whose life was marked by his thoughtful nature, dedication to his work, and devotion to his beliefs

Richard L. Summers, 87, of Winthrop, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on August 16, 1938, the beloved son of the late Catherine (Stricker) and Lee Summers.

Richard grew up in Toledo and served in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University. He built a career as a nuclear engineer, contributing to the construction of nuclear power plants, and later served as a project manager for Stone & Webster, where his leadership and technical expertise were well respected.

He found joy in sculpting and in writing about theology, topics that reflected his deep and steadfast faith. Richard’s life was marked by his thoughtful nature, dedication to his work, and devotion to his beliefs.

He was the devoted husband of Roberta Daly and the loving father of Alexander Summers of Chicago, Illinois and Juliana Sullivan and her husband, Daniel of Manchester, New Hampshire; dear brother of Mary Ann Schwartzkopf and her husband, Richard of Toledo, Ohio, Kathleen Rauh and her husband, Michael of Peru, Illinois, Paul Summers and his wife, Karen of Oregon, Ohio, Patricia Klocinski and her husband, Norbert of Toledo, Ohio and Theresa Thompson and her late husband, Richard of Kingsland, Georgia; cherished papa of Gemma, Giuliana, Liam and Logan. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church. Services concluded with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop.

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

Ruth Hovermale

Lifelong Winthrop Resident

Ruth M. Hovermale of Winthrop passed away at the Life Care Center of Stoneham on May 31, 2026. She was 85 years old. Born in Boston, she was the beloved daughter of the late Verna (Stevens) and Frederick A. Burns. A life-long resident of Winthrop, she previously worked as a stewardess for National Airlines from 1958 – 1966 where she met her husband.

She was the devoted wife of the late Russell L. Hovermale and the loving mother of Russ Hovermale and his partner, Philip of Tampa, Florida and Royce Hovermale and his wife. Jennifer of Winthrop.; dear sister of the late Frederick A. “Sonny” Burns, Jr. and cherished grandmother of Ryan, Evan and Dylan Hovermale. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Saturday, June 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund  at www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org.

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