Obituary: Laurie A. Murphy

Laurie A. Murphy

Laurie A. (Mack) Murphy of Hull, died on April 27 surrounded by her family.

The beloved wife of 32 years of James G. Murphy, she was the cherished mother of Thomas M. Murphy of Boston and Katie R. Murphy and her companion, Tyler Davis, of Plympton. Mrs. Murphy was the beloved daughter of the late Henry D. Mack and loving daughter of Paulene M. Nesbitt of Duxbury and her late husband, James H. Nesbitt. 

She also was the dear friend of Chrissy and Bruce Tower and their family of Weymouth, Judy and Bill Ciardi and family of Weymouth, Elaine and Doug Smith and family of Hanson, Kathy and Clarke Ingoldsby and family of Hull, and Jen Whelan of Medfield. Mrs. Murphy also leaves behind her great neighbors who were also great friends, Margaret and Mike Norton and family, Marybeth and Neil O’Brien and family, Diane and Ricky Batista and family, Bob and Cida Souza and family, AnnMarie Curran and family, and Russ Mason and family, all of Hull.

Mrs. Murphy grew up in Hull. She was a graduate of Hull High School and furthered her education, graduating from Quincy College. She married the love of her life, James G. Murphy, and they moved to Plymouth to raise their family. After 26 years, they returned to Hull, as Mrs. Murphy loved living by the ocean and going to the beach. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. She and Mr. Murphy enjoyed playing gin rummy together. She had a passion for shopping and really enjoyed a great cup of coffee.

Mrs. Murphy had a very strong work ethic and worked as a legal administrative assistant at Manion, Gaynor & Manning for many years. Mrs. Murphy always had a desire to become a race car driver!  She cherished all her friendships, but nothing was more important than her two children and her husband, Jim. She was the rock in their family. Although they are heartbroken at her loss, she will live on in their hearts forever. 

A funeral service will be celebrated this morning (Thursday) at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham, followed by burial in Hull Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. Murphy may be made to Ellie Fund Breast Cancer Foundation, 200 Reservoir St. Suite 300, Needham, MA 02494. Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Virginia Winnett

Virginia Winnett, 61

Virginia “Ginny” Means Winnett passed suddenly on Saturday, April 30, at the age of 61.

Mrs. Winnett was the daughter of the late Hull Fire Chief Kervyn E. Means and Mary W. Means, and shared a special bond with her father. She was very proud of her long history of Means firemen. If there is any peace in this chaos, it’s knowing how happy she is getting to hear her Dad say “My Yinnie” again.

Mrs. Winnett was an irreplaceable mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and second Mom to everyone. She was one of seven children, and nothing made her happier than when the family came together and reminisced. She was the life of the party anywhere she went. She enjoyed doing projects around the house, being outside, and going to the beach all summer long.

She is survived by daughters Carolyn, Emily, Abby, and husband Jimmy, and her Golden Bob (named after her late brother Bobby). Also survived by sisters Carol Means Morris and Mary K. Means of Hull and brothers William Means and Christopher Means of Hull and Richard Means of Texas. Mrs. Winnett is survived by nieces Catherine Morris, Lauren Means, and Haley Donnell and nephews Derek Means and Mason Means. She was the sister of the late Robert Means and aunt of the late Ryan Means.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham, on Saturday, May 7 from 3-6 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Asher House, which was a charity she held near and dear to her heart, at www.theasherhouse.com.

For the online guestbook, please visit www.downingchapel.com. 

Obituary: Diodato D’Angelo, Jr.

Diodato D’Angelo, Jr. at 62

Diodato D’Angelo, Jr. age 62 of Brockton, MA passed away surrounded by his loved ones on March 28, 2022.

Mr. D’Angelo was born on June 25, 1959 to the late Mildred (D’Emilio) and Diodato D’Angelo, Sr. in New Jersey and raised in Hull, MA.

Mr. D’Angelo is survived by his children Mari-Anna and Nicholas D’Angelo, his brother Robert (Bobby) D’Angelo and his wife Elaine, and his beloved ex-wife Bonnie Seliger, all of Hull. He is also survived by his niece Melissa (D’Angelo) Oates of Weymouth and nephew Robert D’Angelo of Sandwich.

Mr. D’Angelo worked in carpentry for many years and those who knew him will remember his passion for music, amazing cooking, and his love of being surrounded by his family and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral Mass on Saturday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church located at 208 Samoset Avenue in Hull. A private burial will be held at a later date in Hull Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. D’Angelo may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.

Obituary: William J. Morrissey

William J. Morrissey, 42

William J. “Billy” Morrissey died on April 8 after suffering a heart attack. He was 42 years old.

Mr. Morrissey was the beloved son of Ellen Morrissey of Quincy and Paul Morrissey of Plymouth, the father of Patrick Morrissey, the brother of Leo Morrissey of Quincy, and the loving uncle of Caylee and Madison Morrissey.

A 1998 graduate of Hull High School, he also is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Mr. Morrissey’s life on April 23 at noon at 1000 Southern Artery, third floor, in Quincy.

Obituary: John J. “Jack” Phillips

John J. “Jack” Phillips, 86

John “Jack” J. Phillips, 86, passed away surrounded by his loving wife and sons on March 29. He was born on May 3, 1935 to the late William and Olive (Beaulieu) Phillips. 

Mr. Phillips was the beloved husband of Catherine F. (Burke) Phillips and the loving father of John Phillips, Robert Phillips, Kimberly Boudreau and her husband, Mike, Christina Dahill and her husband, Dan, and David Phillips and his wife, Jen. 

Mr. Phillips was the cherished grandfather of eight: Cory, Alex, Ashley, and Shawn Boudreau; Cassidy, Jack, and Sarah Dahill, and Sydney Phillips. Mr. Phillips also had one great grandchild, Braden Boudreau.

Mr. Phillips was raised in Hingham and served in the U.S. Army from 1956-59. He worked on Nantasket Beach beginning when he was young, selling ice cream, and then throughout his life as foreman of the MDC/DCR Nantasket Beach reservation for 43 years.

Mr. Phillips had a true passion for the beach properties, and in 2006, a playground on the beach was dedicated in his name. He also served as a call fireman in Hull. When not working, Mr. Phillips enjoyed spending time with his family, boating, camping, vacationing, and gardening.

Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Phillips may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA or to the Leukemia Society, 70 Walnut St., Suite 301 Wellesley, MA 02481. Visit www.Keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Susan Riedel

Susan Riedel, 65

Susan Riedel, 65, of Hingham passed peacefully on April 8 surrounded by family and friends after a lengthy illness.

Ms. Riedel is survived by her husband, Tod, her children Andrew and Lauren, and son-in-law John Longo; parents Marty and Jean Silbersweig; her sister and brother-in-law, Laurie Silbersweig and Lew Blaustein; her brother and sister-in-law, David Silbersweig and Emily Stern, and many nieces and nephews.

Ms. Riedel was a graduate of Cornell University and Boston University’s School of Law. She was an exceptional attorney, working first for a small practice, then with a large Boston firm and, before retiring, as Assistant Attorney General for Massachusetts.

Even though she was a Jersey girl, she loved Boston sports. It did not make any difference what was on TV or the radio – Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, or Red Sox, she would watch with intensity, cheer the good and boo the bad, and would always listen to the post-game analysis. Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Big Papi, and of course, Tom Brady, were her favorites. Along with Boston sports, she loved sailing, Nantucket, day trips to the Cape, and anything chocolate.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her.

A celebration of Ms. Riedel’s life was held at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham on April 13. Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be directed in her memory to Congregation Sha’aray Shalom.

Obituary: Salvatore J. Vento

Salvatore J. Vento, 84

Salvatore J. Vento, age 84, died on March 18.

The son of Josephine Tarantino and Nicola Charles Vento, Mr. Vento was born on June 20, 1937 at home in South Boston. He was the seventh child of the family, which included siblings Joseph, Frank, Anthony, Connie, John, and Thomas.

Mr. Vento graduated from South Boston High School in 1955 and went to barber school in Boston and enjoyed ballroom dancing with his friends. He then worked in his father’s barbershop in Andrew Square until he was drafted into the US Army in 1960, serving two years with the 356th Army Band at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

After his army service, he went to Salem State College to become a business education teacher, graduating in 1967 and then teaching at North Quincy High School for the next 34 years. In 1971, he became the Business Department head until he retired in 2001.

In 1974, he met the love of his life, Michael Domina, and they were together for 30 years when they married in 2004, when gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts. They spent 32 years in Braintree, and moved to Hull, which became their summer residence and wintered in Bonita Springs, Florida, starting in 2005.

Mr. Vento died peacefully at home, during a full moon in the arms of his soulmate.

Donations in his memory may be made to https://www.allsoulsbraintreechurch.org or the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, www.lcrf.org/donate.

Obituary: Judith N. Goranson Daley

Judith N. Goranson Daley, at 79

Judith N. Goranson Daley passed away on Tuesday March 29, 2022 at the age of 79. Beloved wife of Dr. Henry O. Daley, a retired professor at Bridgewater State University. Beloved sister of Jean E. Muncy and her late husband James of Hull; Joan G. Reem and her husband Stephen of CA; and the late Anne L. Goranson. Aunt of Adena Bachert and Kristen Keenan of CA. Also survived by her stepchildren Sean P. Daley of Tewksbury, Suzanne Daley of Weymouth and the late Owen F. Daley, and by two step grandchildren Gideon and Erin.

Judy graduated from Hull High School in the class of 1960 and went on to study at Northeastern University. She worked for over 30 years at the John Hancock Life Insurance company before retiring in 1997. She lived in Weymouth for over 40 years before moving to Hingham 2 years ago. Judy loved playing bridge and was a member and manager of the Puritan Bridge Club in Braintree, where she was a Silver Life Master bridge player. She also enjoyed vacationing and traveling on cruise ships.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday April 3, 2022 from 3-6 PM at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond Street, Hingham. A graveside funeral service will be held on Monday April 4 at 11 AM Hull Village Cemetery.

Memorial Donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the Puritan Bridge Club, 22 Faxon Street, Braintree MA 02184, or Ce-Ce and Friends Animal Shelter, 988 Bedford Street, Abington MA 02351.

For additional information and online guest book please visit www.downingchapel.com

Obituary: Mary F. O’Brien

Mary F. O’Brien, 85

Mary F. (McCann) O’Brien, 85, a resident of Easton and summer resident of Hull, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Edward P. O’Brien, MD, for 40 years.

The daughter of the late William J. and Anna (Johnson) McCann, she was raised in South Boston and was a graduate of St. Augustine High School and Catherine Laboure School of Nursing. She was a dedicated Registered Nurse at the Carney Hospital in Dorchester, where she met her husband and offered her kindness and compassion to all patients.

She was a founding member of the Holy Cross Church in Easton and an active member and volunteer. She was a community member of the Oliver Ames High School Council well into her 80s. Her greatest joys in life were her six children, 13 grandchildren and extended family and friends. 

She treasured her lifetime of summers in Hull, enjoying long days at the beach and beautiful sunsets with family and friends. 

Mrs. O’Brien is survived by her children, William J. O’Brien, his wife Joan, and their children Siobhan, Caitlin, and Anya of Milton; Mary C. Leder, her husband Benjamin, and their children Jacob, David, Sarah, and Eli of Westwood; Kathleen M. O’Brien, Patrick Horgan, and their son Teddie of Brookline; Christopher L. O’Brien of Boston; Joseph E. O’Brien, his wife Kim, and their children Mason and Mackenzie of Bolton; and John P. O’Brien, his wife Sarah, and their children Edie, Nina, and Mirren of Dedham.

She was the dear sister of William McCann of South Boston, Kathleen Neal (General Richard I.) of Washington, DC, and Rita White (Paul) of Hull, and the late Nancy, Leo, Sister Helen (CSJ), Paul (Patricia), Joseph (Anne), Michael (Jeanne), and Frank (Paula), and 25 loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 605 Washington St. (Rte.138), Easton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Holy Cross Church, Easton, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Hull Village Cemetery.

Visiting hours on Monday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. O’Brien’s memory may be sent to Champions Fighting Cancer Walk, c/o Brockton Hospital 680 Center St., Brockton, MA 02302 or to Wellspring Multi-Service Center, 814 Nantasket Ave., Hull, MA 02045.

For directions or condolences visit www.kanefuneralhome.com

Obituary: Selma L. Weiner

Selma L. Weiner, 88

Selma L. (Rosenfield) Weiner of Hull, daughter of late Ada (Sherman) and Joseph Rosenfield, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 17 in the comfort of her loving family. She was 88.

Born Sept. 24, 1933, she attended the Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Boston and cosmetology school. Mrs. Weiner worked at the Boston State Hospital assisting patients with their hair and makeup. She continued her love of helping others throughout her life, working at Wrentham State Hospital, caring for AIDS patients, and until she was 87 years old, working with senior citizens at the Hebrew Rehabilitation center in Jamaica Plain.

She was the devoted mother of the late Eric M. Weiner and his wife, Marianne Weiner of Hull, Carla L. Keith and her husband, Andrew, of South Easton, Gary D. Weiner and his wife, Dale, of Jasper, GA, Bruce D. Weiner of Hull, and Mark R. Weiner of St. Petersburg, FL. 

Mrs. Weiner was a beloved Nana to her eight grandchildren, cherished Bubbie to her 10 great-grandchildren and godson. She also leaves behind many of her children’s friends from Mattapan and Hull who remember sitting around her kitchen table as teens, sharing their lives. 

Mrs. Weiner was a fierce woman; she loved unconditionally and spent her life taking care of those around her. She was never one to shy away from giving her opinion and was a confidant to her family and friends. Her love, friendship, and generosity was shared with so many.

She was an avid animal lover. Her beloved cat stayed by her side during her illness. Mrs. Weiner loved going to the movies, live music and shows, playing bingo, and spending time with her family and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Mrs. Weiner’s name to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, 350 S. Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or South Shore Hospice, 30 Reservoir Park Dr., Rockland, MA 02370.

Obituary: JoAnn Marie McIntosh

JoAnn Marie McIntosh, 63

JoAnn Marie McIntosh passed away on Feb. 18. She was 63 years old.

Mrs. McIntosh was born in Boston on April 28, 1958 to John Orfao and Virginia DiVito Orfao. She was a 1976 graduate of Hull High School and attended Boston University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy. Mrs. McIntosh was employed as an activity therapist throughout most of her life, as she traveled to many locations with her family as a military spouse and made a warm home wherever she went.

She enjoyed raising her family, working with the elderly, and supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. She will be dearly missed by family and many friends. Her laughter and generosity of spirit will never be forgotten.

Mrs. McIntosh is survived by her husband, David “Dee” L. McIntosh III of Hinesville, GA, two sons, David L. McIntosh IV (Andrea) of Springfield, GA, and Jonathan R. McIntosh (Bridget) of Chesapeake, VA, and a daughter, Tiffany McIntosh of Odum, GA. She leaves five grandchildren: Alyssa, Mackensie, Brennon, Grayson, and McKinlee; her father John Orfao of Hull; and siblings Elizabeth (Bob), Janet (Tony), Gina (Sierra-Marie), Phillip (Cathy), Michael (Nancy), and John (Shelly).

A remembrance will be held at St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave., at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 19. Friends and family are welcome to attend this celebration of her life.

Obituary: Joan Santos

Joan Santos, 58

Joan (Raftery) Santos of Weymouth passed away on March 9. She spent her final days surrounded by friends, family, and all who loved her.

Born August 24, 1963 to the late John M. and Barbara A. (Richardson) Raftery, she was the beloved wife of Carlos Santos, adoring Mom of fur baby Sabathia, devoted sister of J. Michael Raftery and his wife, Hilda, of Groton, W. Paul Raftery of Hingham, Kevin C. Raftery and his wife, Laura, of Rockland, and Susan M. McDonough and her husband, Michael, of Hull. Mrs. Santos was the loving daughter-in-law of the late Luz Teresa Burgos, Angel Manuel Santos, and Josefina Falu Santos, sister-in-law of Lucy Santos, Angel Santos, José Santos, Luis Santos, David Santos, Jessica Santos, and Angel Luis Santos, and the dear aunt of John, Erica, Brian, and Andrew Raftery, Mari McDonough, Eddie, Nydia, and Anthony Gonzalez, Judy Alvarado, and L.J., Chloe, and Angie Santos.

Mrs. Santos was an avid Patriots, N.Y. Yankees, and most recently, Ole Miss Rebels fan. She made sure to never miss a game.  She had a fondness for cooking and mastered many famous family recipes. The family could always count on her to show up to a function with an insulated dish with enough food to feed an army. The same was true for a simple get-together at her home.

She was kind-hearted and always put the needs of others before her own. This was especially true for her nieces and nephews. She always took the time and went out of her way to check in with them. She had an uncanny ability to remember and never missed a special occasion, going as far as sending care packages to them while they were away at school. She will always be remembered as the auntie who thought the kids didn’t have enough to eat while away at school, which was evident when they received a care package and there was an excess number of non-perishable items that could last a year.

Her friends and family will never forget her immense love for cats, taking in what was probably close to 50 strays when she and her husband, Carlos, lived in Puerto Rico. But, in “true Joan fashion,” she knew each and every cat, and gave each of them a name. Mrs. Santos loved her family, sports, trivia, and cats, and she will be sadly missed. 

Services and burial will be private. 

Donations in Mrs. Santos’s name can be made to: Arc of the South Shore, 20 Pond Park Rd., Hingham, MA 02043, Friends of The Homeless of The South Shore, Inc., 8 Driftway, N. Weymouth, MA 02191.

In place of a donation, you may consider adopting a kitten or cat from your local animal shelter in memory of Mrs. Santos. Nothing would please her more. 

Obituary: Sandra Swartz

Sandra Swartz, 76

Sandra Carol Swartz of Hull entered into rest on Feb. 17 at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness.

Mrs. Swartz was the beloved wife of the late Martin Swartz for more than 50 years, devoted mother of Karen Jewell and her husband, Jay, of Dunstable, and Jennifer Aalerud of North Andover. Grandmother of Cole and Mikey Aalerud. She also was the loving sister-in-law of Robert “Bob” Swartz and his wife, Caroline, of Greer, S.C.

Born in Port Chester, N.Y., Mrs. Swartz grew up in the Long Island area and later lived in Scotia, N.Y., where she was involved in her high school’s newspaper and annual yearbooks. After graduation, she went to Bentley College of Accounting and Finance as one of the first group of women admitted. Later, she enjoyed working as a bookkeeper at an international academic publishing house.

Mrs. Swartz was an avid fundraiser and volunteered at a local hospital. She loved traveling New England, gardening, sewing, baking, woodworking, and trips to see friends in Florida.
Funeral services will be held at Temple Beth Sholom in Hull. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be donated to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

Obituary: Patricia Ann O’Brien

Patricia Ann O’Brien, 80

Patricia Ann O’Brien of East Bridgewater, formerly of Hull, died on Thursday, Feb. 24. She was 80.

She was born in Boston to Josephine (Gulinello) and Joseph C. Giampietro, and raised in Dorchester. She graduated from Dorchester High School and went on to work as a bookkeeper. In her later years, she ran a thrift store in the Hull Senior Center. 

In her spare time, Mrs. O’Brien enjoyed cooking and baking. She loved to entertain her family and friends and often hosted holidays. She was selfless, caring and loved her family, especially her great-granddaughter Kahlan, whom she affectionately referred to as “the little one.” She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. O’Brien was the beloved wife of William J. O’Brien of East Bridgewater, devoted mother of John J. O’Brien and Ann Marie Charubini and her husband, David, all of Hull. Loving grandmother of Scott Dolan, Joseph O’Brien and his wife, Missy Blood-O’Brien. Cherished great-grandmother of Kahlan Blood.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family at the funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. O’Brien may be made to the Lupus Foundation of New England at https://lupusne.org/donate/.Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Gerald Nirenberg

Gerald Nirenberg, 84

Hull icon Gerald “Jerry” Nirenberg died on Feb. 16.  He was 84 years old.

Since 1967, Mr. Nirenberg was actively involved in Hull town politics, serving on the finance committee and the light board. He was also actively involved in Hull Youth Sports and served as president of Temple Beth Sholom. 

Mr. Nirenberg enjoyed being the life of the party, and always emerged as a leader wherever he went.  He was also a diehard Boston sports fan.

Mr. Nirenberg leaves his wife, Carole Nirenberg, and children Scott and Carol Nirenberg of Millville, Del., Lisa and Arnold Goldberg of Park City, Utah, and Michelle and Brian Lanner of Hull.  

Mr. Nirenberg also leaves his adoring grandchildren, Seth Nirenberg and his wife, Silvia, Lindsay Nirenberg, Aaron Lanner and his wife, Marie, Jacob Lanner, Noah Lanner, Max Goldberg, and Brooke Goldberg, as well as one great-grandchild, Adrian Nirenberg.

Donations in Mr. Nirenberg’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Obituary: Paul L. McCann

Paul L. McCann, 81

Paul Laurian McCann died on Feb. 21 at age 81.

Mr. McCann is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Foley McCann; his son PJ McCann and his wife, Julie, of Dorchester, and their daughters, Cecily and Harriet; and his daughter Joanna McCann Frazier and her husband, Jamie, of Norwell, and their children Catalina and Dean. 

Mr. McCann was the dear brother of William McCann of South Boston, Mary O’Brien (late Dr. Edward) of South Easton, Kathleen Neal (Gen. Richard I. Neal) of Washington, D.C., Rita White (Paul) of Hull, and the late Nancy, Leo, Sister Helen (CSJ), Joseph (Anne), Michael (Jeanne), and Frank (Paula). Mr. McCann is survived by his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Foley of Hull and Marie White (Charles) of Annapolis, Md., brother-in-law Thomas Foley (Betty) of Hingham, and 25 loving nieces and nephews.

The son of William and Anna McCann, Mr. McCann was born on June 23, 1940 and raised in South Boston as the middle child of 11. Mr. McCann was a natural negotiator and consensus builder, traits that made him uniquely successful in his 50-year career as a public servant.

Mr. McCann began working for the Boston Redevelopment Authority as an office boy while a student at BC High in 1958, the year after the agency was established. He worked at the BRA through Boston College, Suffolk Law School and service in the Army Reserves, and continued to serve the public good under 10 BRA directors and Mayors Hynes, Collins, White, Flynn, and Menino. In addition to his usual title as executive assistant to the director, he served as the acting director of the agency on four occasions.

Mr. McCann played an instrumental role in helping to develop affordable housing and preserve and grow many of Boston’s historic, cultural, social service, and civic institutions, as well as creating and revitalizing public spaces, including Quincy Market, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and the Harborwalk. In 1994, he received the Henry Shattuck Award for Public Service and was designated a special Boston landmark. As a constant and steadying presence at the agency, Mr. McCann served as the organization’s historian and mentor to many, providing institutional knowledge and guidance to colleagues at City Hall through decades of enormous change and growth.

While proud of his career of service, in Mr. McCann’s eyes, his most important legacies were his relationships with his family and friends, and the memories he created with them. Mr. McCann particularly loved sailing on his boat, the Peace and Plenty, and skiing at Attitash in New Hampshire. He took great joy in sharing these experiences with others across a lifetime of memorable weekends and days off. Mr. McCann lived with infectious joy and love every day of his 81 years. He loved people, and they loved him. The defining relationship of his life was with his beloved Pat, with whom he felt blessed to share nearly 80 loving years. 

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Feb. 27 from 3-7 p.m. at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull.  Burial will follow at Hull Village Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that guests wear face coverings while indoors.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pine Street Inn Development Office, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, or www.pinestreetinn.org. Visit www.Keohane.com online condolences.

Obituary: Vivian Goldberg

Vivian Goldberg, 98

Vivian (Clayton) Goldberg died on Feb. 19 at age 98.

Beloved wife for 58 years of the late Herbert Goldberg, adored mother of Debra Goldberg and Norman Goldberg and his wife, Suzanne. Inspiring grandmother of two, and great-grandmother of four.

Mrs. Goldberg was a child of the roaring ‘20s, with a spirit that matched the era. Upheavals of the Great Depression and World War II further shaped her intrepid yet gentle devotion to family, work, and community. After raising her family, she defied her generation’s expectations that a woman’s place was solely in the home and by her husband’s side. She managed all that, while also managing a large residential apartment building. For decades, she deftly made better her tenants’ lives, only semi-retiring in her 90s.

Mrs. Goldberg was a summer resident of Hull for the last 70 years and will be remembered as a role model, showing rather than just telling all that is possible, and good-naturedly daring us to match her energy and wit, determination, and common sense.

A graveside service was held at Sharon Memorial Park on Wednesday. Donations in Mrs. Goldberg’s memory may be made to Emmaus Inc., 127 How St., Haverhill, MA 01830, or to the Lenny Zakim Fund, 33 Arch St., Boston, MA 02110.

Obituary: Mary Lou Curtis

Mary Lou Curtis, 84

Mary Lou (Grieco) Curtis died peacefully on Feb. 18 at age 84.

Born to Nancy and Peter Grieco, Mrs. Curtis grew up in Roxbury. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1955, she started her first job at Liberty Mutual in Boston. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Robert J. Curtis, and they married in 1958. Having enjoyed many happy summers in Hull, Mary Lou and Bob moved to the town in 1962.

Mrs. Curtis had many talents and was passionate about cooking, gardening, and sewing. She enjoyed connecting with others and loved hosting guests in her home. Mrs. Curtis was an active member of the community, serving as a founder, treasurer, and president of the Hull Garden Club and the manager of Sovereign Bank in Hull for many years.

Mrs. Curtis’s pride and joy was her family. She was the happiest surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in each of them. 

She was beloved wife of 63 years of Robert J. Curtis of Hull, the loving mother of William Curtis and Diane Aroyan and her husband, Robert, all of Hull. Cherished grandmother of Robert and Hunter Curtis, Amanda, Nicholas, and Micayla Aroyan; loving sister of Joseph Grieco and his late wife, Ann, and Mario Grieco and his wife, Diane. Mrs. Curtis also leaves behind beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited greet the family during the visitation on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 9-10 a.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham. The funeral Mass will be held that morning in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church in Hull, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Hull Village Cemetery.

Visit www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.

Obituary: Francis J. Brown

Francis J. Brown, 85

Francis J. Brown passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8  at the age of 85.

He was the father of Joseph F. Brown of Shrewsbury, Donald R. Brown and his wife, Kathy, of Hull, Roseanne Foran of Natick, Lisa Brown of Natick, Alan Brown and his wife, Lori, of Hudson, and Mellissa Brown of Shrewsbury. He is survived by his grandchildren Michael, Sara, Alan, and Justin, and by three great-grandchildren. He was grandfather of the late Joshua and brother of the late Shirley Munroe.

Mr. Brown was the son of the late Francis J. Brown, Sr. and Yvonne (Dube) Brown. He was born and brought up in the Framingham area and worked for many years at General Motors plant in Framingham. After his retirement, he moved to Las Vegas, where he lived for more than 20 years. He enjoyed bowling over the years and spent the last seven years in Hull to be closer to family. 

A private family funeral service will be held.

Memorial donations in Mr. Brown’s memory may be made to American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.

For the online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Janet B. Clasby

Janet B. Clasby

Janet B. (Bostwick) Clasby of Hull died peacefully on Feb. 8. 

Mrs. Clasby was the beloved wife of the late John T. Clasby, Sr., the loving mother of the late Daniel Clasby, the late Michelle Clasby Brennan, and the late John Clasby, HFD. 

She was the devoted grandmother of Colby Clasby-Tracy and her husband Christopher, Jamie Clasby, Sean Clasby, DJ Clasby, Tyler Brennan, the great-grandmother of Brayden Lenahan, all of Hull.  

Mrs. Clasby was a longtime resident of Hull and enjoyed living by the ocean. She and her late husband John owned and operated J&J Upholstering. They were both very talented, working with their hands to create beautiful embroidery pieces.

Mrs. Clasby was a wise woman who gave out great advice. Even after losing her three children, she remained the rock of her family. Her grandchildren called her a living saint. She was always there for them, supporting them through all their life stories. She was their second Mom.

In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and anything that surrounded her with her family. She cherished each and every one of them. They will miss her every day, but she will live on in all their hearts forever.  

Visiting hours have been held. A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. in Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham. Burial in Hull Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. Clasby may be made to Hull Seaside Animal Rescue, 487 Nantasket Ave., Hull, MA 02045.

Visit www.Keohane.com for online condolences.