Obituary: Thomas Chirillo

Thomas Chirillo, at 85

Thomas Chirillo, of Hull, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. He was 85 years old. Beloved husband of Sondra Charron-Chirillo of Hull. Brother to Lawrence “Larry” Chirillo and his wife Fran of Holbrook, the late Raymond “Pat” Chirillo, and the late Joseph Chirillo. Devoted father to Ruth Sabbag and James of Hull, Marie Chirillo Dubreuil of New Hampshire, Thomas Chirillo, Jr. and Donna of Marlborough, Tahnya DiCroce and Ted of Hull, Rhonda Chirillo of New Hampshire, the late Valerie and Tom Williams, and the late Lawrence “Larry” Chirillo. Stepfather to Leah Hannfin of Dracut and Paula Bromwell of Douglas. Tom was a loving grandfather “Pa” to his 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by 26 great- grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Tom is remembered as a wonderful, kind, loving and generous man. He dedicated much of his life to the laborer’s union. He was a proud labor leader of Local 133 for many years and retired as the Business Manager, as a Gold Member. As a union leader, Tom was an active member and served as a Trustee of the Massachusetts State Pension board and the secretary and treasurer for the Board of Building Trades.  In addition, He was an active member of the Hull community, as he served on the Board of Assessors, and other numerous roles within the town. Most of all, Tom enjoyed being surrounded by his family.

Tom believed in kindness, second chances, and above all – family. He touched the lives of so many and extended a helping hand to anyone who needed it. His presence will be dearly missed by all.

Visiting hours and services will be private. For more information and an online guestbook, go to www.downingchapel.com

Condolences to the family can be sent in care of: James and Ruth Sabbag, 81 Warfield Ave., Hull, MA 02045.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Wellspring Food Pantry or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Thomas Chirillo at: Wellspring Multi-Service Center, C/O Aunt Dot’s Kitchen, 814 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA 02045 or via https://wellspringmultiservice.org/donate and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or via dana-farber.org/gift

Obituary: John Leslie Whelan

John Leslie Whelan, at 81

John Leslie Whelan, a longtime resident of Hull, passed away at home on Monday, July 24, 2023. He was 81. He was born in Somerville to Louise (Jayes) and Peter Leslie Whelan and raised in the Somerville and Medford area. After graduating high school, John attended Salem State where he earned his bachelor’s degree. 

While earning his degree, John played basketball for Salem State and was a member of the 1964 New England championship team. He was the co-captain his senior year and won MVP his freshman and senior years. During his four years on the team, he scored over 1,000 points.

After college, John worked as an insurance agent for Liberty Mutual and was later self-employed. During his many years as an insurance agent, John had many comings and goings in the RMV. It was there that he met Mary D’Angelo, the love of his life and partner of 30 years.

In his spare time, he led a very active lifestyle. When he wasn’t playing basketball, John could be found swimming and running. He ran the Falmouth Road Race and Boston Marathon many times. John was caring, compassionate and had an excellent sense of humor that earned him fast friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Beloved partner of 30 years to Mary D’Angelo of Hull. Loving father of Michael Thomas Whelan. Predeceased by his parents, Louise (Jayes) and Peter Leslie Whelan.

Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Obituary: Dr. Gerard J. Fay

Dr. Gerard J. Fay, at 89

Former Hull selectman, restaurateur, and optimistic optometrist Dr. Gerard J. Fay, of Englewood, Fla., formerly of Hull, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on June 5, 2023, just shy of his 90th birthday, at St. Joseph’s Manor. 

Dr. Fay was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, the late Irma Lee Fay, and was the cherished uncle of Janet Fay-Johnson of Hull, Emily “Lee” and Tracey Fay of Quincy, Wendel Plumbo and her husband, Gerry, of Parrish, Fla., and Clydette Ray and her husband, David, of Seymour, Tenn. He was the special grand-uncle of Mark Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Christopher and Catherine McCurdy, and Brandon Clevenger, and the great grand-uncle of Brodie Clevenger. Dr. Fay is survived by several cousins and many dear close friends, and was predeceased by his brother, Francis Fay.

Dr. Fay was born Roslindale, raised in West Roxbury and summered in Hull. He attended St. Sebastian’s School and was a 1950 graduate of Hingham High School. Dr. Fay served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded an honorable discharge in 1955. After his military service, he attended Burdett School in Boston and went on to receive his doctorate in optometry from the New England School of Optometry. He built his optometry practice in both Dorchester and Hull while helping his mother with the family business, Frank Fay’s Cafe in Hull, on Water Street.

Dr. Fay served on the school committee and as a selectman in Hull in the 1970s. In 1972, he met the love of his life, Irma Lee. They shared an inspirational, lifelong love story. They were rarely apart; Jerry and Irma turned the beach cafe into Fay’s Gourmet Restaurant. Irma was the acclaimed gourmet chef, written up in Boston Magazine.  Later in life, both Jerry and Irma were real estate agents at Tullish & Clancy in Quincy and loved working together.

In 2003, their dream of retiring to Florida came true. Dr. and Mrs. Fay spent many happy years and referred to each day as “another day in paradise”.

A true gentleman, with a great sense of humor, Dr. Fay will be especially remembered as a loving and devoted uncle who supported and encouraged his three nieces, whom he helped to raise. He was honored and cherished by all who knew him for his optimism, his deep faith, and his love of everything Irish.  He will be fondly remembered for singing Irish tunes with his ever-cheerful spirit and a twinkle in his eye. As a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, every year he was the perfect, jolly Santa Claus, enchanting the children of Hull.  Dr. Fay made everyone feel like family, and he was lovingly called “uncle to us all.”  

Dr. Fay loved helping people, and often remarked how he had found his calling in the profession of optometry, and he enjoyed every single day of his career. His kindness and generosity will always be remembered, as well as his dedication to his communities both in Hull and in Florida.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during a visitation Monday, June 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave. A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be private.  

The family would like to thank all the staff at St Joseph’s Manor in Brockton for their outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations in Uncle Jerry’s memory be made to St. Joseph Manor Health Care, a nonprofit organization, 215 Thatcher St., Brockton, MA 02302.

Obituary: Brendan Geary

Brendan Geary, at 49

Brendan Geary, a longtime Hull resident, passed away on Father’s Day.

Born on Nov. 28, 1973, he was 49 years old. Mr. Geary spent many early days wearing out the pedals of his Big Wheel through the Arnold Arboretum, where his mother was the librarian. He and his mother then moved to the South Shore, where he attended Hanover schools before moving to Hull. Mr. Geary worked as a computer scientist, as well as an all-around Renaissance man, doing a little bit of everything for a long line of friends, many of them Hullonians. He never hesitated to remark upon how grateful he was to live in a town where people stood up, by, and for each other like family.

Mr. Geary might say his greatest accomplishment was being a father to his son, Shane Geary, a second-class petty officer at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., of whom he was immensely proud and whom he loved boundlessly.

Mr. Geary also leaves behind his mother, Sheila Connor, of Hull, his uncles Jay Connor of Cambridge, and Mark Connor and his wife, Lee, of Lexington, along with his cousins Sarah and Emily. Visiting hours will be held Saturday, June 24, from 4-8 p.m. at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wellspring Multi-Service Center, 814 Nantasket Ave., Hull, or at wellspringmultiservice.org.

Obituary: James M. Tobin

James M. Tobin, at 78

James M. “Jim” Tobin passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from complications of Polycystic Kidney Disease. He was 78.

He was born and raised in Cambridge, where he attended Cambridge High and Latin School and met his future wife ,Mary Bernadette (Travers) Tobin. Mr. Tobin moved his family to Hull in 1971. He always said it was the best move he ever made.

Mr. Tobin was an environmentalist, a fiscal conservative, town activist, volunteer, dedicated public official, and above all, he had unquestionable commitment to the people of Hull. He has often thanked his family members for their patience and understanding that allowed him to pursue his many endeavors helping the people of Hull.

Mr. Tobin’s story begins in 1979, when he was elected to the Hull Board of Assessors. He was again elected in 1982, 1985, and 1988, serving for 11 years, many as chairman.

In 1988 Mr. Tobin was appointed by Gov. Michael Dukakis to serve for a three-year term on the state board that oversees the Department of Environmental Management. In 1990, he was elected as a selectman for a one-year term. In 1992, he was elected again for a three-year term and chosen by his peers as chairman.

As a member and past chairman of the Hull Democratic Town Committee for more than 40 years, Mr. Tobin worked tirelessly for just about every Democratic candidate. He was also the chairman of Co-Op 6, which was made up of several Democratic Town Committees in the Norfolk and Plymouth County senatorial districts. In 1997, he received the Democrat of the Year Award in recognition of his commitment to the Democratic Party from U.S. Congressman Bill Delahunt. In 1999, he was appointed to Hull’s advisory board. In 2010, Mr. Tobin retired from the advisory board after being appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick as the state’s representative on the Hull Redevelopment Authority for a five-year term, where he assumed the duties as its treasurer.

In 2014, he was presented with the Hull Hero Award in recognition as an outstanding role model for volunteerism and dedication to the Hull community. In 2015, Mr. Tobin was again appointed by the Republican governor, Charles Baker, to serve another five-year term on the Hull Redevelopment Authority, again as its treasurer, and then again 2020.

Not all of Mr. Tobin’s life was politics and volunteering. He was employed by AC&S Co. for 25 years and provided technical supervision on job sites throughout New England. He was also on the executive board for Local #6 Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Union.

In 1996, a serious health issue forced him to retire. He was diagnosed with PKD – Polycystic Kidney Disease. In 1999, he finally received a new kidney from an unexpected place – the transplant would come from Bernadette, his ex-wife at that time. He was forever grateful to Bernadette for giving him many more years to enjoy his family. The two were remarried shortly after this noble, selfless act of love.

After Mr. Tobin’s transplant, his health improved and he was able to go back to work, again doing what he loved to do best, helping people. He was hired by the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds, and retired from the Registry in 2010 to spend more time with his wife, two daughters, and five granddaughters.

He loved spending time with his family on Nantasket Beach and kayaking on the Weir River behind his home. Throughout his life, the most important thing to him was his family. He worked two jobs most of his life to provide the best life possible for his wife and two daughters. Loving his children and five wonderful granddaughters made him the happiest, most grateful and proudest Papa on Earth. With all his accomplishments in life, having a loving family was always a top priority to him.

For the last couple of years, the family would vacation in Florida and take cruises to the Bahamas together. He enjoyed almost every opening game at Fenway he could with his brother Francis, and carried on that tradition with his daughters and grandchildren. He spent countless hours studying his family genealogy and his Irish heritage. In his retirement, he always said, “I have the best of both worlds, living in Hull in the summer and spending the winters in Jupiter, Florida.”

He will forever be missed by his wife, Bernadette, whom he married twice, first for 25 years and again after his kidney transplant for 14 years. 

Mr. Tobin was a loving and dedicated father to his daughters, Michelle Tobin Gill of Whitman and Bernadette Tobin of Abington, also the loving grandfather (PaPa) to Olivia and Fiona Gill of Whitman and Amanda, Allison, and Andrea Daley of Abington.

He was the son of the late Francis J. and Ann E. (Riley) Tobin of Cambridge. He was predeceased by brothers Francis X. Tobin and John J. Tobin. He will be missed by his brother William E. Tobin of Melrose, and will be remembered by his closest sibling, Helen Tobin Clancy, and his three nieces and their families: Sandra Snow, Cindi and Kurt Carlson, and Pam and Ronald Rotondo. He leaves a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat and Frank Macdonald, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and associates.

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham, at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 8

prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial in Hull Village Cemetery.

Visit www.Keohane.com for online condolences. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510, Kansas City, MO 64114. 

Obituary: A. Robert Lally

A. Robert Lally, at 70

A. Robert “Robb” Lally died on My 25, 2023 in San Diego. He was 70 years old.

Mr. Lally was born on Oct. 9, 1952 in Dorchester and lived for many years in Hull. He graduated from Boston College High School in 1970 and entered St John’s Seminary, where he remained throughout his diaconate year. As deacon, he served in a Catholic parish in Melrose and later at St Ann’s in Hull. After leaving the seminary, he continued to work in areas of social justice, first collaborating with the Franciscans at Arch Street in the St. Francis House, which welcomes daily up to 500 individuals experiencing homelessness in the city of Boston. He was the program director there for many years before leaving to do the same work for the Salvation Army at the South End Boys’ and Girls’ Club on Huntington Avenue. There, the children from the Cathedral housing project found many activities that kept them off the streets.

He was elected to the Hull Board of Health and served from 1978 to 1981, supporting the town through the Blizzard of ’78.

In 1988, Mr. Lally headed to San Diego to work with the founder of the Alpha Project, a nonprofit, human services organization that serves more than 4,000 men, women, and children daily. As a director of the agency, Mr. Lally was instrumental in the overall mission to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing work, recovery, and support services to people who are motivated to change their lives and achieve self- sufficiency. Mr. Lally worked with many of the programs for 35 years and spearheaded the affordable housing department.

He was a world traveler, making lasting friendships in every country he visited. He will be dearly missed by his whole family and his many friends in San Diego.

Mr. Lally was the son of Arthur R. Lally and M. Ruth Lally of Dorchester and Hull, the brother of Denise DiCenso (Robert) and Stephen G Lally (Mary), both of Hull. He was the dear uncle of Stephanie Eppenstein (Ryan), Brian Lally (Lauren), Christopher DiCenso (Jacqueline), David DiCenso (Kathy), and Julianne McHugh (Kyle), and a devoted granduncle to Katherine Parris (Jordan), Matthew DiCenso, Nicole DiCenso, Cassie DiCenso, John DiCenso, Niklas McHugh, Abigail DiCenso, Sarah DiCenso, Ryan McHugh, and Ellie Rose Eppenstein. 

Visiting hours are 4 to 8 p.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham, on Thursday, June 15. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 16 at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, with burial following at Hull Village Cemetery.

Visit www.Keohane.com online condolences.

Obituary: Kathleen Emery

Kathleen Emery, at 87

Kathleen (MacLeod) Emery of Hull passed away on May 19, 2023 at the age of 87.
Born in Quincy to the late Alexander and Alice (Cahill) MacLeod, she graduated from Archbishop Williams High School and worked for 40 years in transportation for special needs students for the Hanover School Department, while also working as a florist from her home. She authored children’s books and a memoir of her own life.
Mrs. Emery is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Lloyd F. Emery, and six children: Lynne Marie Shaw of Seymour, CT; Paul C. Lunetta and his wife, Melissa, of Sanford, ME; Mark S. Lunetta and his wife, Kathy, of Middleboro; David Lunetta and his wife, Maggie, of Wareham; Michael Lunetta and his wife, Becky, of Randle, WA; and Brian J. Lunetta and his wife, Crystal of Glide, OR. She also is survived by three stepchildren: Judith A. Gullage and her husband, Wayne, of Hanover; Steven L. Emery and his wife, Caroline, of Marshfield, and Thomas M. Emery and his wife, Rebecca ,of New London, NH; 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to the funeral service on June 17 at St. John the Evangelist, 172 Main St. Hingham, at 11 a.m. Donations can be made in Mrs. Emery’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org/donate.

For more information and the online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Marjorie A. Bowes

Marjorie A. Bowes

 Marjorie A. Bowes of Boston and Hull passed away on Feb. 15, 2023.

She was the loving daughter of the late John Bowes and Rita Bowes Watts, loving sister of Rita Abraham of Hull, Susan Cooney of Vermont, and the late Ellen Bowes. Loving aunt of Greg and Dan Abraham, and Glen and Shannon Cooney. Special grand-aunt of Dylan, Kayla, Grace, and Nora Abraham.

Ms. Bowes was a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines for 27 years traveled the world. She loved every minute of it!

She retired from John Hancock and managed time for courses at Boston University. Ms. Bowes also enjoyed volunteering at MFA Boston.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. in St. Ann’s Church. Arrangements were completed by the Keohane Funeral Home.

Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Edward P. Londergan

Edward P. Londergan, at 76

Edward P. “Happy” Londergan, 76, of Hull, formerly of Roslindale, passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2023.

He was born on February 28, 1947 in Boston. Mr. Londergan was the devoted husband of Maryellen (Shaughnessy) Londergan for 52 years; the devoted father of Kathleen Burnett of Weymouth, Sean Londergan of Hull, Matthew Londergan and his wife, Nichole, of Hull, and Elizabeth Londergan of Hull.

He was the dear brother of his twin, Eileen Kane, of Dracut, Paul Londergan of Walpole, Patricia Murray of Walpole, Regina Paul of Morgantown, West Virginia, Jerry Londergan of Saint John, and Eugene Londergan of Dedham.

Mr. Londergan was the grandfather of Christopher Londergan, Joseph Burnett, Christine Burnett, Dillon Spadea, Kelly Reilly, Sarah Burnett, Haylee Londergan, and Nicholas Londergan, and the great-grandfather of Matthew and Luna Burnett. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Ann (Kiley), brother William “Bill,” and his dear Aunt Catherine Kiley, “Auntie Sisi.”

Mr. Londergan was a proud member of the Iron Workers Local 7 for 32 years. He didn’t consider it work because he loved this job so much. He took great pride in his contribution to building Boston’s skyscrapers, particularly the John Hancock Tower, Children’s Hospital, and the Horizons, located in his neighborhood of Hull. One of his favorite moments was his two sons walking the beams with him on the Horizons building. Mr. Londergan was a leader and took pride in teaching and mentoring his young and old colleagues the tricks of the trade. He was overjoyed that his son Matthew followed in his footsteps, working for Local 7.

After retirement, Mr. Londergan served the Jesuit community at Boston College for over 20 years. He loved his “part-time retirement job” of taking care of all the priests’ cars. He was their “go-to man” who enjoyed spending time joking around with the priests and all the staff.

Mr. Londergan loved his home in Hull, especially sitting on the porch. He was the consummate host of many holidays, cookouts, birthday parties, and celebrations, and was a fixture at Hull High School athletic events for all his children’s and grandchildren’s games. He would often be seen filming his kids’ football, basketball, and hockey games. He always stayed busy puttering around the house and spent a lot of time in his garage, affectionately known as Happy’s Haven. He was known near and far as “Mr. Fix-It.” An avid reader, he was always with a book, and he never missed watching his beloved Boston Red Sox. 

He was a father figure to all the neighborhood kids and a grandfather to many more. Happy was a kind, funny, friendly, loving soul and was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. 

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, May 23, between 4-7 p.m. at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer St., Cohasset. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 208 Samoset Ave. A private burial will happen at a later date at the Hull Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to A Walk To Remember, 6 Rockview Rd., Hull, MA 02045 or The Jimmy Fund, www.jimmyfund.org.

Visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com for the online guestbook.

Obituary: Ellen Murphy

Ellen Murphy, at 92

 Ellen (McElaney) Murphy of Las Vegas, formerly of Hull, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2023. Mrs. Murphy grew up in Newton, in Our Lady Help of Christian Parish. She was the youngest of six brothers and one sister. She summered in Hull for years with her family and later made Hull her full-time home with her husband, Bill, and their five children: Paula, Stephen, Gregory, Mark, and Blake. She has three grandsons: Miles, Sean, and Ryan, and three great-grandchildren: Connor, Teddy, and Elizabeth.

For many years, Mrs. Murphy enjoyed working at the Hull Public Library. She had an extraordinary soprano singing voice which could be heard in Hull church choirs, or as a soloist at other functions. She enjoyed real estate investing and owned a few homes in and out of Hull. No matter where she lived, her heart was always in Hull, where she enjoyed reading or strolling on its shores.

Mrs. Murphy was a smart, kind, friendly, lovely woman who lived a full, successful, beloved life. She will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. 

Obituary: Robert Mitchell

Robert Mitchell, at 56

Robert George (“Bobby,” “Bob”) Mitchell, 56, of Hull and Quincy, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2023. He was born on Nov. 16, 1966 in Weymouth, and was predeceased by his parents, Randall and Georgine Mitchell, and sister Michelle LaRosa. Mr. Mitchell was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend to anyone to knew him.

Mr. Mitchell received the bronze medal from the Humane Society for his rescue that saved a man’s life on April 10, 2011. He and his family were most proud of his immediate response of action. He loved vacationing in Key West, listening to Kenny Chesney, spending time on his beloved boat, “The Three Seas,” taking his family and friends around Boston Harbor and visiting the islands.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by his stepmom, Elizabeth Mitchell, brothers Thomas and James Mitchell, stepbrothers, Carl and Terry Olsen, nieces Jamie Bears, Courtney Mitchell, Kerin Mitchell, and Maddie Harig, great-niece Ashley, and great-nephew Austin.

He will be deeply missed. His kindness, love, spirit, and sense of humor will live on forever in our hearts. Services will be held on May 27 at noon at Hull Village Cemetery.

Obituary: Kevin M. Small

Kevin M. Small, at 58

Kevin M. Small, a lifelong Villager of Hull, passed away on April 29, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 58.

Mr. Small was very proud that he grew up and worked in Hull Village. He worked as an auto and marine mechanic for more than 40 years, and especially loved spending time with his beloved wife, Dyanne, and his dog, Samantha. They were rarely separated from each other whether they were working or enjoying life after work.

In his spare time, Mr. Small loved fishing, hunting, and watching all of his favorite Boston sports teams, especially the Bruins, who he watched faithfully with his best friends Michael Delaney and Tom Kinnear. He loved to laugh and always was quick with a one-liner.

Mr. Small is loved by many and is survived by his wife Dyanne, dog Samantha, sisters Elizabeth Small and Cheryl White, both of Hull, and Carol Clark of California. He was the son of the late Veronica and Earl F. Small, Sr., and was predeceased by his sister Janice and brother Earl F. Small, Jr. Mr. Small leaves behind many other extended family members and friends.

Although we miss Kevin, he faced his cancer bravely. He was never left to face it alone, Dyanne was always by his side, advocating for him, taking care of him, giving him as much normalcy and joy as is possible given the situation of the last five years. They are each other’s heroes and through it all, they were strong together. Now their fight is over, and he no longer needs to endure any pain. He is at peace. Together to the end, at home. The way he wanted it to be.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St, Hingham. A celebration of life will follow from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Nantasket Beach Salt Water Club. There will also be a burial service at 12:30 p.m. at Hull Village Cemetery on Sunday, May 21.

For the online guest book visit www.downingchapel.com. 

Obituary: Julanne McCarthy

Julanne McCarthy, at 76

Julanne (Julie) McCarthy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at age 76 after a brief respiratory illness. She was born in Boston to Charles and Catherine McCarthy, and spent her formative years on the South Shore in Squantum and Scituate, spending many happy summers at Nantasket Beach in Hull near her maternal grandparents, the Kincaid family.

She completed high school in Madison, N.J., but returned to Boston to graduate from Emmanuel College. She went on to earn additional degrees in nursing and anthropology from Wichita State University, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois.

Ms. McCarthy held supervisory nursing and quality assurance positions and worked in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado, and spent 10 years working for the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital while her husband, Gordon Davis, was supervising the opening of Bahrain’s new national museum.

Ms. McCarthy never hesitated to pass up an opportunity to travel, having visited Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Botswana, India, Australia, Peru, China, and many Middle Eastern and European countries. Years later, she joined her husband in Kurdistan while he was supervising the rebuilding of the Iraqi National Museum. 

Ms. McCarthy received many awards and research grants, and published in the area of nursing, including writing a chapter in the International Encyclopedia of Sexuality. She enjoyed sewing and reading, which were both portable activities between her homes in Massachusetts and Colorado. She was always drawn back to the Boston area in spring and fall while enjoying the Colorado mountain air in summer.

She had many nieces and nephews, including grandnieces and nephews and had recently discovered relatives nearby in the Boston area as she actively pursued family genealogical research. 

Ms. McCarthy will be missed and lovingly remembered by family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Gordon, of Colorado and Massachusetts, sisters Sarah (Tommy) and Carol Lou (Peter) of New Jersey, Mary Beth (Bobby) of New York, Sue Ellen of Arkansas; brothers James of New Jersey and Colorado, Brian of New Jersey and Tennessee, and Robert (Carol) of Pennsylvania. Two brothers, Richard and Shawn of New Jersey, preceded her in death.

A memorial is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Julanne McCarthy may be made to Wellspring Multi-Service Center, wellspringmultiservice.org/donate and Denver Rescue Mission, denverrescuemission.org/give. 

Obituary: Nora A. French

Nora A. French, at 94

Nora A. French of Hingham, formerly of Hull, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2023. She was 94.

She was born in County Galway, Ireland to Mary (Meehan) and James Patton. Mrs. French was raised in County Galway and attended St. Mary’s School. When she was 21, she immigrated to the United States, where she would call home for the rest of her life. Shortly after moving to the U.S., she met Chester French. They were married in 1951 and had four children. 

Mrs. French was very generous with her time. When she wasn’t caring for her family, she volunteered at the Anne M. Scully Senior Center, and delivered for Meals on Wheels. She had a kind heart that was warmed when caring for others. She volunteered with the senior center for more than 20 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed going for walks and attending concerts at the Bernie King Pavilion on Nantasket Beach. Above all else, Mrs. French enjoyed time spent with family. 

Beloved wife of 26 years of Chester French. Devoted mother of William French and his wife, Mickey, of New York, Jeanne Doyle of Scituate and her late husband, Jay, Daniel French and his wife, Lisa, of Hull, and the late Patricia French. Cherished grandmother of Jenifer Doyle Ferrick, Patricia Williams and her husband, John, James French, and Jason French. Great-grandmother of Julianna Ferrick.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visitation on Saturday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to noon at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church. The funeral Mass will immediately follow the visitation at noon. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. French may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Visit www.keohane.com online condolences.

Obituary: Anne Francis Pinkham

Anne Francis Pinkham

Anne Francis Pinkham (Sweeney) passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Monday, March 27, 2023, after a long battle with breast cancer.

She was the loving mother of Jamie Thompson and her husband, Sean Thompson, of Kingston; beloved daughter of the late Hugh J. Sweeney and Marie G. Purtell; devoted sister of the late Hugh Sweeney and his wife, Dianne Sweeney, of Vermont, Jane Sweeney of Quincy, Eileen Howell and her husband, David Howell, of Stoughton, and the late Michael Sweeney of Quincy. Cherished Grammy of Gisella, Cruz, and Mason Narda, and Brooke, Lucas, and Hayden Thompson. She also leaves behind her three grand-dogs, Lucy, Daisy, and Teddy, who brought her so much happiness in her final years. Ms. Pinkham also is lovingly survived by many friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ms. Pinkham was born and raised in Westwood and lived in Quincy before settling in Hull, where she would spend the majority of her life. She attended Northeastern University and graduated from the New England School of Photography.

She had a deep love for the beach and collecting sea glass. She lived a life of service, working for those in need throughout her life, including the Shattuck Hospital, Father Bill’s, Victory, Hope Found Boston, and Wellspring. She was passionate about helping people, always offering a hand and never accepting anything in return. Ms. Pinkham fought tirelessly for 13 years, never giving up hope, and despite her pain, always made those around her smile and laugh. Her circle of friends was vast, as her kind spirit and delightful sense of humor naturally drew people in. She enjoyed her daily commute to Boston through Hull Gut, having a Rolling Rock at Jo’s Nautical, her favorite small-town bar, or celebrating with friends after the annual winter charity Drowned Hogs plunge, which benefits Wellspring. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to have known her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of life service on Saturday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St, Rockland. There will be a life celebration following the service.

Donations in memory of Ms. Pinkham can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Center and Research. 

Obituary: Edward M. Burns, Jr.

Edward M. Burns, Jr., at 65

Edward M. “Ted” Burns Jr., of Duxbury, formerly of Hingham and Hull, died peacefully at the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham on March 28, 2023. He was 65.

Mr. Burns was born in Boston on March 5, 1958. He was raised in Winchester, attended local schools, and graduated from Winchester High School with the Class of 1977. Mr. Burns continued his education at Merrimack College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in marketing. 

Mr. Burns’s career was in telecommunications as a sales executive with AT&T for 25 years, and then at Granite Telecommunications in Quincy until he retired in 2023. In his spare time, he enjoyed his work as a limousine driver for JB Livery in Weymouth, where he made many close friendships. He loved his career and all the relationships he built throughout the years. 

Mr. Burns was content with the simple things in life. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time at home with Judy, the love of his life. Sweets were Mr. Burns’s guilty pleasure, and dessert was always a staple when he went to dinner, and he loved to dine out often. In 2021, Ted and Judy took up golfing together, which they enjoyed very much. 

Mr. Burns loved listening to music, and his favorite genre was classic rock. Some of his favorite musicians were Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison. 

Mr. Burns always saw the good in everyone. He was a true gentleman and chivalry was second nature to him. Mr. Burns was known for always being polite, kind, playful, and humble. His life lessons and example are part of his legacy that continues through his family and friends. He will be missed by all the lives he touched. 

Mr. Burns was a cherished son of Abigail (Kane) Rubino of Hull and the late Edward M. Burns, who died in 2003. He was the beloved partner of Judy L. Rossi of Duxbury. Mr. Burns was the father of Paige Roche and her husband, Brian, of Boston and Alexandria Burns of Boston. He had five siblings and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday; his funeral service will be celebrated privately, and he will be interred privately in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Hingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Burns’s name may be sent to the Pat Roche Hospice Home, 86 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, MA 02043 or the Mass. General Cancer Center, MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 or made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate; please be sure to indicate that the gift is a tribute gift in memory of Edward M. “Ted” Burns Jr.

Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Brian Lauzon

Brian Lauzon, at 67

Brian Lauzon, a longtime resident of Hull, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 19, 2023. He was 67.

Mr. Lauzon was born in Ottawa, Canada to Beverly (O’Connor) and Raymond Lauzon. His family moved from Canada to the U.S. in the early 1960s. He grew up in Weymouth and graduated from Weymouth High School. Mr. Lauzon always had a passion for cooking that stemmed from childhood. He had worked in restaurants across the South Shore since his high school years and owned his own restaurant at one time. Recently, he worked as the sous and assistant executive chef at Raffael’s in the South Shore Country Club since the early 1990s. 

Mr. Lauzon took his passion for cooking home and was always happiest cooking for his wife, Jan, and their family. When he wasn’t in the kitchen, he loved to travel with Jan, especially if there was a beach and warm weather involved. Mr. Lauzon also had a passion for music and belonged to a band called Maze. He was their drummer, and the band gained some serious local popularity, having the Ramones open for them. In his down time, he tended to his fish tank at home that hosted a variety of saltwater fish. They were all named by Brian and Jan and were their pets.

Mr. Lauzon was extremely kind, genuine, talented and will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

Beloved husband of 11 years of Jan Lauzon of Hull. Loving brother of Kim Wieners and her husband, Mike, of Hull. Cherished uncle of Stephanie and Melanie Wieners and great uncle of McKenzie, all of Hull, and uncle of Jan’s nieces Sierra, Jasmine Fox (Daniel) from Florida and great nephews Miles and Issac, who brought so much joy on vacation with them three weeks ago. He is also survived by his cousins Cheryl (Neil), Jo-Anne (Mark), Suzie (Johnny), and Glenn (Trisha), who were not only cousins but sisters and brothers. 

Visiting hours were held on Thursday, March 30 at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Lauzon may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Joan G. Maguire

Joan G. Maguire, at 94

Joan G. (Alibrandi) Maguire of Hull died at home on March 19, 2023 at the age of 94.

Mrs. Maguire was proud to have grown up in Somerville, where she graduated from Somerville High School in 1946. Her husband’s career brought their family to Pennsylvania, where they lived for six years and made many lifelong friends before moving permanently to Hull in 1967.

For a number of years, Mrs. Maguire waitressed at several South Shore restaurants, including Lokie’s in Cohasset and Page’s on Hingham Harbor. Mrs. Maguire enjoyed traveling with her husband and baking for her family. In later years, she enjoyed her home and sitting on her front porch doing Word Search and greeting her neighbors. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her loving family. 

She was the wife of the late Robert F. Maguire, loving mother of Jean Kinnear and her husband, Thomas, of Hull, Thomas E. Maguire and his wife, Michele, of Sudbury, and Carol Maguire of Hull and her significant other, Steve Robichaud and his caring children. Proud Nana of Elizabeth, Kaileigh, and Anne Maguire. Also survived by her loving cousin, Carol, her special niece, Kathy, several nephews and nieces, and many cousins and friends near and far. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham. Funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, March 24 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial in Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.

Donations in memory of Mrs. Maguire may be made to Norwell Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061. Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Lawrence J. Baird

Lawrence J. Baird, at 75

On Friday, March 10, 2023, Lawrence J. Baird, 75, passed away while in hospice care at his home in Buckland, Mass. 

Originally from Mattapan, he lived in Hull for 30 years. Mr. Baird’s life was full of adventure, music, travel, love, and laughter.

He was always active. He volunteered at the Shelburne Falls Senior Center, practiced and taught Iyengar Yoga, kept the beat for the Waves of Rhythm, and loved tending to his garden and cooking. He will be missed and remembered by his family and friends.

Mr. Baird is survived by his wife of 55 years, Irene, their children Michelle and her wife Rosa, Daniel and his wife Nichole, and their grandchildren William and Oliver. He was a devoted husband, a wonderful Dad, and he loved being Papa to his grandchildren.

In lieu of a service, there will be a memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 329 Conway St., Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301, to thank them for their dedicated care of Mr. Baird.

Obituary: Barbara Haley

Barbara Haley

Barbara Haley passed away recently in Jupiter, Fla. She formerly lived in Cambridge, Concord, and Hull, and is survived by her husband, Thomas, son Brian of Coppell, Tex., and daughter Ellen Rand and her husband, Kevin, of Jupiter, Fla. 

She was a wonderful wife, great mother, and fantastic cook. Among other things, she was a good shot with a rifle, played ice hockey, and loved her family, beautiful Nantasket Beach, and the many friends she made along the way. Mrs. Haley was employed for many years as a teacher’s aide for Lincoln Public Schools on the Hanscom AFB campus.

Services were private in Florida.