Obituary: Daniel J. O’Sullivan

Daniel J. O’Sullivan
Daniel “Bud” J. O’Sullivan, of Hull, formerly of Dorchester and South Weymouth, died Feb. 5.  He was a retired 40-year employee of Verizon and a member of IBEW 2222.
The beloved husband of Katherine [Morrissey] O’Sullivan for 60 years; he was the beloved father of Jean and Doug McMillan, Maryellen and Lawrence Concannon, Teresa and Richard Williams, Daniel and Susan O’Sullivan, Kathryn and Daniel Gardner, Joan Cogliano, Mark and Eileen O’Sullivan; and also is survived by 19 grandchildren. Mr. O’Sullivan was the brother of the late Agnes Minihan; the brother-in-law of James, David, and Kathleen Morrissey; and also leaves many nieces, nephews, and friends. 
Visiting hours are set for Friday, 4-8 p.m., in St. Ann’s Church, Hull. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m., also at St. Ann’s Church. Interment will follow, at Cedar Grove Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. For online condolences, visit www.gormleyfuneral.com.

Obituary: David Middendorf

David Middendorf, at 60
David Middendorf, 60, formerly of Hull and Hingham, died unexpectedly the evening of Nov. 6, in Florida. 
Mr. Middendorf graduated from Hingham High School in 1974. He was well known for his hearty laugh, infectious smile, and helping many kids in town with coaching in baseball, martial arts, and bodybuilding. The family moved from Hull Village in 2004.
He is survived by his children, Taylor of Florida, and Daniel of Pembroke; a sister, Donna, of Rockland; a brother, Charles; his ex-wife, Laurie, of East Bridgewater; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who adored him. 
He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Emma Middendorf, and his brothers Daniel and Ronald.

Obituary: Thomas F. Goode

Thomas F. Goode, at 80
Thomas F. Goode died Feb. 4. He was 80. 
Mr. Goode was a member of Teamsters Local # 25. He drove double boxcar trucks for Signal Delivery and for Sears. He retired from driving with over 30 years of experience. He served at the Naval Air Station in Squantum as a member of the Reserves. Mr. Goode was a member of the American Legion in Columbus, Ohio and enjoyed reading and boating. 
Beloved husband of Marta [Costa] Goode and the late Dianne Goode; loving father of Eben Goode and his wife, Dorothy, of Quincy, and Tobias Goode and his wife, Rauria, of Hull. Mr. Goode was the brother of Eleanor Restani of Stoneham, Joseph Goode of Chelmsford, Terrence Goode of New Hampshire, and James Goode of Colorado; and the grandfather of Bianca, Jessica, and Thomas. 
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Saturday, from 12-3 p.m., in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home at 809 Main St., South Weymouth.  His funeral service will follow visiting hours. Mr. Goode will then be cremated. 
See www.Keohane.com for online condolences. 

Obituary: James D. Campbell

James D. Campbell, at 80
James D. Campbell, 80, of Hull, died Jan. 28, in Pompano Beach, Florida. 
Born in Somerville, Mr. Campbell was a 1954 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Watertown and a proud graduate of St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. 
Mr. Campbell, along with his wife, Janet, operated the Century Irish Pub in Falmouth for 20 years, and Century Irish Items, a wholesale company selling Irish products. The couple founded and coordinated the Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade for many years. 
A loyal New England Patriots season ticketholder since 1960, Mr. Campbell was named “Fan of the Year” by the Patriots in 1995, and in 1999 was the first Patriots fan to enter the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in their new section called the “Visa Hall of Fans.” Mr. Campbell cheered on the Patriots from right behind the bench at five Super Bowls. 
His second passion was travelling around the world with his wife, with stops in China, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, and twice in Russia. They both earned membership in the Travelers Century Club, which recognizes people who travel to more than 100 countries. 
The cherished husband of the late Janet Campbell, he is survived by many extended family members. 
Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or The Patriots Foundation. Words of comfort can be left at www.richardsongaffeyfuneralhome.com. 

Obituary: Paul D. O’Riordan

Paul D. O’Riordan, at 70
Paul D. O’Riordan, 70, of Hull, took his final plunge on Jan. 31.
He was a Vietnam veteran, who served with the 101st Airborne Division, and was the recipient of a Bronze Star for meritorious service in 1968.
Primarily educated in the School of Hard Knocks, his tutelage encompassed many areas of study, which included art and steam engineering. When he enrolled in school to become a pipefitter, he was the oldest student in his class, of which he was quite proud. He graduated from pipefitters school at the age of 42 and joined the Pipefitters Local Union # 537. He worked on the largest projects in the Boston area, including the Logan Airport expansion and the Big Dig.
After his retirement in 2011, he decided that the sea was calling him and joined the fleet of the Boston Harbor Cruises as a deckhand. A song written for him 40 years ago foretold of this calling. “He is happy as a lark, because he is not afraid of sharks, he is Paul O’ Riordan.” He enjoyed meeting all the new people and watching the ocean change. He shared his photos of the beautiful sunsets and risings on his journeys with his Facebook followers. On his days off you could always find him on Gunrock Beach, in his chair, with a book in hand.
Mr. O’Riordan was extremely active in his home group of AA, Scituate Centre. He also completed decades of work with Central Services, manning the phones every Monday night in service to AA. He was a firm believer that “Service is gratitude in action.” He met with the group several times a week and would journey with them to commitments in other towns. He truly felt that these people were his extended family.
As well as his love for books, he had a love of fishing and a hankering for birds, flowers, and nature, in general. He was a rabid fan of the Red Sox and Patriots long before it was fashionable. (And they broke his heart many times.) The Patriots’ win this year was just for him.
Mr. O’Riordan was a hardworking man, loyal, funny, kind, gentle, and respectful, and truly a man of integrity. “He is not gone, but temporarily out of our sight.”
He is survived by his fur babies, Dudley and Yellar; as well as his sisters, Melikka Perron of New Hampshire and Megan O’Riordan of Hull. Mr. O’RIordan also leaves his nephew, Jeffrey Gaeta, and his wife, Joanna; his niece, Jeweli Gaeta, all of New Hampshire; nephew Kyle Ferullo of Pembroke, for whom he relished the role of “Godfather” in so many different ways; and his great nephew, Kaimani Gaeta, who lovingly dubbed him “Uncle Older Than Dirt.”
Calling hours will be held at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham, on Saturday from noon-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends make donations to NVNA and Hospice, 120 Longwater Dr., Norwell, MA 02061.
See www.Keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Josephine T. Keenan

Josephine T. Keenan, at 88
Josephine T. [McGahan] Keenan of Plymouth, formerly of Hull, died Jan. 16 at Beth Israel Deaconess in Plymouth, after a long period of failing health. She was 88.
Mrs. Keenan had been a resident at Life Care Center of Plymouth during the past year.
Mrs. Keenan graduated from North Quincy High School. In addition to being a wife and mother, she worked outside the home at New England Telephone, RCA, and The Bank of New England. After her retirement she worked for DOVE in Quincy, an organization she cared deeply about. She enjoyed painting and wallpapering, not only her own home but for each of her children’s homes as they married and started out on their own.
The wife of the late James Keenan and Albert P. Pushee, she is survived by her children: Priscilla Losi and her husband, Paul, of Plymouth, Patricia Kelliher and her husband, Daniel, of Kingston, Daniel Pushee and his wife, Mary Jane, of Marshfield, Michael Pushee and his wife, Laura, of Plymouth, Sheila Sirignano and her husband, Angelo, of Hanover, and Ann Nigro and her husband, David, of Duxbury. Mrs. Keenan also leaves16 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her four siblings: Anne McGahan of New York, Marie Rogan of Quincy, Esther Holland of Randolph, and James McGahan of Quincy.
There will be a funeral Mass on Saturday, March 4, at St. Peter’s Church, Court St., Plymouth, at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Obituary: Margaret Mary Dooner

Margaret Mary Dooner, at 59
Margaret Mary Dooner, age 59, of Hull, died in Scituate Jan. 15. Born in Boston, she was a daughter of the late Bill and Concetta Dooner. She was the cherished mother of Andrew Joseph – “AJ”– Dooner of Hull; beloved sister of James Dooner and his wife, Trudy, of South Hamilton. She was the former wife of Stephen E. Edelstein. She will be missed by her close friend, Gordon Stone of Quincy.
Ms. Dooner worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 38 years. She was a woman of strong faith in Christ, which led her on mission work around the world. She was also an active member of the North River Community Church.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at the North River Community Church, 334 Old Oak St., Pembroke.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans charity or the Fisher House Foundation.

Obituary: James A. DiBiasi

James A. DiBiasi, at 73
James Anthony DiBiasi, 73, died Jan. 20, at his home in Punta Gorda, Fla.
Mr. DiBiasi was born and raised in Brighton. He served in the Coast Guard shortly after graduating from St. Columbkille High School. He and his wife, Sandy, raised their three children in Norwell, Hingham, and Hull.
Mr. DiBiasi spent most of his career at the MBTA, and later worked at the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department. He was active in politics, was an inventor, and made many contributions to the communities he lived in. He took great pride in coaching youth and high school football, teaching his players the values of dedication, determination, and sportsmanship.
The DiBiasis maintained a summer residence on Nantasket Beach in Hull for the past 48 years and added a winter residence 16 years ago near the ocean in Punta Gorda. He will be remembered by a close-knit group of friends in both communities.
Mr. DiBiasi leaves his wife of 53 years, Sandy [Salvucci] DiBiasi; a son, Joe DiBiasi and his wife, Katherine, of Denver; two daughters, Leanne McHugh and her husband, Tom, and Lynn DiBiasi, all of Missouri; five grandchildren; and many close family members and friends.
His family will hold a celebration of life ceremony in Punta Gorda and also in Hull this summer for his family and friends.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Norwell Youth Football, Inc., P.O. Box 954, Norwell, MA 02061 or to your local chapter of the Salvation Army.

Obituary: Thomas Twombly Sr.

Thomas Twombly Sr., at 85
Thomas Twombly Sr., age 85, of Hull, died peacefully – surrounded by his loving family – Tuesday, Jan. 24. 
Mr. Twombly was born in Dorchester. He moved to Hull in 1963, where he raised his family. As a youth, he had a great love for the game of football and played for both the Tramps and Chippewas. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved to cook for large crowds, especially Sunday dinners. For over 30 years, he cooked the annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner at Schooner’s restaurant in Hull.
Mr. Twombly was a member of Teamsters Local #122 and was employed by both J&R and Burke Distributors. A lifelong Boston sports fan, he never missed a Patriots, Bruins, or Red Sox game. Beloved husband for 63 years of Barbara “Jean” [Hibbard] Twombly; he was the loving father of Thomas Twombly Jr., David C. Twombly and his wife, Beth, Gary P. Twombly and his wife, Jacqui, Barbara Twombly Lee and her husband, Mike, all of Hull, and Richard P. Twombly and his wife, Jane, of Norwell. Mr. Twombly also was the cherished Papa of 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was the last survivor among 13 siblings; he leaves several sisters- and brothers-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life during visiting hours on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 160 So. Main St., Cohasset. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, Hull, with interment at Hull Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations – in appreciation for the compassionate care he received at South Shore Hospital – can be mailed to South Shore Health System Foundation, 55 Fogg Rd., South Weymouth, MA. 02190-2455 or online at www.giving.southshorehospital.org/donate.
For an online guestbook, please visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com

Obituary: Catherine M. Nichols

Catherine M. Nichols, at 81
Catherine M. [Marchetti] Nichols, of Hingham, formerly of Hull, died Jan. 19. She was 81.
Mrs. Nichols was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and attended B.C. School of Nursing. For many years she worked at South Shore Hospital and was an active parishioner at the Church of the Resurrection in Hingham. For the last 10 years she was a resident of Linden Ponds in Hingham, where she greatly enjoyed the community and spending time with friends. Most importantly, her focus in life was her family.
She was the wife of the late John Nichols; loving mother of Dr. Robert McCarthy and wife, Maureen, of Connecticut, Diane Loreth of Braintree, Dominique Lounge of Abington, and Joseph Viola and wife, Christina, of New Hampshire. Mrs. Nichols also was the loving sister of James Marchetti and his wife, Susan Shephard, of Wellesley, and the late John Marchetti and his wife, Janice, of Scituate. She also is survived by 13 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services have been held, with burial at Holy Family Cemetery, Rockland.
See www.Keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Robert L. Meade, Jr.

Robert L. Meade, Jr., at 62
Lifelong Hull resident Robert L. Meade, Jr., son of the late Robert L. Meade and the late Arline [Colangeli] Meade, died on Jan. 24 after fighting pancreatic cancer. He was 62.
Mr. Meade was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1975, at which point he was honorably discharged. He was stationed on the USS Midway, on which he traveled to Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Mr. Meade was an owner and operator of Meade News, Inc., a wholesale newspaper distribution company that delivered to the stores of Hull for three generations. He also worked as a fisherman, a career he loved because he could spend his days on the ocean. He enjoyed the outdoors, his many beloved pets, and being with his family.
He was the loving and loyal husband of Joni [Waddell] Meade; father of Jesse and Caroline Meade; and brother of Maureen Meade and Diane [Meade] Travers.
Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.

Obituary: Carol A. Love

Carol A. Love, at 78
Carol Ann [Bradley] Love died Sunday, Jan. 22, at the age of 78.
Beloved wife of the late Paul E. Love Sr., she was the loving mother of Carolyn Cleverly, Earl Love, Helen Calabria, Debra Young, and Michael Love, all of Hull, Paul Love Jr. of Wareham, Philip Love of Virginia, Ann Marie Haley of Weymouth, and Christopher Love of Weymouth; the caring sister of Mary Laura, Helen Hart, and the late John Bradley, Eileen DiNicola, and Francis Bradley Jr.; and the cherished grandmother of 18.
Funeral services were held this morning [Thursday]. Charitable donations may be made to Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370.
For additional information and online condolences, please visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Frederick J. Ellis

Frederick J. Ellis, at 76
Frederick J. Ellis of Hull, formerly of North Weymouth, died Jan. 17. He was 76.
Mr. Ellis worked as a teamster for 42 years with Stop & Shop in Reedville and Roche Brothers in Quincy. He enjoyed boating and bowling.
Mr. Ellis was a kind and quiet man with a love for animals and a devotion to his family and friends. He was the beloved husband of Donna [Curry] Ellis of Hull; loving brother of Shirley May of Hingham; cherished uncle of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He also is survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the memorial Mass in St. Jerome Church, Weymouth, on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. See www.Keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: John E. Burke, Sr.

John E. Burke, Sr., at 80
John E., Burke, Sr., of Hull, died Jan. 21. He was 80.
Mr. Burke served the nation in the Navy during the Korean War. He was a proud, 26-year police officer in Brookline. He retired in 1988.
Mr. Burke enjoyed spending countless hours surrounded by his loving family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Beloved husband for 60 years of Shirley A. [Scott] Burke; he was the loving father of Donna M Burke of Norwood, Cheryl A. Cahoon and her husband, Glenn, of Norwood, Jake E. Burke, Jr. and his wife, Michele, of Hull, Brenda L. Frost and her husband, Jack, of Ellsworth, Maine. He also was the brother of Joseph W. Burke of Florida, Ronald J. Burke of Norwood, Kenneth J. Burke of Norwood, James L. Burke of Florida, and the late Albert Burke and Paul Burke. Mr. Burke leaves seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday, 4-8 p.m., in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 809 Main St., South Weymouth. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday at St. Ann’s Church, Hull. Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451.
See www.Keohane.com for directions or online condolences.

Obituary: Muriel Kendall

Muriel Kendall, at 88
Muriel Kendall, formerly of Hull, late of Dedham, entered into rest Jan. 14, at the age of 88.
Mrs. Kendall was a retired teacher and a longtime member and past chairwoman of the Hull Democratic Town Committee.
Beloved wife of the late Myer Kendall, who was Hull veterans’ agent for many years; devoted mother of Susan Kendall and her husband, Carl Carlsen, and Michael Kendall and his wife, Dr. Alexandra Haagensen; cherished grandmother of Lindsey Carlsen and Isabel, Nicole, and Julia Kendall. Mrs. Kendall also was the loving sister of the late Herbert White and is survived by her dear sister-in-law, Esther White.
Funeral services and memorial observances have been held.  
Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Massachusetts at www.specialolympicsma.org.

Obituary: Rita A. MacDonald

Rita A. MacDonald, at 86
Rita Ann [Tomassetti] MacDonald, 86, of Marshfield and Hull, died peacefully during the early morning hours Jan. 11, at Alliance Healthcare in Braintree, surrounded by the love, comfort, and care of her family.
Mrs. MacDonald was a talented chef and had managed the cafeteria at the Hingham Courthouse for more than 20 years. Later, she ran food-service operations for the former Star of David Nursing Home in West Roxbury, and also worked in that same capacity at Queen Anne Nursing Home in Hingham for many years.
She was the devoted wife of the late Gerald A. MacDonald and the loving mother of Geralynne “Gerri” Spinale and her husband, Joe, of Plymouth, Theresa Dyer and her husband, James, of Sagamore Beach, Betty Massamino and her husband, Joe, of Seattle, Linda Dyer and her husband, Billy, of Abington, the late Tony MacDonald and his wife, Rae, of Florida, Fred MacDonald of Marshfield, and Rita A. MacDonald of Quincy. Mrs. MacDonald also is survived by 17 cherished grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, extended family, and good friends.
Services have been held. Donations in Mrs. MacDonald’s memory may be made to the New England Home for Little Wanderers, 10 Guest St., Boston MA 02135, or online at www.thehome.org.

Obituary: Scott J. McClenaghan

Scott J. McClenaghan, at 41
Scott J. McClenaghan, 41, of Quincy, died unexpectedly Jan. 17.  
Beloved son of Alice Delaney of Hull and the late James F. McClenaghan; he is survived by three sisters, Barbara Delaney and Darlene Delaney, both of Hull, and Suzanne Medina of Pennsylvania. Mr. McClenaghan is also survived by two nieces, Amber Kelly and her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Scarlet, of Hull, and Alicia Hever and her husband, 1st Lt. Adam Hever, and their children, Jayden and Erin, of Fort Drum, NY; and an uncle, Clifford Russell, and his partner, Judy Wolfe.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Sunday, from 2-6 p.m., in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), Hingham. See www.Keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Suzanne L. Smith

Suzanne L. Smith, at 72
Hull resident Suzanne L. Smith [Millette], 72, died Jan. 9, after a brief illness.
Affectionately known as Nonnie by her family, she resided in Norwell most of her young life and graduated from Norwell High School. She was a resident of Hull for more than 40 years, living steps away from A Street beach, where she and her family enjoyed many good times and had many fond memories.
Mrs. Smith was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 37 years. She loved telling people about Jehovah God, his kingdom, the promised paradise, and her hope for the future, as found in the bible.
For the past six years, she was a resident at Kindred Nursing Home in Braintree, where she developed many loving friendships with the residents and staff. She was very grateful for the loving care she received while living there.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her six children: Robert Campbell and his wife, Susan, of Taunton, Renee Richard and her husband, Jack, of Pembroke, Lanette Larsen and her husband, Stanley, of Chilmark, Raquel Smith of Hingham, Nicole Smith of Tewksbury, and Joshua Smith and his wife, Alicia, of Edgartown; her stepdaughter, Lyn Smith, of South Yarmouth; her stepson, Scott Smith of South Carolina; her sister, Francine Hayes and her husband, Timothy, of Duxbury; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter M. Smith of Hull; her parents, Ovide and Rita Millette of Norwell; and a brother, Richard Millette of Quincy.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 90 Ward St., Hingham.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Smith’s family asks that mourners “visit the elderly, take time with them, and hold them dear to your heart.”

Obituary: Robert C. Stober, III

Robert C. Stober, III, at 57
Robert C. Stober III, of Hull, formerly of Medway, died unexpectedly Jan. 15, at the age of 57.
He was born in Boston to the late Robert C. Stober Jr. and Lois [Lourie] Cronin. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Stober of Hull; his sister, Susan Blanchette of Medway; and two brothers, Michael Stober and his wife, Lisa, of Attleboro Falls, and Daniel Stober of Hull. He was predeceased by a sister, Diane Cronin. Nephew of Neil K. Lourie and his wife, Camella, of New Jersey, and the late Lance R. Lourie of Hull; Mr. Stober also leaves his cousin, William Lourie, and his wife, Stacey, of Pennsylvania, and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held today [Thursday], at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham, from 5 to 8 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral service.
As in expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, Mrs. Stober requests friends and family to designate a day to keep their loved ones close and enjoy quality time together.
For additional information and online condolences, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Jakob Wohn

Jakob Wohn, at 78
Jakob Wohn of Hull died peacefully, after a long illness, on Jan. 17. He was 78.
Predeceased by his “sweetheart” and loving wife, Mary Hennessey Wohn, he was the son of the late Eva and Joseph Wohn.
Mr. Wohn was born in 1938 in Rothammel, Russia. His family moved to Siberia, then Minsk, White Russia, Lizmannstadt, Poland, and Lohfelden, Germany. In 1952, the Wohn family moved to Chicago.
One of six children, he is survived by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Litwina “Lena” and Jacob Bathneier, of Chicago, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by brothers Alex, Clemens, and Johan, and sisters Maria and Kather. 
Mr. Wohn, known as Jake, had impressive work experience. He fondly would talk about his first job, as an usher at the Belmont Theater in Luckey, Ohio. He earned an associate’s degree at Devry University in Chicago in electronics technology, then went on to DePaul University and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
He began his electronics career at Webcor Corp. in Chicago and shortly thereafter went to work at Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University, where he became involved in design fabrication and installation of telescope drives and tube and transistor amplifiers. In 1963, he transferred to Las Cruces, New Mexico to continue electronics and observer experience with Dearborn Observatory. He then accepted a position with the Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory and told Northwestern he wanted to widen his experience in the field and take the opportunity to travel and live overseas.
For more than 20 years he coordinated laser-engineering operations for the Smithsonian global network of satellite stations; designing systems and formatting diagnostic procedures in Argentina, Arizona, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Italy, Peru, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden.
As a master observer and laser engineer, he worked with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and NASA and was consistently given accolades because of his knowledge of all facets of laser installation in the area of high-power switch systems. He often worked seven days a week, up to 16 hours a day, reporting to private and federal agencies.
It was in Arequipa, Peru that Mr. Wohn met the love of his life, Mary, in the 1960s and they spent many happy years in Hull. He could have endless conversations on her boogie-board talents in the ocean at Nantasket Beach. All who loved him dearly – social workers, caretakers, health aides – will miss his delightful stories of adventures traveling around the world.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church, Hull at 11 a.m., with burial to follow, at Hull Village Cemetery.
For online condolences, visit www.Keohane.com