Obituary: Robert “Bobby” Spitz

Robert “Bobby” Spitz
Robert William Jacob Spitz “Bobby” of Hull, died March 1, 2020. 
Bobby adored his family and friends. He was an athlete. He was a captain amongst his teammates having played on varsity teams from freshman through senior year in football, hockey, and baseball, earning thirteen varsity letters along the way. 
He knew all the ins and outs of each game and enjoyed teaching others. Bobby was also a passionate Boston sports fan. Bobby loved animals and he loved music, especially the Grateful Dead. 
One of Bobby’s greatest loves was the ocean and working as a fisherman on the “McCafferey” and the “Donna Jean.” Bobby was kind, loving, loyal, honest, and everyone’s best friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 
Beloved son of Kurt and Patricia (McNamara) Spitz of Hull. Cherished brother of Katherine Spitz of Hull. Grandson of the late Robert and Elinor McNamara and William and Rosalie Spitz. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, the “Hull Kids,” especially the Class of ‘13, his coaches and teammates, and the local fishing community who supported him and loved him so much.
Services have been held. Bobby’s family strongly encourages donations in his memory be made to Hull Boosters, P.O. Box 305, Hull, MA 02045. See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for online condolences. 

Obituary: Sarah A. Marcella

Sarah A. Marcella, 75
Sarah A. (Lynch) Marcella, of Hull and formerly of Newton, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on March 1 at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. She was 75.
Born in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, she was the daughter of the late Joseph T. and Grace F. (Hill) Lynch and was raised in Newton. She attended local schools and graduated from high school with the class of 1962. 
Sarah provided a safe, loving, and welcoming home to her children. She was the foster parent liaison for the Department of Children and Families, fostering more than 40 youths, and sat on many boards. She was an advocate for foster parents and was dedicated to making a difference. She was a woman of faith and lived her life in accordance with the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. 
Sarah was a member of the Massachusetts Vigil Society for POW MIA, a religious board member at St. Ann’s Church in Hull, and a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Hull VFW. She worked for New England Telephone for many years before retirement. 
She was the beloved wife of Ronald F. Marcella, with whom she shared many loving years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Christian Marcella, of Hull; Jenna Rosario and her husband, Izzy, of Colorado; Jessica Davis, of Quincy; and Mariah Marcella, of Hull. She was the loving grandmother of Isabella Rosario, of Colorado, and Joseph Marcella, of Hull. She was the dear sister-in-law of Paul Marcella, of Kingston. 
Sarah was preceded in death by her sister, Ellen M. Zigmund, and her brothers-in-law, Richard, Robert, and Phillip Marcella. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7, at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours are being omitted. Sarah will be interred privately in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. 
Due to floral restrictions, please send donations in Sarah’s name to the Department of Children and Family Services, 220 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA 02184.
See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for directions and online condolences.

Obituary: Patricia Mary Coyne

Patricia Mary Coyne
Patricia (“Aunt Pat”) Mary Coyne was born in Chicago and raised and resided in Hull. Aunt Pat died peacefully on Feb. 27.
She was a pioneer of New England Telephone. Her career started in Hull as a switchboard operator, and she worked her way up the ranks, retiring as an executive secretary in 1990. 
She belonged to the Hull St. Mary’s Ladies Sodality, counted the offertory for many years, participated in the linen ministry, and was a Friend of the Unborn. Until recently, she was a daily communicant at St. Ann Church.
After retiring, she volunteered at Wellspring Multi-Service Center and was a production crew member of the cable television program “Fatima Today.” She enjoyed the second Tuesday of every month with her girlfriends, meeting for lunch all over the South Shore. She spent most of her time with her best buddy, Cathy Comeau.
Aunt Pat lived a life of deep faith, which she shared with her family. She prayed for everyone she knew and for those she didn’t.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marie (Coyne) Comeau and Eileen (Coyne) Gillis. She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Rosemary (Comeau) Gately, Ralph Comeau, Janice (Comeau) Marcella, Paul Comeau, James Gillis, Patricia (Gillis) Carroll, Cathy Comeau, Kevin Comeau, John Gillis, Patricia (Comeau) Dennihan, Michael Gillis, Denise Comeau, and Maureen Gillis. She is also survived by 16 great-grand- nieces and -nephews and six great-great nieces and nephews.
Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Aunt Pat’s name can be sent to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 208 Samoset Ave., Hull, MA 02045. See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for directions and online condolences.

Obituary: Dianne Elaine Campbell

Dianne Elaine Campbell, 61
Dianne Elaine Campbell, of Newton, and a long-time resident of Hull and Braintree, passed peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at 6:30 p.m., surrounded by her closest family, after suffering a medical emergency on Saturday.
She was born on September 14, 1958 in Boston. She was the mother of Angela Campbell of Hull, daughter of the late Charles Campbell of Braintree, and Mildred Campbell-Bornas of Mashpee.  Dianne is survived by her brothers Gary Campbell of Port St. Lucie, Florida, (Iva) and Brian Campbell of Pembroke, (Eugenia Coronado). She is also survived by nieces Abigail and Grace of Boxford, Tiffany of Florida, and nephew Dylan of Boxford. 
Dianne was an alumni of Braintree High School, class of 1976. Dianne went on to college at Westfield State, where she graduated with a teaching degree. She loved teaching and eventually channeled that passion into business coaching later in life. She was an incredible mother and friend. Dianne loved the color purple, polar bears, helping others, and of course, the beach. She had extreme compassion for animals and humans alike, and every pet she had she loved like a child. She believed in putting good energy into the universe, and receiving it back double-fold, and she lived by that principle until she passed. She was a beloved volunteer of the South Shore Conservatory in Hingham. Dianne was a true fighter for the many causes that she believed in.
Services are being held at Peck Funeral Homes, 516 Washington St, Braintree. Prayer service is open to all on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and visiting hours 4-7 p.m. A private burial will follow on Monday. In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting donations be made in her memory to the organizations she loved: Hull Seaside Animal Rescue, 487 Nantasket Ave., Hull, MA 02045 (hsar.org/donate) and God’s Care Children Foundation,7410 Six Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48168 (godcarechildrenfoundation.org/donate).

Obituary: Stewart Jordan Chandler

Stewart Jordan Chandler, 50
Stewart (“Stu”) Jordan Chandler, of Shawnee, Okla., died on Feb. 13 at the age of 50.
He was born on March 24, 1969, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Don and Jeanette (Chandler) Jordan. He was a recent transplant to Shawnee, from what he liked to refer to as the “Island of Misfit Toys,” better known as Hull. 
Any visitor to Shawnee Presbyterian Church has probably wondered about that remarkably resounding, gravelly voice that sang out, faithfully, from the third row. A voice with volume and confidence, with skill and gravity – the voice of Stewart Chandler. Like his voice, Stu was a remarkable and loved man.
He was what some might call a “man’s man,” with his construction background and his tendency to curse like a sailor. But everyone he met was won over by his warm smile, his humor, and his booming and infectious laugh. He fit in with construction workers at a Patriots tailgate event as easily as with a group of university professors. He loved people, and they knew it.
Anyone who knew Stu for any period of time had the pleasure of visiting his home and sampling BBQ from his smoker. Church brunches were often graced with a rack of ribs or pulled pork, which he had masterfully cooked just for the occasion. His Facebook feed was filled with his many culinary creations, and his closest friends will undoubtedly lose a few pounds in his absence. One of his greatest pleasures was watching people enjoy his cooking.
Stu worked many jobs over his lifetime, including paperboy, truck stop employee, construction worker, pizza chef, and security guard until he finally found his calling as a safety professional. He worked as a certified safety professional for Jay Cashman and Associates in Boston for 22 years. 
Stu was proud of his job with Cashman and the opportunities it brought him. He always had a funny story to tell about happenings on the job. He was also well known in the industry for his work with OSHA, educating workers about job safety. He liked to refer to himself as “Safety Stu.” 
He received his bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene from the University of Findlay in Ohio with the class of 1995. 
In everything Stu did, he was always “all in.” Whether it was work, athletics (as college wrestler and football player), chef, musician (bass guitar and vocals), sports fan (Go Sox! Go Pats!), or his friends, Stu was dedicated and an inspiration to others. The love and care he put into cooking or singing or even his job made others better. When he sang, he made you want to sing louder. When he laughed, he made you want to laugh. And when he delighted in cooking, he made you delight in cooking, too. He gave you a love for the good things he loved, and that is no small gift. It is a gift that we will all miss.
Stu’s life and his love affected the lives of many people. He would make you laugh, he would offend you, he would encourage you, and he would make you cry. Sometimes all in the same encounter. One thing he offered freely was his love. And you felt that when you were with him. 
Stu will not be forgotten. We are left with things he taught us to love and the hope that now, without pain or ailment or hindrance, Stu is present with the source of all the good things he ever loved, Christ Jesus.
A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at Shawnee Presbyterian Church with Rev, Matt Wiley officiating, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh, Okla. 
The family has designated the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, or the Shawnee Presbyterian Church, 214 W. Farrall St., Shawnee, OK 74801, as appropriate for memorials.
To share memories, or to sign the guest book online, go to www.cooperfuneral.com. 

Obituary: James C. Barkas

James C. Barkas, 34
James C. (“Jamie”) Barkas, of Hingham, died suddenly on Feb. 16.  
Jamie adored his family and was the kindest and most thoughtful soul you would ever meet. He played lacrosse in high school and was the fastest kid around. He was very creative and artistic, working as a barber for All Star Barber Shop in Dedham. A “Jack of all trades,” he also worked as a mason part-time for Mario Misdea and enjoyed helping out when he could. 
Most of all, Jamie loved being a dad. He cherished the time he had with his daughter and deeply loved those around him. He was charming, witty, and eccentric and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The cherished son of Judith Gratta, of Hingham, and James (“Jimbo”) Barkas and his wife Elizabeth, of Hull, Jamie is survived by Megan Russo and their beloved daughter, Mila Jae Barkas, of Hingham. He was the loving brother of Mackenzie Rose Zofchak and her husband, Andrew, of Randolph, and Mattison Alexander Barkas, of Hingham. He was the devoted grandson of Voula (Phyllis) Barkas, of Hull, and the late Paraskevas (Bill) Barkas and the late Joseph and Rose Gratta. He was the loving great-nephew of Angela Grace Nardo and the uncle of Mason River Barkas and Dimitrios Alexander Barkas. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, his beloved dog, Penny Powers, and his dear friends, Ryan Cinquegrano and Mikey Lucreziano. 
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visiting hours on Sunday, 4-8 p.m., in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central Street), Hingham. A celebration of life service will be held in the funeral home at 9 a.m. on Monday prior to the funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham, at 10 a.m. Cremation will follow. 
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jamie can be made to Gosnold Inc., Miller House, 200 Ter Heun Drive, Falmouth, MA 02540. 
See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for directions and online condolences.

Obituary: Catherine Costa-Moleta

Catherine Costa-Moleta, 83
Catherine (Gillis) Costa-Moleta died on Feb. 8 at the age of 83.
Catherine, who went by the name of Kay, was born in Massachusetts. She summered in Hull and spent winters in West Palm Beach where she attended school and graduated from St. Ann’s High School. 
She was the beloved daughter of the late Murdock and Marie Gillis and sister of the late Camille Tarvin and the late Murdock Gillis. It was in Hull where she met and married her husband, the late Louis (Louie) Costa. She was the devoted mother of four boys.
Kay worked in her early years as a waitress for several caterers; during her middle years, she was a teacher’s aide in the Jacobs Elementary School. She then worked for Salomon Brothers in Boston where she ran the company’s kitchen. In her later years, she worked for AAA in Rockland as a customer service representative.
Kay loved helping out with the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Minstrel Shows. She was a devoted sun goddess and loved Nantasket Beach; she would bring her sons there and stay all day. She enjoyed sports, especially watching her sons playing; as a loyal Red Sox and Patriots fan, she watched the teams all the time.
During the Blizzard of 1978, Kay spent endless hours at the Central Fire Station where she cooked meals all day long for the first responders and the National Guard members.
She is survived by her husband Thomas. She was the loving mother of Louis Costa and his wife, Gerry, of Hull; Richard Costa and his wife, Keren, of Anderson, S.C.; and John Costa and his wife, Carol, of Kingston. She was preceded in death by her son Michael. She also loved being a grandmother to all her grandchildren: David, Steven, Joseph, Andrew, Brittany, Kelly, and Michelle. She was also the great-grandmother of Skylar, Graycyn, Bentlee, and Diesel.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave. in Hull, from 4-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be on Thursday, Feb. 20, at St. Ann’s Church at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Obituary: James. P. Ridge

James. P. Ridge, 83
James. P. Ridge, of Hull, died Feb. 9 at the age of 83, surrounded by his cherished family. 
Husband of Jean (Gammie) Ridge for 60 years, he was the father of five: Laura Ridge, of Cambridge; Marie Pitaro and her husband, Vinnie, of Hull; Kathleen Sullivan and her husband, Dan, of Hull; Carolyn Sullivan, and her husband, Daniel F., of Halifax; and Ellen O’Brien, of Plymouth. 
He was grandfather of 12: Mariah and Luke Ridge-O’Brien; Vincent and Christopher Pitaro; Aleigha, Brianna and James Lawless, and Matthew Sullivan; Caitlin, Teresa, and Danny Sullivan; and Declan O’Brien. He was the brother of Mary (Ridge) Swidey, of Somerset; he also leaves several nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, he was the son of the late Patrick K. Ridge and Nora (O’Brien) Ridge, both originally from Ireland, and was predeceased by his brother, Warren, and his sister, Eleanor. 
He graduated from Boston College High School and Boston College and served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1961. He earned his master’s degree from Boston Teachers College and taught at the Phillips Brooks School in Boston before beginning a distinguished 35-year career in Hull Public Schools.
At Damon Elementary School and Memorial Middle School in Hull, he became a legendary fifth-grade teacher. Generations of students took “Mr. Ridge’s Jabberwocky Challenge”; if they memorized and recited Lewis Carroll’s poem, their last month of the year would be homework-free. Decades later, many prided themselves on still being able to recite the poem word for word.
He loved sports, whether refereeing basketball games or tossing around a football with students at recess. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of South Shore Country Club in Hingham.
In his retirement, he devoted himself to his family, whether cooking them smoked shoulder dinners or showing up at their homes every weekend with coffee and doughnuts. For a recent school paper, grandson Matthew chose his “Pop” as the definition of a hero, citing his love and loyalty: “At my eighth-grade graduation, he walked half a mile in the rain to see me because his car wouldn’t start.”
An eternal optimist, he loved laughter. In his final days in the hospital, if he spotted family members starting to cry, he would stick out his tongue to make them laugh – a teacher right up until the end.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham. A funeral Mass will be held at noon on Friday, Feb. 14, at St. Mary’s Church in Hull. See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for directions and online condolences. 

Obituary: Marie A. Orfao

Marie A. Orfao, 84
Marie A. Orfao, of Hull, died peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 30 at the Webster Park Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Rockland. She was 84.
Born in Madeira, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late John and Eva (Ferriera) Orfao. In 1945, when Marie was 10, she and her family moved to East Boston where they lived until 1950, when they moved to Somerville. Marie attended the Somerville school system. In 1992, she moved to Hull, which she called home for the past 27 years.
Marie worked as a stitcher in the clothing industry. Her company made military uniforms for a variety of corporations. She enjoyed her work and the relationships she built through the years. 
In her spare time, Marie enjoyed playing card games and Bingo and visiting Foxwoods with her senior center friends. She looked forward to the monthly trip to Foxwoods because she always won. She was also an avid sports fan, her favorites being the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.  
The most important parts of Marie’s life were her family and her faith. She loved the time spent with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. A woman of great faith, she lived her life in accordance with the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. She was a daily communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hull and always made an effort to live the Gospel. She was a regular volunteer at Wellspring Multi-Service Center as well as at the senior center. 
Marie was the type of person whom people felt comfortable with. She was always ready to give words of encouragement and comfort, and she had a big “Hello!” for everyone. She also had a presence that filled the room. She was a gentle, kind, and happy person. She will be missed by all the lives she touched.
Marie was the loving sister of John Orfao and his wife, Virginia, of Hull, and the late Joseph Orfao. She was the devoted aunt of David Orfao and his wife, Mary Beth, of Cambridge; JoAnn McIntosh and her husband, David, of Hinesville, Ga.; Elizabeth Mele and her husband, Robert, of Hull; Michael Orfao and his wife, Nancy, of Framingham; Philip Orfao and his wife, Cathleen, of Manchester, N.H.; John Orfao and his partner, Michelle, of Lacey, Wash.; Janet Riscica and her husband, Tony, of Niskayuna, N.Y.; Gina Gerfao and her wife, Sierra-Marie, of New Haven, Conn.; and the late Linda Belanger. Marie is also survived by many loving grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours were held on Feb. 4, at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham. The funeral Mass was celebrated on Feb. 5, at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull. Services concluded with interment in Hull Village Cemetery, Hull. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marie’s name can be sent to St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave., Hull, MA 02045. See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for directions and online condolences.

Obituary: Annabel F. Lasoff

Annabel F. Lasoff, 95 
Annabel F. (Neustadt) Lasoff, of Hull and Milton and Palm Beach, Fla., died in Florida on Feb. 3. She was 95.
Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Bella (Backer) Neustadt. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Herman and Roland Neustadt. 
She was the beloved wife of the late Allen Lasoff and devoted mother of Robert Lasoff and his wife, Denise, and the late Samuel Lasoff and the late Rosanne Lasoff Erieg. She was the cherished grandmother of Kimberly Erieg, Allen Lasoff, Arielle Lasoff, Karisa Lasoff, and Shaina Lasoff.
No one could stop Annabel from doing the things she loved, the things that made her happy. She was a force of nature, nothing short of a world traveler, a stellar cards player, and a passionate gardener. She was also a fashionista; she frequented the nail salon and beauty parlor, and her closet was filled with designer clothes. 
Throughout the years, Annabel looked forward to her summers at the beach house in Hull, which she shared with her family and her grandchildren. She took morning swims, spent evenings reading on the back porch, and nights dining out with friends and family. And when the weather got cold, Annabel would find her way back to Palm Beach, where she enjoyed spending time with her Florida friends and going to Kravitz’s. Nonetheless, she always looked forward to going back to Hull the following summer. 
No matter where Annabel was, she always found herself surrounded by friends. Her eagerness to live life to the fullest, while sharing her stories along the way, will be forever missed by many.
Funeral services will be held at the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., followed by burial at the park. Following the burial, memorial observance will be at the home of Robert and Denise Lasoff until 4 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy in her memory can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or online at www.dana-farber.org.
Funeral arrangements were by the Stanetsky Memorial Chapel (www.stanetskycanton.com).

Obituary: John Edward Burke Jr.

John Edward Burke Jr., 56 
John Edward (“Jake”) Burke Jr., of Hull, died unexpectedly on Jan. 26 after a long courageous battle. He was 56. 
Jake was born on Aug. 9, 1963, in Boston to Jack and Shirley Burke. He grew up in Whiskey Point, Brookline. He attended Wentworth Institute, was a proud U.S Navy Seabee veteran, Desert Storm veteran, and a great tugboat captain. He loved his family, the military, and his country. 
Jake was selfless; his mission was always to help others. His faith carried him through his life. He had a passion for music, enjoyed dancing, was a history buff (especially WWII), and was a fan of football. He was a handy, capable, and reliable man. 
The beloved husband of 24 years to Michele (Mize) Burke, of Hull, he was the devoted father of John Burke, of Quincy, and Corey Burke, of Kentucky. He was the cherished grandfather of Charlotte. 
He is survived by his mother, Shirley (Scott) Burke, of Hull; and his sisters, Donna Burke and her companion, Bill Gallagher, of Norwood, Cheryl Cahoon and her husband, Glenn, of Norwood and Brenda Frost and her husband, Jack, of Maine. He was a loving brother-in-law to his “Towers of Power,” Michael Mize and his husband, Gerry Sears, of Florida, and he also leaves many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 
It was an honor and a privilege to know Jake.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visiting hours on Sunday, from 2-6 p.m., in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 809 Main St. (Route 18, opposite the South Shore Hospital), South Weymouth. Relatives and friends will gather in the funeral home at 9 a.m. on Monday prior to the funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Hull Village Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jake can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. 
See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences or call 781-335-0045

Obituary: Jean S. Frank

Jean S. Frank, 80
Jean S. (Freedman) Frank, of Braintree and formerly of Hull and Norwood, died on Jan. 27. She was 80. 
The beloved wife of the late Stanley (“Stush”) Frank, she was the devoted mother of Michael Frank and his wife, Amy; Marcy Kravet and her husband, Jeremy; and Scott Frank and his wife, Abbie Statsky-Frank. 
She was the loving sister of Joan (Freedman) and her late husband, Stanley Berson, and Myrna (Freedman) and her husband, Richard Berman, and cherished grandmother of Joshua, Max, Jessica, Arielle, Talia, Jacob, and Ezra.
Funeral services were held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Canton on Jan. 29. Burial was in Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon. 
Shiva will be held at the home of Myrna and Richard Berman on Jan. 30, from 3-8 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy in her memory can be made to Hospice of the South Shore, 55 Fogg Road, Weymouth, MA 02190, or www.southshorehealth.org/give. 

Obituary: Elizabeth M. Leonard

Elizabeth M. Leonard, 66 
Elizabeth M. (Murnane) Leonard, of Weymouth, died peacefully at her home on Jan. 15, surrounded by her loving family. She was 66.
Born in Boston, Liz, as she was known, was raised in Hull. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary (Welch) Murnane. She attended local schools and graduated from Hull High School with the class of 1971. She continued her education at Stonehill College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with the class of 1975. 
Liz was a microbiologist in the health care industry. She worked for Atrius in Needham and enjoyed her career and the relationships she built throughout the years.
The most important part of Liz’s life was her family. She loved being a mother and caring for her children. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing golf, skiing, and traveling with her husband. 
Liz was a strong-willed person. She was family-oriented, loving, courageous, and tough as nails. Her life lessons and example are part of her legacy that continues through her children and family. She will be missed by all the lives she touched.
Liz was the beloved wife of Kevin P. Leonard. The two married in April 1977, and together they shared 42 years of loving marriage. She was the devoted mother of Kevin P. Leonard II and his wife, Sara, of Billerica; Terence M. Leonard and his wife, Kristen, of New York; Meghan E. Leonard and her partner, Matthew, of Chicago; Brendan D. Leowolf and his wife, Kate, of Ashfield; and Erin C. Leonard of Louisville. 
She was the loving grandmother of Kinley R. Leonard, of Billerica; Eula M. Leowolf, of Ashfield; Jack M. Leonard, of New York; Aylwyn B. Leowolf, of Ashfield; and Mia T. Leonard, of New York. She was the dear sister of John F. Murnane and his wife, Denise, of Hingham and the late Daniel T. Murnane. She is also survived by many loving extended family members and friends, including her beloved cats, Griswold and Scrappy.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Jan. 20 prior to the funeral Mass in Immaculate Conception Church, Weymouth. Burial was in Fairmount Cemetery, Weymouth. 
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Liz can be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. See www.Keohane.com for online condolences. 

Obituary: Mary D. O’Connor

Mary D. O’Connor
Mary D. (Devoe) O’Connor, of Hingham and formerly of Lexington and Needham, died on Jan. 10
A loving mother, prolific knitter, and friend to many, she was the beloved wife of the late Thomas D. O’Connor. She was the mother of Joanne Pearson and her husband, David, of Hull; Daniel O’Connor, of North Adams; Charles O’Connor and his wife, Lisa, of Hingham; Cynthia Haley and her husband, John, of Weymouth; Bart O’Connor and his wife, Christie, of Hingham; Thomas D. O’Connor Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Somerville; and the late Marjorie Grace O’Connor. 
Mary was the sister of Patricia McDonough, of Bedford, and the late Charles Devoe, Col. Jack Devoe, Father Richard Devoe, Grace O’Connor, and Joanne Aieta. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Charlie, Kate, Laurie, Alex, Riley, Mason, Daniel, Emily, Matthew, Shauna, Thomas, Johnny, Avery, Tyler, Morgan, Tommy, Will, and Charlie; and by many nieces and nephews. 
Funeral was from the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Road, Lexington, on Jan. 14, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Brigid Church, Lexington. Interment was in Westview Cemetery, Lexington.
Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the Hingham Food Pantry, 685 Main St., Hingham, MA 02043.

Obituary: Richard Lippman Lowenstam

Richard Lippman Lowenstam, 77
Richard Lippman Lowenstam, 77, of Hull, and formerly of Brookline and Brighton, passed on January 11th, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Benjamin and Rose Lowenstam, born in Boston, on July 27, 1942.
Throughout his life, Richard chased his many passions and interests, holding varied and eclectic jobs, from truck driver, to restaurateur, to jeweler. He was a true entrepreneur, starting numerous businesses, and he wasn’t afraid to take risks on things that excited him, which included buying more than one motorcycle well into his seventies. And, whether it was those motorcycles, smaller antiques, coins, or stamps, or the occasional odd item, like a mini slot machine, Richard was always bringing home his latest collectible. He shared his passion as a coin collector with those in the American Numismatic Association, in which he was a member for over 50 years.
The thing Richard was most proud of was his family. In addition to his loving wife, Linda, Richard’s life will be celebrated and remembered by his two daughters, Alisa Lowenstam, of Hull, and Deborah Bagley, of Walpole, his son-in-law, David Bagley, of Walpole, his four grandchildren, Mikia Manley, Justin Bagley, Julia Bagley, and Rachel Bagley, and his dog, Toto. He was a devoted, albeit quirky, father and grandfather who took his family on many fun adventures and frequently made them laugh with his quick wit and dry sense of humor. All of those who knew him will remember him as a kind hearted, funny, determined and generous man.
Funeral services will be held at the Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA on Tuesday, January 14th at 10 AM. Memorial observance will follow the burial until 7 PM at the home of Deborah and David Bagley then continuing on Wednesday at Richard’s late residence from 3-7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name, to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701 or online at donate3.cancer.org or to the South Shore VNA, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370 or online at https://www.southshorehealth.org/give. Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, www.stanetskycanton.com

Obituary: Frederick Alfred Fairbank

Frederick Alfred Fairbank, 89
Frederick Alfred Fairbank, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on Jan. 12. He was 89. 
Freddy was born in Hull on Nov. 21, 1930, to John and Jesse Fairbank. An exceptional Hull High School football player in his youth, he was an Air Force veteran, who was stationed in the European theater during the Korean War. He was a member of the Laborers Union No. 133. 
Freddy was proud to be a Hull clam-digger for the majority of his life. During his retirement years, Freddy worked as a janitor for the Hull school system. He was also proud to know Bill W.
Freddy is survived by his wife, Paula (Murphy) Fairbank. He was the devoted father of Douglas Fairbank of Florida (beloved daughter-in-law Dawn Hurley Fairbank, of Hanover) and Frederick Bruce Fairbank (loving partner Ginny Kelly, of Hanson); stepfather of four stepchildren, Philip, George (wife Sheila), Laura, and Lisa Mackertich; and grandfather of two grandchildren, Brian (wife Jennifer) and Jessica Fairbank.
He is survived by his sister, Marge Walburn, of Florida. He was preceded in death by siblings John Fairbank, Ellie Durling, Bertha Cummings, and Gertrude Fishwick; and by his former wife, Margaret (“Peggy”) Fairbank.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 1-3 p.m., at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. 
For additional information and the online guestbook, visit www.DowningChapel.com.

Obituary: John Robert Mulford

John Robert Mulford, 85
John (“Jack”) Robert Mulford, of Sun City Center, Fla., and formerly of Hull, died peacefully on Dec. 26 surrounded by his family. He was 85.
Hull was where Jack and his wife, Grace, raised their four children. In addition to being very involved in his kids’ activities, he was the commissioner of the Pop Warner Football League and a Cubmaster. In his later years, Jack loved to go on cruises, play golf, and teach bridge and cribbage. All his life he was a voracious reader.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy O. Mulford, of Sun City Center, Fla. He was the devoted father of Michael Mulford and his wife, Janie, of Sun City Center, Fla.; James Mulford, of Plymouth; Sherry Larkin, of Quincy; and Donna Dunlea and her husband, Jack, of Sun City Center, Fla.
He is also survived by three brothers and two sisters: George Mulford and his wife, Betty; William Mulford; Ronald Mulford; Claire Walker and her husband, James; and Marie Proulx. He was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Mulford and his wife, Grace (Stubbs) Mulford.
A funeral Mass will be held on Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Jack’s name can be made to your favorite charity.

Obituary: Bruno Sestito

Bruno Sestito, 89 
Bruno Sestito, of Hull and formerly of Hingham and Palermiti, Italy, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Jan. 2 at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. He was 89. 
Born in Palermiti, Itialy, Bruno was the son of the late Domenico and Elisabetta (Iannino) Sestito. He was educated in local Italian schools. 
Bruno was a cobbler and shoemaker his entire life. He learned the profession from his father as a small boy. His father owned a family shop in Italy and served the local community. Using the skills his father taught him, Bruno became an established cobbler. The “shoemaker for the stars,” he made shoes for Wilt Chamberlain, among others. Although h retired in 1995, he never stopped making shoes. He was always happy to help people when they came to him for assistance. 
In his spare time, Bruno loved to travel. He traveled to 36 out of the 50 United States and regularly visited Italy, his favorite place of all his travels. He also enjoyed working in his yard. He was a well-dressed man and always wore a suit. Even when he would work in his yard, he would still be wearing his dress shirt, tie, and trousers. He was also known for making and bottling wine for family and friends.
Bruno was a former member of the Hingham Sons of Italy. But the most important part of his life was spending time with his family and, in particular, his grandchildren. They were what gave him the most enjoyment in his life, and he was proud of the people they grew into. 
Bruno was a disciplined, loyal, hardworking, and passionate person. He had a great sense of humor and would do anything for the people in his life. His loving demeanor and kindness are part of his legacy that continues through his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by all the lives he touched. 
Bruno was the former husband of Armida (“Mimi”) Sestito and the devoted father of Domenico Sestito and his wife, Deborah, and Lodovico B. Sestito and his wife, Lisa, all of Hull. He was the loving grandfather of William Nolan, Rocco Sestito, Marco Sestito, Camden Ciulla, Hudson Ciulla-Sestito, Boden Ciulla-Sestito, and Harrison Ciulla-Sestito, all of Hull. He was the dear brother of Antonio Sestito and his wife, Marieanne, of Hingham, the late Elisabetta Barbuto, and the late Caterina Sestito. He was a cherished uncle of Marissa Sestito, of Hingham, and Antonio Sestito Jr. and his wife, Katie, of Middleborough, and a cherished great-uncle of Thomas Massey and Patrick Massey, both of Hingham. He is also survived by many loving cousins, extended family, and dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday, Jan.10, from 4-8 p.m., in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central Street), Hingham. 
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at noon on Saturday, Jan. 11, prior to the funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull, at 1 p.m. Bruno will be entombed with his family in Palermiti, Italy, at a later date. See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for directions and online condolences. 

Obituary: Lawrence F. O’Hare

Lawrence F. O’Hare, 73
Lawrence (“Larry”) F. O’Hare, a resident of Hull and formerly of West Roxbury, passed away on Dec. 23 after a long illness. He was 73. 
Larry leaves his wife, Jo-Ann (Meloni) O’Hare; their children, Lori O’Hare and Ryan O’Hare and his wife, Katie, of Canton; and two grandchildren, Emma and Anna O’Hare, who were the light of his life. He also leaves his pet Angell. 
During Larry’s career, he was a talented interior painter. 
Larry loved spending time with his family, fishing, and working on his computer. He will be missed dearly. 
There will be a Celebration of Life Mass at St. Ann’s Church in Hull on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11:00 a.m. 

Obituary: Susan M. Fleck

Susan M. Fleck, 78 
Susan M. (Dreelan) Fleck, of Hull and formerly of Waltham, died on Dec. 21 surrounded by her family. She was 78.
Susan was predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Dreelan, and her brother, Robert Dreelan. The devoted wife of 55 years to Herbert F. Fleck Jr., she was the loving mother of William Fleck and his wife, Annmarie; Richard Fleck and his wife, Nancy; Sheila Fleck; and Deborah Fleck and her wife, Nancy, all of Hull. She was cherished Nana to Ashley, Richie, Will, and Maxwell.
Susan grew up in Waltham and enjoyed spending her summers on the beaches in Gloucester with her family. She received a nursing degree at Laboure College. After 15 years as a nurse, she left her nursing career and joined the family moving business, Daley & Wanzer, where she continued to work until her retirement. She spent her later years splitting her time between Hull and West Palm Beach, Fla., with her husband.  
Susan enjoyed watching sporting events, reading a good book, and, keeping nursing close to her heart, helping anyone who needed her assistance in their time of need. She was the beacon of the family, shining a guiding light to ensure all were safe and sound. She will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday, Dec. 27, from 4-8 p.m., at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central Street), Hingham.  
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, prior to the funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull, at 9 a.m. Services will conclude with interment in Hull Village Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Susan’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association and Pat Roche Hospice House, c/o Norwell VNA. See www.Keohane.com or call 1-800-Keohane for directions and online condolences.