Obituary: Frances M. Troy

Frances M. Troy, 62

Frances Marie Troy of Hull rose to Heaven with the sunrise on June 24, 2022 at the age of 62. She passed at home in the company of her loving family.

Dearest daughter of Carol “Nin” Aloise Devitt and the late Michael “Grandad” R. Devitt, Mrs. Troy was the beloved wife of her “Bestie,” Joseph E. Troy.

Loving mother to Sean “Seano” Troy and his wife, Katie DeLaMare. of Baton Rouge, LA, and Colleen “Collee Dollee” Troy and her “Bestie,” David Johnson, of Watertown. Cherished sister of Mike Devitt and his wife, Michelle, of Ivyland, Penn., and Paul Devitt and his wife, Suzie, of Marshfield. “Daughter-in-Love” of Mary L. Troy and her husband, Edward, of Fitchburg. “Sister-in-Love” of Linda Kirrane and her husband, Pius, of Fitchburg, Laura O’Kane and her husband, Timothy, of Fitchburg, and Cate Kenneally and her husband, James, of Leominster. She leaves behind many wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Mrs. Troy graduated from Hull High School and earned her BA in Communications at UMass-Amherst and her master’s degree in guidance from Cambridge College. From her time at ADP where her friends introduced her to “their friend Joe,” to Beacon Communication, where she forged lifelong friendships with so many people, to being a founding member of Hull High School’s Grad Nights for seniors, her compassion left fingerprints on every person who knew her.

She was a lifelong advocate of education and empowering youth to reach their potential; she worked in the Hull School system for more than 25 years and as the guidance secretary of Hull High School, where she touched the lives of her “school family,” friends whom she treated like brothers and sisters and students she treated like her own children. She loved pampering her dog, taking pictures, listening to spy-novel audio books, and fussing over her husband and family. Her message to us was to “Take care of yourself, be kind, and carry on.”

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday July 9, from 12-3 p.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham.

Memorial donations to the Devitt-Troy Memorial Scholarship Fund may be made at http://www.gofundme.com/f/Devitt-Troy-Memorial-Scholarship or by check to Hull High School, 180 Main St, Hull, MA 02045. Please write Devitt/Troy/Scholarship on the memo line. For additional information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Jeffrey M. Millen

Jeffrey M. Millen, 61

Jeffrey “Jeff” Millen was born in Boston  on Jan. 30, 1961 and at the age of three, moved to Hull, where he spent the rest of his life.

Mr. Millen died on Feb. 15 in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., where he recently decided he would spend his winters with his beloved wife, Jennifer. He had waged a courageous and, typically, quiet battle with pancreatic cancer for the past year.

Mr. Millen grew up in the scrap metal business with his grandfather, Abraham Snyder, who was like a father to him, and was a huge part of his life. Mr. Millen also was a fisherman for several years and always had a passion for boating and just being on the water. He was an accomplished master plumber and started his own business at a very young age. He owned and operated R-Chee Plumbing & Heating for more than 30 years. He had attended Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he received his contractor’s supervisor license. A man of many talents and inherent competence, he had a special talent for transforming buildings. He had vision and the innate ability to translate a concept into reality.

Mr. Millen was an avid supporter and member of Temple Beth Sholom and Temple Israel in Hull.

Mr. Millen was a doer. He never needed to be asked to help out a friend, a neighbor or even a stranger. It was what he did. His loyalty was unmatched. He was a strong, principled man whose word was his bond – a  mensch.

Mr. Millen is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Millen; his two sons, Jonathan and Jacob Millen; his two stepchildren, Paul and Kelsey Banta; and his mother, Rachel Goodwin. He was the son of the late James Goodwin. Mr. Millen also leaves his sister, Debra Sheppard and spouse, James Shepard; sister Amy Millen; brother Joshua Goodwin and partner, Brooke Johnson; sister Jennifer McLaron and her spouse, Ian McLaron; and many nephews and nieces whom he loved very much. He also leaves behind many friends he considered family. The whole town of Hull grieves this huge loss.

A service is being planned for later this spring at Temple Israel in Hull. Donations in Mr. Millen’s memory may be made to “Jeff’s J-Team” at http://support.pancan.org/goto/Jeffsj-team. Members of Jeff’s J-Team will be participating in a PanCan walk in his honor on April 30 to help fight pancreatic cancer.

Services for Jeffrey M. Millen

Family and friends of Jeffrey M. Millen are respectfully invited to attend a Shabbat and celebration of life service at Temple Israel of Nantasket, 7 Hadassah Way, on Saturday, July 2. Shabbat Service is from 9:30-11:30 a.m., immediately followed by the celebration of life service.

Obituary: Robert J. O’Hayre, Jr.

Robert J. O’Hayre, Jr., 72

Robert (Bobby) J. O’Hayre, Jr., of Cohasset and Hull, won’t be down for breakfast after succumbing to a brief illness.

Mr. O’Hayre was born on July 8, 1949, at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Dorchester, and spent his early childhood years in Holbrook. His father, Robert Sr., and mother Genevieve (Knight), moved Mr. O’Hayre and his four sisters to Cohasset, where he would spend his formative years causing mischief and making many lifelong friends, graduating from Cohasset High School in 1967. Later, Mr. O’Hayre’s children would enjoy their childhoods in the same house where their father grew up.

Mr. O’Hayre wore many hats in his too-brief but remarkable life. Professionally, he was a pilot, working as a fish spotter. He worked on boats as well, captaining the “Teddy and Mary,” a commercial swordfish vessel named for his sisters. Most recently, Mr. O’Hayre was a salesman in the seafood packaging industry, working at Packaging Products Corporation for more than three decades.

Personally, Mr. O’Hayre was a father, grandfather, golfer, jokester, storyteller, and friend. His loved ones will most miss his quick wit and his unwavering support. Mr. O’Hayre was a very courageous and strong man who believed in confronting his problems head on. Consequently, he became an important figure and leader in Alcoholics Anonymous, where he was well appreciated for all that he did and gave to the program, and where he also appreciated the many gifts the program gave to him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. O’Hayre was predeceased by his sisters and earliest partners in crime, Elizabeth, Mary, and Jane. Among those who will miss Mr. O’Hayre are his wife, Dayle Dickinson of Hull, and his children, Patrick of Weymouth and Meredith of Hanover, as well as their partners, Jess and Steve. “Grampy” to Timothy of Hull and Frances and Brenna of Hanover, there was no role that amused Mr. O’Hayre more than that of grandfather.

He also leaves behind his beloved and oft-teased sister Kathleen and her husband, Gene, of Texas, his sisters and brothers-in-law, including Joe Hamilton of Cohasset, and many nieces and nephews who were never too old for a noogie. Of course, Mr. O’Hayre will be remembered fondly by his many and varied friends.

Visitation was held at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home in Cohasset. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, where Mr. O’Hayre spent many Thanksgiving days delivering meals to those in need. Mr. O’Hayre would also ask that you keep an eye out for those who need help and offer a hand when you can.

Visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com for guestbook.

Obituary: Marie Breen

Marie Breen, 100

Marie (Mary Sweeney) Breen of Hull died June 12, 2022 at 100 years old.

Mrs. Breen was the beloved wife of 67 years of the late Robert H. Breen, loving mother of Robert M. Breen of Hull, Karen Scanlan of Pembroke, William J. Breen and his wife, Cindy, of Roslindale, Jean M. Carroll and her husband, Paul, of Bridgewater, Kevin P. Breen and his wife, Karen, and Steven J. Breen, all of Hull. She also was the cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren

Mrs. Breen was born in Quincy to the late Michael and Esther (Meade) Sweeney. She grew up in Quincy Point and lived there for 68 years before moving to Hull. She began her working career at New England Telephone and Telegraph Company as a switchboard operator and received a temporary leave to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an aerographer’s mate. She was stationed at Cape May, N.J.

Mrs. Breen was very proud of all her children and took great pride in raising them well. She enjoyed all the activities at the Hull senior center, taking advantage of the many trips they offered. She especially enjoyed her trip to Europe. She was a devout Catholic and had a devotion to the rosary. Her family and her faith were the foundation of her life. She raised a wonderful family and they feel blessed to have had such an amazing woman as their mother.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St, Hingham. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, June 17, 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 online condolences.

Obituary: Richard Thompson MacLeod

Richard Thompson MacLeod, 73, of Hull, Massachusetts passed away in his home surrounded by his family on June 5th after a tough fight with pancreatic cancer.

Richard was born in Quincy, Massachusetts on November 28, 1948. He was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Edna MacLeod and survived by his brother John MacLeod and his wife Donna of Hull. Also survived by his former wife Patricia MacLeod-Murdock. Beloved father of Thomas MacLeod and his wife Kelli of Hull, and Jennifer MacLeod of Hull. Loving grandfather to Mackenzie, Hailey, and Keira MacLeod. Long time companion of Cynthia Ditullio.

Richard “Dickie” MacLeod grew up in Hull. After high school he served in the Navy as a Seabee during the Vietnam War. After discharge he held a job at the Hingham gas station where he worked on the Hingham PD patrol cars, which then led him to buy the Hull Mobile gas station in the early 80’s. He successfully ran this business as a mechanic at this gas station until he sold it in the late 90’s. His passion for working continued as a heavy equipment operator at Black Rock Country Club. After retirement, he was a part-time mechanic with Daley & Wanzer.

If you knew Dickie you knew his love for cars and boats, as you could always find him riding in his fast cars or on his speed boat. He shared his passion for Celtics and the Red Sox with his children. His legacy is “happiness is a fast car”

A burial will be held for Richard as a private ceremony with family. There will be a celebration of life at Local 02045 in Hull from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday June 18th. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

For additional information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com

Obituary: George A. Vasiliadis

George A. Vasiliadis, at 56

George Alex Vasiliadis of Hull died suddenly at his home on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. He was 56.

Born in Boston on May 25, 1966, he was the son of the late Emmanuel and Anna (Frank) Vasiliadis. Mr. Vasiliadis was raised in Hull and attended local schools, and was known by his nicknames, “Yoyo” and “Papou.”

Mr. Vasiliadis worked as a painter for the Livingston Company in Duxbury and Baumhofer Builders in Edgartown. He enjoyed his work and the relationships he built throughout the years. He was a loving person who tried to find the best in everyone. He loved to cycle around the town and help the homeless through his travels. Mr. Vasiliadis would pass out blankets, clothing, coats, and food to the less fortunate he met. Family was most important to him and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for the people he cared for. He loved the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, siblings, and family. 

In his spare time, Mr. Vasiliadis enjoyed listening to music, cooking, going to the beach, cycling, walking, and spending quality time with his granddaughters. He had a great sense of humor and a big heart. He will be missed by all the lives he touched.

Mr. Vasiliadis was the husband of Melissa R. (Montesion) Vasiliadis of Edgartown. He was the devoted father of Jenell M. Wardell and her husband, Alex, of Sandwich, and Alex G. and Isabella R. Vasiliadis, both of Edgartown. Mr. Vasiliadis was the loving grandfather of Athena and Adeline Wardell, both of Sandwich. He was the dear brother of John Kontsas of Maine, Theodora Carellas and her husband, Peter, of Winchester, Elena Cesario and her husband, Sal, of Hull, Stephen Vasiliadis and his wife, Lauren ,of Hull, Taso Vasiliadis of Hull, and the late Katie Hall. He was a cherished cousin and best friend of John “Tuba” Andriotis of Edgartown and the adored uncle of Evanna Cesario of Hull. He is also survived by many other loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Services and interment will be held privately. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Vasiliadis’s name to the Hope House Addiction Services, Attention: Eileen Maguire, 8 Farnham St., Boston, MA 02119, or by visiting: www.hopehouseboston.org/donate.

Visit www.Keohane.com for online condolences. 

Obituary: Edward A. Petrelli

Edward A. Petrelli, at 70

Edward A. Petrelli of Hull, formerly of Middleboro, died suddenly, on Friday, May 27 at home. He was 70 years old.

Mr. Petrelli was born in Quincy, to the late Arlene (Newcomb) and Francis D. Petrelli, Sr. Raised and educated there, he was a graduate of Quincy High School, Class of 1970. Later in life, Mr. Petrelli earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy. He lived in Hull for more than 30 years, and in Middleboro for many years prior to that.

Mr. Petrelli was employed as a licensed electrician and was a proud member of Local 103 IBEW for many years. Mr. Petrelli was the current president of the Island View Condominiums of Hull and was a member of the Nantasket Beach Salt Water Club.

He enjoyed fishing, kayaking, and bird watching, and enjoyed attending shows at The Company Theatre in Norwell with his wife, Kathy. Most of all, he was devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren, actively supporting their many activities and accomplishments.

Beloved husband for 22 years of Katherine R. Grant Petrelli, devoted father of Allison Henderson and her husband, David, of Danvers, Jason E. Petrelli of Vermont, and Edward J. Petrelli and his wife, Sandy, of Middleboro. Loving grandfather of Matthew and Evan, Brenna and Cameron, and Charlotte and Alex. Dear brother of Francis D. Petrelli, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen, of Braintree, and David R. Petrelli and his wife, Elaine, of Weymouth. Mr. Petrelli also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave., on Thursday, June 2, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Petrelli’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, or the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451-8750.

For online condolences, visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com.

Obituary: Joseph R. Madonia

Joseph R. Madonia, at 85

Joseph R. Madonia, 85, a resident of Hull since 1991 and former longtime Fitchburg resident, died Friday, June 4, 2021 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

He was born on April 1, 1936, a son of the late Philip A. Madonia Sr. and Lucy D. (Amico) Madonia.

He was the husband for 35 years of Susan Carr-Madonia. Besides his wife, he leaves one son, Joseph, and two daughters, Donna and Cheryl; a brother, Philip A. Madonia Jr. of Fitchburg; five grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert C. Madonia, who died in 1963.

“Dick,,” as Mr. Madonia was affectionately known, was the owner along with his brother of the Madonia Construction Company for many years in the Fitchburg area. They were well-known for building the George R. Wallace Civic Center, Carmelita Landry Ice Rink, Wallace Towers, Celluplastics, Gardner High Rise for the elderly, Fitchburg Public Library, Masonic Temple,  Leominster Elks, St. Bernard’s Elementary School, Southeast Elementary School, Reingold Elementary School, John R. Briggs Elementary School, Ware Elementary School, Cushing Academy Girls Dormitory, St. Anthony’s Elementary School and Convent, and Fitchburg General Hospital, which they later retrofitted into the Fitchburg Office Building. 

Among many other large endeavors, he acted as the Town of Arlington’s project manager for the retrofitting of five schools. He also was the project manager for the Boston City Hospital. Other accomplishments were the planning of the Emerald Place Apartments and Condominiums at Whalom, and a partner in project planner for The Falls in Fitchburg.  He also had other interests in the restaurant world.

Mr. Madonia was a 1954 graduate of Fitchburg High School, a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish and served in the U.S. Marine Reserves for seven years. He was a former longtime member of the Fitchburg YMCA, the Fitchburg, Hyannis, and Falmouth Racquetball Clubs, where he was an outstanding player for many years and won many awards. He was also a member of the Fitchburg Lodge of Elks. He enjoyed walking on the beach and had a fondness for carousels. He had a special love for his grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

“Mr. Wonderful,” as he was known by some, was a prestigious contractor most of his life. He was a kind, caring, and generous person to those in need, always optimistic, and easy to smile. It has been said “his passing has left an emptiness in all who really knew him,” – especially “his” Susan. He is missed.

Services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Memorial Fund, 84 Salem St. Fitchburg, MA  01420, or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114.

Obituary: Russell H. Dowd

Russell H. Dowd, at 92

Russell H. Dowd of Kingston, Mass., and Zellwood, Fla., formerly of Hull, passed away on Feb. 6 at age 92.

Son of the late Hull Fire Chief Adrian P. and Hazel Dowd, Mr. Dowd was born and brought up in Hull, where he lived until retiring to Florida in 1983. He loved to tell stories of his boyhood growing up in Hull Village in the 1930s and ’40s.

After proudly serving his country as a veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Dowd returned to the town he loved. Along with his new bride, Harriet, he raised his family in what began as a small, four-room home, which he turned into a rambling eight-room ranch on Sunset Point.

Mr. Dowd followed in his father’s footsteps and became a firefighter. He retired as the fire chief at the South Weymouth Naval Air Station in 1982 after 32 years.

In the ’60s and ’70s, on his days off from the fire department, Mr. Dowd worked as a special summer police officer, as the population of the small seaside town grew exponentially in the summer.  He “walked the beat” on Nantasket Avenue and in Paragon Park.

He was involved in the community in a number of ways, including singing in local variety shows and serving as a member of the Hull Redevelopment Authority.

After retiring to Florida, Mr. Dowd joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as a court officer for 10 years.

Most of all, Mr. Dowd enjoyed the company of others, and was a great conversationalist. His big personality and kind generous nature endeared him to all he met.

His family meant the world to him. He was the beloved husband of 58 years of the late Harriet (Carpenter) Dowd, and is survived by his three girls: Dawn, Adrianne, and Dale; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends. He also is survived by Catherine Morgan, whom he referred to as his number-four daughter.

A celebration of Mr. Dowd’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Hanover on Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date in the National Cemetery Bourne.

Memorial donations are suggested to Mr. Dowd’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Obituary: Timothy J. Wholley

Timothy J. Wholley

Timothy J. Wholley of Hull died on May 18. 

Mr. Wholley was predeceased by his parents, Edward T. Wholley and Elizabeth (Nancy) Wholley, and his sister, Marie. He is survived by his siblings, Elizabeth Shaw and her husband, Fred, of Hingham, Maura Wholley, Kathleen “Cassie” Wholley, Joan Fausz, and John Wholley, all of Hull; Edward Wholley and his wife, Carolyn, of Weymouth;  and Christina “Tina” McCrosky and her husband, Ronald, of LA. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Wholley was an ultrasonic engineer employed by Ma-Tec Company.  Services will be private. Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: James M. Shaffer

James M. Shaffer

James M. Shaffer of Hull died May 15.

He was the beloved husband of the late Carol A. (Colwill) Shaffer, and the loving father of James M. Shaffer Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, of Attleboro, Patrick Shaffer and his wife, Gina, of Rockland, and the late Michael Shaffer and Cheryl Probst. Cherished “Papa” of Breanna, Jordan, Timothy, Courtney, Michael, Christopher, Steven, Nicolette, Caitlyn, and the late Patrick.

Mr. Shaffer was the brother of Barbara Southerland of New York and Joan Andrews of Pennsylvania.

He later married Eleanor M. (Walsh) Conneely-Shaffer, who predeceased him in 2009, and is survived by her children, Kathleen McLaughlin and her husband, Marty, of Weymouth, Maureen Conneely of Hull, Sean Conneely and his wife, Kristin, of Hull, Kevin Conneely and his wife, Ana, of Uxbridge, as well as their children, Patrick Thomas, Brenna, Liam, Sean, and Kathryn. He was predeceased by Mrs. Conneely-Shaffer’s children, Patrick Conneely and Eileen Conneely.

Mr. Shaffer was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked as a bus driver for the MBTA for 27 years. After retirement, he worked as a maintenance man at Damon Place Condominiums in Hull for 27 years.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mr. Shaffer’s life by gathering for a graveside service with military honors at Hull Village Cemetery on Thursday, June 2 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Shaffer’s memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute at www.dana-farber.org.

Obituary: William J. O’Brien

William J. O’Brien, 83

William J. O’Brien of East Bridgewater, formerly of Hull, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 15. He was 83.

He was born in Boston to the late John J. and Kathleen (Gurley) O’Brien and raised in Dorchester. After he graduated from a vocational school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and earned the rank of Airman Second Class. After serving his country, he settled down and started a family in Roslindale. 

The ocean called to Mr. O’Brien, as he was an avid sailor, beachgoer and often watched the boat races from his deck in Hull. He was crafty and always had a project under way, whether it was stained glass or model ships. He enjoyed sharing his craft with his family, often giving them lessons and tutorials on how to use the tools in his shop. A proud veteran, Mr. O’Brien enjoyed attending the monthly VA meetings and coffee socials where he made many friends. 

Beloved husband of the late Patricia Ann O’Brien and devoted father of John J. O’Brien of Hull and Ann Marie Charubini and her husband, David, of Hull. Loving grandfather of Scott Dolan and Joseph O’Brien and his wife, Missy Blood-O’Brien. Cherished great-grandfather of Kahlan Blood. Brother of Frances Hoefel of New Bedford, the late Kathleen Walker, and the late Maurice O’Brien.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 28.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. O’Brien may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY, 10306.

Obituary: Rosamond Janine Dorrance

Rosamond Janine Dorrance said goodbye to her beautiful life on earth on May 21, 2022 after 73 years of a life well lived.
Rosamond leaves her legacy to her cherished honey bunches—daughters, Elizabeth, Emily, and Erin. She welcomed the extra love of their partners, Ben May, Tyler Birrittella, and Josh Hiltz. Rosamond was a loving grandmother to her granddaughter Marleigh Birrittella and Grady and Tillman May. Rosamond cherished the lifelong love of her sisters, Karen Duggan and Maureen McEntee, and the company of her beloved brother-in-law’s, Peter Kelley and Woody McEntee. Rosamond was a proud aunt to her nieces, Kathryn and Charlotte Kelley, Sheila Poschman, and her nephews, Michael and Andrew McEntee.
Rosamond was a lifelong learner and an avid history buff. After earning her Master of Education from Harvard University, Rosamond began her teaching career in Whitman Hanson in 1972. After 40 years dedicated to education, she retired as the revered principal of the Health Brook School in Tewksbury, MA. Rosamond fulfilled her dream of retiring in a beautiful bayside home in Hull, MA where she enjoyed time reading on her deck, visiting with her dear friends, and appreciating how fortunate she was for her stunning year-round sunsets.
Rosamond undeniably touched the lives of many during her career as an educator and through her endless love in her most important roles as mother, sister, and friend. Through her lessons and love, she’ll continue to positively influence our world for years to come. Rosamond will be remembered for her timeless grace, quiet yet fierce strength, and unwavering kindness.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, June 1, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Scituate Country Club, 91 Driftway, Scituate MA. It is an opportunity to gather, enjoy light refreshments, and share our favorite memories of the remarkable life of Rosamond Dorrance.
In lieu of flowers, please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/rosamond-dorrance/ if you wish to contribute to a memorial tribute in Rosamond’s honor.
Arrangements By the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel Hingham Mass.

Obituary: Esther Katherine Stevens

Stevens, Esther Katherine, 102 longtime resident of Hull, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022.
Esther had many different facets of her life. She enjoyed being the center of attention and life of the party. Over her many years she developed relationships with so many people and maintained a unique sense of humor to the very end.
She was the daughter of the late Atanase and Sophia Tanacea Pandaru. Mrs. Stevens was born in Woonsocket, RI and raised in Worcester, MA. She was the wife of the late James P. Stevens. At a very young age she lost her mother and as the country came out of the Great Depression started working for Table Talk Pies in Worcester, MA where she became very close to its founder, Theodore A. Tonna and his wonderful family. When she was in her late 20’s she worked in the clothing business specializing in unique and stylish maternity clothing that culminated into the opening of “Blessed Event Shop” in Worcester. In a newspaper article she told a reporter that the name came to her after her son, James was born. During the 1950’s she moved her family to Hull. She is survived by three sons, James Stevens of Dartmouth, MA, David Stevens of Marlborough, MA and Christopher Stevens and his wife Gayle of North Andover, MA, three grandchildren, James (JP) of Westwood, MA, Joshua of Pleasant Hill, CA and Ashley of North Andover, MA. Esther was also the proud great grandmother to three beautiful great grandchildren; Simon, Elliott and Meryl as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters, Spiro (Pete) Pandaru, Nicolae (Nick) Pandaru, Olimbia (Bea) Pandaru Germain, Flora Hibbard and Veronica Pandaru. She was also predeceased by her closest and dearest friend, Margaret T. McBride (Nana Peg) longtime resident of Hull who was a grandmother figure to her children and grandchildren.
Most importantly, she developed an inseparable bond with her son, David, as they pursued their mutual interests and caring for one another for so many years.
Esther and her family were proud of her participation in a longevity study at Vanderbilt University funded by the federal government DARPA Program studying supercentenarians and the composition of their immune systems. It is believed that, among other things, she possessed the protective antibodies of The Spanish Flu (1918-1920). There are less than 10 centenarians being studied currently. According to Doctor James Crowe “ it is very important to catalog and describe the human immune system with extreme aging”. It is hoped that Esther’s participation will benefit mankind in the years to come.
More than 70 years ago, Esther’s family were among the founders of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (previously located in Worcester). In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Rev. Fr. Nicholas K. Apostola for his amazing leadership as Pastor in expanding and opening the congregation in support of Orthodox Christians in the community and beyond. Please send your thoughtful contributions in Esther’s memory to: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 34 Gold St
Shrewsbury  MA  01545-6238.
The family wishes to thank the Town of Hull Police and Fire Departments, Emergency Medical personnel and the staffs at Maplewood at Weston, Newton Wellesley Hospital and Good Shepherd Community Care for all their care and service.
Funeral services are private.  For guestbook see www.dockrayandthomasfuneralhome.com 

Obituary: John Douglas Hague

John Douglas Hague, 72

John Douglas “Jack” Hague passed away suddenly on Jan. 6. He was 72.

Son of the late Elizabeth and David Hague, Mr. Hague is survived by his wife of 31 years, Rosemarie (Bittrich) of Brighton, and lives on through his sons Casey Simmons and Jake Thomas. He is survived by his “older” twin brother, Fred Hague, and his wife, Pat, of Strongsville, Ohio, as well as his “much older” sister, Kathy (and Harry Smith [deceased]) of Cleveland; cousin Pammy Hague and Bob of Wilmington, Del. Mr. Hague was deeply loved and will be missed by his loving mother-in-law, Helen (Simmons) Bittrich, St. Pete and all his Bittrich Outlaw Brothers and Sisters. Mr. Hague had many cousins, friends, and numerous (20) nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Jack.

He was born in Tarentum, Penn., and grew up in Parma Heights, Ohio. As a teen, he worked in the steel mills for a stint. After graduating with a full scholarship for wrestling at John Carroll University in 1972 with a degree in history, he hitched his way east and fell in love with Boston.

He lived in the Back Bay, Brighton, and Allston. He taught history at Brockton High School, then made a change to nightclub management – Pooh’s Pub, KKK-Katys, Gay 90s, and Kenmore Club are just a few.

Mr. Hague was extremely driven. He continued his career managing Our House on Commonwealth Avenue and Our House East (OHE) on Gainsborough Street six days a week for more than 40 years. When OHE closed its doors, Mr. Hague continued to work all through COVID as a valued front-line CVS manager and proud Stop & Shop deli worker.

In 1989, Mr. Hague and his wife moved to Hull. On his day off, you often found him running around Straits Pond and hitting the beach. He loved helping coach his boys’ little league teams. (Shoutout to both Hull Fire and K9 PD.) Mr. Hague was proud to have organized a yearly event for his old neighbor, Brian Conners, “Fun Run for Little People” to help those with achondroplasia. Great strides were made by the specific Texas lab as a direct result of funds generated by this yearly event, starting at Ringer Park and then at Cleveland Circle/BC Reservoir.

To say Mr. Hague was hilarious is an understatement. His humor was never mean-spirited. He was “wicked smaht,” quick witted, and the OG life of the party. He was never without a book or his reader.

All who knew him loved him. Little guy; huge loss. We’re all deeply saddened, we so value the time we got to spend with him.

Funeral services are private. The Hague family will be celebrating his life on Saturday, June 18 at noon at the Sons and Daughters of Italy, 88 Chief Justice Cushing Highway in Hingham. All are welcome to attend. Bring a glove for the Father’s Day catch.

Obituary: Jacqueline K. Minelli

Jacqueline K. Minelli

Jacqueline K. “Jackie” (Keenan) Minelli of Hull died May 11.

Mrs. Minelli is survived by her children, daughter Carolyn Moore and her husband, Steven Moore Sr., of Plymouth, and son Ernest Minelli of Hull; numerous nieces and nephews including Jennifer, Kaitlyn and Andrew of Quincy; grandchildren Steven Jr., Benjamin, Grayson, Nicholas, Gianna and Monica; and great-grandchildren Madelynn and Anya. 

Mrs. Minelli also is survived by her brother, Leo W. Keenan Jr., and his wife, Karen Keenan, of Quincy. She was predeceased by her parents, Leo W. Keenan Sr. and Dorothy Delmonico, as well as by her siblings Sandy, Billy, and Bobby, and by her nephew Chucky. Family friends Juan, Kaitlyn, and Sydney provided care and companionship during Mrs. Minelli’s “golden years.”

Most importantly, her time with her family was precious to her. She especially enjoyed all of the memorable experiences shared together such as baking, storytelling, arts and crafts, and family dinners. Mrs. Minelli took great delight in being a parent, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, bringing joy to all.

Mrs. Minelli maintained a lifelong love of nature, especially for both Gunrock and Nantasket beaches, as well as for the welcoming nature of her hometown of Hull. She believed that life is a journey, a path worth taking, a series of experiences worth having and sharing with those whom she loved. In addition to dedicating herself to raising her family, Mrs. Minelli was willing to branch out and try new endeavors, such as poetry, creative writing, and photography. Kind-hearted and fun-loving, she was both a dreamer and a doer. She always reminded us that the gift of tomorrow is embodied in the love that we share with our family and friends today, and each day.

Her family would like to acknowledge the many kindnesses of the staff at Southwood at Norwell Nursing Home for their excellent care during Mrs. Minelli’s final stage of life.

A funeral Mass was held on May 18 in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church in Hull. Cremation will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. Minelli may be made to National Jewish Health, P.O. Box 17169, Denver, CO 80217.

Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Obituary: Mark E. Parsons

Mark E. Parsons, 59

Mark Eric Parsons, 59, formerly of Hull, known to friends as “Pickles” and “Steamer,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, May 15, from heart disease. 

He is survived by three children: Nathaniel Parsons and his wife, Stephanie, of Gulfport, Miss.; Jennifer Khan and her husband, Christopher, of Leesburg, VA.; and Melanie Parsons of Richmond, VA. 

He is also survived by three grandchildren: Ryder Hipp of Richmond, and Zoella and Eliza Parsons of Gulfport. Mr. Parsons was the youngest boy of eight siblings, including Debbie Parsons Dow and her husband, Allen, of Hanover; Eddie Parsons of Hull; Scott Parsons of Plymouth; Jeannie Parsons Blanchard of Abington; Pamela Parsons McGovern and her husband, Michael, of South Attleboro; Cheryl Parsons Laassal and her husband, Hichame, of Chelsea, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Ellen Campbell Parsons, and by his brother, David Parsons. 

Mr. Parsons grew up in Hull and was a graduate of Hull High School, Class of 1980. At 18, he joined the Coast Guard where he served as an engineer for six years, then spent the rest of his working life as a mechanical engineer. His passion for serving led him to be a volunteer firefighter for many years, including becoming chief of the Maxie, Miss. Fire Department. Mr. Parsons followed in the footsteps of his dad and brothers and became a Mason. 

As a single father, the most important thing to him was his family and many friends from around the country. He always had a smile and joke to share with those around him. He loved spending his time outdoors whether he was hunting or spending time on his true love, the water. Mr. Parsons was a generous spirit who at first seemed reserved but never met a stranger. His absence will be something that will be felt by all who knew him. 

Visiting hours will be held at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham, on Monday, May 23 from 4-7 p.m. A Masonic service will be held in the funeral home immediately following visiting hours at 7 p.m. Interment will be held Tuesday, May 24, at 10:45 a.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

Due to flower restrictions at the cemetery, donations in Mark Parsons’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

For additional information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com. 

Obituary: Patricia A. Abbate

Hull Times Publisher Patricia A. Abbate died May 14 in the loving embrace of her husband, Thomas Foye. She was 68.

Ms. Abbate, known to her family and many friends as Patti, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2020. She endured several arduous surgeries and hospitalizations over many months, but was determinedly upbeat and optimistic, even in the face of her most recent hospitalization just a few weeks ago.

“I am going to go home and cure myself,” she told her friend Polly Rowe.

The comfort Ms. Abbate always found in the serenity of her C Street home proved elusive as her compromised health deteriorated rapidly. She entered hospice care at Seasons in Milton last week, where she was cared for by loving family members until her final breath in her husband’s arms.

Ms. Abbate was the executive director of the nonprofit Citizens for Rail Safety, Inc. when she met Mr. Foye at a singles dance in Waltham in February 2008. He owned an oil burner services company and admits he was smitten with the “gorgeous woman” who had testified before the federal Department of Homeland Security and educated Capitol Hill lawmakers on policy matters related to rail safety and security while building national recognition and a support coalition of government officials, academics, corporate executives, and concerned citizens for her fledgling organization.

Her depth of knowledge and personal charm engaged lawmakers like then-Senators Obama and Biden, among others, her husband said this week. “I never met a person who didn’t love her,” Mr. Foye said.

After the couple moved to Hull, Ms. Abbate put her extensive marketing and creative skills to work for the Paragon Carousel, where she was among the first volunteers to answer Dennis Zaia’s public plea for Hull residents to rescue the dilapidated circular structure that housed the iconic merry-go-round.

“In 2009, Patti Abbate joined more than 180 Hull volunteers to reenergize the Paragon Carousel, which was facing another challenge of survival,” Mr. Zaia wrote in an email to the Times this week. “Since her arrival in Hull, Patricia Abbate has impacted the Hull community with her sense of positivity, honesty, dedication, and persistence in the quest to create the best possible community for all of us.”

Mr. Zaia, a public relations and Human Resources professional and quintessential community cheerleader, recognized a kindred spirit in Ms. Abbate and wasted no time in recruiting her to take a seat on the board of directors for the Friends of the Paragon Carousel. The organization’s mission was to bring professional management to the debt-ridden carousel’s operation to preserve it both structurally and fiscally. Mr. Zaia was the Friends president. He not only cajoled Ms. Abbate to become a carousel director and, in time, the organization’s vice president, he then convinced her to take the job as operations manager.

Mr. Zaia also recruited Jinnie Walsh, assistant vice president at the Hingham Institution for Savings and Hull branch manager, to serve as the Friends treasurer.

“I am very much like Patti in that I can’t say no,” Ms. Walsh said Monday. “Dennis got us together and we began to work closely to pull the carousel out of the red.”

Ms. Abbate’s vision, energy, and negotiating skills were instrumental in the carousel’s expansion from a summer amusement to the operation that today encompasses the merry-go-round, Carousel Creamery, and Paragon Museum, and a calendar of events that have become beloved local traditions, like the lobster trap tree erected for the Hull for the Holidays campaign, Ms. Walsh said. “Patti said, ‘We gotta make this a Hallmark movie moment,’” Ms. Walsh recalled. “She wanted the whole thing – the tree, kids, the carousel whirling in the background, chowder from Schooner’s, hot chocolate…the goal was to turn the event into something the whole community could enjoy.”

Ms. Walsh described Ms. Abbate as a “rallying person” with the ability to “get everyone together.”

“She had a way of bonding with people that you never really thought you could bond with; through her photography, through her style, she just brought out the best in people.”

But there was steel in Ms. Abbate’s character, too. “She didn’t take abuse from anyone who was rude or mean,” Ms. Walsh said. “She had strong values. She wasn’t confrontational, but she would stick up for the little guy, stand up for her beliefs.”

The pair worked so well together that when Ms. Abbate took over as president of the Hull-Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, a post she held for nine years, Ms. Walsh “couldn’t say no” when Ms. Abbate wheedled, “Will you come to the Chamber with me?”

“By the time she was through, she made everyone believe in themselves,” Ms. Walsh concluded. “There’s not going to be anyone like her.”

Ms. Abbate and Mr. Foye bought their Hull home in September 2008. They remodeled the house and its small yard. She chose the landscape plants; he dug the holes and installed them. He said he happily took direction from her at home as well as at work, where the two entrepreneurs individually ran her PR and photography businesses and his oil burner services business before they took a leap in 2016 and bought the South Shore Senior News, a monthly publication that boasts more than 40,000 readers across 31 cities and towns. The same month they launched the My Generation radio show on Marshfield station 95.9, WATD-FM.

The pair interviewed hundreds of guests from all walks of life over My Generation’s five-year span. Since Mr. Foye plays several musical instruments and Ms. Abbate was blessed with a fine singing voice and perfect pitch, it’s not surprising that some of their favorite guests were celebrated performers of “golden oldies” that included Gary Puckett (Gary Puckett and The Union Gap), Gary Lewis (Gary Lewis and The Playboys), and Peter Rivera, the lead singer and drummer for Rare Earth.

Ms. Abbate and Mr. Foye incorporated an events business into their commercial portfolio, producing the annual Senior Celebration Health Fair and the Senior Services Networking Conference at Lombardo’s event venue in Randolph. He maintains that, “She was the brains, the woman who had the skill set to accomplish all the things that we were doing.”

In June 2019, the two purchased The Hull Times, adding the independently owned and operated weekly newspaper to their media holdings. As with the South Shore Senior News, Ms. Abbate handled the publisher’s functions, Mr. Foye is the business manager.

He readily acknowledges that she had the more time-consuming job. Even as her illness progressed, Ms. Abbate was “always” on her cellphone or laptop, checking on governmental meetings or calendar items that could make a good story. “We’d be watching Jeopardy and she’d be calling out the show’s answers while tapping away on her phone,” he said. “God, could she ever multi-task…”

Christopher Haraden is a longtime Hull Times contributing editor who spoke of the newspaper as reflective of its publisher’s sunny disposition.

“I’ve written a lot about the history of Hull and the history of the Times, so I was happy to be a resource for Patti about Hull's old days and not-so-old days. She'd often call or email to ask for background about someone or some event that occurred prior to her arrival in town,” he said.

“Bringing her varied experiences in the world outside of Hull gave her a unique perspective on reporting the local news. She had great respect for the past, and always thought Hull had a bright future. Patti was forever an optimist, and devoted her energy toward putting the town's best face forward in everything she did, whether it was involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, the Paragon Carousel, and of course, The Hull Times.”

Ms. Abbate grew up in Westwood, the first of five children of Florence (Molloy) and Westwood Police Chief Francis Abbate. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Framingham State College.

In addition to her husband, Ms. Abbate leaves her siblings, Thomas Abbate and his wife, Carla, of Florida; Theresa Abbate, of Walpole; Margaret Hetu and her husband, Leo, of Rhode Island; and Kathleen Anderson and her husband, Kurt, of Medway; several aunts and uncles; and two nieces, Molly and Martha Anderson, and a nephew, Michael Abbate, all of whom she adored and who adored her right back. Ms. Abbate also leaves scores of friends, old and new, who mourn her passing but celebrate having known a woman who handled life’s blessings and adversities with wit and grace.

“Thank you for all you have contributed to the town of Hull, to your fellow Hull residents… selflessly, generously, passionately, and devotedly, putting service to others above self,” Polly Rowe told her friend in a final letter.

“It’s not just my loss, it’s everyone’s loss,” Jinnie Walsh said. “I don’t think people will ever know what a driving force she was.”

Visitation for Ms. Abbate will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 20, at the Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry St., Quincy. A Catholic prayer service begins at 2 p.m. Ms. Abbate will be cremated. Her funeral will be private.

As he has done weekly for the 14 years of their relationship, Mr. Foye will surround his wife with flowers, predominately the purple roses and tulips she loved. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit hamellydon.com.

Obituary: Mary Jordan

Mary Jordan, 93

Mary Jordan, 93, of Hull passed away on Monday, May 2 of natural causes surrounded by her precious children.

Born in Somerville, she was the daughter of John and Aspasia Janedy and the sister of the late Ambrose, Nicholas, Zenaphon, Carl, and Bessie.

Mrs. Jordan is survived by her five children, Rebecca Smith of Pembroke, George Jordan of Hull, Audrey Torrey of East Sandwich, Elaine Orifice of Northborough, and Sandi Casella of Framingham. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life is planned for August.

Words of comfort can be left at www.richardsongaffeyfuneralhome.com. 

Obituary: Leonard Colten

Leonard Colten, 99

Leonard Colten of Hull entered into rest on April 25 at the age of 99. He was the beloved husband of the late Zara (Lieberman) Colten, devoted father of Michael Colten and his wife, Deborah, and Jeffrey Colten and his wife, Kyle. 

Mr. Colten was the cherished grandfather of Jessica Manolakis and her husband, Nicholas, and Zachary Colten. He was predeceased by four brothers and sisters.

Mr. Colten was a decorated U.S. Army veteran of World War II and served the Town of Hull in the capacity of selectman and planning board member. 

Graveside services will be private. For online condolences, visit Stanetsky Memorial Chapels at www.stanetsky.com.