Obituaries 04-11-2012

Antonetta Massaro

Of Florida, formerly of the North End of Boston

Antonetta (DePadua) Massaro of Naples, Florida, formerly of the North End of Boston, died on April 2. She was the beloved wife of Frank Massaro.

In accordance with Mrs. Massaro’s wishes, arrangements were private and under the personal care of the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, East Boston. Burial was in Forest Glade Cemetery Wakefield.

Edward Harper

Prudential Insurance Retiree

Edward Harper of Wakefield finished 87 fun filled years on this planet on April 6.

A US Navy veteran of World War II, he attended Rutgers University where was a recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Key in his junior year and graduated Magna Cum Laude, with highest honors. He enjoyed a very successful 30 year career with the Prudential Insurance Company.

He is survived by his longtime loving and devoted companion of 39 years, Theadora “Teddy” (Fernandes) Justice and his cherished children: Susan Watson, Robert and Patricia Harper and Teddy’s children, James Justice and the late Robin Justice; dear brother of Beverly Berry, Donald Harper and the late John and Tom Harper; cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren and Teddy’s sisters, Maria and Carolyn Fernandes and a lifetime of great memories and very special friends.

His Funeral will be held from Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach St., Revere today, Wednesday at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Anthony’s Church in Revere at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. For directions and guestbook: www.vazzafunerals.com

Mary DeBonis

Member of Winthrop Catholic Women’s Club

Mary DeBonis of Locust Street, Winthrop died at the Winchester Nursing Home on March 27 after a brief illness. She was 95 years old.

Born in East Boston, she was the beloved daughter of the late Marie (Ruggierio) and Anthony Gioiosa. A resident of Winthrop for over 55 years, she was employed as a seamstress in the drapery business for many years and was also a member of the Winthrop Catholic Women’s Club.

She was the devoted wife of the late Frank DeBonis and the loving mother of Joanne Bedard of Norfolk, Marie Evans of Winthrop, Carol Breed of Woburn and the late Joseph DeBonis;  the dear sister of Frances Wright of Winthrop and is also survived by eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were by the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son-O’Maley Funeral Home, Winthrop. Burial was in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Eleanor Louise Shepherd

Retired Nurse

Eleanor L. (Small) Shepherd of Florida died suddenly on April 1. She was 72 years old.

Born and raised in East Boston, she moved to Florida many years ago abd was the daughter of the late Samuel and Eleanor (Carlson) Small. Louise (as she was called) was educated in East Boston, graduated from East Boston High School, went on to nursing school and held Associates, BSN and Masters Degrees in Nursing. She retired in 2006 after a 53 year nursing career.

She was the loving mother of Donna Kenlin, Jack Kenlin and Sandy Smith, all of Florida; the devoted grandmother of Christine Lopez and great grandmother of Joey Lopez. She was  the loving sister of Carol Kilbreth of Florida, Catherine Clapp of Maryland, Patricia Brown of Winthrop, Charles Small, Lillian Nesbit, Ronaele Polito and Samuel Small, all of East Boston and Suzanne Small of Everett and the late Marion Cheffro, Barbara McCormick and William Small. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A public memorial service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on August 10 where she will rest with her mother and father.

David Kristin

Poet and Actor

David Kristin of East Boston, formerly of Winthrop, died at home on March 31 after a long battle with cancer. He was 62 years old.

A lifelong poet, avid theatre-goer, photographer, and passionate lover of music, he was also an actor who was known for his unique, humorous, and powerful roles on local stage, national screen, and in life. Whether he was intensely delivering his poetry at the Winthrop Public Library, directing/acting in productions like One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest at the Winthrop Playmakers, or silently surrendering his punk-rock jacket over to a nude Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator, David radiated with a fullness of character, a raw sense of humor, and an emotional honesty that was admired and cherished by everybody who knew and loved him. From Brooklyn to Denver to L.A. to Boston, he carried himself with the gentle swagger of an accomplished eccentric and the warmth of a sensitive extrovert with a penchant for stopping to read a poem he knew by heart to a stranger. Above all, he was a compassionate and loving father.

He is survived by his mother, Bea Krivulin of Brooklyn, NY, his three children, Wil, Jesse, and Sarah, their mother, Virginia Land, and his partner, Kathy. He is peacefully buried at New Montefiore Cemetery on Long Island, NY. A memorial and celebration of David’s life will be held on Sunday, April 15 at 4 p.m. at the Winthrop Playmakers, 60 Hermon St.  Friends and acquaintances are encouraged to attend with any stories, anecdotes, poetry, or artwork to share, or just for company and comfort. For information: e-mail [email protected]

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