James “Jim” Kearney
Respected educator, sports and community leader
and a guiding light to all who knew him
James A. “Jim” Kearney, a cherished husband, brother, uncle and respected educator, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at his home in Plymouth, MA, at the age of 70.
Born in Boston on May 4, 1954, Jim was the beloved son of the late James A. and Jean Kearney and a guiding light to all who knew him. Jim’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his passion for education, and his commitment to his community.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Simpson, and his devoted siblings: Dennis Kearney and his wife, Bernadette, Deborah Kearney, Michael Kearney and his partner, Lisa and Thomas Kearney and his wife, Robin. Jim was also a proud faux pas to Gus, Stuart and Finley and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his kindness and support.
Educated locally, Jim earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts and went on to receive his Master’s in Education from Cambridge College. His professional life was a testament to his belief in the power of education. Jim served as Housemaster at East Boston High School, Dean of Students at Mario Umana Academy, and Director of School Discipline at Charlestown High School. His leadership and genuine care for the students’ well-being left an indelible mark on many young lives.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was an active and enthusiastic member of his community. He served as Past President of the East Boston Athletic Board and Chairman of the Fred L. O’Brien Scholarship Committee. His love for sports and commitment to fair play were evident in his roles as President of the Association of New England High School Football Officials and the Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Football Officials, Past Commissioner of Football Officials for Boston Public Schools and the Eastern Football League and Coordinator of College Football Officials.
Jim’s dedication to his hometown was further demonstrated through his service as Past President of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce, his involvement in the Columbus Day Parade Committee, and his participation in the East Boston Yacht Club.
As a Board Member of the East Boston Foundation, Jim worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him. Those who knew Jim describe him as kind, friendly and selfless. He was a man who always put others before himself and sought to make a positive impact wherever he went. His warm smile and generous spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him.
Jim’s legacy is one of love, service, and dedication. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a man who was not only a pillar in his community but also a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew him. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched, both in the hallways of the schools where he worked and in the community he loved so dearly. As we bid farewell to James A. “Jim” Kearney, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey filled with purpose, and a heart that knew no bounds in its capacity to care for others.
Jim’s story is one of unwavering commitment to making the world a better place—one student, one colleague, one community member at a time.
Family and friends will honor Jim’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston on Sunday, February 16th from 2 to 6 p.m. and again on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in funeral procession to Sacred Heart Church, Brooks Street, East Boston for an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass in celebration of Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the East Boston Athletic Board, 20 Thurston St., East Boston.
Rest in peace, Jim. Your legacy of kindness, friendship, and selflessness will continue to inspire and guide us. You have left an indelible mark on this world, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
To leave an online condolence visit www.ruggieromh.com.
Stephen Powers
His first priority in life was devotion to family
Stephen W. Powers of Salem, NH, formerly of East Boston, passed away suddenly on February 6, 2025.
Steve’s first priority in life was his devotion to family. He was also a retired member/shop steward of Teamster Union, Local 25. He was mentor to many of the young people in the area as a coach and Board member of the East Boston Youth Hockey Association. Captain of the Minutemen Dart League and Board Member/Director of the Children are Angels in Heaven Organization.
The beloved husband of 46 years to Patricia (Davis) Powers, he was the devoted father of Alicia Powers, Justin Powers and his wife, Paula, Caitlin Powers, McKenzie Powers and her wife, Renee, Breanna Powers and her fiancée, Alex Varrell; loving grandfather of Anthony, Keegan, Nico, Kendall, Lorenzo and Donovan; dear brother of Fran Powers and her husband, Dick Doolittle, Cathy Gabsi and her husband, Hamadi, Michael Powers and his wife, Donna and Rose Powers. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Steve was the son of the late Olive (Hanscome) Powers and her partner, Oliver Boucher and Don Powers and his wife, Audrey.
Visiting hours will be held in the Magrath Funeral Home, 336 Chelsea St. [at Day Sq] East Boston on Thursday, February 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, 45 Brooks St, East Boston on Friday morning, February 14, at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
Donations in his memory to Childrenareangels.org would be appreciated. Please leave messages of condolence for his family on the Memories Page on MagrathFuneralHome.com.
Jacqueline “Jackie” A. Bossi
She will be remembered for being dedicated to her family and friends
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Monday, February 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere for Jacqueline A. “Jackie” (Ciampa) Bossi who died on Thursday, February 6th at her home following a brief illness. She was 81 years old. A Funeral Service will follow in the funeral home beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be private.
Jackie was a lifelong resident of Orient Heights in East Boston. She was born to her late parents, James G. Ciampa and Carmela M. (Grieci). Jackie was educated in Boston Schools and was a graduate of Girls Catholic in Roxbury, Class of 1961. She married her best friend, Joseph Bossi on October 25, 1964. The couple remained in the family home and began to raise their family. Jackie happily raised her children, Karen and Joe, Jr. She was a very active and present mother and attended all the events that her children participated in. Jackie made many lifelong friendships along the way with some of the parents that she met through school and sporting events. Jackie returned to the workforce once her children were grown. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Consoli Brokers at the New England Produce Terminal in Chelsea for over 20 years.
Jackie and her husband both enjoyed spending time with family and especially their granddaughters. Jackie and Joe had a very special love for one another, and they did everything together. Jackie was a “Mickey Mouse” superfan. She loved Mickey and enjoyed countless trips with her family to Disney World. She and Joe enjoyed going out for dinner. Jackie was also known to begin her day with a cup of coffee and end by enjoying a nice glass of wine. She will be remembered for being dedicated to her family and her friends.
She was the beloved wife of 59 years of the late Joseph A. “Joe” Bossi, Sr., the loving mother of Karen A. Cornell and her husband, Eric F. of Danville, NH., and Joseph A. Bossi, Jr. and his companion, Lisa Thiesfield of Hartford, CT; the cherished nana of Madison P. Cornell of Winter Park, FL., Kaitlyn A. Cornell of Danville, NH., and the late Mackenzie M. Cornell; the dear sister of the late Geraldine M. Faiella and her husband, Ralph Jr. She is also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousin, friends and extended family.
In Lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.
Angelo Buonopane
A man of many passions and interests who leaves so many good memories and stories that his legend will never die
Angelo Buonopane of Saugus, formerly of East Boston, passed away peacefully on his 67th birthday, February 1, 2025.
Born on February 1st 1958, Angelo was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, cousin, nephew, brother, brother in law, friend and son.
Angelo was a man of many passions and interests. A history buff who loved to read and watch films about World War Two, and the Civil War especially. A film buff who was always at the theater as a kid and with his kids growing up. A rock and roll music enthusiast who loved going to concerts and seeing all his favorites live, sometimes in a group and sometimes even by himself. An avid sports fan who never missed a game may it be a Tuesday night regular season match or his favorite, a big party surrounded by friends and family to enjoy one of the many championships from over the years. The big events for wrestling, football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and hockey were always enjoyed via big party. Angelo loved his cats, and he always did his duty well and without complaint.
Angelo graduated from East Boston High School, a straight A student in 1975, four years later he graduated from Boston State College with a degree in history, minor in psychology and started a brief tenure as a public school teacher. Upon realizing that as much as he loved knowledge; his passion was for learning and not teaching, he started working with his father at the United States Post Office- where he stayed for the remainder of his career.
On November 12th, 1983, Angelo married the love of his life, Marie Elena Andrews. They would go on to have four children, build a home together and remain happily in love and married for the rest of his life.
The 80’s and 90’s were a great time for Angelo, he was very active and he loved playing sports and lifting weights. Angelo loved traveling with his family as a young dad including trips to Hawaii, Chicago, cruising the Caribbean, and his favorite, Universal Studios and Disneyworld in Florida.
Angelo looked forward to his summers in Old Orchard Beach where, with his little brother, David he owned and operated “The Tide-rock House.”
He loved the beach and to “take a dip” and during the work week, his backyard pool substituted for the ocean breeze. He loved to host extravagant birthday parties for each of his kids, and big holiday parties where the whole family and their friends were welcome especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. He was always aware of how fleeting and precious these moments truly were.
His home became a refuge for all walks of life, everyone was welcome and at any time of day or night, Ang’s door or line was always open. To anyone who knew and loved him, he was a staple in their life. A source of friendship, comfort, humor, support, advice, encouragement, or if you wanted to just think freely and talk about life. He valued deeply all his relationships may they be family or friends.
Angelo always had a lesson to teach and contemplated every choice; in the end he always did what was right, one of the last men of true principle. He will be missed sorely by the survivors and he leaves so many good memories and stories that his legend will never die.
Lauren DeMato
Longtime Alamo Car Rental Station Manager
Lauren C. (D’Ambrosio) DeMato of East Boston passed away unexpectedly, February 4, 2025.
The beloved wife of Robert “Bob” DeMato, she was the loving mother of Michael DeMato and his fiancée, Nicolette D’Andrea of East Boston, Ashely DeMato-Cooney and her husband, Kevin Cooney of Windham, NH and Jade DeMato of East Boston; grandmother of Brielle Lauren Cooney; sister of Jolyne D’Ambrosio and Dino D’Ambrosio, aunt of Holly Cintolo and two grand- nephews. She was the sister-in-law to John “Mickey” DeMato, Michelle DeMato Carr and her husband, Paul Carr, David DeMato and his wife. Michelle Moulo DeMato and Paul DeMato and beloved aunt to Christian DeMato, Jenna Herbert, Heather Davis, James Carr, Scott DeMato, Stephen DeMato and Taryn DeMato.
Lauren was born and brought up in East Boston and has been employed at Alamo Car Rental as the station manager for 37 years. In her free time, she enjoyed tending to her garden, baking and shopping.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation in the Magrath Funeral Home, 336 Chelsea St [at Day Sq] EAST BOSTON on Monday, February 17 from 9 a,m. to 12 noon followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph- St. Lazarus Church at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lauren’s memory to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Please leave messages of condolence for Lauren’s family on her Tribute Page at MagrathFuneralHome.com.
William J. Chisholm
Member and Commander of American Legion Posts in Revere and East Boston; Massachusetts State Commander
and past National American Legion Executive Committee Member
Family and friends are attended Visiting Hours on Monday February 10th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere for William J. “Bill” Chisholm, who died on Tuesday, February 4th at the Kaplan Family Hospice House following a brief illness. He was 79 years old. His Funeral was conducted from the funeral home on Tuesday, February 11 followed by a Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, 45 Brooks St, East Boston and Interment immediately followed with military honors in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Bill was born on July 16, 1945, in Boston to his late parents, Augustus and Winifred (Little) Chisholm. He was one of two children, raised in Dorchester and educated in Boston. He was an alumnus of Don Bosco Technical High School, Class of 1963. He then enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. He proudly and bravely served his country and was honorably discharged. He then married Sandra Messina on February 8, 1969. They began their family together and had a son and a daughter, residing in East Boston.
Bill held various jobs over the years. He retired from his position as a Mutuels Clerk at the Wonderland Racetrack in Revere which he held for over 10 years. Unfortunately, Bill lost his wife Sandra in 1996. He moved to Revere briefly and then returned to East Boston and continued to be the best father he could be. He also became very involved with the American Legion, first at East Boston Post 30 and he later became the commander of Revere Post 61. He took a much larger role within the organization and served as both the past Massachusetts State Commander and a past National Executive Committee Member. He was also the past National Commander of the Italian American War Veterans. Bill happily volunteered his time with these non-profit organizations to fulfill his desire to help others, especially veterans. In his spare time, he would listen to music and read self-help books. He was also a man with a deep-rooted faith.
He was the devoted husband of the late Sandra M. (Messina) Chisholm of 27 years, the loving father of Michael Chisholm and his wife, Vickie Stringfellow of East Boston and Kerri-Ann Sowdon and her husband, Christopher of Plymouth; the cherished grandfather of Timothy and Alex; treasured brother of Mary Clarke of Braintree and her late husband, Patrick; the dear friend of Kathy Welch of East Boston; caring uncle of Patrick, Mary Theresa and Noreen Clarke. He is also lovingly survived by many cousins and friends.
Remembrances may be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St. Boston, MA 02141.
To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.