Month: August 2023

Dorothea A. Neal, 104

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Dorothea A. (Sylva) Neal, a beloved matriarch, passed away, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 in Milton, at the remarkable age of 104.

Dorothea A. Neal

Dorothea was born, Oct. 20, 1918, in Dorchester, to the late Edward and Mary (Meldon) Sylva. Raised and educated in Quincy, she was a graduate of Quincy High School, Class of 1938. She lived in Quincy for most of her life.

Dorothea, affectionately known as “Nana,” was not only a great-great grandmother but a cornerstone of her family. Her legacy lives on through her many grandkids, spanning generations, all of whom held a special place in her heart. Dorothea’s life was a testament to strength and independence. She raised her two children with unwavering love and dedication. Her nurturing spirit extended to her work, where she labored at Filene’s until she was well into her 80s, showcasing her enduring work ethic. She was an artisan with a needle and thread, finding joy in sewing and knitting, creating cherished heirlooms for her family to treasure. Nana was not only a loving mother but a devout follower of her faith and an extraordinary grandmother. She embraced life’s blessings and challenges with grace and kindness.

Nana’s achievements extended far beyond her remarkable age. She was a loving, hardworking, and fiercely independent woman who held her faith and family close to her heart. Her passion for the church and her beloved Red Sox were emblematic of her unwavering dedication. Her kitchen was a place of magic where she created countless memories with her delicious cooking. As we bid farewell to Dorothea Ann Neal, we remember her as a beacon of love and strength, a woman whose warmth touched the lives of all who were fortunate to know her. Dorothea Ann Neal’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to shine in our hearts, reminding us of the remarkable woman she was. May she rest in eternal peace.

Wife of the late Charles J. Neal.

Devoted mother of Joanne Holmes and her husband William of Mashpee, the late Robert Neal and his late wife Pamela.

Loving grandmother of Sean W. Holmes, Cheryl Ladd, D’Anne Neal, Debra Holmes, and the late Robert Neal.

Cherished great grandmother of James Ladd, Jr., Alicia Raymond, Tyler Holmes, Kylie Nolan, and Skylar Neal.

Much-loved great-great-grandmother of seven.

The last of four siblings, she was predeceased by Warren Sylva, Robert Sylva, and Mary Mulready.

Dorothea is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

At the request of the family, Dorothea’s interment at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree, took place privately.

For those who wish, donations in Dorothea’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org.

Arrangements under the direction of the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Ave, Quincy. You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.

Rita Alvarado, 70

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Mrs. Rita (Sullivan) Alvarado, of Quincy, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on Aug. 24, 2023. She was 70.

Rita Alvarado

She was the daughter of the late Cornelius Sullivan, (BPD), and the late Marjorie Sullivan (Prendiville).

Born and raised in Dorchester, she graduated from Dorchester high school in 1972. She was the President of the Lunch Hour Monitors Association of Boston for over 20 years, where she stood up and fought for many.

Rita’s greatest accomplishment in life was her family; spending summer days in Humarock, Ellis Haven, and at the McGregor’s pool; she spent most Sunday’s watching football.

Beloved wife of Pedro N. Alvarado of Quincy; who were happily married for over 51 years.

Loving and proud mother of Pedro (Peter) Alvarado and his wife, Stacy, of Quincy, Annmarie (Annie) McGregor and her husband, Michael, of Weymouth, Matthew Alvarado and his fiancé, Stefanie of Saugus, and Christopher Alvarado of Quincy.

Sister of AnneMarie Daly and her husband, Stephen, of Plymouth, Thomas Sullivan of Dorchester, the late Marjorie McDonough and her surviving husband, David of Scituate, the late Maureen Cellucci and her late husband, Stephen (Poochy), and the late John, Patricia, and William Sullivan.

Cherished Nana to Isabella Collins, Toni Alvarado, John Collins, Brianna Brady Alvarado and Christopher Alvarado Jr. (C.J.)

Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and her grand pups; Mookie, Jeff, Mabel, Lola and Zander.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited greet the family during the visiting hours Wednesday, August 30th, from 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday August 31st, at 9 :30 AM  prior to the Funeral Mass in Divine Mercy Parish in Sacred Heart Church, Quincy at 10:30 AM  Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Teamsters Local # 25 Autism Fund, 544 Main Street, Boston, MA 02129-1113

Stephen L. Rowell, 86

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Stephen L. Rowell of Quincy passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at the age of 86. Born, raised, and educated in Quincy, Stephen was a United States Navy Veteran. He worked at Pneumatic Scale as a Machine Operator for many years. Stephen was a member of the Hanson Rod & Gun Club; he was also a Qualified Bowhunter.

Stephen L. Rowell

Stephen was the beloved husband of the late Roberta C. (Lindblom) Rowell of Quincy; loving father of Stephen L. Rowell of Taunton, Wendy Corkery and her husband Thomas of Whitman, Rhonda Wray and her husband Jeremy of Brockton, and the late Debra Rowell; doting grandfather of Derek, Kylie, Ashley, Chrystal, Jeremy Jr., and Emma; great grandfather of Liam and Archer; dear brother of Donald Rowell of Middleboro, the late Richard Rowell, and the late Lois Eladnani; Stephen is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held Monday, Aug. 28th, at the Dennis Sweeney Funeral Home, 74 Elm St., Quincy Center. A service was held in the funeral home on Tuesday, Aug. 29th. Burial followed at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen’s name to Norwell Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice at nvna.org or mail to 120 Longwater Dr., Norwell, MA 02061.

State Health Officials Announce First Two Human Cases Of West Nile virus In Massachusetts

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced Tuesday (Aug. 29th) the first two human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in state residents this year. One individual is a female in her 70s who was exposed to the virus in another part of the country. The second individual is a male in his 40s who was exposed in Middlesex County, an area already known to be at moderate risk.

The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate in the Greater Boston area (Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties), and in parts of Berkshire, Bristol, Hampden, Hampshire, Plymouth, and Worcester counties. There are no additional risk level changes indicated at this time.

“This is the first time that West Nile virus infection has been identified in Massachusetts residents this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein, MD, PhD. “August and September are the months when most people are exposed to West Nile virus in Massachusetts. Populations of mosquitoes that can carry and spread this virus are fairly large this year and we have seen recent increases in the number of WNV-positive mosquito samples from multiple parts of the Commonwealth.”

In 2022, there were eight human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

“We are coming to the unofficial end of summer but mosquitoes with West Nile virus will persist for several more months,” said Dr. Catherine M. Brown, State Epidemiologist. “To avoid mosquito bites, use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, drain standing water and repair window screens. We also encourage everyone to regularly visit DPH’s mosquito-borne diseases web pages to stay informed on when and where WNV activity is occurring.”

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

Man Escapes From West Quincy House Fire

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By SCOTT JACKSON

Quincy police officers were able to help a man escape from a burning home in West Quincy early Tuesday morning.

The house fire on Rodman Street was called in shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, police said. The Quincy Police Department, Quincy Fire Department and Brewster Ambulance all responded to the scene.

Flames were visible in the front windows of the house when police officers Michael Brokmeier and Sean Fitzgerald arrived on scene, police said. The officers ran to the back of the house, forced open a door and alerted a man who had been sleeping in a bedroom.

“QPD Shift Commander Lt. Dave Pacino credited Officers Brokmeier and Fitzgerald with saving the resident’s life,” police wrote on Facebook.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control before it could spread, police stated. No injuries were reported.

Quincy Woman Starts Fundraiser For Mass. Native After Maui Fires

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By SCOTT JACKSON

A Quincy woman has launched an online fundraiser to benefit a Massachusetts native and his family who lost their house in the Maui wildfires.

Max Tornai with son Ollie and wife Mary. Photo courtesy GoFundMe.

Debbie Weisman Clasie began the fundraiser on GoFundMe to benefit Max Tornai and his family earlier this month in the wake of the fires. The fundraiser had raised more than $25,000 as of Tuesday morning, surpassing its original goal of $15,000.

“Amazingly, we have raised over $25,000!” Weisman Clasie said in an email.  “One little ol’ Quincy resident and the power of the internet! I’m so humbled and grateful.”

A Massachusetts native, Tornai moved to Maui 15 years ago where he lives with his wife, Mary, and son, Ollie. Tornai works for Habitat for Humanity.

“Ironically, he has spent the last decade working for Habitat for Humanity helping others who don’t have homes,” Weisman Clasie said. “Now he finds himself without a home.”

Weisman Clasie and Tornai formerly worked together. On the GoFundMe page, she said that, “He is fun, funny, witty, caring, hard-working, dedicated, and above all, a really great friend.”

“I used to work with Max, but I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mary and Ollie and love watching them all together. I’m grateful that they have each other through this incredibly trying time!” she added.

“Sadly, Max, Mary, and Ollie lost their home to the fires in Maui. Thankfully, they are okay physically, but they’ve lost everything. It’s truly devastating.”

Paul M. ‘Pic’ Picarski

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Paul M. “Pic” Picarski, of Quincy, died Aug. 26, 2023.

Paul M. ‘Pic’ Picarski

Paul adored his family and being “Gaga” to his granddaughters. He grew up in Houghs Neck and graduated from Quincy High School where he played football. He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame for Quincy High and was on the committee. He graduated from Holy Cross and worked as a teacher for Quincy Public Schools before working as an applications engineer until retiring. Paul was a member of the Quincy Yacht Club and loved boating and being on the ocean. He loved to sing and was everyone’s best friend. Paul was an intelligent, inviting, and outgoing person who always made you feel welcome. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Son of the late Stanley and Wanda Picarski. Beloved husband of Karen A. Picarski of Quincy. Loving father of Danielle Picarski of Quincy and Paul M. Picarski, Jr. and his wife Sabreen Dimero of Charlotte, NC. Cherished brother of Barbara Murphy of Westwood, Stanley Picarski, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Quincy, Margaret Dunn and her husband Bill of Quincy, and the late John and Stephen Picarski and brother in law of Fay Picarski. Loving Gaga of Eva, Isabella, and Kaiya Picarski. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday 4-7 p.m. in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., Quincy. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Saturday prior to the Funeral Mass in Holy Trinity Parish at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Quincy at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paul may be made to the Bill Dunn Jr. Memorial Scholarship, 105 Edgewater Dr., Quincy, MA 02169. See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.

Thomas M. Roche

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Thomas M. Roche of Quincy died Aug. 23, 2023

Thomas M. Roche

Tom was raised in Quincy, one of five children. He was a 1980 graduate of Quincy High School. He was a gifted athlete playing multiple sports in the Quincy youth programs and Quincy High School. He coached Quincy Youth soccer and was an avid golfer. He worked as an underground troubleshooter for Eversource for 40 years. He was UWUA Executive Board Member of Local 369 and Trustee of Members Plus Credit Union.

His greatest moment and joy in life was the day his son Thomas was born. He so loved watching his son grow, play sports, and see the wonderful man he has become today. Tom will always be remembered for his strong moral character, love of family and friends, the man of a million stories and always the one who could make you laugh.

Loving father of Thomas W. Roche and partner of Jacqueline Duffy of Quincy. Beloved son of William T. Roche (predeceased) and Maureen (O’Brien) Roche. He is the beloved brother of Joan Barove and her husband Robert of Plymouth, Maureen Fallon and her husband Brian of Stoughton, William Roche and his wife Stefanie of Braintree, and Robert Roche and his wife Maureen of Weymouth. Known and adored as “Uncle Tommy” to Bobby, Billy, Jenna, Joseph, Brian, Victoria, Kyle, Shea, Jerry, and Nevin. Tom is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held at Saint Ann Parish, 757 Hancock St., Quincy, MA on Thursday, Aug. 31st, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Saint Ann Parish on Friday, Sept. 1st at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 474 Memphis TN 38101-9958.

Raymon Fredrick ‘Ray’ Keefe, 89

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Raymon Fredrick “Ray” Keefe, 89, of Quincy, MA, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 10, 1934, in Quincy, to the late Philip and Della Keefe. Ray was a warm, loving, hardworking man who placed his family above everything. He was the beloved and loving husband to Virginia Spadorcia Keefe for 65 years.

Raymon F. Keefe

Ray was born and raised in the beautiful section of Quincy – Houghs Neck, alongside his late seven siblings: Dorothy (Dot) Guarnieri, Philip Keefe Jr., Katherine (Kay) Interland, Gerard (Jerry) Keefe, Audrey McInerney, Viriginia (Ginny) Keefe-McBride and George Keefe.

He attended Quincy High School, where he excelled in basketball and football. He was later inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Ray proudly served his country in the US Army, stationed at West Point. After his military service, he returned home and married his high school love, Virginia Spadorcia. Together, they built their family home, where they lovingly raised their four children.

In his professional life, Ray had a successful career in the HVAC industry, where he spent many years at Local 17. Later, he opened his own HVAC company, generously encouraging and employed others in the trade.

Outside of work, Ray had a passion for digging clams down Edgewater Beach, tennis, golf and socializing with his many lifelong friends. He enjoyed fixing everything. He was always working on his home, using his skills to ensure everything was in perfect order.

Ray will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his beautiful wife Virginia, his daughters Lori Lucier and husband John, Lizabeth Tucker and husband Michael, Valerie Riley and husband Kevin, and son Gregory Keefe, all of Quincy. The proud Papa of Jared Tucker, Morgan Bourne, Rachel Lucier, Dominique Lucier, and John Riley, and lovingly the “Old-Papa” to his great-grandchildren Jackson and Alana Tucker.

Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

Ray’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1015 Sea St., Quincy. Please join us in honoring and celebrating the life of Raymon Keefe, a devoted family man, and a true friend.

In tribute to Ray’s honorable and faithful service to our country, U.S. Army Military honors will be held immediately following the Funeral Mass.

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Ray’s name to: Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org or VA Boston Healthcare System https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675.

See www.Keohane.com for directions or online condolences. 

Public Invited To Appeal Or Comment On Flood Maps in Norfolk County

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Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in affected communities in Norfolk County. The City of Quincy is among the communities in Norfolk County.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can raise questions or concerns about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods.

The 90-day appeal and comment periods will begin on or around August 28, 2023. The affected communities in Norfolk County, Massachusetts are listed in the Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations Notice in the Federal Register.

Residents may submit an appeal if they think modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

  • An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
  • Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
  • If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed at the following websites:

For more information about the flood maps, please contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting www.floodsmart.gov.