The individual who made bombs threats against two of Quincy’s schools last week has been identified and will be charged, Supt. Kevin Mulvey said Tuesday.
Mulvey announced the individual would be charged in a letter to the school community.
“As you know, last week on October 25 and 26, 2023, Quincy High School and Point Webster Middle School received bomb threats that were called into the school offices. These threats were very alarming and disruptive to the entire school community, not only for the two schools involved, but to all of Quincy Public Schools,” Mulvey said. “The threats caused stress to our staff, administrators, students, and families, interrupted student learning, and diverted important community resources as the Quincy Police and Fire Departments responded to these threats.
“I am writing today to tell you how thankful I am that the investigation by the Quincy Police Department assisted by the City IT Department and their service provider identified the person who made these calls. The individual responsible has been identified and will be charged accordingly. These are very serious charges and conviction can carry a sentence including the potential for significant criminal penalties, fines, and other restitution requirements.
“Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the investigation unfolded. I hope that this message will serve as a deterrent for others considering making such threats.”
Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott on Tuesday announced that the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) has been selected as a pilot site for the nationwide Anti-Stigma Initiative launched by the Addiction Policy Forum. The Anti-Stigma Initiative includes over 100 pilot sites nationwide with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office being the only jail in New England to bechosen for this program.
Starting in December, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office will provide participants with one-on- one counselling and small group sessions which address the roadblocks the stigma of addiction can create. Participants will also receive information on the science of addiction, evidence- based treatment options, and medications to treat addiction.
“In order to have a chance in successfully fighting against the stigma and grip of substance use disorders, we must continue to pursue all avenues of treatment, intervention and education. The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office is at the forefront of this battle, and is committed to finding solutions to this health care crisis,” said Sheriff McDermott. “This partnership with the Anti- Stigma Initiative will provide those we serve with additional tools to help overcome substanceuse disorder and remain on a successful, healthy path forward.”
As part of the pilot, NCSO will participate in a study being conducted by the University of Delaware and the Addiction Policy Forum (APF). The study aims to measure addiction knowledge, confidence in responding to a substance use disorder, and levels of stigma, including stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. NCSO will also field test the “Responding to Addiction” intervention developed by the APF to increase knowledge about substance use disorders, correct misconceptions, and reduce stigma.
John Brian Downey, a lifelong resident of Quincy, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023. He was 68.
John B. Downey
He was born to Helen (Hourihan) and Edward Downey and raised in Quincy. He attended Archbishop Williams High School, where he was his senior class president and a basketball star. After graduating, he attended college in Montreal. After college, John worked many jobs. From baker at Jordan Marsh, to making pizzas at the Alumni, to then working at Martignetti Companies in shipping and receiving. He worked there for more than 30 years before retiring.
In his spare time, John was an avid Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan. When he wasn’t cheering on his teams, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathy. The two went on cruises, traveled to Canada, Bermuda, New Mexico and Washington D.C. At home he spent many weekends doing crossword puzzles, always in pen.
John had a way of making and maintaining connections with everyone he met. He was always first to lend a helping hand or to crack a joke when you needed a smile. He will be missed by the many lives he touched.
Beloved husband of 35 years to the late Kathy Downey (Jones). Devoted father to Erin Moran and her husband John of Quincy. Loving brother to Susan Downey and her partner Loretta Butehorn of Hingham. Cherished grandfather to Jacob Moran of Quincy. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Predeceased by his parents, Helen and Edward Downey, and his siblings, Rosemary Downey, Kathi Ingley and Edward J. Downey.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Saturday, November 4th, from 2-6 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, 1661 Worcester Road, Suite 205B, Framingham, MA, 01701. Please see www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.
Mary Theresa Castelejo passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on October 26, 2023. Mary was the eldest of eight children, born to Margaret and Frederick Frazier on November 29, 1924.
Mary T. Castelejo
Mary was a lifelong resident of Quincy, MA who graduated from North Quincy High School. After graduation, she attended Quincy Junior College and worked for many years as a bookkeeper for the Slate Company. In 1968, she met and married her beloved husband of 44 years Antonio “Jimmy” Castelejo. Mary was a devout Catholic and in her retired years she attended Catholic mass daily. She enjoyed country music, dining at various local restaurants, and spending time with her family.
Mary is predeceased by her devoted husband Antonio and sisters Doris Gapski, Irene Mahoney and Jean McLaughlin. She is survived by her daughter, Lori Maushart and husband Todd Maushart, Quincy, MA; her one and only grandson, Justin; her sister Ellen O’Neil and three brothers William, Joseph, and Robert Frazier; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a period of visitation 9:00-10:00 am at the Hamel-Lydon Chapel 650 Hancock St, Quincy on Thursday November 2, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 am in Sacred Heart Church of Divine Mercy Parish, 386 Hancock St., Quincy. Interment at Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hamel-Lydon Chapel. For information and online condolences, please visit HamelLydon.com.
Rita Carol Mariano Lagace, 83, of Miami, Florida, bid her final farewell on October 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as her personality.
Rita Lagace
Born on December 6, 1939, in Quincy, Massachusetts, she was known to her loved ones as Rita , Auntie, and the Queen. She was a force to be reckoned with, breaking stereotypes and spreading joy wherever she went.
Rita is survived by her brother James J. Mariano and his wife Patricia, a sister Anna Mariano McDermott. Rita’s step-sons Kevin L. Finneran and his wife Rita, Larry Finneran and his wife Linda.
Step-daughter Sandra Lagace and her partner Cor and Step son Nick Lagace of the Netherlands.
A grandson Kevin W. Finneran and his wife Kelly and two beautiful great grandchildren Hannah and Connor Finneran.
Many loving nieces and nephews she adored, always stayed connected with, advised, traveled with and in many cases was a second mother, and even a best friend. She always had a listening ear and generous heart for her family. She was the glue that kept the family connected.
Lastly many lifelong, wonderful friends and neighbors.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Kevin L. Finneran Sr., second husband Russel DiMatteo, and third husband Cornelius Francois Lagace, and her beloved parents, Guerino Mariano and Mary Grace Vaccaro Mariano. Her brother William J. Mariano, sisters Helen Mc Sherry, Ruth Rober, Lillian Harris and Laura Bertone.
Rita, a true Quincy High School graduate, and Drum Majorette, later in life donned the cap and gown to proudly receive her master’s degree graduating Magna Cum Laude from Barry University in Miami. She channeled her intelligence and charisma into a remarkable career, starting in the Veterans Services Department for the City of Quincy. She held the position of Office Administrator for the city Solicitor of Quincy. With her determination, she swiftly climbed the ladder, becoming the Chief of Police’s Office Administrator.
Life brought Rita to the vibrant streets of Miami, where she embraced the role of Executive Assistant to Mayor Carlos Gimenez. She had the city in the palm of her hand, making things happen and leaving her mark. But Rita wasn’t just about her career; she had a heart full of compassion.
She volunteered as a teacher for illiterate adults, because she believed everyone deserved a chance to shine. She also lent her time and talent to the Miami Shake a Leg Foundation, making waves of positive change.
When she wasn’t conquering the professional world, Rita had a few tricks up her sleeve. She whipped up a storm in the kitchen, creating and publishing a family cookbook filled with her beloved mother’s recipes, alongside heartwarming memories, captivating pictures, and even a pinch of family ancestry. It was a recipe for love and a delicious way to keep the family connected. She then developed a passion to research further into her family’s ancestry, finding and connecting to distant relatives, again gathering information for another family book and heirloom for all to enjoy.
But wait, there’s more! Rita was more than just brains and kitchen finesse. She was an active member of her community, even taking charge as the HOA President for Belle Meade Island. She made sure everyone’s voices were heard while rocking the role like a true leader.
And let’s not forget her wanderlust!
Rita jet-setted across the globe, gathering stories and experiences to share with her loved ones. She knew how to live life to the fullest, and she did it with style and grace.
Now, as we bid farewell to our dear Rita, our very dear Auntie, our Queen, we gather to celebrate her incredible journey at Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Monday, November 13, from 4 – 7 p.m. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, on Tuesday, November 14, at 10 a.m., before she takes her final rest at Blue Hill Cemetery, 700 West Street, Braintree. It’s a bittersweet moment, but let’s remember Rita’s zest for life and the laughter she brought to our hearts.
Rita Carol Mariano Lagace will forever be etched in our memories as a trailblazer, a kitchen magician, a community champion, and a globetrotting enthusiast. Her spirit lives on, reminding us all to live each day with a twinkle in our eyes and a skip in our step. Rest in peace, dear Rita, and may your legacy continue to inspire us.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations in Rita’s name to Shake-A-Leg Miami, 2620 S Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 or the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701.
Margaret M. (Burke) Barton of Quincy, formerly of Dorchester, 92, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Margaret M. Barton
Margaret was born and raised in Medford, Mass, she graduated from St. Clements High School. Devoted wife of 51 years to the late Michael J. Barton. Loving mother to her three children, Kathleen M. Smith and her husband Brian of Hanson, Patricia A. Maze and her husband Kevin of Taunton and Michael T. Barton of Stow, MA. Loving Grammy of Sean M. and Christine M. Maze, Erin M and Kaitlin P. Smith and Ella M. Barton. Sister of Mary Gaudet, Anne Sarsfield and the late Clare O’Reagan.
Margaret worked in Boston for many years as an executive secretary. She retired from Laboure College in Dorchester after 25 years. Margaret was known for her wit, infectious smile and unwavering faith. She loved to crochet, quilt, read and enjoyed the beach, but most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 3-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home NORTH WEYMOUTH at 40 Sea Street (off Route 3A – Bicknell Square). A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9 AM on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. on Friday Nov. 3 at 9:30am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Margaret may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.
Jean R. (Bulger) “Jeano” Reddington, of Quincy, passed away peacefully on Oct. 24, 2023 after a period of declining health with her family by her side.
Jean R. Reddington
Jean was born and raised in Quincy and lived there her whole life. She adored her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved cooking and was an avid sports fan, later in life enjoyed watching golf on TV. Jean remembered many fond memories on Hancock Terrace with her family and friends over the years. Her family would like to thank the staff at Alliance Healthcare Center in Braintree for their tremendous care and compassion during her time there. Jean will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Beloved wife of the late Thomas F. Reddington. Loving mother of Thomas F. Reddington, Jr. and his wife Marcia of Weymouth, Paula J. Oldham and her husband Paul of Quincy, and Kathleen M. Batts and her husband Daniel of Weymouth. Cherished sister of William Bulger of Middleboro, Maureen Prouty of SC, and the late Norman Bulger, Donald Bulger, and Arthur Bulger. Devoted Nanna of Meghan, Paul Francis and his wife Colleen, and Mollie Oldham, Shannon and James Batts, and great Nanna of Lola and Jeremiah. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Services were previously held at Keohane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jean may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. See www.Keohane.com for online condolences.
Nicholas A. Fasano, age 89, a longtime resident of Braintree, died peacefully, Thursday, October 26, 2023 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his loving family.
Nicholas Fasano
Nicholas was born in Boston, to the late Nicholas Vincent and Rose (DeSimone) Fasano. Raised and educated in Dorchester, he was a graduate of the former Boston Technical High School, Class of 1952. Following his military service, he graduated from the Wentworth Institute. He lived in Braintree for fifty-nine years, previously in Quincy.
Nicholas was proud to have served as an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force with the 4th Fighter Interceptor Squadron APO 919 during the Korean conflict. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Korean Service Medal.
As a young man, Nick began his career as an engineer in technology at MIT, and later worked for Draper Laboratory in Cambridge for over thirty-five years. He was involved in many innovative programs, including with the inception of space research technology, and working in development with gyroscopes and inertial guidance systems, retiring as a manager.
Nick loved all sports, especially baseball, and had assisted as a coach in Braintree Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He also enjoyed the outdoors, walking, gardening, and was a skilled carpenter, able to fix almost anything.
Most of all, Nick was devoted to his family. He enjoyed family gatherings, cooking special meals, and supporting all the activities and accomplishments of his cherished children and grandchildren.
Beloved husband for sixty-two years of Lucia “Lucy” (DiCroce) Fasano.
Devoted father of Lita Fasano and her partner Joseph Barnaby of Quincy, Nicholas Fasano of Braintree, Linda Talarico and her husband Vincenzo of Quincy.
Loving grandfather of Victoria, Alexandra, and Giuseppe Talarico.
Dear brother of Marilyn LaPuma and her late husband Benjamin, Annette Oteri and her husband Frank, all of Medford.
Dear brother-in-law of Maria Ranalli of Braintree and her late husband Gino, the late Antonietta “Ann” DiGiusto and her late husband James. Nicholas is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Visiting hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Thursday, November 2, from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, on Friday, November 3, at 10 a.m. Interment, with military honors, to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
For those who wish, donations in Nicholas’ memory may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital Fund, c/o Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101.
Michael Regan, of Quincy, formerly of Wayland and Newton, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
Michael Regan
Michael was born in Quincy on September 15, 1943. He was raised in Squantum and graduated from North Quincy High School in 1961 as football captain. Michael continued his education and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.
One of the big joys in Michael’s life was being a father and grandfather. He also loved his years sailing at Squantum Yacht Club, his time on Martha’s Vineyard and being a North Quincy Raider on and off the field.
Michael was the son of Jane Regan and the late Ray Regan of Quincy He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. Bissonnette of Quincy. The two were together for 8 loving years and married in 2018. Michael was the devoted father of Sara Regan Levine of Quincy, Emily Foley and her husband Michael of Quincy, and Harrison J. Regan of Connecticut. He was the loving grandfather of Matthew, Bo, Michael and Danny Levine and Aiden Foley, all of Quincy. Michael was the dear brother of Shaila Regan of California and is also survived by many loving extended family members and friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the memorial visiting hours on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 4-7 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY.
His funeral service and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Michael’s name to the charitable organization of one’s choice.
See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.
The Quincy Christmas Festival Committee announces the theme for the 70th Annual Christmas Parade has been selected after the traditional public contest held to select the theme.
“Candy Cane Dreams” was selected from the more than 30 entries submitted to the committee for consideration. This year’s winning entry was submitted by Quincy resident Mia Sorgi. Mia, who has lived in Quincy for 25 years was delighted that her entry was selected in her first year of entering the theme contest.
Mia also has the distinction of living on the parade route and has a had front row seat for the parade which will be held on Sunday, Nov. 26th. As the theme contest winner, she will receive a commemorative plaque for her efforts and will ride in a special car as a participant in the parade.
The parade theme is an important part of the parade, the theme is used to create the multiple floats that are entered by commercial and community groups and are awarded prizes in several categories. Adherence to theme plays a role in the judging. In addition, the theme is used in the city-wide elementary school poster contest which is conducted by QATV to pick the poster contest winners in multiple categories. The poster winners also ride in the parade as part of their recognition.
Those interested in applying to have a float in the parade can call 617 3761251 for information or an application.
Mulvey announced the individual would be charged in a letter to the school community.
