Michael James Berry, 76, of Quincy passed away Friday, October 9, 2026 with his loving family by his side.
Michael J. Berry
Born in Boston to the late Edward J. and Margaret S. Berry. Cherished husband of Mary L. Berry. Loving father of Kerin McCall and her husband David of Braintree and Michael J. Berry Jr. and his close friend Liz Tammaro of Quincy. Pa to Joseph Latteo and Morgan Berry. Survived by his brother Jack Berry of Arizona, his sister-in-law Donna Berry of Quincy, his sister Linda Lee Weeks and her husband Lincoln of East Bridgewater, MA, and his brother Don Berry and his wife Lee of Sumner, ME. Predeceased by his brothers William and Jay Berry. Loving uncle to many nephews and nieces.
Michael led a life of service to his family, union, and community. He was a proud 53 year member of Local 103 IBEW serving as an officer for 40 years. Michael was a leader of Troop 6 Houghs Neck Scouts. Most of his life he dedicated to the Scouts and was a proud Eagle Scout and recipient of the Waldorf-Statler award. He was Waldorf to his friend and fellow scouter Statler Marty Gordon.
He was involved in many community events, was a tireless volunteer, and through his fundraising efforts was elected as “Mayor of Houghs Neck.” Longtime Quincy Ward 1 Democratic Chairman and City committee. Served on the Board of the Quincy Community Action Program for more than 20 years.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours for Michael on Friday, October 16th, 4-7 PM in the Hamel-Lydon Chapel, 650 Hancock St., Quincy. Funeral services will be private.
At Michael’s request please do not send flowers, instead please bring a canned good to the visiting hours for QCAP or donate to Quincy Community Action Program, 1509 Hancock St., 3rd Floor, Quincy, or www.qcap.org/ways-to-give/.
Funeral Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Hamel-Lydon Chapel. For information and online condolences please visit HamelLydon.com.
William J. Cotter passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina on October 6, 2026 surrounded by loved ones, including his life partner Dale Cousins, son Billy, and daughters Amy and Marny.
Bill enlisted in the Army in 1966, shortly after graduating from North Quincy High School and spent 6 years on active duty, including a year in Vietnam. He mustered out as a Captain and picked up life in North Carolina where he earned a college degree and then a law degree at Duke University in 1979. Until recently, he carried on a successful legal practice covering family, criminal, and traffic law.
He is survived by an extended family of loved ones including his sister Jane Cotter, a NQHS 1968 graduate. He will be buried in the Veteran’s section of Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood cemetery. A celebration of life will occur at a later date. Further details are available at cityofoakscremation.com.
Elsie “Ellie” Mae O’Donnell, of Quincy, formerly of Dorchester, passed away peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Elsie M. O’Donnell
Ellie worked at Carney Hospital for 24 years. She had a passion for bingo and was always ready to try her luck at Foxwoods and Twin River. Ellie loved to travel, collect jewelry and have a good pink margarita or two.
Ellie was the loving Mother of Michael O’Donnell (and his wife Pat) of Plymouth, MA, Mary O’Donnell (and her husband Kevin) of Plymouth, MA, Ann Banks (and her husband Jim) of Marshfield, MA, Patricia McNamara (and her husband Mike) of Abington, MA and Kathleen Clougher (and her husband John) of Danville, CA.
Ellie was the loving Grandmother to Lori King, Casey Yoon, Michael O’Donnell, Patrick O’Donnell, Caitlin Sanderson, Jennifer Goulart, Meghan Banks, Nicholas Banks, Conor Donovan, Kathleen Donovan, Kaleigh Clougher, Kamryn Clougher and Kristen Clougher. She also cherished her 9 great grandchildren Allison King, Samantha King, Jameson O’Donnell, Madison O’Donnell, Evelyn O’Donnell, Rory Yoon, Jason Sanderson, Peyton Sanderson and Zachary Goulart.
Ellie is survived by her siblings Carol Smith of Southport, NC, Manny Clancy of Quincy, MA and Judith Cunningham of Alfred, ME. She was the beloved sister of the late Ruth Young of Adrian, MI, Stanley Clark of Weymouth, MA and Louis Clark, Raymond Clark, John Clark, Marjorie Swan, Lillian Tibbetts all of Southport, NC. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Visiting Hours at Hamel-Lydon Chapel, 650 Hancock Street, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
Burial at Massachusetts Bourne National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Ellie, to the American Cancer Foundation at www.cancer.org.
Arrangements under the compassionate care of Hamel-Lydon Chapel, Quincy. For information and online condolences please visit HamelLydon.com.
Rev. Charles “Rod” Birnie, 87, went home to the Lord on October 11, 2026.
Rev. Charles ‘Rod’ Birnie
Born in Quincy, MA to the late John E. and Marjorie Bassett Birnie, he was also predeceased by his wife Marilyn Lewis Birnie; brother John E. Birnie; and nephew G. Randolph Staradub.
He is survived by stepdaughters Heidi Sturgis Cerullo (Stephen) and Rachel Meissner Haley (Robert), sister Cynthia Staradub, grandchildren Luke Cerullo and Abigail Meissner, nieces and nephews Valerie Staradub (James McDevitt V), Stephen, Lynn, and Brian Birnie, and granduncle to Caitrin and James McDevitt IV, Derek Staradub and Roman Staradub.
Visiting Hours: Oct. 15th, 4pm-7pm Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave, Milton MA.
Memorial Service: Oct. 16th, 10am at Union Congregational Church, 136 Rawson Rd. Quincy, MA.
Rosemary (MacLaughlin) Sweeney, age 79, of Quincy, died suddenly, Friday, October 9, 2026 at home.
Rosemary Sweeney
Rosemary was born in Boston, to the late Angus and Mary (Murphy) MacLaughlin. She was raised and educated in Roxbury.
She lived in Quincy for the past five years, previously in Pompano Beach, Fla. for several years, and earlier in Arundel, Maine for many years.
Rosemary was employed as an Assistant Vice President of Human Resources for the GTE Corporation for over fifteen years and had been retired for many years.
Rosemary delivered Meals on Wheels for several years and enjoyed thrifting. She was a creative person with an artistic soul.
Beloved wife of the late Thomas F. Sweeney, Jr. Married for fifty-nine years, the two met as teenagers and were best friends.
Devoted mother of Thomas F. Sweeney III and his wife Meg Healy, and Daniel M. Sweeney.
Loving grandmother of Christine Sweeney.
Sister of James MacLaughlin and his wife Sarah, Patricia MacLaughlin, Deborah LaPreste and her husband Richard, and the late Marilyn Gomes and her surviving husband Anselmo.
Rosemary is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Details will be announced on the funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosemary’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or www.dana-farber.org.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy. You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.
John P. Berardinelli, Jr., age 75, of Weymouth, died suddenly, Friday, October 2, 2026 at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.
John Berardinelli, Jr.
John was born, raised, and educated in Quincy. He was a graduate of Quincy High School, Class of 1970. He lived in Weymouth for the past ten years, previously in Florida and Marshfield.
John was proud to have served in the United States Air Force during the early 1970s.
He will be remembered as a creative and inspired individual whose first passion was music which he pursued for many years. He was very skilled with his hands, and worked as a self-employed carpenter up until his recent ill health.
John also had a passion for cooking which he did professionally in his earlier years and often enjoyed sharing his culinary gifts with others. He was often found in the kitchen, his ‘happy place’, creating many a gourmet meal from scratch.
John is survived by his loving partner and companion, Tina Sanders of Weymouth.
He was the beloved son of the late John P. Berardinelli, Sr. and Drewsella “Judy” (Clements) Berardinelli; devoted brother of Loretta J. Berardinelli and her husband James Riney of Venice, Fla., Bruce E. Berardinelli and his wife Terri of Hull. John is also survived by his niece, Andrea Berardinelli Wright of Somersworth, N.H., and several cousins.
At the request of the family, services are private.
For those who wish, donations in John’s memory may be made to Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary, 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA 02766 or www.winslowfarm.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy. You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.
Audrey R. (Anglim) MacDonald, age 94, a former longtime resident of Randolph, died peacefully, Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Life Care Center of the South Shore in Scituate.
Audrey MacDonald
Audrey was born in Weymouth on October 24, 1931, to the late Henry T. and Ruth M. (Holmes) Anglim. Raised and educated in Squantum, she was a graduate of North Quincy High School, Class of 1949.
In 1950, Audrey married the love of her life, the late John A. MacDonald. Until his death in 2022, they were rarely apart and happiest in each other’s company. They shared 71 devoted years of marriage and made their home in Randolph for 60 years.
Audrey was the beloved mother of Robert J. MacDonald and his wife Katherine of Hanson, Kenneth J. MacDonald and his wife Jennifer of Norwell, Laurie R. Camarda and her husband Ronnie of Marshfield. Loving grandmother of Matthew and Michael MacDonald, Maggie Downey; Scott, Heather, and Cameron MacDonald; Olivia, Andrew, and Daniel Camarda. Much-loved great grandmother of eight. Dear sister of Deborah Higgins of Quincy. Sister-in-law of the late Robert E. MacDonald and his late wife Joyce. Audrey is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She worked as a field representative for the United States Census Bureau for many years. where she often went door to door asking questions. She never really met a stranger, always enjoyed talking with people, and so this job suited her well.
Audrey’s life was deeply rooted in and anchored by her faith. She was a longtime active member of Fort Square Presbyterian Church in Quincy. She participated in Friendship Circle, Adult Fellowship and was “Mrs. Audrey” to generations of Sunday School children. When she retired, she was recognized for her service with a classroom named in her honor.
Audrey loved handcrafts, and could knit, sew and embroider beautifully. She was most proud, in later years, of the Christening gown she made for her first granddaughter, that has been handed down now to many other babies, with each of their names embroidered on the skirt, as well as an accompanying hankie bonnet. Genealogy and remembering the ancestors were very important to her, and it pleased her to imagine this gown being used years and years into the future when she would no longer be here.
Decorating wedding cakes was another talent she possessed, and though it brought a bit of anxiety to hope that all her tiers and all her roses came out perfectly, she and Johnny as a team blessed many new couples on their wedding days. She with her cakes, he with his photos.
Her love of traditions meant every holiday was a chance to honor old memories and make new ones. It required the proper seasonal decor, cards to be sent to family and friends. The best holidays would include cooking and company. Her home was the established location for the annual 4th of July cook-outs, complete with the parade that went down Main Street, Randolph. The Thanksgiving table expanded as the family grew. Every Christmas morning her family piled in with presents to be opened only after mealy pudding and nissu. On New Year’s Day we went for brunch. On St. Patrick’s day we celebrated with corned beef, but several days later we would be back to celebrate Johnny’s birthday with roast beef. Easter egg hunts were delivered for the grandchildren. Hers was the table big enough for all of us. She made it look easy. Behind all that hard work was her desire to keep her children, her grandchildren, her extended family and friends close.
She and Johnny enjoyed travel which included camping and cross country trips when their children were young. Trips to Scotland, England, Austria, Egypt, and an Alaskan cruise in their empty nest years. But her favorite place to travel was Prince Edward Island, Canada, where as a newlywed she began the annual tradition of visiting the Island where Johnny spent his boyhood summers, and making new memories as her children, and then their children, grew to love summers on High Bank.
Her family feels themselves blessed to have loved and been loved by Audrey MacDonald. She will be forever missed and forever remembered.
Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Thursday, October 15, from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Funeral Services will be conducted at Fort Square Presbyterian Church, 16 Pleasant Street, Quincy, on Friday, October 16, at 10 a.m. Pastor Jason Sentas will officiate. Interment to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Audrey’s memory may be made to the Fort Square Presbyterian Church Missionary Fund, 16 Pleasant Street, Quincy, MA 02169.
You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.
Elba M. (Lorito) McDonald, age 106, a lifelong resident of Quincy, died peacefully, Thursday, October 8, 2026 at RegalCare at Quincy, in the comfort of her loving son.
Elba McDonald
Elba was born in Quincy, to the late John and Argene (Bertocchi) Lorito. Raised and educated there, she was a graduate of Quincy High School.
Elba was employed as a medical secretary at the former Fore River Shipyard for twenty years. She later worked as teacher’s aide in the Quincy Public Schools for over twenty-five years and had been retired for many years.
She enjoyed gardening, cultivating flowers and plants around her home.
Most of all, she was devoted to her family, especially her husband and son.
Beloved wife for fifty-eight years of the late James P. McDonald.
Devoted mother of Steven M. McDonald, Detective Captain, Massachusetts State Police, Retired.
The last of five siblings, she was predeceased by Florence M. Cantelli, Clara H. Battista, John N. Lorito, and L. Joe Lorito.
Elba is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Visitation will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Thursday, October 15, from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Holy Trinity Parish at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1015 Sea Street, Quincy, at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
For those who wish, donations in Elba’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Friday (Oct. 9) announced the 13th human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The individual is a woman in her 40s who was likely exposed in Middlesex County.
Risk levels for WNV continue to be high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop. Most of the rest of the state is at moderate risk. The risk from WNV will continue until the first hard frost.
DPH announced the state’s first WNV-positive mosquitoes this year on June 16. Since then, 344 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There have been no animal cases of WNV reported this year.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) continues to be detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 27 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.
Surveillance information, including case updates, is updated daily and posted online at the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update web page. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay informed on risk levels in their community and around the state.
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, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or 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 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, is available on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
With faith in the Resurrection and fortified by the sacraments of the Church, Francis J. “Buddy” Barnes died on October 7, 2026.
Francis J. ‘Buddy’ Barnes
Born on October 17, 1937 to the late Frank and Winifred (Gilpin) Barnes, Buddy was the loving husband of Joan M (Hawkes) Barnes. He was the father of Joseph D. Barnes and his wife Karen of Ithaca, NY, Brian J. Barnes of Quincy, and the Very Reverend David J. Barnes of Stoneham. He is also survived by his three grandsons, Connor, Sean, and Brendan Barnes. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Barnes.
Buddy was born and raised in South Boston where he often returned to “walk the Island.” He graduated from Gate of Heaven High School in 1955 and then enlisted and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Seventy years after his Marine Corps service, Buddy still talked about it like it had been last week.
No matter where he was, people flocked to be around him, to hear his stories, and to enjoy his company. Never was a man so aptly nicknamed. Everyone who encountered him considered him to be their good buddy. He served as a longtime patrolman in the Quincy Police Department.
Buddy belonged to numerous organizations including the Marine Corp League, (Caddy Detachment), the Quincy Elks, Life Member of Squantum Yacht Club, and the 72 ½ Club of South Boston. Buddy loved the YMCA in Quincy and his family is grateful for the way the community there loved him.
The family extends its profound gratitude for the amazing and professional care that Buddy received at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. In the last weeks of his life, Buddy was treated with love and with devotion by everyone at Tufts, especially on Floating 7.
A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11am in Sacred Heart Church,386 Hancock St. N. Quincy, MA where he was a longtime parishioner. His burial will take place the following day at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
Please do not send flowers. If you so wish, donations may be made either to Divine Mercy Parish in Quincy or to St. Patrick Parish in Stoneham. Please consider having Masses offered for the repose of his soul.
