James Kenneth Smith
June 16, 1932 – December 26, 2022
James Kenneth Smith (90), formerly of Chelsea, Massachusetts and originally of Winterset, Ohio passed away on December 26, 2022 surrounded by family. Services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, December 30th at Torf Funeral Chapel, 151 Washington Ave, Chelsea, MA with burial to follow at Chevra Kadisha cemetery, 232 Fuller St, Everett, MA. We are endlessly grateful for your support and welcome you to join us in celebrating his life.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lillian, the woman to whom he devoted every fiber of his being. Also preceding him in death were his parents Ethel and Arley; and his older brothers, Richard “Dick” and Arley “Junior”.
Jim was born in 1932 and grew up a country farm boy, both a charmer and a class clown. He attended a one-room schoolhouse before graduating in 1950 from Madison High School in Lore City, Ohio, where he loved playing basketball and had the underhand free throw nearly perfected. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class during the Korean War aboard the Destroyer USS Charles H. Ware. His experience in the service brought him to numerous countries around the globe and eventually to the love of his life, Lillian.
James went on to work for Johnson Heater Corporation, while at the same time moonlighting at Chelsea Tire and Cycle and delivering groceries for a local market. Years later, he and Lillian obtained their Real Estate Broker’s Licenses and owned and operated Smith Realty until their retirement.
He is survived by his beloved family – Children, Howard & Laurie Smith, Sherri Rubin and Rose D’Orazio & Jim Dascoli; Grandchildren, Alana & Moe Butler, Joshua & Lesley Smith and Jared & Nicole Smith. Nothing made him happier than being a great-grandfather/“Papa”/and “Papa Jim” to Calynn, Hannah, Ethan, Madison, William, Liliana, and Alexandra.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Myra, and nieces and nephews Patty, Debbie, Bryan, Timmy, Nick, Kelly, Kim, Brittany, Nikki, Arley, Krissie; and of course, Fred. He will additionally be missed immensely by his “lapdog” Buster.
Jim’s humor, white New Balance sneakers, and his radiating smile brought joy to us all and he will be forever missed by his many adored friends in Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida, Michigan, as well as “the boys” at various Mickey D’s across New England.
Jim, along with his late wife Lillian, dedicated time to volunteering with the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home and the Cohen, Florence, Levine Estates where their charisma, kindness, and generosity brought comfort to all.
Jim was an excellent baker, an avid fisherman, and questionable stir fry chef. He cherished new experiences, travel, and time with those he loved. Honoring his memory is to work tirelessly with a strong commitment to helping those you care about however, wherever, and whenever possible.
Our Dad/Papa/Uncle Jim has left us with a legacy of love, compassion, and the importance of family which we will hold in our hearts forever and strive to pay forward as our way of honoring his memory. We thank our friends and family for your support over the years and certainly during these last several months. He loved you all as do we.
We are forever grateful to the incredible care providers at the Connecticut VA Hospitals and Hospice. Special thanks to the medical team of Dr. Chao, Tracy, Marsha (and your fellows, nurses, techs, support staff), Dr. Wadia, Dr. Maduka, Rosemary, and the Thoracic Surgery team at Yale New Haven Hospital. You made the hardest things so much gentler and gave us a little extra time along the way. Thank you.
He is now at rest and reunited in eternal peace with his beloved Lillian. His memory is forever our blessing.
In lieu of flowers, please do something to honor his memory. Volunteer with a cause close to your heart, take someone you love fishing on a bright spring morning and if you have the means, consider a donation to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Hospice, or a cancer-fighting organization of your choice.
Ann Marie Leonard
A most unselfish and giving person
A Funeral Mass was celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church on Tuesday, December 27 for Ann Marie Rita (Melchione) Leonard, 88, of Chelsea who passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon surrounded by her loved ones. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Born in Boston and raised in East Boston, she attended Mount Carmel School and Fitton Central High School. When she married, she moved to Chelsea where she raised her family and remained for the rest of her life.
Ann Marie was the most unselfish and giving person, always thinking of others before herself. She was an amazing cook, which made her happy to see how much others enjoyed her meals. She soon became a true homeowner, mastering repairs, maintenance and stunning landscaping for her gardens.
Ann Marie cherished her two grandchildren and “Loved” her Nana role, spending as much time as possible in their day to day lives.
Even at an older age, she would go sledding, roller blading, biking, dancing and more, just to spend time with them. She was an avid reader, loved British TV, mystery novels and gardening. She had a heart of gold and was loved by anyone who knew her.
The devoted wife of the late Lawrence T. Leonard, she was the beloved mother of Laurene A. Palladino of North Hampton, NH, Lisa Leonard, Lynne Ann Leonard and Lydia Leonard, all of Chelsea; daughter of the late Anthony D. and Marie C. (Bonimano) Melchione; sister of Lillian Cahill and her late husband, Patrick of Roslindale, Rosalie Castellano of Wilmington and Elaine Twitchell and her husband, James of Ipswich; cherished grandmother of Kristin Marie Thompson and her husband, MacGregor, Andreas Leonard-Calcano and great grandmother of Peyton Jaymes Thompson. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to the Chelsea Public Library, 569 Broadway, Chelsea.
Robert Desrochers
Of Saugus, formerly of Chelsea
Robert J. Desrochers, a resident of Saugus and formerly of Chelsea, passed away on Thursday, December 22, at the Melrose Wakefield hospital after living courageously with cancer for several months. He was 58 years of age.
Born in Revere, he grew up in Chelsea and was the beloved son of the late Albert and Lorraine (Arsenault) Desrochers. Robert attended Our Lady of the Assumption Parochial School and graduated from Chelsea High School. He was a resident of Sixth Street in Chelsea for most of his life and settled in Saugus sixteen years ago.
Robert worked as a deli counter manager for MacKinnon’s Meat Market and recently with J. Pace in Saugus.
In his lifetime, Robert was an all-around Boston sports fan and dedicated Bruins Fan. He enjoyed dinning at Floramo’s and playing Keno as his pastime.
He is survived by his sisters, Josephine Wilson and her husband, Richard of Saugus and Marie Trapani and her husband, Andrew of Derry NH. He was the cherished uncle of Andrea Trapani, Melissa Perrin, Ashley Pollumbo, Amber Wilson, and adored granduncle to his “little scooch” Mason Perrin and Sean Trapani and Anthony Pollumbo
Funeral Services were private.
Arrangements were given to the care and direction of the Welsh Funeral Home. For online guest book or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit; www.WelshFH.com.
Larry H. Levine
Graduate of Chelsea High School,
Class of 1964
Larry H. Levine, 76, of Malden, entered eternal rest on December 23.
Born and raised in Chelsea, he was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1964.
The son of the late Sidney and Lena Levine, he was the devoted husband of Carol (Kaplan) Levine; beloved father of Heather Levine-Vogel and her husband, Jason Vogel and Amy Levine and her partner, Tim Bernier; adored grandfather of Alyssa, Rani, Alexandra, and Audrey and dear brother of Linda and Richard Dall and Debra Keller.
Frank D. Spinale
Retired Restaurant Owner
Frank D. Spinale of Fort Myers, FL passed away peacefully, on December 10 at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers with family by his side. He was 82 years of age.
Born in the West End of Boston, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Letizia (Savoia) Spinale. Frank grew up in Chelsea but moved to Saugus with his wife Lucille, where they raised their children and built a life for themselves.
Together they owned and operated Spinale’s Pizza and Sub in Saugus. They later opened Spinale’s Italian Restaurant in Milton, NH, which they ran very successfully for 25 years before retiring to Fort Myers, FL.
Frank was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Lucille, his parents and his brothers and sister. He is survived by his five children: Frank, John, Dan, Rob and Elena, their significant others, his grandchildren and great grandchildren and many family members and friends. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Frank’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated today, Thursday, December 29 at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with inurnment at the Laurel Room Columbarium, Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Carafa Family Funeral Home in Chelsea. We encourage family and friends to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book at carafafuneralhome.com or to send a personalized sympathy card.
Josefina Pazos
November 4, 1937 – December 24, 2022
Josefina Pazos passed away at home on her favorite day of the year, December 24, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 85 years old.
She is lovingly survived by her soulmate Jose V. Pazos, who has been by her side for more than 60 years. Together they left Cuba to raise their two children in Chelsea which they have called home for five decades.
Fina, as she is affectionately known, was a fantastic cook. Her personality was as feisty and hospitable as her food was savory and nourishing. Preparing feasts for others brought her as much joy and satisfaction as it did to those who were blessed enough to partake in those meals.
Fina marveled at the beauty and elegance of the world. Some of her favorite places include Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Cape Cod and the mountains of New Hampshire. She delighted in observing her grandchildren at amusement parks, the ocean or simply at a barbecue in her backyard.
In addition to her husband, Fina is survived by her two sons and their spouses: Lazarus and Karen Pazos of Chelsea, Jorge and Danielle Pazos of Chelsea, her seven grandchildren: Christopher James Pazos of Wenatchee, Washington, Joseph Pazos, Anthony Pazos of Chelsea. Christopher Gerard and Kaitlyn of Haverhill, Emily Rose Pazos of Rowley, Jacob Andrew Pazos of Medford and Nathaniel Lewis Pazos of Chelsea. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Easton Michael and Myles Lawrence Pazos of Haverhill.
Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend visiting hours at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Tuesday, January 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 7 p.m. Services will conclude at the funeral home.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 www.Alz.org/donate
For online guest book or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit; www.WelshFH.com.