Obituaries 11-09-2023

Michael Kenneth “Ken” Hyland

He was happiest when he was surrounded by his large and loving family

Michael Kenneth “Ken” Hyland of Stoneham, MA (previously of Chelsea and Dublin, Ireland) passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3rd. He was 90 years of age and was surrounded by his wife, four children, three sons-in-law and six grandchildren.

He left behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Margaret Patricia “Patty” (Dalton) Hyland, his son, Kenneth Hyland, daughter, Kathryn Melesciuc and her husband, Stephen, daughter, Eileen Piccione and her husband, Matthew and daughter, Patricia O’Flaherty and her husband, Eugene. He was the cherished grandfather of Katrina Campanale and her husband, Matthew, Brian Melesciuc and his wife, Lauren, Corey, Casey, Bridget and Tara Piccione and the great-grandfather of Vienna Campanale. 

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, the son of William Hyland and Eileen Kelly, Ken was predeceased by his beloved brother and sister, Gordon Hyland and Rosanna Vida Dorrian, both of Dublin, Ireland and he will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law, Yvonne Hyland. He is also lovingly remembered by many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

The first of his family to move from Dublin, Ireland to the United States shortly after his marriage to Patty, Ken created a new life for his family now spanning over 30 members and four generations here in Boston.  His love for Ireland remained steadfast throughout his 90 years as he recalled wonderful memories growing up with his brother and sister at 17 McMahon Street, attending St. Kevin’s Church, riding his motorcycle through the Irish countryside and serving for the Dublin General Post Office.  As he set new roots in the United States and raised his son and three daughters with Patty in Chelsea, his commitment to the postal service continued as he served nearly 40 years for the United States Postal Service in Chelsea, Revere and Newton.  

Ken was a lifelong friend to many with fond memories built at the Boston “Trilling Way” Fish Pier, card games in the North End, and Chelsea’s Senior Bocce League. Some of his favorite hobbies were reading, walking outdoors, watching the Red Sox and spending time with animals including his pet dogs and birds throughout the years. Ken was happiest when he was surrounded by his large and loving family, especially during holidays and family events. When his Irish eyes were smiling, they would light up a room.

Lastly, Ken was devoted to the Catholic faith, practicing the Rosary daily and attending Mass each Sunday. His example instilled great faith in his children and grandchildren.

Family and friends gathered to share memories with his family on Wednesday, November 8 at Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street, Stoneham.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Michael’s Eternal Life will be held at St. Patrick’s Church located at 71 Central Street, Stoneham today, Thursday, November 9 at 9 a.m. followed by a burial service at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Stoneham. Friends and family are also invited to join for a lunch reception following at Cafe Escadrille in Burlington.

Please consider donations in memory of Michael Hyland to CatholicTV by visiting https://www.catholictv.org/donate.html  or mailing a donation to: CatholicTV,PO Box 9196, 34 Chestnut Street, Watertown, MA 02471.

Lorraine Brown

Retired Director of the Chelsea Soldier’s Home School of Practical Nursing

Lorraine T. (Carroll) Brown was born in Chelsea in January of 1933 in the house that she has lived in for the last 90 years.  She went to Chelsea High School, excelled in her studies and was a cheerleader for the Chelsea Red Devils.  After high school, she enrolled in the School of Nursing at the Whidden Hospital and became a Registered Nurse.  During that time, she met her husband, Weldon and together they raised four children at the same family home.

When her children were grown, she went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Nursing.  She left the Whidden Hospital to teach at the Chelsea Soldier’s Home School of Practical Nursing.  She eventually became the Director of the school.  Lorraine retired in 1997.  

She and her husband enjoyed being with their family.   When their family was grown, Lorraine and Weldon embarked on many trips to Europe, traveling on Pilgrimages to many known sites and added the Holy Land to their destinations.  Lorraine and Weldon were active at Our Lady of Grace Church, volunteering on many committees including parish nursing. 

Lorraine passed away on November 4th after a short illness.  She was predeceased in 2014 by the late Weldon Brown, a retired Chelsea police officer, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage before his passing.  

She leaves her four children: Kevin Brown and his wife, Diane, Gerard (Gary) Brown and his wife, Alice, Michele Tosi and her husband, Walter and her daughter, Laurie Brown.  Lorraine was the dear sister of Patricia Smith, June Carroll, Joseph Carroll and his wife, Marianne and the late John Carroll and his wife, Marna, George Carroll and his wife, Janet. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Tristan Brown and his wife, Sophie, Emily Brown and Gina Tosi, whom she loved very much and was so proud of their career achievements.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Lorraine’s visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., Chelsea today, Thursday, November 9 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Her Funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Friday at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Blessed Mother of the Morning Star Parish/Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea at 11 a.m.  Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.   In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to the Blessed Mother of the Morning Star Parish or to a charity of your choice. 

Florence Mary Bellofatto

October 1, 1930 – November 5, 2023

Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, November 10th from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea for Florence M. Bellofatto. A prayer service and family remembrances will be held in the Funeral Home at 4 p.m. Immediately following the visitation and services, the family will continue with a life celebration at 6 p.m. to be held at Anthony’s Restaurant, 105 Canal St., Malden.

At 93 years of age, Florence passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 5th after a very brief decline in health.

She was a beloved daughter of the late John Discola and Genevieve Rose (Russell) Robb-Discola.  She was raised in Everett and attended local schools. She was married to Anthony J. Bellofatto and raised her family of four daughters and two sons in Chelsea and Everett.

She also worked at Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston for many years as a bookkeeper in the Accounts Receivable Dept.  In order to further her career at the hospital, she returned to college and received an associate degree.

After retiring, she moved to Hampton Beach for 15 years and for the past 12 years, she was a resident of the Admiral’s Tower Co-op in Chelsea.

In her lifetime, Florence enjoyed spending time with family and friends, enjoyed quiet time at the ocean and was an avid reader and advocate for personal health and nutrition. 

Florence is survived by her loving children and their spouses; June Ellen Levine and her husband, William of Woburn, Toni Marie Pippy of So. Strafford, VT., Anthony John Bellofatto and his wife, Susan of Malden, Wendy Mary Levine and her husband, Jeffrey of Manchester, NH., Tracey Rose Latorelli of Haverhill and Charles Pasquale Bellofatto and his wife, Kristy of Granville, OH.  She is also survived by her dear sister, Rose Gagne of Connecticut and she was the cherished grandmother of 15 and adoring great-grandmother of 12, along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grand nephews, extended family members and friends.

Should friends desire, contributions in Florence’s name may be made to 

Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, https://VOSH.org/donate/

For online guest book or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit: www.WelshFH.com.

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