Obituaries 01-02-2020

Ann Floyd

Retired Chelsea Teacher

Ann M. Floyd, 87, of Chelsea, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23.

Ann attended Immaculate Conception School, class of 1950, Salem State Teachers College, Class of 1954, and Boston State where she obtained her Master Degree in Education in 1963. Ann was a former teacher at Chelsea Schools retired as a Title One Reading Program Director in 1991. Ann enjoyed worldwide traveling, and will be missed by all who knew her.

She was the cherished daughter of the late Leo A. and Anna (Maher) Floyd, loving aunt of James Floyd and his wife, Donna Marie, Joseph Floyd and his wife, Janet, Lawrence Floyd and his wife, Doreen, Robert Floyd, Richard Floyd and his wife, Denise and Daniel Floyd and his wife, Debbie. Ann was predeceased by her brother, Leo Floyd and her longtime friend, Thelma Kirk. She is also survived by her great nieces and nephews: Eddie, Teddy, Andrew, Bill, Sarah, Max, Lucy, Harry, Lily, Asa, Kiely, Ben and Abby.

Funeral arrangements were by Vazza’s Beechwood Funeral Home, Revere.

James Lee

All around athlete, founded the Tommy Duval Athletic Club as a teenager, the Tommy Duval basketball league and the Afro-American Club in Chelsea

James Lee, former resident of Chelsea, departed this life on Monday, Dec. 23 at his home in Everett surrounded by his family.

James joined the U.S. Army when he was 22, served on the front lines during the Korean War and eventually achieved the rank of sergeant.  He was proud to say that all his troops returned home.

James often spoke of his fond memories growing up on Arlington Street in Chelsea with his mom; two brothers, Charles and Henry Lee, and four sisters, Dorothy Crawford, Evelyn Moore, Lucy Robinson and Florence May. 

James was an all-around athlete playing in various football, basketball and softball leagues around Chelsea.  He shared his stories of growing up poor and playing football with no pads or helmets against teams that were fortunate enough to have equipment. Affectionately known as Jimmy Lee, he founded the Tommy Duval Athletic Club as a teenager and started the Tommy Duval basketball league.  The league consisted of his brother, Charlie, first cousins, Ray and Gene Freeman, close friend, Huckle Mann and friends who lived in the neighborhood.  

Growing up in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, he learned the importance of getting along with those of other cultures and even learned to speak Yiddish to those he lived by. 

James had a passion for organizing events and bringing people together. These events included long weekends to Montreal, Canada, summer casino trips to Mohegan Sun, and this year he organized the Lee-Richardson Family Reunion at Salem Willows in Salem MA, where approximately 150 had gathered.  He also established the Afro-American Club in Chelsea, which organized and hosted a ton of events. 

James was the beloved husband of the late Edith (Richardson) Lee, loving father of Eric Lee and his wife, Cheryl, Greg Lee and his wife, Gloria, Sheila Lee-Caldwell and her husband, Henry, Mark Lee and his wife, Tracey and the late Steven Lee of Malden.  He will be missed by 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. 

A Homegoing Memorial Service will be held at Zion Church Ministries, 757 Broadway, Everett, MA, on Monday, January, 6, 2020. Greetings to the family will start at 10 a.m. and the service will begin promptly at 11 a.m.

Vincent Arthur DiGianni

Retired Industrial Lighting Efficiency Expert

Vincent Arthur DiGianni, 87, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, beloved husband of Margaret Elizabeth (Wall) DiGianni, passed away Monday, Dec. 23 at Salem Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Everett, the son of the late Joseph and Clara (Scarpetti) DiGianni, he was raised and educated in Chelsea and was a graduate of Chelsea High School. Later in life, he continued his education earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University. 

An honorably discharged, disabled veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. He served as a Drill Sergeant and earned the Rank of Corporal. He was proud of his service to his country. 

Mr. DiGianni had been employed for many years as a plant manager and efficiency expert in the Industrial Lighting Industry until the time of his retirement at the age of 83.

 He began his career with Smith Craft and matriculated to Lam Lighting, was then associated with Towle Manufacturing and spent many years with Life Time Brands. He was known for his ability to communicate and manage his team. He was a diligent worker and was known for completing the most difficult tasks with ease. He truly enjoyed working in his profession but his greatest gift was the relationships he formed with his team members. 

Vincent was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. A lifelong resident of the City of Chelsea, he enjoyed spending time cooking and painting. He was an avid reader and enjoyed cheering on his favorite New England Patriots. 

Vin had a special way about him, in that he always knew the right thing to say. He endeared himself to others easily and was always the life of the party. He loved to sing and would often grab the mic, even without being asked, and shared his vocal talents with all. He loved people and social gatherings and had a quiet confidence always. He was a man who commanded great respect without saying a word. He loved his wife and family immensely and truly enjoyed seeing others smile. He will be deeply missed. 

Vincent is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Margaret Elizabeth (Wall) DiGianni, his daughter, Elizabeth Terchiak and her husband, Scot of Peabody, his sons, Vincent DiGianni and his wife, Rose of Seattle, John DiGianni and his wife, Lisa of Danvers; his grandchildren: Emily, William, Patrick and his fourth grandchild on the way, his sister, Donna Pantano and her husband, Alfred of Saugus and his twin brother, Joseph DiGianni and his wife, Marie of Revere and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was the father of the late Robert “Bobby” DiGianni. 

Funeral arrangements were by the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home,  Danvers. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Vincent’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105. To share a memory of offer a condolence, please visit  www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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