Merlin Lucia Serrano
Social Worker and leading voice of the Salvadoran diaspora in the United States
Merlin Lucia Serrano passed away on Tuesday, August 26th. Merlin was born on March 8, 1957, in Zacatecoluca, La Paz, El Salvador. Merlin spent her career as a social worker in the Chelsea and Greater Boston area helping those less fortunate/ She volunteered with advocacy organizations focused on disaster relief and improving conditions in her native El Salvador. In 2009, Merlin proudly served as a vice-presidential candidate in the El Salvador Presidential Elections and was a leading voice of the Salvadoran diaspora in the United States.
She was surrounded by loved ones including her four children: Beverly, Heidi, Roberto, and Roger (and son-In-law, Che and daughters-In-law Leslie and Sara). She is also survived by her partner, Victor Soria and her beloved grandchildren: Domenik, Tati, Che Che, Nikko, Xavi, Noah, Liam, Roman, Kasey and Diego.
Family and friends honored Merlin’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, East Boston, on Wednesday, September 3rd from 5 to 8 p.m. and Merlin will be laid to rest in El Salvador.
May she rest in peace.
Gerald P. Finn
August 12, 1948 – August 24, 2025
Gerald P. Finn, a devoted family man and esteemed member of the Chelsea community, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on August 24, 2025, at Vantage Health and Rehab of Wakefield, where he had received compassionate care for the past 18 months.
Born on August 12, 1948, in Chelsea, he was the beloved son of the late Gerald J. and Jennie T. (Fabiszewski) Finn.
A proud graduate of Chelsea High School, Gerald dedicated his life to the service of his family and community. He was married to Diane Marie (Fay) Finn for 43 wonderful years, cherishing their partnership until her passing on April 10, 2016. Together, they raised two sons, Christopher and Timothy, who he supported tirelessly in their pursuits, notably as an enthusiastic advocate in Youth Hockey and Chelsea Little League.
Gerald’s career spanned several decades with Horizon Trucking as a truck driver, and working on the loading dock. He also operated his own motor freight company, “Cargo Transport” showcasing his unwavering work ethic and commitment to service. He relished the simple pleasures in life, from weekly dinners with his wife to enjoying morning coffee and muffins with friends at Chelsea Market Basket for the past decade. Known for his generosity, he was often described as someone who would ensure that no one in need would go without.
He was predeceased by his brother. Francis P. Finn and is lovingly remembered by his two sons and their spouses, Christopher P. Finn and his wife, Erica of Saugus and Timothy Finn and his wife, Megan of Charlotte, NC. He also leaves behind his cherished grandsons, Alexander and Brady Finn, along with several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
The family gathered to honor Gerald’s memory during visiting hours at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Friday, August 29th and his funeral took place on Saturday, August 30th, commencing from the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating his life at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea at 10 a.m. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Gerald’s name to McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Mail Stop 126, Belmont, MA 02478, or through their website at https://giving.mclean.org, reflecting the same kindness he showed to many throughout his life.
Gerald P. Finn will be lovingly remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his generous spirit, and the love he shared within the community he treasured.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com.
Myer Katzman
Known for his work ethic
Myer Katzman, 94, of Chelsea passed away on August 28. He was the loving son of Pearl and Abraham Katzman and spent almost all his life in Chelsea.
Myer was a hard working man who helped support his family starting at the age of eight. He was proud to have served in the US Army during the Korean conflict. Myer was known for his work ethic while working at the fish store, the Butchery, or helping in the kitchen in the Katzman Family Center for Living. Myer also had “the gift of gab.. Everywhere he went he made those around him comfortable and always spoke to customers with respect and courtesy.
Myer was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn Beatrice (Rosenthal) Katzman who was always his number one priority. He was also the devoted father of Elliot Katzman and his wife, Donna and Scott Katzman and his wife, Robin and he was predeceased by his three brothers: Sidney Katzman, Robert Katzman and Joseph Katzman. Along with his devotion to his sons, Myer was the loving grandfather of Matthew and his wife, Katie, David and his wife, Emily, Seth and his wife, Becca, and Adam and his fiancé, Michelle. He also leaves behind his great grandchildren: Nora, Maggie, Julia, Clara, Jack, George and Teddy as well as his nephew, Alan whom he thought of as a third son.
Funeral services are private. Donations in Myer’s memory may be made to the Katzman Family Center for Living (named for his family), c/o Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, 17 Lafayette Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150 or Chabad of the Merrimack Valley. For online Guestbook, please visit the funeral home website: www.torffuneralservice.com.
Frederick Walter Harris
Late member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus #508 in Peabody Frederick Walter Harris entered eternal rest on Wednesday evening, August 20 at the Massachusetts Veterans Home in Chelsea, surround by the love and care of his family. He was 93 years of age. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Walter R. and Stella M. (Ryan) Harris. Frederick grew up in Salem and he attended St. Mary’s in Lynn. After graduating High School, Frederick went to seminary school, but he later left school and enlisted in the US Navy on September 5, 1950 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on June 25, 1954. A laborer by trade, Frederick worked in various machine shops before securing employment at the Lynn Vocational High School. He dedicated 25 years as an educator and instructor in the high school’s machine shop. Fred was a late parishioner of All Saints Church in Arizona, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and also, St. Thomas Church in Peabody where he sang in the choir. He was a late member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus #508 in Peabody. Fred has been residing at the Massachusetts Veterans Home in Chelsea for the last four years, where he has well loved. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. He was the husband of the late Veronica J. (Fay) Harris with whom he shared 58 years of marriage, the devoted father of Donna Chronis and her husband, John of Lynn, Kathleen “Kate” Pitchel and her husband, Neil of Arizona, Frederick Harris and his wife, Stacey of New York, Vincent Harris and his wife, Linda of Arizona; nine grandchildren: Justin Diamond and his wife, Shannon, Jayna Nunes and her husband. Keven, John Chronis and his wife, Rebecca, Cali Schmidt and her husband, Chris, David Pitchel, Ryan Harris, Casey Harris, Bailey Harris, Conor Harris and six great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be conducted at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel at the Chelsea Soldier’s Home, 91 Crest Ave. Chelsea today, Thursday, September 4 at 10 a.m.. An hour of visitation will precede the Mass in the Cardinal Cushing Pavilion, adjacent to the Chapel, from 9 to 10 a.m. Interment will follow the Mass at the Annunciation Cemetery in Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the Veterans Home of Chelsea., Recreation Fund, 100 Summit Ave. Chelsea, MA 02150. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Carafa Family Funeral Home in Chelsea. We encourage family and friends to visit www.carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.