Robert P. Perry
February 16, 1931 – August 26, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Perry, at the age of 94, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Chelsea Veterans Home. Robert was a cherished father, brother and grandfather, who epitomized the values of hard work, dedication, and service throughout his remarkable life.
Born on February 16, 1931, in Chelsea, Robert was the beloved son of the late Henry J. and Josephine M. (Howell) Perry. He was one of nine siblings, and together they navigated the joys and challenges of growing up in their close-knit family. Robert attended local schools and, in a testament to his patriotism, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged in 1953 as a Flight Engineer, a role that reflected both his technical prowess and commitment to his country.
Upon returning to Chelsea, Robert married his first wife, Marlene (LeClair), and together they raised a family of three; Steven, Bill, and Debbie. Robert served with distinction in the Chelsea Fire Department, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain before his retirement.
Following his retirement, he found new beginnings in Vero Beach, Florida, and Southwick, Massachusetts. After the passing of his beloved second wife, Cecile (Giorgio), whom he married in the 1990’s, Robert sought the comfort of community living, eventually residing in assisted living facilities before spending his last months receiving supportive care at the Chelsea Veterans Home.
Robert was a dedicated member of the Chelsea Firefighters Local 937, a former member of the Merrit Club, and a devout Catholic, whose faith served as a guiding light throughout his life. He cherished the simple pleasures of life, including golfing, cooking, gardening, and maintaining a commitment to good health and fitness.
He is survived by his devoted children, Steven and Betsy Perry of Peabody, Bill and Lisa (Lepore) Perry of Middleton, and daughter Debbie and Rob Green of Virginia. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings; Henry J. and Lorraine Perry of Chelsea, James and Linda Perry of Reading, Theresa and John Hartigan of Peabody as well as Marie Lemanski of Florida and his sisters-in-law: Barbara Perry, Linda Hirtle, Lucy LeClaire and Jean Delaney.
Robert was predeceased by Edmund and Anna Perry, Franklin and Marilyn Perry, Gordon and Nancy Perry, William and Marjory Perry as well as Celina and Alan Fairbank, Norman and Josie LeClair, Herb Delaney, Raymond and Katherine (Kermelewicz) LeClair, and brother-in-law, Bill Lemanski. He was a proud grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of two. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In honor of Robert’s remarkable life and contributions to family and community, a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, located on the Chelsea Veterans Home Campus at 100 Summit Ave., on Saturday, September 20 at 10 a.m. Following the Mass, a committal service with military honors will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Robert’s memory to the Chelsea Veterans Home, 100 Summit Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150, Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Ste B-2, Danvers, MA 01923, or Bayada Home Health Care, 800 Cummings Center, Ste 366-U, Beverly, MA 01915.
Robert Perry’s legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com
Robert F. Donovan
September 13, 1936 – September 4, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert F. Donovan, an esteemed member of the Chelsea community, who departed this life on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Leonard Florence Center for Living where he had been receiving supportive care for the past seven months. Robert was 88 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, Robert was the beloved son of the late John F. Sr. and Agnes C. (Crowley) Donovan and one of three sons. He was a lifelong resident, spending many years in the Prattville neighborhood before moving to Cohen Florence Levine Estates Assisted Living in 2017. Robert attended local schools, graduating from Malden Catholic High School, and furthered his education at Dean Jr. College.
A dedicated businessman, Robert built a successful career as a self-employed Independent Insurance Agent in Chelsea, serving the community he cherished for many years. His commitment to public service was exemplified through his tenure as a three-term State Representative for Chelsea from 1971 to 1977. Furthermore, he was appointed Commandant of the Chelsea Soldiers Home, a position he held from 1981 to 1983. Robert remained active in local politics throughout his life and loved engaging in spirited discussions about current affairs.
An avid sports fan and former Red Sox bat boy, Robert dedicated time to cheering on the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He frequented travel, exploring various parts of the country and abroad, forming memories he cherished. He was a proud member of the Chelsea Sagamore Club and the Cary Square Associates, organizations that allowed him to connect with fellow community members. A true entertainer at heart, he would often serenade friends and family with his beloved rendition of “Danny Boy”.
Robert is predeceased by his parents and his two brothers and their spouses, John F. Donovan, Jr. and his wife, Marguerite and Richard C. Donovan and his wife, Kathleen. He is survived by his cherished nieces and nephew, Jane Harney and her husband Jim, John F. Donovan, III and his wife Laura, Katie Donovan, and Mimi Lynch and her husband, John as well as four great-nieces and three great-nephews.
Robert is predeceased by his parents and his two brothers and their spouses, John F. Donovan, Jr. and his wife Marguerite, and Richard C. Donovan and his wife Kathleen.
He is survived by his cherished nieces and nephew, Jane Harney and her husband, Jim, John F. Donovan, III and his wife, Laura, Katie Donovan and Mimi Lynch and her husband, John as well as four great-nieces and three great- nephews.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial commenced at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, located at 100 Summit Ave., Chelsea. Prior to the service, family and friends gathered to pay their respects in St. Michael’s Cardinal Cushing Pavilion and the day’s ceremonies concluded with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be made in Robert’s name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at https://give.michaeljfox.org/.
Robert F. Donovan will be remembered for his deep commitment to family, community, and public service. May he rest in peace.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com
Debra Murphy
She dedicated her life to caring for others
Debra A. Murphy, 67, of Beverly, died on Monday, September 1, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Chelsea on September 25, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Francis Murphy and Patricia (Gurkin) Marsters and the beloved wife of Beverly Corwin.
Debra dedicated her life to caring for others, both personally and professionally. She worked for many years in the medical industry and retired as Director of Patient Access at Mass General Brigham. Throughout her career, she mentored and supported countless colleagues, always encouraging those around her to grow, achieve their goals, and reach their full potential. Her warmth, guidance, and strength left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work with or know her.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debra was known for her generous spirit and unwavering commitment to her friends and family. She was a natural nurturer—always ready with a listening ear, kind words, or helping hand.
In her free time, Debra found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing cards, gardening, painting, and reading. These hobbies brought her peace and creativity, and she often shared them with those close to her.
Debra is survived by her wife, Beverly Corwin; her daughter, Taylor Murphy; her sister, Patricia Blais and her husband, Jack Blais; her brother, Steven Murphy and his wife, Joy Murphy; her sisters-in-law: Terry Corwin and her wife, Julie Fiore, Leslie Christensen and Jocelyn Branas and her partner, Bill Wells; her brothers-in-law: Charlie Corwin and his wife, Jen Corwin and Andy Corwin; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Debra was predeceased by her brothers, James Murphy and Francis Murphy.
Debra’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the strength she inspired in others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly were on Sunday, Sept. 7.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deb’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Care Dimensions of Danvers whose care and compassion meant so much to the family. Information and condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.