Thomas McNeil
Retired Chelsea Police Sergeant
Thomas E. McNeil, 76, of Kingston, New Hampshire, formerly of Chelsea, passed away at his home on February 1, 2026.
Born in Chelsea, Thomas was the son of the late George J. McNeil and Gladys M. (Borden). He was predeceased by the love of his life, Adele “Vicki” McNeil, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Together they created a lifetime of memories.
He proudly served the City of Chelsea as a Sergeant on the police force until his retirement in 2004. Beyond his career, Tom’s life was deeply connected to the water and the sun. A lifelong fixture at Alton Bay, NH, he spent every summer there from childhood on. Winters found him in Florida, forever chasing warm weather and the perfect tee time.
More than anything else, Tom’s greatest joy and most cherished role was being “Dad” and “Gampy.” He found his happiness in time spent with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Thomas is survived by his daughters: Tricia A. Ciocco of New Hampshire and her partner Brian K. Mullaly, Vicki M. Galluzzo and her husband John of New Jersey, and Kerri A. McNeil of New Hampshire. He is also survived by his brothers: George J. McNeil, Jr. and his wife, Tena of Florida, and Danny McNeil and his wife, Linda of Massachusetts. He was the cherished grandfather of Tommy Ciocco and his wife Kelly, Anthony Ciocco and his wife Jaki, and Madison Galluzzo, and the great-grandfather of Arianna Ciocco, Tommy Ciocco, Connor Ciocco, Aubree Ciocco and Charlotte Ciocco.
The family has chosen to hold services privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chelsea Police Relief Association.
Paula A. Grimaldi
August 5, 1960 – January 28, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Paula Ann Grimaldi, who departed this life unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, at the age of 65. Paula was stricken while driving to work and was taken to the Mass General Emergency Department in Boston.
A lifelong resident of Chelsea, Paula was the cherished daughter of the late Theresa (Proctor) and Gaetano C. “Guy” Grimaldi. She was educated in Chelsea, attending Our Lady of Grace Parochial School, and later graduated from St. Rose High School, Class of ‘78. Paula pursued her studies at Salem State College for two years, embarking on a long and distinguished career in banking.
She began her journey with Century Bank on Broadway in Chelsea and was most recently employed by Needham Bank at the time of her passing.
Paula will be remembered as a quiet, unassuming, and elegant lady whose life was devoted to caring for her close-knit nuclear family, and who extended her nurturing spirit to all those fortunate enough to know her.
A devout member of the Catholic faith, she was actively involved in the former St. Stanislaus Church. In her final days, she faced the sadness of losing her beloved mother, Theresa, just five weeks prior. They shared a profound devotion to St. Anthony and St. Jude, which reflected the strength of her faith throughout her life.
Paula is now reunited in heaven with her beloved parents, Theresa and Guy, her brother-in-law, Kevin Higgins, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her dearest sister, Carla Higgins, and a host of cousins and dear friends.
Relatives and friends attended a Funeral Gathering and Procession on Wednesday, February 4th at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea. Following this gathering, Paula was honored with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., Revere. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, friends In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to honor Paula’s memory by making contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-1905, or online at www.StJude.org/Donate.
Paula Ann Grimaldi will be dearly missed, and her legacy of compassion and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com
Giuseppe Recupero
He will be remembered as a man of great character who cherished his family above all else
Giuseppe Recupero, a devoted family man and longtime resident of East Boston, passed away peacefully in his home on January 31, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.
Born in Sicily, Giuseppe immigrated to the United States in the 1960’s along with his wife and two sons, seeking new opportunities while remaining deeply rooted in his heritage. He established his life in East Boston, where he remained a pillar of his community for over six decades.
Giuseppe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna and his son, Francesco. He is survived by his sons, Giovanni and his wife, Anna, and Giuseppe and his wife, Carol. His legacy of hard work and devotion lives on through his 19 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, as well as his grandkids in Milan and his extended family in Sicily.
He will be remembered as a man of great character who cherished his family above all else. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., Chelsea on Friday, February 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. His funeral will be from the Carafa Family Funeral Home on Saturday at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St. Chelsea at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.
We encourage family and friends to visit carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.
Frank C. Kowalski, Sr.
August 14, 1941 – January 29, 2026
Frank C. Kowalski, Sr., a cherished member of the Chelsea community, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at the age of 84, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 14, 1941 in Chelsea, Frank was the beloved son of the late Walerian “Val” and Leona (Huwe) Kowalski. He spent his entire life in Chelsea, where he made enduring contributions to both his family and the community.
Frank’s early years were spent working alongside his parents in their family flower shop, “Val’s Flowers,” where he honed his skills in floral design. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1959 and continued to lead a fulfilling career in the floral business, eventually becoming co-owner alongside his sister, Barbara until the shop’s closure in 2011.
In a testament to his strength and resilience, Frank was a 27-year heart transplant recipient. He embraced life with vigor, finding joy in the simplest of moments with family and friends. In 1965 Frank married Patricia A. (Hartigan) Kowalski and together they built a loving family, raising a family of four: one son and three daughters. His legacy lives on through his 11 cherished grandchildren and one great-grandson.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Frank proudly served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. His commitment to his community was evident through his numerous roles and contributions. He served as a long-time member and chairman of the Chelsea Registry of Voters and was a Past-Exalted Ruler of the Chelsea Elks B.P.O.E. He also held positions as Director and Past-President of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and was an active member of the Chelsea Rotary Club. Frank dedicated his time to St. Michael the Archangel Chapel at the Chelsea Soldiers Home, where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister.
An avid pigeon enthusiast, Frank cherished raising and racing homing pigeons, a passion instilled by his maternal grandfather. He was recognized and received numerous awards for his skills by the U.F.H.P.F. “United Federation of Homing Pigeon Fanciers”. He also enjoyed participating in several bowling leagues and tending to his vegetable garden, delighting in maintaining the beauty of his Chelsea home’s landscaping.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Patricia A. Kowalski; their children, Stacey Gurska and her husband, Michael of Middleton, Frank Kowalski, Jr. and his wife, Susan of North Andover, Lauren Dalton and her husband, John of Haverhill and Lynn Hardy of West Newbury; his dear sister, Barbara Lawlor and her late husband, John, and Susan Lupoli and her husband, Dominic. He garnered love and admiration as “Banka” from his grandchildren: Courtney Gurska, Lindsey Gurska-Michella and her husband, Brian Michella, Michael and Meaghan Gurska, Amelia and Elijah Kowalski, Madeline, Jack, and Samuel Dalton, Richie and Lila Hardy, and his great-grandson, Tyler Michella.
In honor of Frank’s life, visiting hours will be held at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday, February 6th, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his honor at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, 100 Summit Ave., Chelsea on Saturday, February 7th at 10 a.m. (Please meet directly at the Church). Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
Frank Kowalski’s legacy of love, service and dedication will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. His warm spirit will be dearly missed but will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com