Roger Adam Nowicki
January 4, 1943 – March 25, 2026
Roger Adam Nowicki, 83, of Billerica, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, following a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose warmth and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Roger was born and raised in Chelsea, the son of the late Louise and Anthony Nowicki. He was a proud product of Chelsea, a community that shaped his character and values throughout his life. He would go on to plant his own roots in Billerica, Massachusetts, where he lived for over 50 years, raised his family, and became a cherished and well-known member of the community.
Roger was a standout athlete at Chelsea High School, Class of 1960, and went on to a distinguished football career at Dodge City Junior College, where he was part of a national championship football team with his brother. Fred. He went on to continue his football career at the University of Richmond, where he also earned his degree.
For over 30 years, Roger built a distinguished career as a contract specialist at Hanscom Air Force Base. Throughout his tenure, he answered the call to serve his country on four overseas deployments: twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan, as a civilian employee with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His dedication in some of the world’s most demanding environments was a testament to his professionalism and deep sense of duty.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Linda Nowicki; his brother, Frederick Nowicki, and Frederick’s wife, Beverly Nowicki, of Chelsea and his sister, Janice Nowicki. Roger is survived by his cherished children, Rachel Hall and Adam Nowicki; his beloved grandchildren, Brianna Hall, Tyler Hall, and Anna Nowicki; and his dear sister, Linda Sobolewski and her husband, Frank Sobolewski of Dennis Port, Massachusetts.
He is also lovingly survived by his nieces and nephews: Scott Nowicki of Chelsea, Brenda Finn of Saugus, John Sobolewski of Hyannis, and Paul Nowicki of Chelsea as well as many more cherished nieces and nephews whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity.
Above all else, Roger lived for his family; they were his greatest pride and his truest joy. He leaves behind a legacy as bright and unforgettable as the man himself: a quick wit, a warm laugh, and a spirit that touched everyone lucky enough to know him.
Arrangements will be graveside on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Fox Hill Cemetery in Billerica. Relatives and friends invited. A celebration of life and gathering will follow at 12 Noon at Stelio’s Family Restaurant in Billerica.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger’s memory are kindly appreciated to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Edward F. Pitts, Jr.
July 3, 1937 – March 26, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward F. Pitts Jr., who peacefully departed this life on March 26th at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, love, and dedicated service to his community.
Edward was born on July 3, 1937, in Chelsea to the late Gilda and Edward Pitts. He was a proud resident of Chelsea, where he was raised and educated, culminating in his graduation from Chelsea High School. Throughout his life, Edward remained deeply connected to Chelsea, proudly calling it his home throughout his life.
In a beautiful partnership that spanned 68 years, Edward married the love of his life, Barbara T. (Babine) Pitts. Together, they nurtured a loving family that included five daughters and two sons, who in turn blessed them with 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Edward’s devotion to his family was unwavering, and his time spent with them was filled with cherished moments.
Edward’s professional journey began with his work at Sunshine Biscuit Co., and he later became a respected service coordinator and supervisor at Alliance Fuel in Chelsea, where he dedicated his career to ensuring the efficiency and reliability of fuel oil distribution.
A notable figure in the community, Edward was an active participant in various organizations. He and Barbara were longstanding members of the Knights of Columbus Couples Club, and Edward devoted over two decades of his time to Chelsea Youth Hockey and Chelsea Youth Baseball. His commitment to fostering youth sports inspired countless young athletes and left a lasting impact on the community he loved.
Edward is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara T. (Babine) Pitts; his devoted children, Jacqui Sleeper and her husband, Jerry, Janice Richardson and her husband, Steven, Joanne McVey and her late husband, Paul, Judy Covino and her husband, James, Edward Pitts and his wife, Kelly, Brian Pitts and his wife, Jackie, and Jennifer Morse and her husband, Kenny. He was also the dear brother of Carol Crowley and the late Ronald Pitts. Edward will be remembered fondly by his 19 cherished grandchildren and three adored great-grandchildren, as well as a wide circle of dear friends and extended family members.
In Edward’s own words, “I was not rich in money, but I was rich in life.” His rich contributions to those around him will be felt for generations to come.
Family and friends attended visiting hours for Edward F. Pitts Jr. in the Welsh Funeral Home, located at 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Tuesday, March 31 and his funeral was conducted from the funeral home on Wednesday, April 1 immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church, 600 Broadway, Chelsea. Services concluded with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
We invite all who knew and loved Edward to join us in celebrating his life and legacy, honoring a remarkable man who touched the hearts of many.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com
Donna Marie Bongiovanni
May 28, 1947 – March 27, 2026
In the embrace of her loving family, Donna Marie Bongiovanni left this world on March 27, 2026, after a courageous 10-month battle with glioblastoma. Born on May 28, 1947, to Rose (Falzarano) and Angelo Ciampolillo, Donna lived a life rich with love, family, and cherished memories in her beloved Chelsea.
For 55 years, she stood alongside her devoted husband, Anthony “Nino” Bongiovanni, whom she met at Cafe Paradiso in Boston’s North End. He offered her a ride in his GTO, but she refused and he sped off. Soon thereafter she agreed to see him and their love blossomed. Together they built a family that thrived on connection and tradition. Donna was the proud mother of Gino Bongiovanni, and Roseann Bongiovanni, as well as a joyful grandmother—the Best Nonnie—to Emma, Olivia and Anthony Bongiovanni, and Luca and Louisa Figarola.
A lifelong Chelsea resident, Donna witnessed and adapted to the changes of her city. Most memorably when the Tobin Bridge’s construction over Webster Ave. necessitated the raising of her childhood home off its foundation and moving it to its settled spot on Gillooly Road. Her roots ran deep; her grandparents, immigrants from Italy, established “Rita’s Flower Shop” and a convenience store across
from Forbes Lithograph, both thriving businesses that became cornerstones of the community.
In her warmth, Donna perfected the art of family, filling every gathering with laughter, love, and her renowned meatballs. Her wooden spoon, both a tool of culinary delight and a playful instrument of discipline, became a symbol of her nurturing spirit. She immortalized moments, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, her memory a tapestry woven with the dates that mattered most.
For decades, Donna was the epitome of hard work, from Dunn & Bradstreet in her 20s, and after taking a brief pause to raise her children, she returned to work at the original Market Basket in Chelsea (“that she often referred to as store #32”), and later, the medical records departments of Malden Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital. In retirement, she continued to embody service and community, tending to her grandchildren with love, becoming an invaluable poll worker, and capturing titles in the Chelsea Bocce league, including the Chelsea-Revere Championship in 2023.
Donna is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Anthony “Nino,” her devoted children and their spouses; Gino Bongiovanni and his wife, Alicia of Billerica, and Roseann Bongiovanni and her husband, Sandro Figarola of Chelsea, and her beloved and cherished grandchildren: Emma, Olivia, and Anthony Bongiovanni, and Luca and Louisa Figarola. She also leaves a sister, Diane Marciniak and her husband, Richard of Shelbyville, TN; aunts, Regina Falzarano and Peg O’Meara; sisters-in-law, Franca Riparo, Angela Keith, and Dora Salerno; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews, alongside her lifelong best friend, Rose Pellegrino of Revere.
In honor of this remarkable woman, family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, April 4th, from 2 to 5 p,m. at Welsh Funeral Home, located at 718 Broadway, Chelsea. A celebration of Donna’s life will continue with a funeral service on Monday, April 6th, commencing at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, proceeding to St. Anthony of Padua Church at 250 Revere St., Revere, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a,m. Her journey will conclude with interment at Lindenwood Cemetery, on Lilly Avenue, Stoneham, where her legacy of love will forever resonate in the lives she touched.
As we gather to remember and honor Donna Marie Bongiovanni, let us celebrate a life beautifully lived, full of warmth, generosity, and an unyielding spirit. May her memory remain a guiding light for all those she loved.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com
Frances L. Kursonis
Waitress at China Roma in Revere for over 50 Years
The family of Frances L. Kursonis, 83, of Chelsea, is saddened to announce her passing on March 27, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones, at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, after a period of failing health. Frances was born on January 6,1943 in Revere and was the daughter of the Anthony and Mary Ciaramella/ She resided in Chelsea, where she raised her daughter. Frances was a graduate of Chelsea High School and spent her entire life in Chelsea. Frances was a waitress at China Roma Restaurant in Revere, for over 50 years. She found joy in simple pleasures. Frances loved the beach, especially Revere Beach, enjoyed playing bingo and cards with her many friends at Admiral’s Hill in Chelsea where she resided. She enjoyed luncheon specials and playing Keno at Floramo’s in Chelsea. A Disney fanatic, she cherished many trips over the years with her family creating a lifetime of memories. Her generosity knew no bounds; she would give you the shirt off her back and more. Frances was a devoted mother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Frances was the wife of the late John W. Kursonis and the beloved mother of the late Kimberly (Kursonis) Ursino; the cherished grandmother of Daniel and Dylan Ursino; the dear sister of Josephine Fazio and her late husband, Salvatore Fazio, Sr. and Anthony Ciaramella Jr. and his wife, Sherry Ciaramella; the adored aunt of Salvatore Fazio, Jr. and his wife, Lauren Fazio, Richard and his wife, Eileen Korajczyk, John (Snooky) and his late wife, Laurie Korajczyk and the late Nicholas Ciaramella and great aunt of Salvatore Angelo John Fazio, Jeffrey and his wife, Laurie Korajczyk and Andrew Korajczyk. Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Wednesday, April 8th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza. Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., Revere at 12 (Noon). Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101 or by visiting https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate. To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.