Obituaries 07-13-2017

Robert Haas, Jr.

Four-Term Mayor of Revere

Robert J. Haas, Jr. of Revere died most unexpectedly while vacationing at Block Island, R.I. on Sunday July 2.

Former Mayor Haas was born in Melrose and raised, educated and lived his entire life in Revere. An alumnus of Revere High School, Class of 1963, he was also an alumnus of Northeastern University, Class of 1974, securing his Bachelor in Business Administration in 1974 and continuing on for a Bachelor’s in Finance in 1978.

Over the years, “Bob” has immersed himself into the life and heart of Revere, affiliating himself with many fraternal and social organizations andendeavors. Early in his career, he was a member of the Revere Jaycees. He was Charter President of the Revere Jaycees and was awarded “One of the Outstanding Young Men of America.” A long-time member of the Revere Rotary Club, he was awarded their Paul Harris Fellow Award, the highest commendation given by Rotary International. He was also a co-founder and organizer of the Revere Chamber of Commerce. For over 30 years, he has been a devotee of the Holy Name Society at St. Anthony’s Parish and an ardent supporter of the 100 Club of Massachusetts, Revere Chapter.

Also and most recently, Bob was among a group reorganizing and reinventing the Revere Council 179 of the Knights of Columbus. He was also given honorary membership in the Revere Lodge of Elks #1171, the Revere Loyal Order of the Moose #1272, the American Legion Post #61 of Revere and the Revere Boys Club.

He began his working career at First National Shawmut Bank of Boston from 1964 to 1972, then onto Union Petroleum Corp. from 1972-1973 and then and still the proprietor and operator of Haas Business Forms from 1974 to 2017.

His political career began in 1979 as Councilor-at-large, serving for 12 consecutive years. After a hiatus, he returned in 2003 as councilor at-large and served until his untimely death on July 2, 2017. Bob’s remarkable term as Mayor began in 1992 and ended with his fourth term in 2000.

The beloved husband of 50 years of Juanita M. (Brandariz) Haas, he was the devoted father of Jennifer M. Haas and John R. Coyne of Revere, Rachel M. Shanley of Revere and Robert J. Haas, III and his wife, Jennifer of Winthrop. He was the cherished Papa to Brayden, Luca and Noah; the dear brother to Sheila A. Arsenault and her husband, Arthur T. of Chelsea, Judy A. Cotter and her husband, William of Gilford, NH and the late Edward J. Haas. He is also lovingly survived by his brother-in-law, Ramon M. Brandariz & his wife, Anna of Billerica. Bobby is also survived by an aunt and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Revere Society for Cultural & Historic Preservation, 108 Beach St., Revere, MA 02151.

Nancy Elise Levesque

Longtime nurse who cherished her family, faith, and friends above all

Nancy Elise (Reynolds) Levesque of Wolfeboro, NH, formerly of Winthrop, daughter of the late Paul and Florence (Vincente) Reynolds passed away peacefully on July 2 with her family by her side. She was 57 years old.

Nancy was a graduate of Winthrop High School, class of 1977.  She graduated from Northeastern University with a medical technology degree, and then received a degree in nursing from Labouré College.  She touched many lives during her long nursing career at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Tufts New England Medical Center, the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, and Lakes Region General Hospital.

She was a kind, loving, and generous person, and had a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.  Nancy was an avid reader, she was active in community affairs, and she was a strong believer in the power of random acts of kindness.  Having grown up in Winthrop, she hada love for the ocean, but also felt at peace during her time on Coffee Pond in Maine, and in Wolfeboro, NH.  She cherished her family, faith, and friends above all and her spirit and strength will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Nancy was the devoted mother of Nicole Levesque.  She was the beloved sister of Jean (Reynolds) Dion of Winthrop, the late Rev. Paul Reynolds, and the late Carole Reynolds.  She was the loving aunt of Robert, Matthew, and Andrew Dion.  Nancy was the cherished fiancé of Charles Osborne of Marblehead.  She is also survived by her beloved dog, Snowball.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Boston Children’s Hospital.

Alan Peabody

Winthrop Beautification activist

Alan W. Peabody, age 61, passed away peacefully on July 7 after a brief illness.

Alan was a lifelong golfer and diehard fan of Boston sports, including a Red Sox ticketholder. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving from 1975 to 1976. Alan’s family and friends cherished his ability to share laughter and joy; for his steadfast friendship and genuine kindness.

Alan and his wife, Betty,  traveled extensively.  Their zest for life attracted friends everywhere they went.

Alan retired from Delta Airlines after 32 years and turned his gardening hobby into a business, planting both residential and community gardens.  As longtime Winthrop residents, Alan and Betty shared a commitment to beautifying the community, which included Alan receiving a Visual Achievement Award from the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce in 2006. Alan’s interest in enhancing the town of Winthrop became an avocation for him. Alan’s efforts inspired many other residents in this endeavor.

Alan leaves his loving wife of 31 years, Betty (Nicolas) Peabody and a large family of six brothers: James and his wife, Kathleen Peabody of Marblehead, Charles and his wife, Marion Peabody of Lynnfield, Stephen and his wife, Sally Peabody of Andover, Mark Peabody of Byfield, Kenneth Peabody of Everett and Richard (deceased) and Barbara Peabody of Saugus. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Noreen C. (Crowe) Peabody and is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop, today,  Thursday, July 13 between 4 and 7:30 p.m. with a brief service beginning at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers and food, donations can be made in Alan’s honor to the Winthrop Food Pantry, 222 Bowdoin St, Winthrop, MA. 02152. For guestbook and directions, please visit: www.mauricekirbyfh.com.

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