Obituaries 08-24-2017

Nicholas Karnakis

Retired US Navy Commander

Nicholas Karnakis of Vienna, VA, formerly of Winthrop, died peacefully on March 8, 2017

in INOVA Fairfax Hospital with his wife Nancy Nix-Karnakis and brother Andrew Karnakis of Medfield at his side. He was 85 years old.

He was born in Astoria, NY and in 1946 his family moved to Winthrop. He loved his adopted Winthrop home and Cape Cod. He served in the US Air Force National Guard while attending Northeastern University. Upon graduation in 1956, he joined the Navy and became a naval flight officer, retiring in 1983 with the rank of Commander. He was a Navy man to his core. Following his retirement, he joined Grumman Data Systems as Marketing Director focusingon Navy and Marine command and control systems.

He was predeceased by his father and

mother, Thomas and Stavroula Karnakis, brother, Louis and sister, Helen Vasilos. He is survived

by his wife, Nancy, his brother, Andrew and by many nieces and nephews.

A divine liturgy will be held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington DC on Tuesday, September 19 at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saint Sophia Orthodox

Cathedral or the charity of your choice. Online condolences and fond memories of Commander

Karnakis may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com

Thomas William Heard

Of Charlestown, formerly of Winthrop

Thomas William Heard of Charlestown, formerly of Winthrop, died of natural causes on Sunday, August 13. He was 59 years old.

The son of the late William and Martha Heard, a brother, David R. Heard, predeceased him.  He is survived by his sisters: Ruth and her husband, Thomas Kaczynski, Pamela McCarthy and her husband, John, Claudia Rossetti and her husband, Stephen and Terry Heard and his sister-in-law, Gloria Heard.

Funeral services are private and will be determined at a later date.

Anthony Rossetti

63 Year co-proprietor of Publix Shoe

in Winthrop Centre

Anthony F. “Tony” Rossetti of Hermon Street, Winthrop passed away at the Winthrop Place on August 12. He was 89 years old.

Born in Boston, he was the beloved son of the late Theresa (Rodophele) and Nicholas Rossetti. A resident of Winthrop or over 70 years, he served in the US Army for a short time reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he, along with his late brother, Louis, went on to become the proprietors of Publix Shoe in Winthrop Center for over 63 years. He was also a member of the Winthrop Son’s of Italy Mixed Lodge.

He was the loving companion of Janice George of Winthrop and the dear brother of the late Rose DeGrazia, Louis Rossetti, George Rossetti, Mary Lunetta, Fred Rossetti and Ernest Rossetti. He was also the beloved uncle of Gary, Roy, Jack and Donna.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home on Saturday, August 19, 2017 followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Winthrop. Rev. Peter Graziano celebrated the mass and offered prayers at the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the WINOSIA Charitable and Educational Trust 1140 Saratoga St., East Boston MA 02128. To sign the online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.


Joseph ‘Jay’ Cordes, IV

Verizon Lineman

Joseph I. “Jay” Cordes, IV, of Winthrop, passed away on August 17. He was 48 years old.

Jay was employed by Verizon working as a lineman

He was the devoted father of Joseph I. “Joey” Cordes V of Chelsea and Amanda Y. Cordes of Winthrop. Born in Everett, he was the

cherished son of the late Joseph I “Skipper” and Margaret A. “Pegge” (Conley) Cordes; dear brother of Kristin M. Cordes of Winthrop and adored uncle of Joseph MacDonald of Winthrop. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral arrangements were from the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop. A Funeral Mass was held in St. John the Evangelist Church-Winthrop at 10am. Interment followed in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle

Isle Section). Donations can be made to the American Heart Assn. 300 5th Ave, Waltham,  MA 02451. For guestbook, please  visit: www.mauricekirbyfh.com

Dana Ripley

Self-employed roofer and youth sports coach

Dana J. Ripley died on Sunday, August 13 at Tufts Medica lCenter in Boston. He was 58 years old.

The loving husband of Sharon (Giudice) Ripley, he was born and raised in Winthrop, the son of Joseph Ripley of Lynn and

Anne Ripley of Winthrop.

Dana worked as a self-employed roofer and coached Saugus Little League, basketball and soccer.  He   was   well   loved   by   his friends and always would light up a room.   Dana   loved   cooking, golf, gardening, and motorcycles. He was an excellent PB and loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Dana leaves three beloved sons: D.J. Ripley and his wife, Cara, Craig Ripley and his wife, Melissa, Shane   Ripley   and   his   wife, Carlee; six   cherished   grandchildren: Regan,   Danika,   Jordyn,   Zoey,   Alara​ and Bentley and two sisters: Kerry Ripley and Tracy O’Brien.

Irene Francis Sirianni

Of Florida, formerly of Winthrop

Irene Francis (Corso) Sirianni, 81, of The Villages, FL, passed away on Sunday, August 20. On this day, we lost our loving mother/grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease.

During her younger years, Irene worked for the Red Sox Organization.  She was always able to have tickets to games available for her children and friends to enjoy.  Later she worked for the telephone company which eventually became Verizon.  After retiring from Verizon, she relocated from Winthrop to The Villages, Florida where she enjoyed the active lifestyle.  When not working, she enjoyed cooking for her children, grandchildren, and any visitors that walked through the doors.

She was the loving wife to the late Michael J. Sirianni, mother to Michael and Kathy Sirianni, Dolores and Lenny Lezzot, Anthony and Karen Sirianni and Angela and Raymond Shaefer, and grandmother to seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Services will be private with family.  Prayers are asked for all who suffer with this disease. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, http://alz.org/. Online condolences may be sent at hiers-baxley.com. Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral and Cremation, Buffalo Ridge.

Norma Inza

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our dear Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and Friend, Norma Inza.

Norma left her physical body and passed away peacefully at home with family by her side after a seven month battle with cancer. She fought that battle with the grace, dignity, courage and strength that she showed us all during her 91 years of vibrant life.

Norma continued to make all of her own decisions and remain with conscious clarity in full control of all aspects of her life until her final day. Her spirit now joins her loved ones who predeceased her, including her parents: Anthony Campiglia and Giovanna (Ricci), her husband, John C. Inza and her beloved sister, Marie Martorano. She is survived by her loving children, John S. Inza and his wife, Sharon, Alicia Inza and Jeffrey Inza, her granddaughter Ashley, nieces Janet and Laura and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends who will never forget her.

Norma will be remembered for her style, wit and sarcasm, strength, toughness, legendary meals and the fierce support, loyalty and unconditional love of her family. Our family especially wishes to thank her extraordinary caregiver Stella Matteson who provided such wonderful care during the last five months of her life and allowed her to be able to control all aspects of her life as she wished. We also wish to thank the wonderful staff at Melrose Wakefield Hospital, and the entire team at Hallmark Hospice, and her special nurses, Lenaya, Pam, and Elena, who compassionately supported and guided us all every step of the way.

Rest in Peace dear Norma, your work is done here, until we meet again.

The funeral service was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Wednesday, August 23 followed by graveside services in the Cross Street section of Winthrop Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hallmark Hospice 178 Savin St., Suite 300, Malden MA 02148.To sign the online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

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