Obituaries

Calandrello, Nicola A. “Nick”

November 8th, 2011 | Guest Book »
Nicola A. Calandrello, “Nick”, age 80, of Andover, MA, died peacefully at home on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
 
Nick was born on June 10, 1931, in Waltham, MA, he was the cherished only child of Joseph and Margaret (Juliano) Calandrello. Nick moved with his family to Wilmington as a young boy and worked on the family farm for several years. The family returned to Waltham where Nick finished his education, graduating from Waltham High School.  He furthered his education at Northeastern University in Boston and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine in Orono with the Class of 1957.
 
Nick was well known for his brilliant mind, he started his career as a chemical engineer for National Transistor Company, but soon he ventured out on his own and opened his own electronics company, American Power Devices in Andover.
 
Nick’s was a very hard worker, often working seven days a week, his company specialized in semiconductors as well as other electronic chips, they were way ahead of their time.
 
The company ran smoothly with Nick at the helm, before he retired after more than twenty years of dedicated service.
 
Nick was also very proud of his Military Service during the Korean War. He was a First Sergeant, National Guard Infantry, 182nd Regimental Combat Team, Company F. Nick made many life-long friends through his time in the National Guard and continued to keep in touch through the many reunions that he attended.
 
In his spare time, Nick enjoyed traveling with his wife and family and he also learned to play bridge. He and his wife partnered at a local bridge club and became masters at the game.
 
Nick will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his family, he was a wonderful husband, devoted father, and a loving grandfather, he was always there for his family and would lend a hand whenever he could.
 
Nick was deeply loved by those around him and will be greatly missed.
 
Nick was the beloved husband of Maria (Kerekgyarto) Calandrello, devoted father of Diane L. Stamper and her husband John of Cambridge and Nicola A. Calandrello, Jr. of Andover, he was the loving “Grandpa Nick” of Mark Robinton and his wife Meg of Lebanon, NH and Sheryl Robinton of Kaloa, Hawaii.
 
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, for Visitation on Friday, November 11th from 12-1 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m.

Precopio, Vito J.

November 7th, 2011 | Guest Book »
Vito Joseph Precopio, age 89, of Wilmington, died Sunday, November 6, 2011, at the Wilmington Health Care Center. Vito was born, raised, and educated in East Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Leo and Mary (Sweeney) Precopio.
 
He was inducted into the United States Army on November 3, 1942. Vito served overseas and was a Medical Technician with the Det. Medical Department 86th General Hospital. Vito received many commendations for his service and was honorably discharged on February 12, 1946, returning home to East Boston.
 
Prior to retiring, Vito worked as a Window Dresser for the S. S. Pierce Company in Boston as well as several other retail companies.
 
He married Elizabeth M. Wirth 56 years ago and the couple lived in Allston for a few years before moving to Wilmington over 50 years ago. Vito and Elizabeth were members of the Wilmington Senior Center.
 
In his spare time, Vito loved to fix things and was a “Jack of all trades”, he enjoyed watching the Red Sox, and he was a good cook. Vito was also an animal lover and helped them whenever he could.
 
Vito is survived by his wife Elizabeth M. Precopio and was predeceased by his parents and many brothers and sisters.
 
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Wednesday, November 9th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main Street (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Memorial donations in Vito’s name may be made to the Wilmington Senior Center, 15 School Street, Wilmington, MA 01887.

Sullivan, Dennis P.

November 5th, 2011 | Guest Book »

Dennis P. Sullivan, age 47, of Lowell, formerly of Wilmington, died peacefully surrounded by his family, at home on November 5, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Dennis was born in Somerville, MA, on December 24, 1963, he was the cherished son of Daniel F., Sr. and Evelyn B. (Shorey) Sullivan.  He lived in Somerville for a few years before moving to Wilmington as a young boy.

Dennis was educated in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington High School, he went on to continue his education at ITT Technical Institute where he studied auto mechanics.   Dennis loved working on cars, it was a life-long passion of his, he was always helping his father in the garage from the time he was a young boy.  Dennis made a career as an auto mechanic until his illness forced his retirement.
 
Dennis was an avid Boston Bruins Fan, he watched the Bruins faithfully and was elated at this last Stanley Cup win. 
 
Dennis had a love of dogs, he had all different types of dogs, each one name after a Bruins players past and present.
 
Dennis will be fondly remembered for his love of music and his devotion to his family, he thoroughly enjoyed the holidays and family celebrations, spending time with his family, and he loved being a “Papa” to his grandchildren.
Dennis fought hard to overcome his illness, he showed strength and courage, never giving up, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Dennis was the beloved husband of Janean (Worley) Bordeleau Sullivan, cherished son of  Daniel F., Sr. and Evelyn B. (Shorey) Sullivan of Wilmington,
dear brother of Daniel F. Sullivan, Jr. & his wife Lorie of Wilmington, Debby A. Richard & her late husband Mark of Methuen, Marty J. Sullivan & his wife
Mary of Chandler, AZ, David M. Sullivan & his wife Liz of Wilmington, Donald M. Sullivan & his fiance Ashley Schnock of Mesa, AZ, devoted father of Renee J. Hanson
of Lowell and Angelique J. Bordeleau of Nashua, NH, loving “Papa” of Caleb, Ayla, Brendan, and Bryanna, wonderful uncle of Matthew, Daniel F. III, and Erin Sullivan, Matt, Mike, and Mark Daniel Richard, Kelly, Kyle, Kevin, Keith, Kimberly, Kathryn, Kristin, Kameron, and Kara Sullivan.  Dennis is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, November 10th at 9:00 a.m. followed by
a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m.  Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visiting hours
Wednesday, November 9th from 4-8 p.m.  Memorial donations in Dennis’ name may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, 540 Gallivan Blvd., Suite 200, Boston, MA  02124

Arvanitis, John P.

October 31st, 2011 | Guest Book »
Arvanitis, John P., age 83, of Wilmington, passed away on October 31, 2011.  Beloved husband of Dwyna A. (Mattinson) Arvanitis, devoted father of John B. Arvanitis and his wife Tracy of Wilmington, Carrie A. Whalley and her husband David of Southwick, and Peter D. Arvanitis and his wife Cherylann of Epsom,NH, loving grandfather of David Whalley, Rachel Garvey, Daniel Whalley, John Arvanitis, Emily Arvanitis, Katherine Arvanitis, Christopher Arvanitis, and great-grandson Ian Garvey, dear son of the late Peter and Anthe (Drugas) Arvanitis, brother of the late James Arvanitis and Debbie Serfes.  John is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, November 3rd from 4-8 p.m.  John’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 4th at 10:00 a.m. in the Wilmington United Methodist Church, 87 Church St., Wilmington, MA  01887.  Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  It is the family’s request that donations in John’s memory be made to the Wilmington United Methodist Church.    U. S. Army Veteran, Korean War.   Owner of the Epsom Valley Campground, Epsom, NH.

Champey, Joseph A.

October 30th, 2011 | Guest Book »
Joseph A.Champey, age 71, of Cambridge, residing in Wilmington for the last nine years, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at the Winchester Hospital.
 
Joe was born and raised in Cambridge, MA, and was the cherished son of Ralph and Clementina (Mancusi) Champey.
 
Joe enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged from active service in October of 1962, but continued serving the country in the Army Reserves.
 
Joe married his “sweetheart” Margaret “Marge” Patey in March of 1970, they lived in Cambridge and raised two beautiful children. Joe and Marge celebrated of 41 great years of marriage, making many memories to last for generations to come.
 
Joe was a hard worker, he was one of the founders of Sign Fabricators Company, Inc. in Wilmington, where he worked countless hours to build his business and his reputation, his sign work could be seen all over Wilmington, Burlington Mall, Boston, and various cities and towns in New England. Joe was very well respected in his industry and made countless life-long friends through work.
 
Joe will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his family, friends, and co-workers. He always treated everyone with kindness and respect, he was a true gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him.
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Joe was the beloved husband of Margaret R. (Patey) “Marge” Champey, devoted father of Jamie E. Champey and his wife Debbie of Wilmington and the late Tanya M. (Champey) MacDonald and her husband Ralph MacDonald of Arlington, loving “Papa” of Shaun and Dylan Champey and Vivian Rose MacDonald, dear brother of Robert “Butch” Champey of Cambridge, brother-in-law of Jimmy, Eric, Kenneth, Stephen and Christopher Patey and Sheila Nickell, Joe also survived by many nieces, nephews and countless friends in the sign trade.
 
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, November 3rd at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Visiting hours Wednesday, November 2nd from 4-7 p.m.

Blair, Mark W. “Wally”

October 26th, 2011 | Guest Book »
Blair, Mark W. “Wally”, age 42, a life-long resident of Wilmington, died peacefully on October 26, 2011, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, following a courageous 6 year battle with cancer. Mark was a graduate of Wilmington High School Class of 1987, Northeast Career Schools, and New England Tractor Trailer Institute. Mark was the cherished only son of Mildred (Kennedy) and the late Wallace Blair of Wilmington, beloved brother of Janet Blair and her husband Robert Mulloney of Tewksbury, Barbara Bost and her husband Mark of Sterling, VA, and the late Judy Brunelle, brother-in-law of Michael Brunelle of Manchester, NH, loving uncle of Taylor Brunelle, Mark is also survived by his Fed-Ex Freight Family in the North Billerica Terminal.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Saturday, October 29th from 10 a.m. – 12 Noon with a service to follow. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Donations in Mark’s memory can be made to Winchester Hospital Oncology Center, 620 Washington Street, Winchester, MA 01890. The family requests in Mark’s honor and love of sports that you please wear your favorite Boston Sports team shirt, jacket, or other team attire.

Abraham, Charles M.

October 23rd, 2011 | Guest Book »

Charles M. Abraham, Jr., “Chuck”, age 66, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 23, 2011, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.  Charles was born on February 14, 1945 in Natick, MA and was the son of the late Charles M, Sr. and Eleanor (Williams) Abraham.  He was raised in Holliston and was  a graduate of Holliston High School.  Chuck enlisted in the United States Navy in February of 1966 and honorably served the country until he was discharged in February of 1970.  He returned home and continued his education at New Bedford Tech and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.  Charles was currently employed as a mechanical engineer for the Jacobs Engineering, but he was also a dependable and valued former employee of the Charles T. Main Company, Stone and Webster, and AEI. 
Charles was married to his sweetheart, the late Nancy A. (Downes), on December 28, 1974 in Wakefield.  The couple moved to Wilmington in 1976.  They loved spending time together and traveled a lot.  The couple traveled the world, reaching Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Alaska, Hawaii and many islands along the way.  They traveled throughout the United States and their favorite place to go was Martha’s Vineyard.  Aside from traveling, Charles loved spending time with his cats, Taz, Scooter, Brady and Tinkerbell, they were his babies. 
Being an engineer, Charles had a love for model trains.  He was a member of the Washaukam Valley Live Steamers, a model train club, of which he served as President.  Charles also loved following sports, and was an avid Patriots and Red Sox Fan.
Charles will be remembered for his quiet nature, he was gentle giant, a big teddy bear with the heart of gold, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Charles was the beloved husband of the late Nancy A. (Downes) Abraham.  He was the cherished son of the late Charles M. Sr., and Eleanor (Williams) Abraham. 
Charles is survived by his step mother, Romaine Abraham of Franklin.  He is the dear brother of Cynthia Bastarache and her husband Norman of Petersburgh, NY and Maryellen Abraham of Clinton, MA.  Charles was the loving uncle of Richard Spencer, Jean Paul Bastarache and Lisa Bastarache, and great uncle of Zachary and Kaitlynn Spencer.
 
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service on Thursday, October 27th at 1:00 p.m. in the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington.  Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 26th from 4-8 p.m.  Memorial donations in Charles’ name may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA  01701.

Wayman, William C. “Bill”

October 22nd, 2011 | Guest Book »

William C. “Bill” Wayman, age 50, of Wilmington, died suddenly on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Born in Arlington on November 12, 1960, Bill was the beloved son of Charles J., Sr. and Patricia E. (Lawler) Wayman.  Bill was raised in Wilmington and was part of the Wilmington Youth Hockey Program.  Bill then attended Shawsheen Technical High School where he studied the HVAC trade and was a member of the graduating class of 1979. Following high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy.  He was very proud to have served this country during the Persian Gulf War and his military career and being part of the Seabees were a great part of his life. Aside from his career in the military, Bill also loved his other job of working at Rocco’s Restaurant in Wilmington where he had a great time with the staff and made many friends.. 
 
Bill enjoyed following sports, he loved to watch NASCAR racing and was an avid Patriots fan.  He liked to play pool and cards, his game of choice was Texas Hold ‘Em.  Among other things, Bill could also be found singing Karaoke every Saturday night with his sister and her husband, he had a great time.  Bill enjoyed hanging out with his beloved dog “Iris” and watching law enforcement shows, mainly NCIS and Law and Order.
 
Bill will be fondly remembered as a kind and caring person, he loved his family and enjoyed hanging out with them.  Bill will also be remembered for his inner strength, even when his health declined he hung in there and made the best of his life, he truly set an amazing example for those around him.  He will be greatly missed by all.
 
Bill is survived by his parents Charles J., Sr. and Patricia E. (Lawler) Wayman of Wilmington.  He was the cherished brother of Donna J. Wayman of Wilmington, Lynne M. Hurley of New Hampshire, Karen A. Wayman-Ward & her husband Mark and Patricia A. Wayman-Fone & her husband Stanley all of Billerica, and Charles J. “Chuck” Wayman, Jr. & his wife Kelly of Ontonagon, MI. Loving uncle of Danielle and Eric Hurley, Allison Bishop-Smith, Courtney Bishop, Dylan and Griffin Ward, Rachel Hewitt, Ryan Wayman, Brendan Wayman, Brittany and Matthew Fone, and his great-nephews Taylor Szalay and Trevor  Wayman. Bill is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his beloved dog Iris.
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Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Wednesday, October 26th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Tuesday, October 25th from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Bill’s name may be made to The National Brain Tumor Society, Boston Office, 124 Watertown St., Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472 or www.braintumor.org..

Gately, Robert C. “Bob”

October 20th, 2011 | Guest Book »
Robert C. “Bob”Gately, age 57, of Wilmington, formerly of Woburn, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 20, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer.
 
Bob was born on January 9, 1954 in Woburn, MA, he was the dear son of Theresa P. (Flaherty) and the late Thomas E. Gately of Woburn. Bob grew up in Woburn, he was a communicant of St. Charles Church, and was educated at St. Charles School.
 
Following High School, Bob entered the United States Marines on May 25, 1972, during the Vietnam War. Bob loved being a Marine, he was very proud of being an American and for serving the Country.
 
Bob was a hard worker, a handy craftsman, and a talented mason, he worked in the Construction Industry until his illness forced his retirement. Bob could build anything with wood and was very proud of the many stone walls he created.
 
In his spare time, Bob loved to spend time with his family and friends, he enjoyed vacationing at Old Orchard Beach in Maine, he loved going to the beach, and just relaxing. Bob vacationed to Hawaii, it was his favorite trip, he was just taken back by the beauty of the flowers and beaches.
 
Bob also loved the holidays, especially Christmas, he would load the car up with family and friends and drive from town to town looking at the light displays.
 
Bob will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, being a prankster, his love for children and his zest for life, he will be greatly missed by all.
 
Bob was the beloved husband of Nancy R. (Pizzano) Gately, father of Michael Wollinger, Kim Wollinger, Donny Pappalardo & his wife Jacquie, Alisha Votto & her husband Dave, Jamie Dillon, and Shannon Gately, brother of Thomas Gately & his wife Charleen of Wilmington and Theresa DeCosta & her husband Tony of Woburn, “Papa” of Nikki, Kylie, Madison, Skylar, and Lucas. Bob is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Monday, October 24th at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Sunday, October 23rd from 4-8 p.m. Memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to Local Heroes, Inc., P. O. Box 536, Wilmington, MA 01887.

Downs, Elizabeth V. “Betty”

October 6th, 2011 | Guest Book »
Elizabeth V. “Betty” (Akins) Downs, age 84, a long-time resident of Wilmington, died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Thursday, October 6, 2011. Betty was born on May 10, 1927 in Winchester, MA, she spent her early years in Reading, MA and moved to Wilmington when she was about 9 years old. Betty was the cherished only child of Wilfred “Bill” and Elizabeth (MacLellan) Andrews. Betty was educated in the Wilmington Public Schools where she made life-long friends and graduated Wilmington High School with the Class of 1945.
 
Betty married the “love of her life” Francis E. Downs, Sr. on January 8, 1948, together they raised five children, enjoyed many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, provided a loving home, and made many memories to share for generations to come. Betty was undoubtedly devoted to her family, she loved her children unconditionally and was always there for them, she not only taught them how to love one another but also the importance of family. When her children were young, the family took many trips together to the Maine Coast, Niagra Falls, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, Canada, the family remembers Betty always singing on the long car rides and teaching the children her favorite songs. As her family grew, Betty taught them to be responsible adults and when they married she welcomed the “in-laws” and became “Mom” to everyone.
 
Betty treasured being a grandmother and great-grandmother she always had an “open door” policy for them and their friends and she always knew how to make others feel welcome. Betty was very proud of her family and their accomplishments, in her home is a “Memory Lane” hallway that is filled with photographs of different times in her life that were important and if that wasn’t enough, she cataloged thousands of pictures of the many good times that she had with her family and friends.
 
Betty’s career as a talented writer and a hard worker started many, many years ago. Betty first entered her profession as a correspondent at the Wilmington Crusader Newspaper in 1951 where she worked along with Captain Larz Neilson, together they worked there for four years before Captain Larz went out on his own to start the Wilmington Town Crier. Betty stayed with the Crusader until the mid 1960’s when she took a position as a type setter at the Town Crier for Captain Larz. Betty, also fondly known as BeeDee to her co-workers, also wrote a column known as “Bits and Pieces” which was made up of short news items such as birthdays, anniversaries, or special accomplishments of the residents of Wilmington and Tewksbury and she also headed the “obituaries section” of the newspaper for many years. Betty worked at the Town Crier for over 40 years and was honored as a dedicated and loyal employee following her retirement in 2003.
 
In her spare time, Betty enjoyed sewing and crocheting, she was always making something for someone. She was an avid VHS video collector and ahead of her time with the video stores, Betty had countless videos that she shared with family and friends but she also had a log book to keep track of her collection, you had to sign one out and could not borrow another until you returned the one you borrowed, Video Paradise had nothing on Betty.
 
Betty also liked to visit yard sales, where she found treasures for herself as well as others and was a huge collector of depression glass.
 
Betty had a fondness for children and animals especially dogs, she was a huge supporter of St. Jude’s Shrine and PAWS for Life.
Betty will be remembered as a person who was quiet in nature and had a huge heart, she was loving, giving, caring, and kind. Betty would help anyone in need not expecting anything in return. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, co-worker, and friend who will be truly missed by all.
 
Betty was the beloved wife of 63 years to Francis E. Downs, Sr., devoted mother of Wilfred F. “Bill” Downs & his wife Beverly of Lowell, Glenna Feeley & her husband John of Alton, NH, Francis E. “Frank” Downs, Jr. & his wife Pamela of Wilmington, Andrew “Mack” Downs & his wife Danielle of Pelham, NH, and the late Phyllis Hagen & her husband Joseph “Butch” of Delaware, loving grandmother of Tina Allen, Wilfred F. II, Michael, Patrick, Courtney, and Timothy Downs, Joseph and Andrea Barnes, Dereck and Stephen Downs, Ben and Travis Downs, Jarred and Jason Hagan, Jacob and Christine Downs, and great-grandchildren John, Dillon, Angelina, Jaylyn, Natasha, Devin, Matthew, and Lylah. Betty is also survived by her Maid of Honor and life long friend Mabel Manning and her cousin Thomas MacFeeley as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
 
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Home Service on Tuesday, October 11th at 11:00 a.m. in the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Monday, October 10th from 3-7 p.m. Memorial donations in Betty’s name may be made to Nationwide Center for St. Jude Devotions 512 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-1896 or to PAWS for Life, P. O. Box 11208, Pueblo, CO 81001.
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