Obituary: Alexander Joseph Haraden

Alexander Joseph Haraden, at 29

Alex Haraden of St. Petersburg, Florida died unexpectedly on September 25, 2026. He was only 29 years old. 

Alex was born on July 15, 1997. He graduated from Joe E. Newsome High School in Lithia, Florida, and served as a deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. A great example of a citizen soldier, Alex followed his father and brothers into military service. He was a member of Bravo Company, 2nd 124th Infantry of the Florida National Guard.
Anyone who had even the briefest interaction with Alex would remember his wit, his infectious smile, and his ability to entertain and inform by telling a story. These skills were part of the reason for his quick ascent from criminal justice specialist to the police academy and, ultimately, to patrol deputy – a job he loved. While serving as a criminal justice specialist, he was awarded a gold star for saving the life of a Safe Harbor resident by jumping to his aid and performing CPR even though he had no formal training – an ultimate act of service. Despite the apparent “tough guy” image of an infantryman and a law enforcement officer, he was truly compassionate. He loved his friends and family and all creatures great and small. He had the unique ability to make anyone feel welcome anywhere, and he is well known for standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. 

He will be missed most by his best friends in the world, his loving wife – and fellow PCSO deputy – Melanie, his twin brother Van, and his older brother Nick. Melanie was a perfect match for Alex, and the shenanigans of the Haraden boys (and their cronies) are part of their hometown Fishhawk Ranch legend.

Alex is survived by his wife, Melanie, of St. Petersburg. He is also survived by his mother, Pierette Trundy, and her husband, Mike, of Seminole, Florida; his father, Tim, and his wife, Kirsten, of Hull; his twin brother, Van, and his wife, Dani, of St. Petersburg; and his older brother, Nick, his wife Sophie, and their daughter, Layla, of Clover, South Carolina. His stepsisters Olivia and Ava Hutchinson of Hull and Caitlin (Portland, Oregon) and Colleen (Chicago) Trundy also will miss him dearly. Alex was influenced heavily while growing up by his uncle, Jay Gibert (Melinda) of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and his two grandmothers, Joanne Haraden of Hull and Ann Myrl Gibert of Woodruff, South Carolina. His uncles, Pat Haraden (Michelle) of Norwell and Chris Haraden (Marilyn) of Hanover also were great role models. He also leaves behind many cousins in Massachusetts and South Carolina. 

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 6 at 10 a.m. at the Central Christian Church, 6161 22nd Avenue North, St Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GoFundMe account at https://gofund.me/e2b1bf17d.

The Haraden family would like to thank the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office for their incredible support during this difficult time.

Obituary: John J. Abraham

John J. Abraham, at 80

John J. (Jack) Abraham of Hull, son of the late John and Mary Abraham, passed away on September 19, 2026. 

Jack leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Rita M. (Bowes) of Hull, his sons Gregory (wife, Laura) of New Jersey and Daniel (wife, Melissa) of Abington. He was the loving Papa of Dylan, Kayla, Grace, and Nora. He is survived by brothers Paul (partner, Joe Trepiccione) of Charlestown and Mark (wife, Fran) of Plymouth, and his sister-in-law Susan Cooney of Vermont. He was the uncle of Danielle McCuster and Shannon and Glen Cooney. He leaves behind his lifelong O.F.D. friends and many more friends and relatives. 

Jack graduated from Boston Technical High School and went on to serve six years in the U S Coast Guard reserves. He retired after 38 years with the Boston Edison, where he was very active in his union (Local 369). His fun times were skiing, fishing, and coaching Hull youth soccer and hockey. He was the #1 fan of his boys’ baseball and football teams.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday, September 28 from 12-3 p.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jack’s memory to a charity of your choosing. 

Obituary: Marjorie Jean Sullivan

Marjorie Jean Sullivan, at 86

A loving mother and grandmother, Marjorie “Marge” Sullivan, 86, of Hull, died on September 12, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston surrounded by family.

Marge Sullivan, nee Nichols, was born in Milton to Walter and Martha Nichols in the fall of 1940. After graduating from Hingham High School, Marge went on to graduate from the University of Vermont with a degree in nursing, eventually finishing her long career with more than 20 years of service at Milton Hospital. She spent many years as an active resident of Crow Point in Hingham before moving across Hingham Bay to Hull’s Sunset Point in 2000, ensuring she would always have a view of her beloved Hingham Bay.

Marge was a pillar in every community she joined. She was a proud member of the Hull Garden Club, Puritan Bridge Club, and taught knitting at the Hull and Hingham senior centers. She was a devoted member of St. Nicholas United Methodist Church in Hull and spent many years on numerous committees. Marge held a lifelong passion for knitting, sewing, and many other crafts. She could always be found with her latest knitting project close at hand, especially as she attended every Hull town meeting, which she joyfully called “town knitting.”

Marjorie will be deeply missed, as she leaves behind so many devoted friends and family members. Marjorie’s memory lives on through her daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Mark Brown, and her beloved grandchildren: Joshua Sullivan and his wife, Kylie Sullivan; Peyton Brown and his fiancée, Hayden Richardson; Troy Brown, and Kelly Pontillo and her husband, Tobin Pontillo. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Maloney, and brother, Warren Nichols.

Marge is reunited with her late sons, Christopher and Peter Sullivan, her lifelong best friend Ester Knight, and her forever companion and cousin Joan Seville, along with many other loved ones.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 4-7 p.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond Street, Hingham. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas United Methodist Church, 128 Spring St., Hull. Burial will be private and held on a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Nicholas United Methodist Church.

For the online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Dianne Monaghan

Dianne Monaghan, at 67

Dianne Monaghan, 67, of Hull, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026. She leaves her children, Elyse Brunke, Kara Brunke, and Robert Monaghan III, and grandsons Tyler Paananen and Charles Taylor. 

Dianne was the longtime companion of Harvey Glikin, loving partner of the late Charles Brunke, and widow of Robert Monaghan, Jr. She was the sister of Mary Wardrop, Karen Hanson, and the late Dell Schwalm, and is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dianne loved the beach, New Hampshire, and was affectionately known as “the Moose Whisperer.” She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

For additional information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Diane E. Walsh

Diane E. Walsh, at 77

Diane E. (Rizzo) Walsh, a longtime Hull resident, passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2026 at the age of 77. Diane grew up in Everett and in 1976 moved to Hull, where she made her home and became a beloved part of the community.

For 40 years, Diane proudly served as a “Hull Lunch Lady” at the Memorial School, where she was loved and well-known by generations of students, families, and staff. She retired in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and countless memories.

Diane loved spending time with her family and friends and could always be counted on to bring laughter to any gathering. She enjoyed a nice glass of wine, telling jokes, and spending time with the many dogs she loved throughout the years. More than anything, Diane adored being Grammy. Her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life, and she loved watching them cheerlead, dance, and play football. She was always their biggest cheerleader and took tremendous pride in everything they did. Diane was a treasured soul, the life of every party, and a woman with one of the sweetest and biggest hearts anyone could know.

Diane leaves behind the love of her life, her husband of 54 years, Thomas (Tom) Walsh; her daughter, Jennifer McGowan and her husband, Sean McGowan, of Hull; her son, Thomas Walsh and his wife, Aimee Walsh, of Leominster; and her three beloved grandchildren, Erica and Colby McGowan and Thomas Walsh. She also leaves her sister, Gina Grow and her husband, Patrick, of Salem, New Hampshire; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Theresa and Bob Stewart of Stanley, North Carolina, and John and Maria Walsh of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Diane was predeceased by her parents, Gaetano and Florence Rizzo, and her beloved granddaughter, Avalina Walsh.

Diane will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her 77 years. Her laughter, kindness, generosity, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham, followed by a funeral at noon at the funeral home. After the service, everyone is invited to gather to honor Diane’s memory; specific location details will be announced by her family at the service.

Obituary: Astrid Ruth Cahill

Astrid Ruth Cahill, at 86 

It is with heavy heart that the family of Astrid Ruth (Anderson) Cahill, formerly of Hull, shares news of her passing on August 19, 2026, in Dickson County, Tennessee.

Astrid was the daughter of the late Evans and Margaret Anderson of Boston. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward Cahill, in 2002 and is survived by her children Denise Perry, Kathryn Tierney, Michael Cahill, and Kristine Brooks, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Astrid touched many lives with her love, kindness, and generosity. If life is measured in moments, not months or years, she lived a hundred lifetimes, and her spirit will remain with us always.

Obituary: Lois I. Lichtenberger

Lois I. Lichtenberger, at 86

Lois I. Lichtenberger of Hull, 86, passed away at home on August 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Lois was the daughter of the late G. Wallace McMonagle and Vera (Waterhouse) McMonagle. Lois is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Ronald Lichtenberger; her children, Janice Lichtenberger and her partner, Richard Morris; Linda Lichtenberger; and Paul Lichtenberger, all of Hull. She is also survived by her sister, Janice Kroboth, and her husband, Thomas Kroboth, of Colorado; and Bryant Hamer of Vermont, as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Alice Hamer.

Lois was born on August 26, 1939. She graduated from Hingham High School in 1957, then worked as a switchboard operator for the Town of Hull. Married in 1959, she left the town hall to become a homemaker and raise her family.
Lois loved the Boston Red Sox. She had the biggest heart for all animals – dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits – and always made sure they were taken care of. Growing up, there were many cats and dogs in her home. Lois enjoyed baking; if you ask family, friends, or neighbors, they would say she made the best chocolate chip cookies.

Our family is deeply grateful to all the devoted caregivers at Croi Health for their care and kindness to Lois.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, August 29, at 11 a.m. at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond Street, Hingham. Interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Croi Health, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061, or Hull Seaside Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 787, Hull, MA 02045.

For more information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Mary Ann Tripoli Mitchell

Mary Ann Tripoli Mitchell, at 85

On August 15, 2026, at the age of 85, Mary Ann Tripoli Mitchell passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dominic and Patrice. She leaves behind her loving husband, Robert, daughter Noelle (Dominic), son Timothy, and grandchildren Grace, Sean, and Jack, and her sisters Rose, Dawn, and Johanna.

Born on March 9, 1941, Mary Ann grew up in Yonkers, New York. After graduating from Yonkers High School, she worked as a waitress and administrative assistant. Her family was the most important thing in the world to her, which she expressed with her cooking. Her home-cooked meals were adored by all; she truly enjoyed feeding anyone she could. Her happy spirit shone brightly in everything she did, as did her love and devotion for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Those who knew her will remember her smiling face and optimistic personality. She spent her spare time zipping away on her sewing machine or fluttering around the kitchen working up a masterpiece to share. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday, August 21, from 4-8 p.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, prior to the funeral Mass in the Church of the Resurrection, Hingham, at 10 a.m. Burial in Hull Village Cemetery. Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.

Celebration of Life: Arthur LaRochelle

Celebration of Life – Arthur LaRochelle
The Hull community is invited to a Celebration of Life for Arthur LaRochelle on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Avenue.

Arthur, who passed away on February 17, 2026, spent most of his life in Hull, and worked in the Hull school system for more than 30 years.

We warmly welcome all who knew him – friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members to join us in saying a final goodbye.

For those wishing to send flowers, they may be delivered directly to St. Ann’s Church on the morning of the service.

Obituary: Everett F. Campbell, Jr.

Everett F. Campbell, Jr.

Everett F. Campbell, Jr., 86, of Aiken, South Carolina, formerly of Hull, passed away on July 28, 2026 unexpectedly at home.

Born in Scituate on January 20, 1940, he was the first-born son of the late Everett F. Campbell, Sr. and Ruth (MacDonald) Campbell. Before retiring, he worked for the Town of Braintree school department as a senior custodian. He also worked as a driving instructor while still living in Massachusetts. He maintained his credentials to teach driving his entire life. He was proud to teach students safe driving habits from the beginning.

Everett is survived by his life companion, Edith E. Cram of Aiken, South Carolina. Everett was a well-known local musician known for the Songs ’n’ Tales, Roads ’n’ Rails shows with his beloved jam mates. With Edie and fellow musicians working in harmony, his love of music was publicly performed for the residents and guests of South Carolina. He was a softspoken man who at times would let music speak for him.

He was the beloved father of Beth Murphy and her husband, Patrick; Daniel Campbell and his wife, Hil; and Jennifer Campbell and her partner, David. He was predeceased by his son, Everett F. Campbell, III. Loving brother of John Campbell and his wife, Maureen; Jay Campbell and his partner, Lynda; Kenneth Campbell and his partner, Ann; and Cindie Brennan and her husband, Paul; brother-in-law of Deborah Campbell and Sandra Campbell. He was predeceased by sister Phyliss Kitson and brothers James Campbell and Richard Campbell. Loving grandfather of Andrew, Sean, Joshua, and Nathaniel Campbell. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Visiting hours were held on Sunday, August 9 at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel in Hingham, followed by a funeral home service on Monday, August 10. Burial followed at Hull Village Cemetery.

For the online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Obituary: Ann Trousdale Clapper

Ann Trousdale Clapper, at 75

Ann Trousdale Clapper died August 4, 2026 at The Current South Shore, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was 75. 

Ann grew up on a dairy farm in central Iowa and was the third of four daughters born to Max and Ardith (Cundall) Trousdale in Hampton, Iowa. She was a bright and curious child who always seemed ready for her next adventure. In high school, she joined a rock band, and after college she traveled throughout Europe – early glimpses of the curiosity, independence, and sense of adventure that would stay with her throughout her life.

Ann devoted her professional life to education. Her remarkable career took her from teaching five students in a one-room country schoolhouse in western South Dakota to educational leadership positions across the Midwest and, eventually, to Seoul, South Korea, where she served as director of Korea International School, a pre-K–12 school with 850 students and more than 100 faculty members. She later became an associate professor of practice at North Dakota State University, where she worked with and mentored educators through the Teacher Leader Academy. Her work in education was recognized with numerous awards, including the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service. She retired from North Dakota State University in 2020. 

Retirement brought Ann and Jim to Hull, where she moved in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. It was a new chapter in a new place, and Ann quickly found a sense of belonging in the warmth of the Hull community. She loved the town, the ocean, and the people she met there. Outside of her work, Ann found joy in baking, reading, traveling, and, especially, spending time at the family’s lake place in Minnesota. Some of her family’s favorite memories are of Ann at the big kitchen island, baking with the lake stretching out beyond the windows. There were always yummy treats to share, along with good conversation, laughter, and time together. It was one of the places where Ann was happiest and most at home. Ann had a generosity that made people feel cared for and a sense of humor that could make people laugh even when things were difficult. She was deeply interested in the world around her and loved learning, exploring, and sharing experiences with the people she loved. Her family will remember not only the many things she accomplished, but the warmth and joy she brought to the people around her. 

Ann is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jim Clapper; daughter Kiley (Eric); grandson Vade; sisters Kaye Yeoman of Jacksonville, Florida, Jill Olsen (Dick) of Chicago, and Mara Trousdale of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews. Ann leaves behind a life full of love, laughter, adventure, and connection. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. 

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

Obituary: Irene Janet Hershman

Irene Janet Hershman, at 96

“All the world is a stage,” Shakespeare famously wrote, and Irene Janet (Zimmerman) Hershman certainly did not shy away from the stage lights, and before exiting center stage, she left her enduring mark. 

She passed peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2026 at the age of 96.

She stood out on many a stage – including literally the theatre and musical stage. She was an amazing performer, singing and acting, a real stage presence, truly shining, often in the lead role of a Temple Beth Sholom or other community musical.

Irene was the intrepid traveler, from the summers she spent in the U.K. to study Shakespeare, to so many other trips to Europe, Asia, and Israel. She was never afraid to set sail on her own. So few have experienced the breadth of travel that she did, and she eagerly shared it with anyone willing to listen. Much like her passion for the musical stage, she was driven by curiosity and passion, and she lit a fire that sparked such interest in her children.

She and her husband, Sam, were introduced by their future brother-in-law, Samuel Aaron, and Irene’s sister Lila. They quickly fell in love and were married months later, on October 4, 1953. They spent many wonderful years together, raising three children in Hull, before Sam’s untimely death in 1982.

Irene was in the vanguard of the women’s movement. While working multiple jobs and studying, she graduated from Boston University in 1951, a time when few women had the opportunity to go to college. And she was awarded the BU Cup for her demonstrated leadership and extraordinary achievements.

Initially trained in bookkeeping, she quickly realized that while she could earn a living in that field, that was not what she’d really like to do. So, she went back to school, eventually earned a master’s degree + 60 credits.

And she started teaching. She was an outstanding English teacher at Hull High School, recognized by both faculty colleagues and students. She excelled, both on the intellectual side, sharpened by her love of Shakespeare and drama, and on the human side. She embraced both the great student and the struggling learner. She was beloved by former students, and so many have commented over the years about how both her caring and challenging approach inspired them to go on to more learning, or for others to get through high school and get a degree.

Irene created the best scrapbooks and cards – for birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The cards were handwritten and filled with meaningful, often inspiring comments that captured a key element of the moment. She was a wonderful, creative writer. The scrapbooks, filled with pics across the years and complemented by apt commentary, are a treasure.

As parents, Irene and Sam provided their children with roots and wings in abundance, and that is the most important thing you can do as a parent, especially the strong roots of feeling loved, important, and that you matter. Both inspired their children to dream big and then do the work needed to transform dreams into reality. Irene opened up a wide world to her children, encouraging them to go on the journey and to deal with the obstacles.

But her wonderful life was not all a bed of roses. She had to deal with disappointment and heartbreak: from the loss of her father at a young age; to Sam’s premature death; to being among the very last of her birth cohort still living; more recently, her challenges with walking and no longer driving.

Getting old is not for the sissy, the wimp, and she was no wimp. Until recent years, she regularly took five-plus-mile walks. And anyone who saw the “Blond Bomber” marching up Beacon Road on Allerton Hill can testify to that resolve, and to her stylish outfits, as she did pay attention to her appearance. To the very end, she kept learning, whether off her iPad or television. She actively discussed current events, especially politics, and she displayed an unshakable belief in herself and life.

So, while all the world is a stage, so often, it was really her stage – from the home, to the classroom, to the theater, to the world she saw through travel.

Irene, Mom, we thank you for your passion for learning, your daring sense of adventure and possibility, your modeling of grit and resilience, and thank you for your love.

Irene was the proud mother of Warren (Virginia), June (Lori Wolfe), and Sheri (Peter Boretti). She was the loving grandmother of Samantha Boretti, Nicholas Boretti (Allison), Brian Holmes, Samuel Hershman, Elliana Hershman, Casey Isernio (Pete), and Ryan Wolfe (Danielle); the doting great-grandmother of Walker Boretti, Jaxson Boretti, Landon Holmes, Lenna Holmes, Aria Holmes, Colin Isernio, and Oliver Wolfe. She was the dear sister of the late Lila Aaron and Alexander Zimmerman, and loving daughter of Jessie Zimmerman and Sybil Kreutch.
Irene’s funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 29 at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom, 112 Main Street, Hingham. Burial was at Hull Village Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend shiva at the home of Sheri and Peter Boretti on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Irene requested that donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.

Obituary: Eleanor Duran

Eleanor Duran, at 78

Eleanor (Walsh) Duran passed away on July 25, 2026. Loving wife of the late Daniel J. Duran. She was “Ma” to her children, the late Gretchen Mullaney, Dennis P. Duran of Stoughton, Denise S. Flagg and her husband, Stephen, of Woburn, Daniel J. Duran Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, of Hull, and Andrew M. Duran and his wife, Michelle, of Weymouth. 

She was a devoted “Mammie” to her grandchildren: Amber, Ethan, Hannah, Colby, Devon, Sarah, Aidan, Fynn, Meghan, Eliana, and Ryan, as well as her great-granddaughters Ruby and Lucie. 

Eleanor was the daughter of the late Patrick and Mary Walsh of Roslindale, formerly of Tubbercurry, Ireland. She is survived by her siblings Kevin Walsh, Claire Kenny, and Joan Konefal. She was predeceased by her siblings Pauline, Herbert, and Jerome Walsh and Mary Gorman.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Avenue on August 4 at 10 a.m. to share memories of Ellie with her kids and grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be celebrated in the church at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann’s Church. Words of comfort can be left at www.richardsongaffeyfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Leland Roger Daum

Leland Roger Daum

Leland Roger “Lee” Daum of Arlington passed away on July 1, 2026.

Lee was born in 1953 in Newton to Phyllis and Arnold Daum along with three siblings – Audrey, Richard, and the late Robert Daum. Lee was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; his two daughters, Sarah and Jessica; his sister Audrey; his brother Richard; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Lee was deeply connected to Judaism and will be remembered as a leader in his many communities. Lee had a lifelong passion for singing that included high school bands, cantorial singing, barbershop choruses and quartets. Lee was the founder and first president of two Barbershop harmony brigades – New England Harmony Brigade and Mixed Brigade of New England – which collectively brought tremendous joy to thousands of singers. He loved music, food, reading, boats, and spending time with his family and many friends. He made a great impact on many lives, and he will be dearly missed by all.

The funeral service was be held at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Avenue, Belmont, on Tuesday, July 21. The burial followed at Beit Olam East Cemetery in Wayland. Shiva was observed at the Beth El Temple Center on that evening and at Diane’s home on Thursday evening.

For those who would like to contribute tzedakah in Lee’s memory, the family has requested donations be made to one of the following: Beth El Temple Center (When you scroll down to the “Dedicate” portion, please remember to select “in memory of” and include Lee R. Daum’s name); Lee’s family is in conversation to choose the best way to honor Lee’s memory at BETC, given his love of music, worship, and education; The Rashi School, where Lee and Diane enrolled Sarah and Jess – the family continues to have a meaningful and enormously supportive network there (Please choose “pledge” or “donation” and dedicate this gift in memory of Lee R Daum); New England Harmony Brigade or Mixed Harmony Brigade of New England, Lee’s greatest barbershop musical outlets.

Visit www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/brookline-ma/leland-daum-12959817 for online condolences.

Obituary: Jean C. Ridge

Jean C. Ridge, at 89

Jean C. Ridge of Hull passed away surrounded by family on July 17, 2026 at the age of 89.

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, James Ridge. She was the loving mother of five daughters: Laura, Marie, Kathleen, Carolyn, and Ellen. And was the cherished Nana of 12: Vincent, Christopher, Aleigha, Mariah, Luke, Brianna, James, Caitlin, Teagan, Declan, Daniel, and Matthew. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Jean was born and raised in Holyoke. She was the daughter of the late George Gammie and Eugenia (Tetrault) Gammie. She was predeceased by her sister Barbara. 

Jean was an alumna of Northfield Mount Hermon School where she developed her work ethic, independence, and love of learning. She then earned a degree in biology from Colby College in Maine.

Before starting her first job in cancer research at Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, Jean spent the summer on Cape Cod waitressing at The Sea Crest Beach Resort, where she fell for the baker’s assistant who would soon become her husband, Jim. They married in 1959 and started their family in Dorchester before moving to Hull. Jean later became a surgical technician and worked for more than 30 years at South Shore Hospital, where she specialized in neurosurgery. Jean was known in the OR for her competence, razor-sharp wit, and for keeping the surgeons in line!

Jean pursued her interests with zeal. An avid gardener, Jean served as a member of Hull Garden Club for decades. Refusing to be relegated to golf widowhood after her husband took up the sport, she learned to play and became a member of the women’s league at the South Shore Country Club. Jean was a lover of the arts and frequented the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, and the Lyric Stage. Jean loved to travel and visited many destinations, but often returned to Ireland, and she treasured her annual trip to Martha’s Vineyard.

Jean’s passions and cherished traditions live on through her children and grandchildren, whose interests and professional pursuits were influenced by her curiosity, unyielding determination, and ardent love for culture.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1 at St Mary’s Church in Hull. Burial will be private.

Obituary: William Schleiff

William Schleiff

Bill Schleiff passed away on July 15, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was the beloved husband of Marie for 57 years. Born in Weymouth, he was the father of Jayne Elizabeth and Judith Marie and the grandfather extraordinaire to Dante, Nico, and Arianna. He was the son of the late Carl and Martha Schleiff of Weymouth.

Bill graduated from Weymouth High School in 1964, where he played football and, with his team, went on to be state champions. Bill also was a wrestler and was proud to participate in the New England championships. He graduated from Curry College, where he captained the football team. In 1969, Bill and Marie married and began a life filled with challenges, adventures, and wonderful times with so many friends and family.

After college, Bill was a much-loved teacher in the Weymouth school system. He began his career at the Thomas B. Nash Elementary School, where he formed a fun-loving and successful football team. This was followed by a challenging but rewarding teaching experience at the Weymouth Alternative High School. Many of his students continued to reach out to him to the present time. After the closing of the school, Bill ended his career at the Abigail Adams Middle School. As a science teacher, he delighted his students with classroom adventures and experiential learning. During his teaching career, he earned a master’s degree from UMass-Amherst.

In the mid-’70s, he established his first pet shop. This was followed by two more pet businesses and Doggieritaville, one of the first doggie day care establishments in the area. Both businesses were successful for more than 40 years and are now run by his two daughters.

Bill had a lifelong love of the ocean. His cruising adventures took him, Marie, and pals John and Gerard, up and down the East Coast, from Florida to Canada to the Great Lakes. He loved all his different boats and enjoyed purchasing a new boat every few years, each one fondly named “Family Affair.”

Bill was a life member of Town River Yacht Club and proudly served as commodore during the club’s 100th anniversary and arranged many wonderful events. The club was a second home for more than four decades.

Bill built his first home in Weymouth in 1973, and he and Marie raised their family there for more than 20 years. Always looking for a challenge, Bill, with the help of family and friends, built his grand retirement home in 1996 on Atlantic Hill in Hull. The family spent 30 wonderful years entertaining and enjoying the extraordinary views of Nantasket Beach. They recently downsized to a home on the top of Spinnaker Hill on Spinnaker Island, again enjoying the ocean air. During his retirement, Bill spent many years helping to keep the doors open to the historic Paragon Carousel. From 2008, he was delighted to be the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus to thousands of carousel visitors of all ages.

Bill approached life as a risk-taker, but with humor and hard work, always determined to succeed in his varied undertakings. He was well-known to many for his warmth and generosity.

Survived by his wife, Marie, sisters Marie Rudd and Martha Schleiff, and brother in-law Robert Morse and his wife, Nancy, he was predeceased by his much-loved brothers, Carl and Bobby Schleiff. He was the Girl Dad to Jayne Schleiff (Kristin Perry) and Judy Tordiglione (John) and the devoted Bubba to Dante, Nico, and Arianna Tordiglione. He was a friend and uncle to six nieces and two nephews.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in East Weymouth. Graveside services will follow in the Hull Village Cemetery, which overlooks the ocean and bay. Visiting hours with the family were held on Wednesday at the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home in North Weymouth.

Bill will be missed by his many friends and acquaintances.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Friends of the Paragon Carousel at www.paragoncarousel.com.

Obituary: Peter A. Dawyskiba

Peter A. Dawyskiba, at 70

Peter A Dawyskiba passed away suddenly on July 20, 2026 at the Boston Medical Center.

Peter was born on August 26,1955, the son of Peter and Catherine Dawyskiba. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Peter attended the Hull Public Schools, attaining his GED certificate.

He was a gentle soul who loved animals, the Red Sox and old Westerns. 

Peter is survived by his siblings, Paula Dawyskiba, of Moshien, Tennessee; Steven Dawyskiba and his wife, Betsy, of Standish, Maine; Kevin Dawyskiba and his wife, Debbie, of Englewood, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Peter Dawyskiba and Catherine (Viecellie) Dawyskiba, and his sister Karen Dawyskiba. In accordance with Peter’s wishes, services will be private.

Obituary: Marilyn J. Brown

Marilyn J. Brown

It is with heavy heart that friends and family of Marilyn J. Brown, a long-time resident of Hull, share news of her passing on May 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Marilyn was the daughter of the late Vincent Brown, Sr. and Mary A. Brown, owner of the Hull Answering Service. Marilyn graduated from the Hull school system and was well-known throughout town from her years working at the Hull Answering Service, Schooner’s Restaurant, and the connections she made while frequenting “Darcy’s” (Jo’s Nautical Bar) and taking “The Boat” into Boston for many years while working as an executive assistant at Wellington Management Co. 

Marilyn was known to light up a room with her endearing sense of humor and quick wit. She found joy through working in her garden and sharing her love of music, routinely supporting local karaoke and performances by local entertainers. She is survived by her constant canine companion, Harry Foley Brown, her sister Frances McSmith and brother-in-law James McSmith of Tennessee, her sisters-in-law Lorraine Brown of Hingham and Suzanne Brown of Sutton and Hull, and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Vincent Brown, Jr., Chester Brown, and Thomas Brown. Marilyn touched many lives and will be sadly missed but her spirit will remain with us, always.

Services will be private, followed by interment in the Hull Village Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Obituary: Phyllis J. Nealon

Phyllis J. Nealon, at 98

Phyllis J. Nealon of Scituate, formerly of Hull, passed away peacefully on July 9, surrounded by family in her home. She was 98.

A much-beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Mrs. Nealon – as she was known to the many kids in the Hull neighborhood where she raised her five children – was born in Boston to Polish immigrants Adolf and Mary Grankewicz. She graduated from Roslindale High School in 1945 at the top of her class.

She left school early in her senior year to work for Hawkridge Brothers Company, a prominent steel merchant that operated in Boston for nearly a century. She worked there until shortly after her 1952 marriage to John Nealon, whom she met through mutual friends, on the beach in Hull, where his family had moved from East Boston.

Together they embarked on a cross-country honeymoon trip in the days before interstate highways, traveling from Boston to Los Angeles – with a much-recounted, unplanned stop in Zanesville, Ohio when their far-from-new car broke down.

Returning home, they settled in Mattapan for a few years before moving to Hull. The city girl quickly embraced her seaside home. She became president of the Hull Parent Teacher Association; president of the Hull Women’s Democratic Club; and treasurer of the Hull Federal Credit Union. She was a member of the Women’s Sodality at St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Hull, where she was a parishioner for 45 years.

More than anything she loved her front porch overlooking the bay, with its unparallelled view of World’s End.

When her youngest child was school age she returned to work, first at a local law firm, and later as the office manager for Haff Business Forms in Hingham, while still working as treasurer of the credit union in Hull.

She worked until she was 75, only retiring when she was diagnosed with cancer twice in a year. After receiving excellent care at Boston hospitals, she survived for 23 years.

Her first priority was always her children. Denied a college education for financial reasons, she was particularly proud that all five of her children earned college degrees.

When grandchildren arrived, she was permanently on call, shuttling them to flute and piano lessons at the Conservatory in Hingham, picking them up from day camp, and always, always, babysitting.

After her husband died in 1993, she remained in Hull for a number of years before moving into the in-law apartment her youngest daughter, Pam, and her husband, Mike, added on to their Scituate home.

There she remained until her death, indulging in her favorite pastimes. An avid reader, she loved living so close to the Scituate Public Library, which she visited every week to load up her cloth bag with five books or more.

A lifelong, committed Democrat, she rejoiced in the election of Barack Obama in 2008, writing him a farewell letter when his two terms were up, thanking him and bemoaning the fact that he couldn’t stay longer.

When Joe Biden was elected in 2020 she was thrilled, posing with a Biden/Harris yard sign for her Christmas card that year.

She adored MSNBC, particularly Lawrence O’Donnell, always pointing out that “he’s from Boston.” Rachel Maddow was also a favorite. And she stayed up past her bedtime to watch Stephen Colbert’s monologue on The Late Show.

She loved reading newspapers, especially The Boston Globe.

A Tony Bennett groupie, she traveled to see him perform every summer, from the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis to Tanglewood. But her preferred venue was the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, where she nabbed an aisle seat for one of the last times she saw him. She was able to reach out and touch his hand as he walked to the stage. A singular thrill.

In her later years she dabbled in watercolors, creating seashore-inspired paintings for her grandchildren and pecked out tunes on a portable keyboard.

She is survived by her five children, John L. Nealon Jr. of Plymouth and his wife, Virginia; Patricia Nealon of Scituate; Judith Hartigan of Rockland and her husband, Paul; Jane Panariello of Boston and her husband, Paul; and Pamela Nealon-LaBreck of Scituate, and her husband, Michael.

She was the adored Gramma to seven grandchildren, Molly Hartigan of Portsmouth, Virginia; Matthew Panariello of Boston; John Nealon Panariello of San Francisco; Emma LaBreck Murphy of Duxbury; Margaret Hartigan of San Francisco; Allison Panariello of Paris; and Abigail LaBreck of Boston.

She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Violet and Poppy Dauphin, of Portsmouth, Virginia.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, July 14, from 4 to 8 pm. at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church in Hull at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15. Burial will be in Hull Village Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Croi Health at croihealth.org or to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at christbythesea.net.

Obituary: Rosemary Watkins

Rosemary Watkins, at 79

Rosemary (Means) Watkins, 79, of Hull, passed away peacefully after a long illness on June 28, 2026 at Harbor House Rehab and Nursing Center.

Born in Hull in 1946, Rosemary was a devoted mother, grandmother, and doting cat lover. She had long and accomplished careers at both Grossman’s and Talbots as a dedicated and hard worker where her organizational skills and strong work ethic shined. She frequented the Hull Council on Aging and enjoyed learning and exploring new topics with this group at the senior center.

She was the daughter of the late Eben Hollis Means and Effie Lewis (Beale) Means of Hull, and sister of the late Nancy Struebel of Oregon.
She leaves behind her son, Kevin Watkins, and his wife, Teri, of Hull and Wareham and her grandson, Lukas Watkins, of Wareham.

To honor her wishes, there will be a private family ceremony held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

For more information and online guestbook visit www.downingchapel.com.