Frederick Fitzmeyer
Licensed plumber; loved the sea and loved life
Frederick R. Fitzmeyer, 70, of Winthrop died peacefully on May 27 following a prolonged and brave struggle with pancreatic cancer.
A Winthrop native, Fred served in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade before beginning work in Boston Harbor as a Shipyard Rigger and Boat Captain for the Boston Harbor Pilot Association, where his passion for the sea took root. He frequently recalled those years with fondness, sharing stories of spirited adventures with friends on the Harbor Islands. New England skiing was another passion of his.
He later became a licensed plumber, establishing himself on Cape Cod and subsequently in Boston, where he held membership in Plumbers Local 12.
Following his 2007 retirement, Fred and his partner Connie spent five years sailing their boat S/V Tashtego throughout the Caribbean and South America.
Fred possessed a zest for life, an infectious sense of humor, and an appetite for new experiences. Those who knew him will treasure his entertaining anecdotes and feel his absence deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick A. Fitzmeyer and Helen Krovitz Fitzmeyer. He is survived by sisters Elaine Grato and Jean Day; his long-time companion, Constance Elson; brothers-in-law Chris Day and the late Tom Grato; nephew Donald Rubbicco and his wife Linda; niece and nephew Megan and Chris Day; and great-nieces and great-nephews Colton, Chase, and Hadley Rubbicco.
Visiting hours were held at Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop Street, Winthrop on Sunday, June 7 from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by an informal service for family and friends to share memories. Those wishing to honor his memory may contribute to Piers Park Sailing Center, 95 Marginal Street, East Boston, MA 02128 or visit www.piersparksailing.org. A virtual guestbook is available at www.mauricekirbyfh.com.
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Stella Lafferty
Retired educator
Stella M. (Cucchiara) Lafferty, 91, passed away at her home on Wednesday morning, May 27, surrounded by family.
Born in Boston to the late Alessandro and Maria (Pisano) Cucchiara, Stella was raised in Everett and graduated from Everett High School in 1941. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Salem State University in 1945 and later her Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University. Over nearly 40 years, she dedicated herself to teaching children reading and literacy skills. Her career began at the Centre School in Everett, where she taught sixth grade for a decade. She then relocated to Mannheim, Germany to instruct children of Armed Forces personnel. Upon returning to Everett, she met Edward J. Lafferty, whom she would marry. Before settling down to raise a family, Stella taught in Japan to further her international teaching aspirations. She and Ed married in 1959 and she subsequently taught in Brookline for six years. Her final teaching position spanned 17 years in Chelsea at the Mary C. Burke School and the Shurtleff School, retiring in 1992.
Stella’s interests included art, music, gardening, cooking, travel, and reading, though her greatest joy came from time spent with family. For over 60 years she was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church and held membership in the American Federation of Teachers.
She is survived by her son Edward A. Lafferty and his wife Terri of Essex; her daughter Cynthia Grace-Ellen (Lafferty) Tymeson and her husband Walter Brooke of Pennsylvania and Florida; her brother Orlando Cucchiara and his wife Carol of Chelmsford; the late brother Gaetano “Guy” Cucchiara; sister-in-law Irene Cucchiara of West Peabody; cousin Rose Taverna of Bourne; five grandchildren, Leah, Ariel, and Matthew Tymeson, Cailey and Paige Lafferty; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Carafa Family Funeral Home in Chelsea handled arrangements. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea.