Henry Shaffer
Of Revere, formerly of Chelsea
Henry Shaffer, a longtime Chelsea resident who later moved to Revere, passed away on December 24.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Johanna Alper and Amy Alper of Colorado, Susan Cohen of New York, Russell Pirkot of Greenfield, Donald Alper of W. Roxbury, Andy Cohen of Tennessee, Gerald Pirkot of Randolph, Murray Bass of New Jersey, Joshua Alper of Belmont and Daniel Cohen of Massachusetts. He was the beloved husband of the late Beatrice (Pirkovitz) Shaffer and the loving son of the late Avrum and Ethel Shaffer.
On December 26, graveside services took place at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon.
Those wishing to honor Henry’s memory may contribute to the Chelsea Jewish Foundation, 165 Captains Row, Chelsea, MA 02150. Torf Funeral Service, located at 151 Washington Ave., Chelsea, handled the family arrangements. Visit www.torffuneralservice.com for directions and the guest book.
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David Rantz
Of Lynn, formerly of Revere and Winthrop
David M. Rantz, 82, of Lynn and formerly of Winthrop and Revere, died on Monday, December 18.
Born to the late Morris and Marjorie (Rehal) Rantz and Anne (Staretz) Rantz, he was the beloved husband of the late Marie (Blundo) Rantz. He leaves behind his cherished children Laura Rantz Moyer and Nadine Rantz Casey and their mother, Margaret Casey, Lisa Giambartolomei Luise and her fiancé, Michael Hayes, Diana Giambartolomei Santheson and her husband, Carl, Maria Giambartolomei Calla and her loving companion, Paulie Christie and the late Audrey Buchanan. He was the adored grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of eight. He is also survived by his caring siblings Lois Vasel, his best friend, Joan Estabrooks, Florence Hodgkins, Selma Pomeranz, and the late Harvey Fischler, Marjorie Ferrara, and Freddie Rantz, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Memorial Service honoring David will be held Saturday, December 30 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, followed by inurnment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. For directions and the guestbook, visit www.vazzafunerals.com.
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Winifred Dorothy Churchill
Lifelong member of First Congregational Church and Winnisimmet Union of Chelsea
Winifred Dorothy (King) Churchill, 85, died Friday morning, December 22, with her loving family at her side.
A Chelsea native and daughter of the late James and Dorothy (LeGrow) King, Winifred attended Chelsea public schools and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1950. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Salem State College but devoted her life to homemaking. She spent most of her years in Everett caring for her home, husband and two daughters before relocating to Peabody with her husband in later years.
Throughout her life, Winifred was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church in Chelsea and participated actively in the Winnisimmet Union, the church’s social organization. Her family and friends will cherish her memory.
She was the beloved wife of Charles Robert “Bob” Churchill of Peabody, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. She is survived by her devoted daughters Nancy Ellen DiMinico and her husband, Chris, and Janet Elizabeth Herbert and her fiancé, John Vitale, all of Chelmsford, as well as five grandchildren: Timothy, Christy and Lauren DiMinico, Katherine Herbert Muniz and her husband Derrick, and Rachel Herbert, all of Chelmsford.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 29 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 26 County Road, Chelsea. Relatives and friends are cordially invited. Visiting hours are today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Avenue, Chelsea. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.