Vernon Clyde John
Retired John Hancock Co. Data Processor
On March 13, Vernon Clyde John of Chelsea died peacefully at age 78.
His education included studies at Mucurapo Boys School and St. Crispin School before he graduated from Fatima College in Trinidad. Following graduation, he worked for the Trinidad & Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC.)
After immigrating to the United States in 1968, John settled in Boston and spent more than 30 years as a Data Processor at John Hancock Insurance Co. until his retirement.
Known for his easygoing and sociable nature, Vernon enjoyed swimming, horse racing, card games, and music. He was particularly passionate about playing and listening to steel pan, keyboard, and guitar. The Unity Sports and Cultural Club in Dorchester counted him among its active members.
In recent years, Vernon faced various health challenges. Despite these difficulties, he maintained his physical and emotional strength through both difficult and better times. He was cherished as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Vernon was the beloved husband of Dianne John, to whom he had been married for 52 years; devoted father of Ricardo Vernon John and his wife, Charlene; loving grandfather of Brianna; son of the late Dadwar John and Lillian Roberts; and brother of Anton Roberts, Stanley Roberts, Yvonne Caldiera, Carol Aquing, Annette Roberts and the late Lawrence Roberts. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Hosein “Rudy” Ali and Anwar “Ricky” Ali, sister-in-law Dawn Gonsalves, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours took place Thursday, March 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, 125 Washington Ave., Chelsea. A Mass of Christian Burial followed on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols Street, Chelsea. A celebration of Vernon’s life was held directly following the burial at the Polish Political Club, 58 Broadway, Chelsea. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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Irene Galeas
Of Chelsea
Irene I. (Dugan) Galeas of Chelsea died on March 16 at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home on Lafayette Avenue following a year-long illness. She was 75 years old.
Originally from Charlestown, she relocated to Chelsea in 1973. She was the beloved mother of Theresa Castro of Chelsea, Karen Keefe of Newport, NH and the late Patrick and Kevin Keefe; sister of Dorothy Rushing, Charles Dugan and the late James, Barbara and Jeanne Dugan; cherished grandmother of Carrie, Joanna, Frankie, JJ, Justin, Savanna, Chris, Mark, Shannon, PJ, Sean, Casey, Ronnie, Dena, Famay and Wendy. She is also lovingly survived by many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and very close friends, Rick Morse, the Castro and Prudencio Families and Lisa Flores and family.
Family and friends were invited to attend a Funeral from the Smith Funeral Home, 125 Washington Avenue, Chelsea on Saturday, March 22 at 8 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Rose Church, 600 Broadway, Chelsea at 9 o’clock. Visiting Hours at the Smith Funeral Home were held on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. The Committal Service was private. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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Joseph Drigotas
Retired Hawthorne Realty Property Manager
Joseph S. Drigotas of Lynn, formerly of Chelsea, died at home on March 12 following a brief illness at age 72.
Born in Boston, he had been a Chelsea resident for 50 years, lived in Buzzards Bay for six years, and spent his last eight years in Lynn. For over 45 years, he worked as a property manager for Hawthorne Realty before retiring in the mid 2000’s.
He was the devoted husband of Agnes (Doherty); beloved father of Christopher Drigotas and Joseph S. Drigotas and his wife, Rochelle, all of Lynn; brother of George Drigotas of Amesbury and the late Julia Anne Drigotas.
Funeral arrangements were handled by the Smith Funeral Home in Chelsea. The Committal was private. In Joseph’s memory, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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John Lewin
Retired Marine Insurance Underwriter, Member of Knights of Columbus
John J. Lewin, a lifelong Chelsea resident and retired insurance underwriter, died on March 11 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a long illness. He was 69 years old. Born and raised in Chelsea, John was the beloved son of the late Clarence W. and Catherine F. (Tumulty) Lewin. He attended local schools and graduated from Chelsea High School in the Class of 1963. Throughout his career, he worked for various insurance companies as a Marine Underwriter and retired several years ago from the Cigna Insurance Co. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Chelsea Council #83 and Fourth Degree Bishop Cheverus Assembly, and formerly participated in a bowling league.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother, William E. Lewin. He is survived by two sisters, Marilyn F. and Patricia A. Lewin, both of Chelsea; two brothers and their wives, Robert G. Lewin and his wife, Terry of Chelsea and Kevin Lewin and his wife, Karen M. of Saugus; and his nephew and godson Brian Patrick Lewin of Arlington, VA.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel on Saturday, March 15, with interment following at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Those wishing to honor his memory may make contributions to a charity of their choice. The Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home directed the funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.WelshFuneralHome.com.