Around Town

OBIT: Richard “Riche” Kelly, 84, Retired Watertown Police Officer

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Richard “Riche” Kelly

Captain Richard ‘Riche’ Kelly, days short of his 85th birthday, of Watertown and his treasured home on Baker Road in West Yarmouth, passed peacefully on November 15 atNorth Hill in Needham, MA. Riche was the son of the late Michael and Katherine (Cannon) Kelly who immigrated from Ireland in the early 20th century. Riche was the youngest of 5 brothers: the late Watertown Police Chief Joseph P. Kelly (the late Kathleen), Francis Kelly, Vincent Kelly, and James (the late Priscilla). Riche is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Mary Agnes (Fitzgerald). Riche’s enduring legacy is in his love and devotion for his wife and family.

Around Town

OBIT: Thomas E. McVey, 60, Owner of T.H. McVey Stone Company

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Thomas McVey

The following piece is from Farmer & Dee Funeral Home:

Thomas E. McVey, age 60 a longtime Tewksbury resident, and devout communicant of St. William’s Parish, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, November 9, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Brighton, MA on November 28, 1962, he was the son of the late Thomas H. McVey, III and the late Joan F. (Shaughnessy) McVey. Tom was raised in Tewksbury, attended Tewksbury schools, and graduated from Tewksbury Memorial High School in 1981. Following high school, Tom continued the legacy of his forefathers and followed in the McVey family footsteps to become the latest generation of his family to operate the T.H. McVey Stone Company in Watertown, which was founded by his great grandfather in 1905.

Around Town

OBIT: Norman Adler, 95, Former President of Watertown Condo Association

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Dr. Norman Adler

Dr. Norman Adler passed away on October 12, 2023 at the age of 95 in Milton, MA. The commemoration and celebration of his life was held on October 21 and 22 in Boston and Hull. He is remembered now, on the 30th day of his passing with prayers. He graduated from Brooklyn College and received his doctorate degree in chemistry at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He served in the military, working at a bioanalysis laboratory in Rockville, MD.

Around Town

OBIT: Lillian O’Bannon, 95, Raised in Watertown, Worked as Bank Switchboard Operator

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Lillian “Lil” O’Bannon

Lillian “Lil” O’Bannon, unexpectedly passed away on October 19, 2023 at the age 95 after a sudden illness. She was born January 3, 1928 and was raised in Watertown. In the early 70’s she moved to Malden to be closer to her daughter and went to work for Century Bank in Medford as their Switchboard Operator.  

Over her 20+ year career at the bank she became highly regarded and received awards for her exemplary service. She was always very independent and carried herself with grace, leaving a special impression on many people she came in contact with over the years.

Around Town

OBIT: Heather Whitney, 62, Loving Mother, Worked in Family’s Insurance Business

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Heather Whitney

Heather Ann Whitney was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on October 21st , 2023, at the age of 62. Heather was born to Malcolm and Edith Whitney on November 11, 1960, and was born and raised in Watertown. She attended Buckingham Browne and Nichols, Class of 1978. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Class of 1982, Heather began her career in insurance at J.M. Whitney Insurance and Real Estate.

Obituaries

OBIT: Marylouise McDermott, 87, Served on Several Town Boards, Local Business Owner & Was Active at St. Pat’s Church

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Marylouise McDermott

A Funeral Mass for Marylouise Pallotta McDermott, 87, will be held on Wednesday August 16, 2023, in the Church of Saint Patrick, 212 Main St., Watertown. Mrs. McDermott, a daughter of the late Giovanni & Antonetta (Lanni) Pallotta, was born in Avellino, Italy. She attended Rosary Academy and graduated from Boston University for her bachelor’s degree. She furthered her education receiving an MBA and master’s degree in education from Boston University. Marylouise taught in the field of business administration.

Around Town

OBIT: Tom Neylon, Taught English at WHS, Played Piano in Multiple Bands

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Tom Neylon

By Richard Scafaldi

Tribute to a Friend: Tom Neylon, 1943-2023

Those of you who knew me in the Boston area will remember ‘Professor’ Tom Neylon. Tom played piano with me in our band, The RPM’s for about 15 years, which I think is a record for ‘years served’. I can sincerely say that every minute was a pleasure.  

The story of how we came to play together is somewhat amusing. Tom was a voracious record collector who liked to order records from the Down Home catalog, which-back in the 1980’s-had import records that you could not get in the USA. And he had great taste in music, from 50’s Rock & Roll, to straight out Rockabilly, Rhythm & Blues, and Blues of all varieties.