Sarah Ann “Sally” Greene, of Wrentham, October 3, 2019.

Beloved daughter of the late Mary A. Greene. Sister of the late Marie T. Puliafico of Milton and the late Margaret N. Greene. Sally is survived by her Wrentham family and friends and her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 11^th at Saint Ann by the Sea Church, 587 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA at 10:00AM. Interment private.

If desired, contributions in Sally’s memory may be sent to the Wrentham Developmental Center, PO Box 144, Wrentham, MA 02093.

Thelma E. (Stewart) Coles of Milton and Alton Bay, NH passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on October 2, 2019.

Thelma was born in Quincy. She graduated from North Quincy High School, Class of 1951. She worked at Blue Cross and then at the Milton Town Hall for many years. Thelma loved spending time at her home on Lake Winnipesaukee and she enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She cherished the moments spent with her family and friends. 

Thelma was the devoted wife of the late Lawrence F. Coles (retired Milton Firefighter.) Beloved mother of Nancy C. Lally of Weymouth, Shawn S. Coles and his wife Jo-Ann of East Bridgewater and the late Mark L. Coles. Loving Nana of Megan, Kara, Bryan and Sean Lally, Casey and Michael Coles, and Sgt James Adams U.S. Army former and Jacob Adams Esquire. Thelma was the cherished daughter of the late Percy J. and Hope M. Stewart. Adoring sister of her late brothers and sister-in-laws Malcolm W. and his wife Jean, Paul N. and his wife Ann, and Clinton H. and his wife Evelyn. Survived by many dear nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves a sister-in-law, Mary C. Coles of Milton. 

A funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 81 Prospect Ave., Quincy, Tuesday at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. A visiting hour will be held Tuesday, 8:30 – 9:30 AM in the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave, EAST MILTON SQUARE. Interment Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Thelma’s memory may be made to the Milton Fire Relief Fund, 515 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA., or to the Donald H. MacKenzie Scholarship Fund, C/O First Baptist Church, 81 Prospect Ave., Quincy, MA 02170.

Patricia Ann O’Neill, a lifelong resident of Milton, MA and Easton’s Point, Middletown, RI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 3, 2019.

Born on March 17, 1938, Patty was the daughter of the late Edward and Rita O’Neill. She graduated from Milton High School in 1955 and Newton College of the Sacred Heart in 1959. But her adventurous spirit would soon take her far from home.

Patty began her career as a reporter for the Quincy Patriot Ledger, where she worked for seven years, with a nine month hiatus to tour Europe and the Middle East. From 1966–1967, she worked as a mate and cook on a charter yacht in St. Thomas, USVI; she then volunteered with AmeriCorps VISTA in the South Bronx from 1967–1968, utilizing her fluency in Spanish.

These experiences and an indefatigable commitment to public service would send her back to Boston and Northeastern University School of Law, graduating in 1972. She joined Mass Public Defenders (now the Committee for Public Counsel), where she spent 30 years devoted to the pursuit of justice by providing legal representation for those unable to afford an attorney, and served as assistant Chief of the Appellate Division.

As a young woman, Patty was an avid horsewoman and skier, though these hobbies eventually gave way to what would become her true passion, birdwatching. What began with regional outings would later bring her across the US and to all seven continents. Vacation time was spent exploring Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname, and Venezuela – sometimes alone. Soon came China, Japan, Kenya, Thailand, Bhutan, and India. Retirement allowed her to follow this pursuit nearly full-time, and she continued to explore remote locations worldwide, including a trip to Antarctica for her eightieth birthday. Her resultant “accidental big list” logged 7,000 bird species.

When she wasn’t exploring the wildest places on Earth through her telescope, Patty could be found engrossed in a book or the New York Times crossword puzzle. In retirement, she also took classes in geopolitics and watercolor painting. She also served on the Town of Milton Conservation Commission and enjoyed volunteering for many organizations, especially Mass Audubon and the Newport Music Festival, Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Nuttal Society of the South Shore Bird Club.

Patty is survived by her sister Nancy O’Neill of Milton; brother Edward and his wife Patricia (Sweeney) O’Neill of Middletown, RI; niece Meg O’Neill and her husband Kurt Edenbach of Newport, RI; niece Sarah and her husband Drew Fernandez of Middletown, RI; nephew Colin O’Neill of New Orleans, LA; and her adored grandnephews and grandnieces Teddy, Nicholas, Carolina, and Oona. She also leaves her beloved cousins Maura Overlan, Frank and Juanita O’Neill, and Jim and Sandy O’Neill.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 29 Saint Mary’s Road, Milton, Tuesday, October 8, 2019 @ 10:00 AM.  Family and friends invited.  Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Monday 4-7 PM.  Interment Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Hills Trailside Museum or Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.

The family is also grateful for the care provided to Patty by Dr. David Fisher of Dana Farber.

Lucille Johnson-Gillenwater, affectionately known as Cookie, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2019.

Cookie was the matriarch of the family. She led with an iron fist, but yet a heart of gold, filled with compassion, and second chances. She had strong determination and was not afraid of the challenge. Any obstacles put upon her, she handled with strength, pride, and grace. A Matriarch like no other.

A true Bostonian, Cookie attended Sharon Public Schools and she later graduated from Girls High in Roxbury. Soon after, she graduated from Jewish Vocational School with a certificate in Bookkeeping. Later on, she received her Bachelors degree in Medical Transcription at the University of Pheonix. This queen was the oldest of six sisters and molded them into womanhood. This shaped her into the matriarch that we knew her to be. She was a trendsetter that led her own way while growing up in Mission.

In 1968, she had her first born, Sean Lance Gillenwater. In 1971, God blessed her a second time with her only daughter, Eugenia Renee Gillenwater. Cookie loved her dearly and her daughter stuck by her side until the very end.

After many years of being with her childhood sweetheart, Kirk Gillenwater, they were joined in marriage in 1973. They lived a glorious life until Kirk passed in 1993.

In her adult life, she excelled in her career, not only working for a phone company, but also for DuPont. She was a strong provider, proving this by raising her two kids and her grandchildren. Cookie’s heart was filled with so much love that even though her children were now adults with children of their own, she decided to take on the challenge of motherhood yet again. By taking on her late sister Denise J Ellis’ three children, Gary Allen Ellis, Tyrell Justin Ellis, and Trecell Phillis Ellis.

Cookie had great passion for many things. To name a “few,” hanging out with the girls, especially the “Mission Hill Divas!” She was an avid reader, loving Steven King and Macabre Series. Being a lover to travel, she traveled to almost all states in America, while being a member of the Elks. Lastly, she was a movie-enthusiast, she had her favorites, but she loved all genres. Both a wife and mother, she gained her love for cooking, which pushed her thrill for holiday spirit. This always brought her family closer together and her training in Boxing kept her family in line. 

Unfortunately, but true, she dealt with her first stint of heart failure in 1980. In 2001, her heart failure became a major disability in her life. She went on to suffer many hospitalizations and rehabilitations but she fought back diligently. She was a formidable opponent for her disease until she succumbed. Cookie fought hard, but God won in the end and called her home.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lucille Johnson, her father Ruben Johnson, her husband Kirk Gillenwater, Denise Ellis, Eileen Johnson, and her great grandson Jian Lee Langston Johnson.

She leaves to mourn, her two children (Gigi and Sean), her four granddaughters (Shaena, Tekhari, Khaleia and Aaliyah), her three sisters (Barbara, Ruby and Jackie), her three stepchildren (Gary, Tyrell, and Trecell) and a host of friends and cousins. Including her companion Vincent Physic, and her long time best friend (Anne Marie Johnson Oliver).

Visitation at Southern Baptist Church, 29 Winthrop Street, Roxbury, Saturday, October 5 at 10:00 am. Funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 427 Cummins Highway, Roslindale. Relatives and friends invited.

On Saturday, September 28, 2019, Frank Cimildoro, husband, father of four children, loving son, passed away at age 58. Frank received a Multivceral Transplant at Mt Sinai in New York City on August 21, 2019, fighting everyday with his loving wife and family by his side.

Frank was born on June 27, 1961 in Winthrop, MA to Faustino and Guissipina (LaVita) Cimildoro. He graduated from Catholic Memorial High School in 1980 and was inducted into The Pipe-fitters Local 537 in 1985. On May 19, 1984, he married Judith Ann Hall. Together, they raised their four children in their hometown of Milton. Frank worked for the MBTA as a journeyman pipe-fitter for over a decade, retiring in 2015.

Franks passion was his family. He always said his family was his greatest accomplishment and always wanted to see everyone happy. He enjoyed Sunday football, family dinners, and family trips to Naples FL. He loved his cat Maxxi and was a fan of NASCAR, the History Channel and cooking. He was known for his fighting strength, infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.

Frank is survived by his wife Judith, his four children, Julie Ann and her husband Patrick, Joseph, Jacquelyn, Steven and his fiancé Stephanie.  His parents, Faustino and Giuseppina.   Loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews. He was the son in law of Alfred Hall and Rita McDonald

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 29 Saint Mary’s Road., Milton, Saturday, October 5th at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Friday, 3:00-8:00 PM. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the : Make A wish Foundation of Massachusetts, One Bullfinch Place, 2nd Floor Boston, MA.  02114

Joao Centeio, age 74, of Mattapan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of Luzia (Inacio) Centeio. Loving father of Maria (Centeio) Silveira, Joao Centeio, Kathy Centeio, Carla Centeio and Joey Centeio. Grandfather of J.C. Silveira, Xaria Centeio, Zoe Afonseca, McKenzie Shears, Aaron Centeio, and Melody Gomes. He also leaves behind his six siblings, and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, on Thursday, September 26 from 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Church, Roxbury on Friday, September 27 at 10am. Interment at New Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends invited.

Julia M. Blackbourn passed suddenly from this life on September 20, 2019 at age 75.

Our sister and friend was born in Minneapolis, MN on September 24, 1943, and grew up in Spooner and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She graduated from Shorewood High School, and attended college at UW-Milwaukee and post-graduate studies at UW-Platteville and University of Dubque with additional classwork at Harvard where she worked and retired after many years in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Department.  She leaves siblings Margaret E. Thorne and her husband Rick and Fred W. Pierce, all of Wisconsin, and many friends and associates, including Robert W. Wolff of Milton, Massachusetts. Julia loved her family and friends.  Her fascination and enthusiasm for truth guided her research work for historical relationships and family mysteries and she loved every step along the way. She was a beautiful and talented artist, enjoyed music and kept melody in her heart and was always looking for adventure on new or well-worn paths. A spark that gave her joy was the opportunity to share her generous spirit and care with others, as all friends were her family.

Julia’s life will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Church, 112 Randolph Ave., Milton, Saturday, October 19, at 10 o’clock.  A small amount of handicapped parking is available behind the church, access via a drive off Randolph Avenue with clearly marked signage.  On-street parking is available.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choosing.

Michael M. Joyce, 92, of Dorchester and County Galway, Ireland, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2019.

Born in County Galway, Ireland on November 11, 1926 to his loving parents, Thomas and Florence (Lyons) Joyce.

Retired employee of Boston Housing Authority and member of Local Union 67/327.

Beloved husband of 59 years to Sarah T. (Mitchell) Joyce. Loving father of Thomas A. Joyce of Dorchester, Patricia M. Lopes and her husband Michael of Braintree, Elizabeth A. Larkin and her husband John of Braintree and Michael O. Joyce of Dorchester. Brother of Joseph Joyce of Ireland, and the late Paul Joyce, Honor Joyce, Teresa Joyce, Stephen Joyce, Thomas F. Joyce, Patrick H. Joyce and Mary Clancy. Cherished grandfather of Sarah Larkin, Michael Larkin, Emma Lopes and Abby Lopes. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Brendan Church, 589 Gallivan Boulevard, Dorchester, Tuesday, September 24, at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours in the Dolan Funeral Home 460 Granite Ave, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Monday, 4:00-8:00 PM. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Memorial donation in Michael’s name may be made to: American Parkinson Disease Association, National Headquarters 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.

Katie (Higgins) Costello died after complications from a kidney transplant on Saturday, September 7, 2019 surrounded by her daughter Colleen, and her sister and brother-in -law Michelle and Bill Spear at Tulane Medical Ctr in New Orleans.

Katie was raised in a loving Catholic home in Cumberland, ME, with her parents Gene and Claudie Higgins and her siblings Tim, Michelle and Maureen. In high school Katie was named Outstanding Catholic Youth for her work in the Diocese of Portland’s Catholic Youth Organization.

Katie was diagnosed with Goodpasture syndrome (rare kidney and lung disease) and left Fisher Jr. College after her sophomore year. With resilience and faith, Katie recovered from her disease and moved to Boston where she met the love of her life, Michael Costello. Her kidney function deteriorated and she received a kidney transplant from her brother, Tim in 1990.
Katie and Michael shared 16 wonderful years together during which they welcomed Colleen Rose Costello, the apple of their eye. Michael died suddenly of a massive coronary 2 years later. Katie again called upon her faith and God’s plan as she dealt with this tragic loss.

Katie worked in the hospitality industry. She was employed by Sheraton/Starwood Hotels and Resorts for 20 years, as well as Boston Park Plaza, Erikson Living and Linden Ponds Retirement Community. Katie served as Secretary of the National Kidney Foundation and was named Outstanding Kidney Volunteer. She was passionate about providing for others the same opportunities that she had received. Her faith was of utmost important to her and she called on God often. She served as Eucharistic Minister at St. Agatha’s Church in Milton as well as a Confirmation teacher while Colleen participated in the program.
We fondly remember amazing Thanksgiving feasts, Katie’s incredible spreads and love of cooking. Katie had a huge heart and loved to give, usually revolving around the joy of sharing food. Katie was a devoted mom to Colleen, family director for family gatherings and vacations, and a deeply faithful servant of God. Her legacy will consist of her resilience and perseverance to stay the course and trust in God’s plan.

In a special way Katie would like to thank her sister, her best friend, Michelle, and her husband Bill who looked after her this past year, Barbara Hallak for participating in the Kidney Share Program, her Mom and Dad and the rest of her family and friends who always stepped up when she was in crisis. Additionally, Katie would like to thank Dr. Ted Steinman – physician and friend – and her friend Joan Ferraro.

Katie leaves behind her beloved daughter, Colleen, her parents Gene and Claudie Higgins, her brother Tim Higgins and wife Maureen and their children Maeghan, Garrett and Maeve, her sister Michelle Spear and husband Bill and their children Carmen and Cole, her sister Maureen Higgins and son Josh, and Donna Costello Gendreau and family.

The public is welcome to join the family for a viewing at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON SQUARE, on Sunday, September 22nd , from 2-6PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agatha’s Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, MA., on Monday at 10:30am. Interment to follow at Milton Cemetery. ALL are welcome to join the family for a reception immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: www.kidney.org/donate or mail a donation to: National Kidney Foundation Finance Department, 30 East 33rdSt. New York, NY 10016 Fax: 212.889.2310

Melvin Furtick, of Lynn, a cook, died on September 7, 2019. He was 70 years old.

Melvin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He lived in Lynn, Massachusetts for many years. Beloved husband of Rutheria Furtick of Lynn. Loving father of Bahja Core of Mattapan, Melvin Furtick-Core of Boston and the late Baha Furtick-Core.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday September 24th from 5:00PM-8:00PM in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills. Family and friends invited. Cremation will follow.