Costello Funeral Home

08/30/2025

Peter Harry Contompasis, M.D. of Wi******er, MA passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, He was 102 years of age.
Peter was born in Schenectady, New York; the firstborn of four children born to the late Harry and Eugenia (Lalooses) Contompasis who passed through Ellis Island in the early 1900’s.
After moving to Roslindale, MA, Peter attended Boston Latin School, Harvard University and Tufts University School of Medicine. He served in the United States Army during World War II and retired as a captain from the US Air Force.
Peter had a very busy medical practice as a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology and still found time to be an instructor for many years to Tufts Medical students which he thoroughly enjoyed.
After Peter retired, he took up painting as a hobby and gifted his artwork to many relatives and friends over the years. He also enjoyed traveling, reading and keeping up with current events and local sports.
Peter was a devout Christian and faithful member of Grace Chapel in Lexington for many years and taught Sunday School and volunteered there in many other ways. He will be remembered with heartfelt love from those who were fortunate to have known him. He led a rich life, and his legacy will live on.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Getchell) Contompasis of Wi******er MA, daughter Michele Mouradian of Arlington, MA, daughter Lisa Sternberg and her husband Karl of Hampden, MA, son Stephen Contompasis of Fremont, NH, son Jeffrey Contompasis and his wife Kristin of Ashburn, VA, brother Michael Contompasis and his wife Joan of Chestnut Hill, MA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his wife Judith (Merrill) Contompasis, sisters Jeanette Baskous and Helen Nahatis and son-in-law James Mouradian.
Visiting hours will be held at Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Wednesday, September 3rd from 6-8 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Road, Lexington, on Thursday, September 4th at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wi******er. Contributions in Peter’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

08/19/2025

Barbara Taggart Kent, a nearly seven-decades-long resident of Wi******er, passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of 96. Known as Tigger to her old friends and in-laws and as Bennie to her beloved grandchildren, Barbara was born in Watertown, MA, in 1929, to William and Eileen Taggart, the oldest of three children. She attended the Belmont Day School, Northfield Academy, and Skidmore College; two years after meeting John Eric Kent (Jack) while working a summer job in Craigville, MA, she married him in 1949. They spent two years in Hanover, NH, while Jack finished his degrees at Dartmouth, had their first child there, and then went on to Cincinnati, OH where they had their second child. Shortly afterwards they moved to Wenham, MA, and had three more children before moving to Barbara’s dream house in Wi******er in 1959. They raised their seven kids in a neighborhood teeming with children, sent them to Wyman, Vinson-Owen, Ambrose, McCall Jr. High, Lynch Jr. High, and Wi******er High schools, and created a life of constant activity and countless happy memories. Following Jack’s death in 2006, Barbara moved to the Gables. Her fellow residents and care-givers ensured that she enjoyed a warm and safe home there for nineteen years. Neighbors and friends remember Barbara as kind and gracious.

Pre-deceased by her parents and by her granddaughter, Elisa Kent Mendelsohn, Barbara leaves behind her brother, Bill Taggart (Lillian) of Boulder, CO, and sister, Anne Canfield, of Briarcliff Manor, NY; her cherished lifelong friend Eleanor “Taffy” Fernald, of Lincoln; her children: Anne Kent of Woods Hole, Susan Kent (Anne Davidson) of Frankfort, MI, Jay Kent, of Dedham, Peter Kent (Kate Jackson) of Plymouth, Peggy Kinton (Chris) of Wi******er, Kate Kent of San Diego, CA, and Bill Kent of Sandpoint, ID. Barbara felt blessed by her twelve grandchildren: Erika Kent Mendelsohn, Elizabeth Mendelsohn Mann, Ben Kent, Eric Kent, Victoria Kent Lindsey, Will Rogers, Charlie Rogers, Michael Kinton, Jillian Kinton-Vieira, Joseph Otero, Jack Otero, William Otero, Victor Otero, and Paul Kent. She had lost most of her sight by the time her great grandchildren arrived, but she was able to hold almost all ten of them at some point in their young lives and loved having them visit her. She took delight and pride in each and every one of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, and gave them unconditional love and support.

Barbara’s family wishes to acknowledge the support and kindness she received at the Gables, and to especially thank Lilia Alasa, Sabrina Bennett, Maria Simmons, Marlene Rivers,
and Kaira Goodman, who went far above and beyond the requirements of their jobs to provide solace and comfort to our mother. They showed up on days they weren’t scheduled to ensure that she had familiar people around her during difficult moments. She was deeply grateful to them for the extraordinary care they gave her, as are we.

The family will hold a celebration of life for Barbara on September 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Wi******er Unitarian Church, 478 Main Street. Friends and relatives are encouraged to join us.

08/11/2025

Marilyn E. (Vaiani) Davis, 82, a longtime resident of Wi******er and Groveland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 8, 2025. Beloved daughter of the late Nancy (Oliviero) and Eugene Vaiani. Beloved sister of the late Julie Vaiani who shared a home with Marilyn and her family until her passing in 2017. Marilyn was the devoted wife of Joseph E. Davis for 59 years.

Born in Boston, Marilyn was raised and educated in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School. She worked for many years as a banker, pausing her career to raise her family. She returned to work and quickly climbed the ranks before finishing her career as an Assistant Vice President at Santander Bank in Haverhill.

A lifelong ballerina, Marilyn began dance at a young age and continued throughout her early adult years, attending classes at the Boston Ballet School. After moving to Wi******er, she started instructing at the Harriet Hoctor Ballet School in Wi******er. She also played the piano and sang. Marilyn treasured her family and her life revolved around her husband and children. She cherished them and devoted her life to their happiness.

In addition to her husband, Joe, Marilyn is lovingly survived by her daughters: Nancy Davis Cannella and her husband Giuseppe Cannella of Florence, Italy and Kimberly M. Faitella of Georgetown. She was the beloved grandmother of Sofia Marilena Cannella, Jackson Davis Faitella and Dillon Joseph Faitella. Marilyn is further survived by her son-in-law Richard Faitella of Newburyport.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Wednesday, August 13 from 5-8 PM and again on Thursday, August 14, at 9AM, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er, at 10AM. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.

08/07/2025

Geraldine J. Sullivan, age 88, of Wi******er, passed away on August 6, 2025.

Born in Boston, she was the beloved daughter of the late John J. and Dorothy A. (Day) Sullivan. She was raised and educated in Boston and lived in Wi******er for more than fifty years.

Geraldine is lovingly survived by her only sister, Florence Martin (late husband Thomas), of Wi******er. She was also the dear aunt of Gary Martin of Arlington, Judith Martin of Tucson, AZ, Thomas Martin of Oakland, CA, and the late Susan Goodrich. She was the devoted great-aunt of 6 nieces and nephews and the great-great aunt of 2 nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a Visitation at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Tuesday, August 12 from 9:30-10:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wi******er.

08/01/2025

Walter H.” Walt” Lewis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29th, surrounded by his loving family and dog. He was 84 years old.

Born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, Walter was the beloved son of the late Walter E. and Lucy (Tucker) Lewis. He attended local schools and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Salem State College in 1964, followed by a master’s in education from Northeastern University. After a brief teaching stint in Tewksbury, Walter made Wi******er Public Schools his professional home, teaching middle school math for 32 years. In 2001, he retired early to care full-time for his wife, Linda (Bradbury), during her battle with cancer. Walter stood by her side through it all, taking her on trips whenever she felt well enough. After Linda’s passing in 2003, Walter returned to McCall Middle School as a substitute teacher and occasional tutor. Teaching was more than a career for him—it was his calling. Over his lifetime, Walter devoted more than 50 years to the Wi******er school community, touching countless students and colleagues.

Walter met Linda while they were both students at Salem State. He often shared the story of how he sold his small outboard motorboat to buy a car just so he could drive to her hometown of Stoneham to visit her. After graduating in 1964, they married and settled in Reading, where they raised their two children, who always felt deeply loved and at the center of their parents’ world. The family enjoyed spending time together, especially camping trips and summers in South Waterford, Maine. There, Walter was fondly remembered for his brimmed hats and the walking cane he carved from a tree branch.

Walter was adored by his four grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Biggie”—a nickname that fit both his 6'3" stature and big-hearted nature. He was known for stroller walks to the parks, his playful growls as a “big scary bear,” and for derailing mealtimes by handing out “Biggie snacks” at all hours of the day.

Walter was much more than a middle school math teacher and devoted family man—he genuinely loved people and would go out of his way to help anyone. A natural dog magnet, he rarely went through life without a furry companion - Fudgie, Rockie, Cuddles, Cinder, and Kitty, just to name a few. Whenever possible, he enjoyed taking his dogs to the park or on long walks, especially around Horn Pond. Later in life, he took up golfing regularly with fellow retirees. Throughout his life, Walter was also known for reliably sharing the latest updates on the weather and gas prices.

After Linda’s passing, Walter found companionship with Stephanie Rogers. Together, they shared over 20 happy years filled with dinner parties, travel, political discussions, and caring for their beloved dogs—Bonnie, Bella, Lulu, Maisy, Bailey, and Lila. Stephanie graciously welcomed Walter’s family into her beautiful home, hosting many memorable gatherings.

Walter is survived by his children: Tawnya and her husband, David Clemens, of Cambridge, and Brad Lewis and his wife, Michelle, of Billerica. He was the devoted grandfather of Andrew and Robert Clemens, and Kaylie and Rose Lewis. He is also survived by his dear partner, Stephanie Rogers, of Wi******er, and his cherished sister, Brenda Lewis, of Salem. Walter was a beloved uncle to his nieces Lynne Maas, Susan Bradbury, and Karen Bradbury, as well as to many grandnephews and grandnieces. He also leaves behind his adored dogs, Bailey and Lila.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington Street, Wi******er, on Thursday, August 14th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Relatives, friends and colleagues are warmly invited to attend. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to the Wi******er Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 174, Wi******er, MA 01890, or online at www.winchestersf.org/support, in honor of Walter H. Lewis. His family is currently working to establish an endowed fund in his name.

07/29/2025

James R. “Bob” Willing, age 89, a lifelong resident of Wi******er, passed away on July 24th, lovingly surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Sarane “Sally” Willing.

Born and raised in Wi******er, MA, Bob was the son of the late James Burland Willing and Marion Smith Willing. He was educated in Wi******er and earned his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College. He served in the National Guard and then enjoyed a very successful career of over 60 years in finance as an Investment Advisor in Wealth Management. However, Bob was so much more than a successful businessman. He was an amazing family man, friend, teacher, coach, mentor and role model. He truly loved people and would do anything to help anyone.

Bob married the love of his life, Sally, in 1960, and raised their 3 children in Wi******er. Bob was an active participant in the Wi******er community supporting his children along with their friends and families in all of their endeavors. He was also deeply involved as a long-time member of numerous organizations around town including the following: Wi******er Savings Bank - Trustee for 55 years; Wi******er Hospital - Trustee and member of the Board of Investments; Wi******er Mount Vernon House - Trustee and member of the Finance Committee; The Mary E. Murphy and John F. Murphy, Jr. Charitable Trust - Trustee; Wi******er Country Club - Board of Directors and past Chairman of the Membership & Greens Committees; The Jenks Center - Board member; The Griffin Museum of Photography - Board member; and The Parish of the Epiphany - Lifelong member.

Bob was also a proud member of the Rockport Golf Club, the Bay State Seniors Golf Association, and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.

A diehard Patriots and Boston sports fan, Bob not only loved watching, but also enjoyed playing sports over the years such as baseball, golf, tennis, and curling. In addition, he had many hobbies including his love of antique cars and clocks. He was a musician and talented piano, saxophone, and accordion player. Bob loved to join in on family ping pong games, horseshoe matches, corn-hole tournaments and card games. He was a member of the Dartmouth College Glee Club where he had the privilege of singing on both the Ed Sullivan and Perry Como Shows. Bob was quite a handyman and skilled builder who renovated many homes and built a two-story club house equipped with a hidden trap door, fireman’s pole, and slide for his children and grandchildren.

Bob’s world revolved around his family and pets. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather (Grampy), great grandfather and uncle. The extended family enjoyed spending summers together in Rockport and vacationing in Florida and Bermuda. Bob positively influenced everyone he knew, and his legacy will live on through his devoted family.

Bob is survived by his children: Debbie Carson and her husband, Dan of Wi******er, Patsy Macaluso and her husband, John of Reading, and daughter-in-law, Kelly Willing of Reading. He was pre-deceased by a son, Jim Willing. He was the beloved grandfather of Bobby and Olivia Carson, Kevin and Erica Carson, Brett and Jessica Macaluso, Scottie and Shannon Carson, Cody and Lexi Macaluso, Tori Carson and Billy Poirier and Haley Macaluso; great grandfather of Carter, Ellie and Charlotte Carson and Gracelyn Macaluso. He was the dear brother of the late Patsy Willing MacDowell, and is further survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. A dog lover, Bob owned several furry friends over the years and leaves behind his adored Bichon Frise, “Pandy”.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Parish of the Epiphany, 70 Church St., Wi******er, on Tuesday, August 5th at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Wi******er Hospital at Beth Israel Lahey Health, Wi******er Hospital Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th floor, Charlestown, MA 02129 or at giving.bilh.org, or to the MSPCA at Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970 or at MSPCA.org

07/15/2025

Timothy J. Hennelly, died suddenly at his home in Haverhill on Monday July 14th surrounded by his loving family. He was 66. Tim was the son of the late Frank and Helen (Bedulski) Hennelly. Before moving to Haverhill in 2021, he was raised and educated in Wi******er, graduating with the Class of 1976. For over 30 years, Tim worked in the maintenance department at MIT where he made many friends.
Known for his love of the outdoors, Tim enjoyed camping with friends and family. He also enjoyed darts, bowling and playing his winning Keno numbers at the Dairy Barn in Wi******er.
Lovingly survived by his wife of 41 years, Lisa A. (Gangi) Hennelly , his children: Shauna M. Hennelly and Michael T. Hennelly both of Haverhill, his grandson Derek M. Hennelly, his siblings: Bert Hennelly, Patti Baxter (Glen) and Tom Hennelly (Carol). Tim was also the loving son-in-law of the late John and Rosemarie Gangi as well as brother in law to Veronica Drougas, Christine McLean (David), Jeffrey Gangi (Meaghan), Jonathan Gangi (Candice) and the late Andrew Gangi. Also survived by 16 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held in the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er on Friday July 18th from 10-11:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St. Wi******er at 12 noon. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment private.

07/14/2025

06/29/2025

Dorothy “Dottie” Ellen Krueger, age 82, a resident of Roslindale and Hyde Park, MA, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025.

Born in Boston, Dottie was the daughter of the late Albert and Elvera (Bindbeutel) Krueger. She was raised and educated in Boston and was a 1960 graduate of Roslindale High School.
She earned her nursing degree from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing and while there joined the Army Student Nurse Program. She finished her last year as a member of the Army Reserve on active duty and was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. Dottie was stationed at Walter Reed Medical Center, and upon completing her active duty, she went to work at Massachusetts General Hospital. She retired from MGH in 1997, after a 30+ years nursing career. She later worked on a part-time basis for Weight Watchers for 17 years and spent many years volunteering her time at the Deutsches Altenheim German and Senior Centre in West Roxbury.

Dottie was a longtime, devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Roslindale until it closed, and thereafter of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Quincy. She actively sang and participated in the altar guild.

She was an avid gardener, a passion she learned from her father. For years she maintained the Roslindale homestead garden, making trips back and forth from the summer cottage in Onset to tend to the garden – never leaving out the rhubarb pie. Dottie’s heart truly belonged to her house in Onset – known as the Busy “B” Hive, which came into the family in 1928. She was happiest taking long walks throughout town and sitting on the porch and looking out over the town and the East River, while generations of family came to visit and enjoy the beach there.

Another passion of hers was to bake for the family, and every Christmas season, she would lovingly prepare a container for the extended family, delivering them in Massachusetts and shipping them to New Jersey and Delaware.

Dottie is lovingly survived by her brother, Albert Arthur Krueger and his wife Sandra (nee Nenart) of NJ, and their children, Karin Beth Krueger (Doug Hess) and Sharyn Lee Krueger (Chris Beyer). She is predeceased by her dear sister, Elaine Russo, and is survived by her children Jeff Russo (Nicole) and Jennifer King and her partner Traci, all of Wi******er, MA. Dottie is further survived by 9 great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece.

A private service and interment are being held for family at Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of MA/NH www.alz.org/manh.

05/20/2025

Robert J. “Bob” Nutile, of Wi******er (and Woburn), MA passed away peacefully Sunday, May 18, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife of 47 years, Susan M. (Casey) Nutile, and daughter, Kathryn Nutile. Bob battled with Parkinson’s Disease for many years after suffering a stroke in 2006.

Bob was a native of Wi******er, MA and was known around town as “Mr. Baseball”, having spent much of his life coaching, organizing, and being involved with Wi******er’s youth baseball program for almost 50 years. After Bob’s father died when Bob was young, he was guided through Little League by other Wi******er Dads. Bob made it a priority in his life to return the favor to other young ball players in Wi******er. He started as a baseball umpire and coach while still in high school and eventually coached for 48 years. He also served as president of Wi******er Baseball for 21 years.

Born in 1949 to John Joseph Nutile and Edith (Cerulli) Nutile, Bob was a multi-sport athlete at Wi******er High School. In football he was the leading scorer in his junior and senior years, and all-scholastic in 1966. He was captain of his hockey team and “All League” in his junior and senior years, and he was a three-year starter for Wi******er’s baseball team and all-scholastic in his junior and senior years. He went on to Vermont Academy and then to Clarkson University on hockey scholarships. Bob played minor league hockey for the Greenfield Mohawks in the Eastern Hockey League. He was inducted into the Wi******er High School Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Babe Ruth Eastern Mass Hall of Fame in 2012. That same year he was also honored by Babe Ruth Baseball with the Lefty Gomez Volunteer of the Year award. He entered the Babe Ruth New England Hall of Fame in 2013.

In his professional life Bob had multiple roles in sales and program management but he was truly passionate about his family and about being a coach and mentor to young athletes in Wi******er. Bob’s savvy business skills also paid dividends to the kids in Wi******er. Through his negotiations, fundraising efforts and thorough planning he was able to create a “Field of Dreams”-like ballpark in Wi******er by improving the playing surface, adding a home run fence, additional lighting, and building a press box and snack bar. The facility so impressed regional Cal Ripken league officials that they convinced Bob to host the 2009 and 2012 Cal Ripken World Series in Wi******er. In 2007 Wi******er Town Meeting voted to rename the field “Robert J. Nutile Field”.

Each of Bob’s teams held a special place in his heart. He never admitted to having a favorite team, but depending on who asked, he would fondly recall both his 1982 and 1994 teams.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Susan Nutile of Woburn; his daughter Kathryn and her partner Douglas MacAuley of North Andover; his sister Regina Mead and husband Leonard of Apollo Beach, Florida. He also leaves many in-laws, nieces, nephews and thousands of former ball players who called him Coach. Bob’s family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by the staff at Sunrise of Lynnfield, MA during the final months of Bob’s life.

Relatives, friends, and sports fans are invited to attend visiting hours at the Costello Funeral home at 177 Washington St., Wi******er, MA on Thursday, May 22, from 4 pm to 7 pm, and again on Friday, May 23 @ 11AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 12 Noon in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wi******er.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter at https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/massachusetts/ways-to-give-ma/

05/17/2025

Pauline Puma Boudreau, age 83, a lifelong resident of Wi******er, passed away on May 16, 2025. She was the beloved wife for 57 years of Allan W. Boudreau.

Born in Wi******er, Pauline was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Catherine (Gillotte) Puma. She was raised and educated in Wi******er and was a graduate of Wi******er High School. After high school, she worked as a legal secretary for many years for the renowned Boston law firm Foley, Hoag and Eliot.

After marriage, she and Allan raised their family in a loving home in Wi******er and fondly enjoyed having an open home their children’s friends loved to visit. When the children were grown, Pauline lovingly provided childcare in her home for many families.

An amazing seamstress, her craftiness knew no bounds. She was skilled with cross-stitch and quilting. Her cross-stitch creations were often precisely identical on both sides of the canvas. She was also an avid doll-collector and accumulated exquisite dolls from all over the world.

In addition to her husband, Pauline is lovingly survived by her children: Michele McAnulty and her husband Michael of VT, Gregg Boudreau of Wi******er, Monique Boudreau of Center Barnstead, NH and Glenn Boudreau of Wi******er. She was the cherished grandmother of Steven Temple, Colin and Shaelyn McAnulty, the dear sister of Michael Puma and his wife Donna of Wi******er, and the late Vincent Puma. She was also the dear aunt of Michael and Mark Puma and Darlene McLaughlin.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Wi******er, on Tuesday, May 20, from 4-7PM, and again on Wednesday, May 21 @ 9AM, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Wi******er at 10AM. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wi******er.

05/02/2025

Springtime brings messages of renewal and rebirth. This means that grief in spring can feel hopeful, but it can also feel alienating.