THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 15, 2026 Page 15 Sa Sa a Sa y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller How to Prepare to Be an Executor of an Estate Dear Savvy Senior, My uncle recently asked me to be the executor of his will when he dies. I feel honored that he asked me, but I’ve never done this before and I’m not exactly sure what the job entails. What can you tell me about it? --Helpful Nephew Dear Helpful, Being named executor is indeed an honor. It shows your uncle trusts you. But it can also be a signifi cant responsibility, especially if his estate or family situation is complicated. Here’s a look at what the role involves so you can decide if it’s something you’re comfortable taking on. Executor Duties As executor, you’ll be responsible for settling your uncle’s affairs after his death. Depending on the estate, your duties may include: • Filing paperwork with the probate court to validate the will and officially open the estate. • Locating and taking inventory of all assets. • Paying outstanding bills, funeral expenses, and any taxes owed using estate funds. • Notifying banks, government agencies (including Social Security), credit card companies, and the post office of his death. • Preparing and fi ling his fi nal income tax return. • Distributing remaining assets to the benefi ciaries named in the will. Keep in mind that executor responsibilities and deadlines vary by state. Most state bar association websites off er probate guides or checklists that outline the rules where you live. Get Organized If you agree to serve, one of the best things you can do now is help your uncle get organized. Make sure his will is up to date and fi nd out where important documents are stored – such as deeds, fi nancial account statements, insurance policies, passwords, and contact information for advisors. Having quick access to these items will save you time and stress later. If the estate is complex, you don’t have to handle everything alone. An estate attorney or tax professional can guide you through the process, and their fees are typically paid by the estate. To fi nd qualifi ed help, you can search directories at the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (naepc.org) and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org). Prevent Family Confl icts One of the biggest challenges executors face is family tension. Ask your uncle to clearly communicate his wishes to benefi - ciaries ahead of time, including who will receive personal belongings and family heirlooms. Wills often leave these decisions to the executor, which can create unnecessary friction. If he hasn’t already, suggest he create a written list outlining how personal property should be distributed. Clarity now can prevent confl ict later. Executor Fees Executors are generally entitled to compensation, which is paid by the estate. In many states, fees are based on a percentage of the estate’s value, often ranging from 1 to 5 percent, depending on size and complexity. However, if you’re also a benefi ciary, you may choose to waive the fee. Executor compensation is taxable income, while inheritances typically are not subject to income tax. If you’d like a step-by-step resource to guide you through the process, “The Executor’s Guide: Settling a Loved One’s Estate or Trust,” from Nolo, is a helpful reference and costs about $32 at nolo.com. Serving as executor can be time-consuming, but with good organization and clear communication, it’s a manageable responsibility, and a meaningful way to honor your uncle’s trust. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. Dir: Lincoln Ave to Bristow Street to 9 Carr Road Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Formerly Carpenito Real Estate nr ior Charlotte “Pat” DiNapoli W ith g r e a t sadness we announce the passing of our mother Charlotte Patricia DiNapoli, who passed peacefully at home on May 9, 2026. Born in Everett, Charlotte (or Pat as she was known by some family and friends) graduated from Everett High in 1960. Married Thomas (Tom) DiNapoli in 1964. While living in Everett, Charlotte and her husband of 61 years raised four children. As a life-long resident of Everett, she was highly active in her community volunteering for many activities such as the Cub Scouts, the Girl Scouts, girls’ softball teams, and youth skating organizations. Charlotte was employed as a special education paraprofessional with the Everett Public Schools for 29 years most at the Lafayette School. Charlotte is survived by her husband Tom and her children Thomas DiNapoli Jr. and his wife Donna of Peabody, Cynthia DiNapoli of Everett, Lauri DiNapoli-Stickney and her husband Scott of Everett, and Jennifer DiOrio and her husband Kevin of Peabody. She was the beloved grandmother to Matthew, Joshua, Allison, and Gianna. She was pre-deOBITUARIES ceased by her parents Frank and Margaret Williams and her two brothers James McCabe and George Patrick McCabe. Visitation was held on Thursday, May 14, from the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, Everett. Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 15, at 8:45 AM followed by a mass at 10:00 AM in the Immaculate Conception Church, Broadway, Everett. Burial at 11:30 AM in the Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm Street, Everett. Marlene Di Nino P assed away on T hursda y , M a y 7th, 2026 at the age of 89. Born on June 19, 1936, to Oscar & Mary J. (Colangelo) Di Nino. Beloved fi ancée of the late John Caron, she was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Larry G. Di Nino, Joseph R. Di Nino, and Oscar Di Nino; her nephew, Larry G. Di Nino, Jr.; and her grandnephew, Rocco Weiss. She is survived by her loving sister-in-law, Maryellen Di Nino of Hampstead, NH; ten devoted nieces & nephews; twelve grandnieces & grandnephews whom she loved dearly; as well as many cherished cousins, friends, & neighbors. Home of the Week SAUGUS - 1st OPEN HOUSES - Sat. 5/16 & Sun. 5/17 - 11:30 am - 1:00 PM - Hard-to-find Two Family Split Entry style featuring 10 rms, 4-5 bedrms, 2 full baths, great open floor plan, perfect for entertaining, spacious living room with cath ceilings, gas fireplace with granite hearth, wall air conditioner, open to formal dining room, wood flooring, updated kitchen with granite counter tops, peninsula with seating to bright and sunny three season sunroom leading to deck, primary bedroom with convenient walk-through to main bath with granite top vanity. Finished lower give great flexibility - family room can be used with main house or can be part of the legal apartment offering living room, large, eat-in kitchen with laminate flooring and slider to deck, 1 or 2 bedrms & full bath. Updated gas heat & hot water (2014), mostly replacement windows, great 2 car garage with finished second level (electric heat), convenient roof bridge to enter house. Large, level lot fenced in lot with storage shed. Perfectly located in desirable Carr Farms neighborhood! MINT! Offered at $875,000 (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC, An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Funeral service was held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main St., Malden on Thursday May14th. Visiting hours were held at the funeral home on Wednesday May 13th.Relatives & friends were respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of fl owers, donations in Marlene Di Nino’s memory are requested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To sign online guestbook, visit Spadaforafuneral.com
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