Page 20 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 7, 2023 OBITUARIES James Donald Mitchell, Jr. Newspaper Publisher, former Mayor of Chelsea 86, of Saugus, MA. Born May 3, 1937 in Chelsea, son of James Donald Mitchell of Gary, WV and Marian (Spracklin) of Chelsea, MA, Jim graduated from Chelsea High School in 1955, voted “Best Athlete” by his senior class where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Following graduation, he attended Kansas State University on a full football scholarship and later studied at Suff olk University in Boston. Jim married Ethelyn (Mahoney) of Revere, and was the loving and devoted father to their four children; Jeffrey, James, Marianne and Todd. Jim’s professional career began in newspaper advertising at the Chelsea Record, before leaving to manage the Malden Evening News and the Medford Mercury for many years, retiring as advertising manager. Jim committed his life to his hometown of Chelsea, beginning his 16-years in public service as Ward 5 Alderman MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 3 I’ll never forget that summer of ’68 when “Soulful Strut” by Holt’s newest formation, Young-Holt Unlimited, was the hottest song on the transistor. Such fabulous music during the golden era of pop/soul music. Thank you for the wonderful music you gave us, Mr. Holt. • If the overfl ow crowd of supfor one term, then as Alderman-at-Large, and fi nally, serving as Mayor of Chelsea for one term in 1984-1985. He founded Suffolk County Publications and published the Chelsea Advocate for almost a decade. Along with his son, James David, Jim co-published the Advocate Newspapers, Inc. publishing weekly newspapers in Everett, Revere, Malden and Saugus in print and online for over 32 years. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Ethelyn; and his three children, Jeff rey Mitchell and his wife, Julie of Saugus, James David of Danville, NH, Todd of Everett, MA and daughter, Marianne Hanson and her husband, Daniel Hanson of Carmel, IN, his sister, Nancy Belanger and her husband, Daniel Belanger of Charlton, MA and Vincent Montesano of Revere, MA, along with his grandchildren, Ashley, Brittnay, and Victoria Mitchell and Mitchell, Jacob Ringenberg, and Annie Rose, nieces, nephews, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister, Jean Montesano and brother, John Mitchell. Jim also leaves his darling Labradoodle, Lucy. A Memorial Service was held porters for Ward 2 Councillor Paul Condon’s kickoff fundraiser at Anthony’s is any indication of how he will fare this election year, then... forgetaboutit! Old Malden came out! New Malden, too! And everybody in between! The chant of “two more years” could be heard from Donut Villa to Evelyn Place! • Last week’s column featured my list of concerts, from best to American Exterior and Window Corporation at the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., Chelsea on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. William G. Loftus Of Malden. Formerly of Medford. Passed away on July 2, 2023. He was 62 years old. He was a mechanic for over 35 years as well as a longtime employee of the City of Malden Public Works Department. William was a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and an avid boater and fi sherman. He was the husband of Lisa A. Loftus. William was the loving father of Jenna L. Loftus. He was the brother to Virginia Leone, Susan Morton and her husband Frank, Diane Loftus, Michael Loftus, and the late Debbie Lee Loftus. William was the brother-inlaw of Charlie Toomajian and his wife Marilena and the late John worst. I omitted one from the “happy I got to see” list, Bauhaus. We saw them both times at The Channel – fi rst time by accident. We drove into the Southie landmark to see the opening band, The Outlets, but were gobsmacked by Dan Ash’s and Peter Murphy’s presence and became fans. Next time they hit The Channel, we were in the pit and this time we knew every word to “Bela Lugosi’s Dead!” As Peter Falk’s iconic TV charContact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities Telephone: 617-699-1782 Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 Email: info@americanexteriorandwindow.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. acter Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – Rene Straccia’s dad Vinny was the best (her mom ain’t bad either!) Rene speaks on the passing of a legend: “Happy heavenly Father’s Day, Dad! If you knew my dad, you know he greeted everyone he loved with a big hug and a kiss. Everyone was ‘his friend’ from the girls at Honey Dew (who knew to make a fresh pot when he walked in but didn’t mind because of how he treated them), to the butcher at the meat deli (who knew to slice it ‘very thin’) and he actually had these peoples phone numbers! That’s how easy he was to love. The people next door, or his regulars who religiously came to hear him sing, and as most of you know, boy could he sing! They all came out for Vinnie! He loved his family more than anything. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Leone. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at the A.J. Spadafora Funeral Home 865 Main Street Malden, on Saturday July 8th at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Friday July 7th from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of fl owers donations in William’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. Edward Christopher Mahan Of Melrose. In loving memory, we mourn the loss of Edward Christopher Mahan, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. Edward passed away peacefully on July 1, 2023, at the age of 84. He was born on April 9, 1939, in Malden, MA to Christopher and Helen (Daly) Mahan. He grew up and raised his family in Malden before moving into the longtime family home in He especially loved his ‘baby’ Mia Rigano and the bond they shared was something special. His second love was music, and oh yeah, food – lol! He actually showed his love for you with food always bringing home your favorite or something you said you liked. He could talk to you for hours with such passion about music. He could also talk to you all day about food. He was a great storyteller and when he talked, you listened to every word. He told it like it was and didn’t sugar coat anything, but he had the biggest heart and would do anything for the ones he loved. He’d give you the shirt off his back and that’s what he instilled in my brothers and me. He left a huge void in all our lives when he passed but I know I can speak for all of us when I say, he left us with a ton of memories and his knowledge and wisdom about life lessons. We love and miss you Dad, Papa, Vincenzo, Vinny Boombatz aka Vincent Straccia Sr.” Postscript: Count me in as one who worshipped at the feet of one Vinny Straccia! I just adored this man! Talented with charisma to spare and one cool cat! Vinny grew up in Boston’s famous Italian enclave, the North End. His love of singing and entertainment came from listening to vinyl his pops would bring home. Urban legend has it that Melrose. With honor, Ed served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He was a proud, 30-year member of Ironworkers Local 7. He was a model character known for his selfl essness and willingness to help others. Whether it was a small project or a grand undertaking, Ed was always there, supporting those around him. Family members and friends benefi ted from his guidance and support as he assisted them in projects, bringing his “Jack-of-all-trades” and “fi xer of everything” abilities to every situation / “crisis.” Ed was a loving husband and devoted father whose love for family was unwavering. He will be remembered for his gentle nature, twinkling blue eyes, rosy cheeks, and warm smile. Ed leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories and a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to have known him. Edward is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Brenda (Campbell) Mahan. Loving father to Michael & Anna Mahan of Woburn, Kathleen Breslin & George Karelas both of Danvers, Erin & Christopher Bennett of Wakefi eld, and Colleen & John OBITUARIES | SEE PAGE 22 Vinny was stung by the music bug listening to a neighborhood group called The Delphonics. Vinny “borrowed” the Delphonics name and started his own street corner group. Their fi rst paying gig was at the Rose Coff ee House in the North End, where they each walked out of the cafe $5 richer. On his return home from Nam in 1969, he joined the soul group “The Betterway” with Bobby Crowley (miss ya, Bobby), Tommy Fleming, Jimmy Martini and Richie Willis (Hi Richie). In 1975, Vinny, Bobby and Guy Chiapponi formed “Breakaway,” which quickly became one of New England’s premier disco show bands. In 1980, Vinny’s baritone became one of the original voices of North Shore Acappella along with Bobby, Guy, Maureen Vadala and Richie. The next 35 years were magical (I was there for much of it, and I remember most of it, I think). The happiness Vinnie and his gang of fi ve brought into all our lives, priceless! Love you forever, my dear friend Vinny aka Vinny Boombatz. —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to the Malden Advocate. He can be reached at PeteL39@aol.com for comments, compliments or criticisms.
21 Publizr Home