Mary Halias, 93; owned restaurants
HAVERHILL -- Mary (Theodorakalles) Halias, a former owner and operator of the Miss Newburyport Diner in Newburyport, died Dec. 14 in Hannah Duston Healthcare Center in Haverhill. The Haverhill resident was 93.
Born in Maine, she moved to Haverhill with her family as a child. She later married and opened the Miss Newburyport Diner with her husband, the late John G. Halias. The couple also owned and operated the White Mountain Restaurant in Littleton, N.H., and the Puritan Restaurant in Concord, N.H.
A dedicated parishioner of the Greek Orthodox Church communities in Haverhill and Concord, N.H., Mrs. Halias founded the Haverhill Greek Orthodox Church Golden Age Club, planning numerous trips throughout the Eastern Seaboard and Canada. In the Haverhill church choir, Mrs. Halias discovered her passion for music and singing.
In recognition for their lifelong service, Mrs. Halias and her husband were bestowed with the Diocese Award by the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Boston in 1996.
Mrs. Halias was also a member of the Eastern Star in Littleton, Women's City Club of Haverhill, and Atkinson Garden Club.
She leaves her goddaughter and niece, Marina Korizis of Maryland, her three nieces, Mary Sevastakis of New Port Richey, Fla., Anthie Ouellet of Nashua, Mary Dzenis of Londonderry, N.H.; her nephew, George Korizis of Illinois; and numerous grandnieces and nephews.
A funeral was held on Dec. 19 in the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Haverhill. Burial was in Linwood Cemetery in Haverhill.
Dominic Tringali, boat builder; at 91
BEVERLY -- Dominic P. Tringali enjoyed being near the waters of the North Shore, according to friends. A wooden-boat builder with Tringali Boat Yard in East Boston, the Beverly resident was also an avid fisherman. Mr. Tringali died Dec. 16 at Radius Healthcare of Danvers. He was 91.
Born in East Boston, he was raised and educated in East Boston.
He later married and moved to Revere, where he raised his family. Mr. Tringali also lived in Salem for more than 10 years.
A family man, his favorite pastime was being with his two granddaughters, Lauren and Danielle.
In addition to his granddaughters, he leaves a son, Richard P. of Wakefield; two daughters, Janice M. Ostrowski of Beverly and Jeanne M. of Middleton; two step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass was said Dec. 19 in St. John the Evangelist Church in Beverly. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
Henry M. Aloisi, electrician; at 91
PEABODY -- Henry M. Aloisi was a music aficionado who especially loved the swing, big band, and rock 'n' roll music of the 1930s to the 1950s, respectively. He died Dec. 12 in Kindred Hospital in Peabody at the age of 91.
Born in Sicily, he came to the United States with his family as a young boy.
After graduating from East Boston High School, he moved to Winthrop and Medford, and later settled in Peabody while working as a licensed electrician at the
After retiring 29 years ago, Mr. Aloisi enjoyed working as a handyman around the house and rooting for the Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, and especially the Red Sox.
He leaves his wife of 59 years, Phyllis (Felino), and a son, Henry A., both of Peabody; a brother, Leo DeMaio of Winthrop; and two sisters, Theresa Dascoli of Revere and Lena Pratto of Everett.
A funeral Mass was said Dec. 15 in St. Ann's Church in Peabody. Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Lynn.
Charles Durant, 82, WWII Navy pilot
PEABODY -- For much of his life, Charles W. ''Bud" Durant of Peabody loved to explore the beaches of the North Shore, according to family. He died Dec. 17 at Radius Healthcare of Danvers. He was 82.
Born in Haverhill, he graduated from Groveland High School in 1940. Soon afterward, he enrolled at the University of South Carolina for two years, before enlisting in the Navy. Mr. Durant served as a pilot for three years during World War II and was discharged as a lieutenant in 1945.
Mr. Durant then lived in Merrimac and Haverhill until he moved to Peabody in 1989.
An employee of United Shoe Machine Corp. in Beverly for 40 years, he retired in 1984 as the assistant regional manager for the Emhart Division. Mr. Durant was a member of the Quarter Century Club of USMC Corp., and was a member of the Naval Reserve.
He leaves his wife of 22 years, Mary L. Walsh-Durant; and a sister, Marilyn F. Cooke of Haverhill.
A funeral Mass was to be said Dec. 21 in St. Ann's Church in Peabody. Burial was in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Peabody.
