Margaret Blake
Retired Everett Educator and School Administrator
Margaret “Peggy” Blake, 85, of Bradenton, FL, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 8.
Born in Everett, to Joseph and Betty (Kelly) Lynch, Peggy enjoyed a long and prestigious career as an educator/administrator for the Everett Public School district. During her 38 year tenure in Everett, she occupied positions as a teacher, reading specialist, principal, and Title 1 director. She was an innovator of reading programs, and a member of the prestigious Oxford Round Table in England.
Peggy is survived by the love of her life and adoring husband of 63 years, Laurence “Steve” Blake. She was a passionate and proud mother of four: Steven Blake (Educator) of Tewksbury, Anita Furrow (Educator) of Bradenton, FL, Michelle Michaud (RN) of Ellenton, FL, and Jennifer Blake (Educator) of Bradenton, FL. She also leaves ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, all adored. She was one of twelve children raised in Everett of whom only two remain: Louise Drucker of Virginia and Dr. James Lynch of Maryland. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
Peggy was renowned for her many acts of kindness. In her honor, the family has chosen to follow her example by championing the education of a special caregiver. Contributions to this worthy aim can be made to “Cassandra’s Cause” on gofundme.com. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43RD Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com
Joseph DiBattista, Sr.
Founder of Jay Brian Transport
Joseph W. DiBattista, Sr. of Everett passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Jan. 7.
Joseph served his country for six years in the U.S Air Force while proudly earning his degree from Bentley College. He founded Jay Brian Transport, where he later had the joy of working side by side with his son before retirement. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was the beloved husband of the late Gail (Gianatassio) of Everett, son of the late Eugene and Pierina DiBattista, devoted father to Jodi Barron and her husband, Scott of Salem, NH, Jill McGrail and her husband, Chris of Merrimac and Jay DiBattista and his wife, Meredith of Westwood; loving grandfather of 10 grandchildren: Talan, Drue, Logan, Brady, Samantha, Nathan, Will, Ben, Hattie and Rhett and four great-grandchildren: Harlow, Addison, Raegan and Willow. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas DiBattista and several nieces, nephews and extended family. Funeral arrangements were by the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street, Everett. Interment was in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923.
For more information: 1-877-71-ROCCO or roccofuneralhomes.com.