The Lily Jean Obituary

The peace of Friday morning was shattered at approximately 6:50 a.m. when the Coast Guard received an automated distress signal from the 72-foot Lily Jean. There was no mayday call; the vessel, heavily laden with fish and battling 10-foot seas and 12-degree temperatures, vanished almost instantly. Rescuers found only a debris field, an empty life raft, and the body of one unresponsive crew member. To lose seven “vibrant and beautiful” lives in such a “hot and shocking” manner is a tragedy that Gloucester has faced before, but one it will “never get used to.”

The victims include:

• Captain Gus Sanfilippo: A fifth-generation fisherman and local legend featured on the History Channel’s Nor’Easter Men.

• Paul Beal Sr. & Paul Beal Jr.: A father and son working side-by-side, whose joint absence creates an “undeniable void” for the Beal family.

• Jada Samitt, 22: A NOAA fishery observer from Virginia who was fulfilling her dream of working on the ocean.

• John Paul Rousanidis: A hardworking crew member known for his “vibrant heart” and generosity.

• Sean Therrien: A devoted partner and father from Peabody who lived for his family.

• Freeman Short: A beloved resident of the Marshfield/Scituate area known for his “unwavering spirit.”

A Legacy of Service and the “Heart and Soul” of Gloucester

The life of a Gloucester fisherman is a masterclass in “quiet and powerful” sacrifice. Captain Gus Sanfilippo was a “beacon of light” in the harbor, known for his warm embrace and his willingness to take young fishermen under his wing. The “eye-catching” tribute of flowers and wreaths at the Fisherman’s Memorial highlights the “meaning and warmth” these seven individuals brought to their community. For Jada Samitt, the ocean was a “vibrant and beautiful” passion; for the veteran crew, it was a way of life that demanded everything.

The “outpouring of grief” from State Senator Bruce Tarr and Mayor Paul Lundberg reflects a “profoundly sad” reality: fishing remains the “heart and soul” of this city, but it is a soul that is often tested by “heartbreaking loss.” These seven individuals were out there doing their jobs, feeding our collective family, and their absence is a heartache that will be felt along the docks for generations. They taught those around them that the true measure of a life is found in hard work and the love of one’s family, a legacy of “unwavering spirit” that will continue to guide Gloucester.

Honoring the Fallen and Supporting the Fishing Community

As Gloucester gathers at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church to navigate this “heartbreaking loss,” the focus remains on honoring the remarkable journeys of those aboard the Lily Jean. The names of Gus, Paul Sr., Paul Jr., Jada, John Paul, Sean, and Freeman will soon be added to the city’s memorial, joining the thousands of fishermen lost at sea over 400 years. Neighbors and friends are encouraged to support the GoFundMe pages established for the families, providing the “meaning and warmth” needed to survive this “indescribable” ordeal.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the Lily Jean crew and the NOAA observer. Their story did not end in the frigid waters off Cape Ann; it continues through every boat that leaves the harbor and every cherished memory held by the people of Gloucester. Rest in peace; your presence was a blessing to Massachusetts, and your spirits will remain a guiding light for your families and our fishing community forever.