Obituaries 03-05-2014

Rocco Cunsolo

Of Revere

Rocco Cunsolo of Revere died unexpectedly on February 28. He was 27 years old.

He was the loving son of Pino Cunsolo of Italy and Melanie Falagan of Lynn;  dear brother of Brandon, cherished grandson of Josephine Cunsolo of Revere and the late Leroy and Marlene Falagan. He is also survived by many fond aunts and uncles.

Family and friends will honor Rocco’s life by gathering in the Ruggiero family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St. (Orient Heights) East Boston on Saturday, March 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 4 p.m. For more information:www.ruggieromh.com

Phyllis Vasapolli

Lived a Beautiful and Adventurous Life

Phyllis (Falzone) Vasapolli passed away on February 27. She was 92 years old.

The daughter of two Sicilian Immigrants, Phyllis was born in Boston’s North End in 1922 and lived a beautiful and adventurous life. She was a captain to everyone who knew her and a leader, but she was not without having a good time.

Phyllis married her husband, Joseph on a day that has forever lived in infamy, December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. Her wedding reception was cut short, her honeymoon canceled and her husband drafted. It was World War II and she lived through it.

Phyllis lived a life where she put everyone else first. She raised four children and made sure they always had everything they needed. They were never without. She was up at 4 a.m. to sell newspapers at the Maverick train station in East Boston, she was a Girl Scout leader for the Holy Redeemer Church and she was a mother. Phyllis was also on the campaign team for former Massachusetts Governor Volpe. (I was told she was on the team because she brought cookies her mother made to all the events and the governor loved them. )

Those who knew her had fond memories of her when she was not working. There were a few places you could always find her – at the track, the beach or in the kitchen.

Phyllis spent her summers on the Cape where she would spend her days on the beach digging for quahogs and clams in preparation for night of cooking and family fun.

She loved to travel and regularly visited Italy, Canada, Las Vegas, Florida, Atlantic City and many more places.

She was also an avid member of the Madonna Della Cava Society in the North End and participated in the annual feast every year up until she was 89 years old. She loved the North End, the food, the people and the feast. You could find her eating some fired calamari, some oysters or littlenecks or just helping out with the raffle at the base station of the saint.

They say people die twice. Once when the body dies and then again when the last person who remembers them dies. If that is true, then Phyllis will live a long long time.

She leaves behind many who will love her forever including her children: Catherine (Vasapolli) Ciampi, Philip Vasapolli and his wife, Geraldine, Michael Vasapolli and his late wife, Carol and Sandra (Vasapolli) Prezioso and her husband, Luigi; her grandchildren: Louis Ciampi, Jennifer Ciampi, Joseph Prezioso and Franco Prezioso; great grandchildren: Arthur (AJ), Catherine, Joseph, Robbie and her sister, Rosemarie (Chickie) Sorrentino and brother in law, Albert Sorrentino of Revere as well as many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She lived alone after her husband’sdeath in 1994 until she was 90. She will not be forgotten and will live forever in our hearts and minds.

Funeral arrangements were by Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere. The family would appreciate donations made to Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts:Donate by phone: 800-272-3900 or mail: Alzheimer’s Association

480 Pleasant Street

Watertown, MA 02472

John Matook

Founder and President of DIA-Sales, Family Man and Lifelong Student

John N. Matook of South Hamilton, formerly of Revere, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, February 26. He was 59 years old.

Born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, he was a 1972 graduate of Tolman High School in Pawtucket. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1976 from Gordon College of Wenham, Since that time, John has always been a student, especially of Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard Extension School. John holds a Masters degree in Arabic and, at the time of his death, he was still pursuing his studies in Middle Eastern Languages, particularly in almost extinct dialects of Aramaic and other mid-eastern cultures.

John was indeed a “Family Man,” and especially fond of caring for his grandchildren, not only as a grandfather, but as a teacher and mentor. He was a participant in four Iron Man Triathlons (Crossfit). At this time, he was in accelerated training and looking forward to the event/

He had a passion for gardening and became an expert in horticulture, educating himself. He was most proud of his gardens in South Hamilton and in Revere.

He and his family lived in Revere for several years before moving to South Hamilton in 1999 John was the founder and president of DIA-SALES, a company he founded in 1990 and a member of the First Congregational Church of Revere.

He was the beloved husband of 36 years of Linda M. (Granitsas) Matook; the devoted father of: Jamie L. Panagopolos and her husband, Christopher of Essex, Nicholas J. and John D. Matook, both of South Hamilton, Timothy J. Matook and his wife, Catherine of Beverly and Sopeet Bou of Revere. John and his dear wife also fostered many children, including the Tran family and Danny Khiev. He also leaves two cherished grandchildren, Mark O. and Brooke J. Matook. He was the dear brother of: Nicholas Matook and his wife, Elaine of Cumberland, RI, Darlene Elkas and her husband, Douglas of Johnston, RI and Judy Fortier and her husband, Russell of Pawtucket, RI and is also lovingly survived by his mother-in-law, Marguerite Granitsas of Revere and his brothers- and sisters-in-law: The Reverend Nicholas G. Granitsas (the Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Revere) and his wife, Joan, James and Maureen Appleyard of Essex and Nancy E. Cissel and her husband, John of Yorba Linda, California. He was the son of the late Nicholas and Jane (Landry) Matook.

Visiting hours were held in the First Congregational Church, Revere on Sunday. His funeral service was held on Tuesday in the Christ Episcopal Church, South Hamilton Interment was private. Arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the: Easter Seals of Rhode Island, 213 Robinson St., Wakefield, RI 02879, or to the Food Pantry at First Congregational Church, 230 Beach St., Revere, MA 02151.

Frank ‘Butch’ Colantuani

Retired Meat Cutter, member of Meat Cutters Union, Revere American Legion and Revere Moose

Frank “Butch” Colantuoni of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died unexpectedly on February 23 at Whidden Memorial Hospital, Everett. He was 92 years old.

Born and raised in East Boston, he attended Boston schools. A World War II veteran, he entered the US Army in October of 1942 and served until January of 1946.

“Butch” was a graduate of the former Cooks & Bakers School of Monmouth, New Jersey. Most of his working career was spent as a meat cutter for several markets and chain grocery stores. He retired in 1987 after 25 years of service in the meat department of Stop & Shop, Inc. His memberships included: the Meat Cutters Union, American Legion Post #61 of Revere and the Revere Loyal Order of the Moose

His beloved wife, Elizabeth G. “Betty” (Rose) Colantuoni died in April of 1986. He was the brother of the late Pasquale Colantuoni; the devoted uncle of: William J. Colantuoni and his wife, Janice of Lawrence, Christine Colantuoni of South Hamilton and the late John P. Colantuoni. He was the cherished grand-uncle of: Amy Tsai and her husband, Dr. David Tsai, M.D. of Andover, Lawrence Police Detective William P. Colantuoni and his wife, Sandria, Lawrence Police Patrolman Michael J. Colantuoni and his wife, Rebecca, all of Haverhill, Jon P. Colantuoni and his wife, Sandy of Berwick, Maine, Adam Colantuoni and his fiancee, Daniella of East Boston and Gina Coughlin and her husband, Michael of Wakefield. He is also lovingly survived by his dedicated friends, Justine and Vincent Denietolis of Revere and by several great-grand-nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.


Nicholas Crisostamo

Former Truck Driver, former member of ITAM and Patriots Civic Club, Officer of The Sons of American Legion

Nicholas Crisostamo of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died in Florida on February 25. He was 66 years old.

Born in Winthrop, the son of the late John and Lena (Accomando), he lived in East Boston before moving to Revere and worked as a truck driver for many years for Scully Trucking and Airport Express.

Nick was an Officer of The Sons of American Legion Squadron 120, Holly Hill, Florida and a former member of The Revere I.T.A.M, the Patriots Civic Club and an Officer of The Sons of American Legion, Squadron 120, Holly Hill, Florida.

He was the beloved husband of the late Julie (Saldi); devoted father of Janine Crisostamo of Revere; dear brother of Ann Marie Kulda, Joanne Amsden, Richard Crisostamo, all of Revere, John of New Hampshire and the late Anthony. He is also survived by his loving mother in-law Margaret Saldi of Revere and by many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere today, Wednesday, March 5 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Church at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. For guest book please visit www. Buonfiglio.com

Frank Famiglietti

Retired Automotive Foreman

Frank S. Famiglietti of Revere died on February 27. He was 88 years old.

Born in Revere, he was a US Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Saugus VFW and the Malden Moose Club.

He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn (Weiner); devoted father of Deborah Smith and her husband, Robert of Stow and Julie Famiglietti of Peabody; dear brother of the late Marshall, Peter, Joseph, Rocky, John and Alpina and the cherished grandfather of Zachary, Andrew and Philip Simonton. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

His Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons~Bruno Funeral Home 128 Revere St., Revere on Thursday, March 6 at 9:30 a.m. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony’s Church at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours are today, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. Donations in Frank’s name may be made to: Bedford VA Hospital c/o Patient Recreation 2B, 200 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA 01730. For guestbook and online memorial please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com


Sandra Plagenza

Of Revere, formerly of East Boston

Sandra (Piantedosi) Plagenza of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on March 2. She was 53 years old.

The beloved wife of the late Stephen, Sr., she was the devoted mother of Stephen, Jr. of Revere; dear sister of Joseph Piantedosi of Methuen, Patricia Nazzaro of Revere, Janice and Rhonda Piantedosi, both of East Boston, Rose Messina of Revere, Pasquale and Valerie Piantedosi, both of East Boston and the late Darlene Piantedosi; cherished grandmother of Sophia Plagenza and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor Sandra’s life by gathering Thursday, March 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St. (Orient Heights) East Boston and again at 9 a.m. Friday before leaving in procession to St. John the Evangelist Church, Winthrop Street, Winthrop for a Funeral Mass to be celebrated in her honor at 10 a.m. Services to follow with burial in Winthrop Cemetery, Belle Isle section.

For complimentary transportation to and  from the funeral home, please call 617 569 0990. For more information: www.ruggieromh.com

David ‘Tony’ Fleming

US Health and Human Services Administrative Specialist

David A. “Tony” Fleming, a 15 year resident of Revere, formerly of Jamaica Plain, died unexpectedly on March 2 at Boston Medical Center following a brief illness. He was 65 years old.

Born and raised in Jamaica Plain, he was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Grammar School, Boston English High School and Boston Business School. He entered the US Air Force in January of 1968 rising to the rank of Sergeant and served until January of 1972. Serving in Thailand, he supplied troops in Vietnam and for the remainder of his four year tour, he was stationed at numerous Air Force Bases including Andrews AFB, Washington, DC and Kinchelo, AFB in Michigan. He began his civilian working career at Century Industries, a supplier to US military facilities, based in Wisconsin and Texas. He returned to Boston and began working for the Veterans’ Administration. For the past 15 years, he was an administrative specialist for the US Health & Human Services Dept. – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid.

“Tony” will be fondly remembered for his ability “To get things done” and for his generous nature and outgoing personality. He had planned to retire to Delray Beach, Florida in May, upon retirement.

“Tony” was the beloved son of the late Henry J. and Helen M. (Kelly) Fleming; the cherished brother to: John S. Fleming and his wife, Linda Sampieri-Fleming of Quincy, Mary S. “Susie” Fleming of Delray Beach, Florida and North Berwick, Maine and the late Stephen J., Henry D. and Richard A. Fleming. He was the devoted uncle of Maura and Kelly Fleming, Patricia Donnellen and her husband, Sean, all of West Roxbury, Brian Fleming and his wife, Krista and their children, Brooke and Kelsey, all of North Attleboro and the late Heather Fleming. He is also lovingly survived by his sister-in-law, MaryAnn Fleming of West Roxbury.isiting hours are respectfully omitted. Services and interment are private. Because of his caring and dedication to veterans, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108. For more information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.

Louis Dondero, Jr.

Retired Revere Educator

Louis P. Dondero, Jr. of Revere died on March 2.

Louis , who received his Masters in Education from Suffolk University, was an educator in the Revere School System for many years before retiring in 1991. He also served his country during the Korean Conflict as a SP3 in the US Army.

He was the beloved husband of Bernice (Hurley); devoted father of Lisa Brengola and her husband, Andrew of Lynnfield; cherished grandfather of Alissa Louise; dear brother of Thelma DeLeo of Winchester and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. His Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere on Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony’s Church at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of MA 480 Pleasant St. Watertown MA 02472. For guest book please visit www.Buonfiglio.com

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