Obituaries 12-24-2014

Loretta Ristino

30-Year Employee of Commonwealth of Mass Group Insurance Division; Her Family Was the Center of Her Life

Loretta M. (Kehoe) Ristino, a lifelong resident of Revere, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, December 21 at the Melrose– Wakefield Hospital after a brief illness. She was 71 years old.

Born and raised in Revere, she attended Immaculate Conception School and was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, Class of 1961. She remained in Revere after she married and began her family. In 1973, Loretta began a 30 year career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission as a Junior Accountant retiring in 2003.

The center of Loretta’s Life was her family. It is known that she would love to host Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners, but her weekly “Macaroni Night” on Wednesdays were legendary. She would host this dinner for almost 30 years, bringing her family together.

Loretta was also the quintessential Boston Sports Fan “Living & Dying” with every win or loss. She also loved to challenge herself with her crossword puzzles in her free time.

She was the loving mother of B.F.D. Captain Paul P. Ristinio, Jr. and his wife, Lynn of Revere, Renee L. Pedone and her husband, Edward of Saugus and Alyssa M. Thomas and her companion, Kenneth Cooper of Medford; the beloved sister of Helena Kehoe of Revere, Lillian Capone of Quincy, Patricia Giordano of Tyngsboro, Marilyn Cunio of Revere and Marie Cutillo of Medford and the late James Kehoe, Bernard Kehoe, Emma Hattefield and Margaret Porier; the adored Nana of Lindsey Hinze and her husband, Jason, Jennifer Ristino and Katie Ristino, all of Revere, Andrew Thomas of Waltham, Steven Thomas of Peabody, Matthew Pedone and Kevin Pedone, both of Saugus. She was the wife of the late Paul P. Ristino, Sr. and is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, December 28 from 3 to 7 p.m., in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107) Revere. Her funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Monday, December 29 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church (corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue.) Revere. Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Hallmark Health VNA & Hospice, INC., 178 Savin ST, Suite 300, Malden, MA 02148. For more information, visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com

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Anthony Solomita

Retired Senior Vice President Bank of America

Anthony F. Solomita, of South Dennis, formerly of Everett, died at home after a long illness on December 17. He was 79 years old.

Born and raised in Everett, he was a graduate of B. C. High School, Class of 1952 and continued his education at Boston College where he earned a B.A. In Economics, Class of 1956. After graduation, Anthony went to work for John Hancock Life as a programmer. He retained this position for 11 years. It was then that he found his passion in banking. He worked in the Trust Department, remained in Trust Banking for over 30 years and retired from Bank of America as a Senior Vice President and Manager in their bank-wide Trust Services Division. During this time he met and married the love of his life, Louise P. Savignano. They settled in Everett and began their family, later moving to Bedford, to raise their three children.

Anthony maintained a very active life in organizations such as Toastmasters, where he held an office for several years and as a member and Chairman of the Banking Committees in Massachusetts Bankers Association. He also found time to give of himself to his community in Bedford, as a Trustee of the Bedford Free Public Library. He was a Lector and CCD Teacher at St. Michael’s Church in Bedford.

Through his busy career and his associations, his best time and favorite role was as husband and father. In later years it was “Papa” and was quoted that “He took his responsibility seriously to spoil his grandchildren and hopefully did it well.”

After retiring, he and his wife relocated to Cape Cod where they became active members and supporters of “Our Lady of the Cape.” and where he would spend half of the year playing golf and enjoying the beautiful beaches. The couple would retreat to Florida in the winter where they did the same.

He was the loving and devoted husband of Louise P. (Savignano) Solomita with whom he shared 56 years of marriage; the cherished father of Anne F. Rascoe and her husband, Thomas D. of Queensbury, NY, James M. Solomita and his partner, Douglas Watson of Portland, OR and Lauren M. Mello and her husband, Matthew P. of Kingston; the adored “Papa” of Maria L. Mello, Kathryn J. Rascoe, Antonia R. Mello and Matthew J. Mello; the beloved brother of Michael Solomita and his wife, Sharon of Stoneham and Rosemarie Spurr of Everett and her late husband, Raymond. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be to:Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)

383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 or www.themmrf.org For more information, please visit www.vertucciioandsmith.com

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 John Richard Aucella

Highly Decorated Vietnam Veteran

John Richard Aucella passed away on December 3 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

After graduating from Boston University—where his father, a World War II Flying Tigers pilot, taught for many years–John volunteered, during an early escalation of the war in Vietnam, to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He was trained at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL, and immediately sent into combat as a Marine Medevac pilot—joining the ranks of some of the bravest and most skilled aviators of that conflict. He eventually rose to the rank of Captain, and, by age 23, was highly decorated, receiving two of the most significant honors bestowed by the U.S. Military: the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and exceptional aeronautical skill and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk and the Air Medal Bronze Star for extraordinary bravery in combat. Twice shot down and successfully rescued, renowned for saving the lives of countless Marine comrades, often under heavy fire, Captain Aucella earned the nickname “Golden Boy”, as he was one of only two of 32 pilots in his squadron not killed or wounded in action.

After retiring from the US Marine Corps, John worked as Sales Manager of Pierce Ford in Tewksbury and Marshall Pontiac in Saugus before retiring to Florida, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time at the beach. From that distance, he remained an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Boston Terrier hockey teams and he was fond of staying in touch with Greater Boston friends and some of his 36 first cousins via long phone conversations.

Throughout his too-short life, John remained a loyal Marine, and was active in supporting the military and attending reunions of his fellow Vietnam veterans.

Although a resident of Florida since 1991, he maintained a proud and enduring connection to his Revere roots and felt fortunate, despite ongoing health issues, to be able to visit his beloved hometown one last time this past summer. Family and friends meant everything to John Aucella, and his warmth, kindness, enthusiasm, and larger-than-life personality lit up any room he entered. His heroic actions in Vietnam, described in both medal citations, serve as a fitting epitaph: “His courage and steadfast determination inspired all who served with him.” He will be sorely missed.

He was the son of Gene and Violet (Merullo) Aucella, lifelong residents of Revere. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline (Meredith), and his children: Eugenio of Pompano Beach; Jonathan and wife, Vanessa of Hermosa Beach, CA, Adam of Grass Valley, CA, and Nicole Johnson and her husband, Jeff, of Georgetown, MA. He also leaves five beloved grandchildren who adored him: Ava and Jenna Johnson, and Adam, John, and Cailyn Aucella. John is also survived by his brother, Gene Aucella and wife, Terri of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and their children, Kate and David; and by his brother David Aucella and his wife, Stacey, of Berkeley, CA and their children, Samantha and Zachary.

A memorial service and military burial is planned for this summer in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

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(Josephine March

Retired Executive Assistant for the Federal Department of Fish and Game

Josephine H. (Cacioppo) March, a life long resident of Revere, died unexpectedly at home on December 17. She was 91 years old.

Born and raised in Revere, Josephine attended Revere with the Federal Government as an Executive Assistant for the Department of Fish & Game. Josephine did not have children but she had a deep love for all her nieces and nephews. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. March; the loving sister of the late Jeanette Fortuna, Rosalie MacDonald, Charles Cacioppo and Frances Cacioppo; the cherished aunt of Joanne Flaherty and her husband, Edward of Natick, Arthur M. MacDonald and his wife, Nguyen Minh, Thomas R. Fortuna, Jr., Revere Fire Captain Robert J. Fortuna and his wife, Lisa, Steven Fortuna and Mark Fortuna, all of Revere. She is also lovingly survived by many grand nieces and grand nephews.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 20 in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was private. For more information please visitwww.vertuccioandsmith.com

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John ‘Jack’ DeLeire

Former Revere Police Chief; Deeply Devoted to His Family

John A. “Jack” DeLeire, a longtime resident of Melrose, formerly of Revere, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18 in Lexington. He was 82 years old.

John was born, raised and educated in Revere, one of four children of the late John A. DeLeire, Sr. and Catherine (Finnegan) DeLeire. John entered the US Army and served his country proudly as a Corporal during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge, he began his career in law enforcement for the Revere Police Department. For over 25 years, John was a Police Officer for the Revere Police Department and served as Police Chief for several years. John was forever proud of Revere and held the city and his friends close to his heart. He loved visiting Revere Beach, spending time near the water and going out to eat.

John met his future wife, Vivian J. Campbell, at Revere Beach, and lived in Revere for 10 years before moving to Melrose where they raised their six children. John was happiest at home, surrounded by his family, and the many neighborhood kids. He spent many hours in the backyard, planting flowers and maintaining the pool for everyone’s enjoyment. John always had an open door for friends and family and the DeLeire house became the spot for neighborhood gatherings, holidays, and parties.

John was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots. He especially loved going to the track at Suffolk Downs and Wonderland to catch a race. More than betting, John just loved the thrill of watching the race and the surprise of winning.

A police officer for over 25 years, he was a loyal and genuine man. He was a straight shooter, never shy about telling you what he thought. He also loved getting dressed up and had the closet to prove it. He enjoyed vacationing in Sunny Isles, Florida with his wife and children and was always ready for the next meal.

Above all else, John was deeply devoted to his family and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. His memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, six children, and eight grandchildren.

He was the beloved husband of Vivian J. (Campbell) DeLeire with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage; devoted father of John A. DeLeire and his wife, Melissa of Medford, Mark S. DeLeire of Everett, Donald K. DeLeire and his wife, Joanelle of Wakefield, Robert F. DeLeire and his wife, Christine of Weymouth, Kimberley J. DeLeire and her partner, Robert Scalfani of Melrose and Linda V. DeLeire and her partner, Jorge Alves of Woburn; dear brother of Ann Plastino and her husband, Peter of Peabody and the late William and Donald DeLeire; cherished Papa of Bailey, Emily, Amanda, Brendan, Andrew, Kiera, Sean, and Anna and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose. Interment with military honors by the US Army was at Wyoming Cemetery. For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com

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Irene Racca

Kemper Insurance Retiree

Irene L. (Forrey) Racca died on Friday evening at the Wingate at Haverhill Nursing Center. She was 84 years old.

Born in Boston, the daughter of the late Patrick and Lillian (Olson) Forrey, she was a secretary for many years, retiring in 1972 from the Kemper Insurance Company. She loved playing cards, engaging with and was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Beachmont.

She was the mother of Richard Sweeney and his wife, Janet of Sarasota, FL and the cherished grandmother of Adam, Ryan & Sean Sweeney. She was the sister to 12 brothers and sisters; Edward Forrey, Mildred Forrey, Lillian Desmond, Marie Campbell, Jack Forrey, Robert Forrey, Steven Forrey, Norma Coffey, James Forrey, Paul Forrey, Patrick Forrey, Lorraine Forrey Wilson and Elaine Forrey.

A memorial mass was held at the Immaculate Conception Church on December 22. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston, 51 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA 02210. Funeral arrangements were by Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus. For condolences: www.BisbeePorcella.com.

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William Ferriman

Of Revere

William E. Ferriman of Revere, formerly of East Boston, passed away on December 20 surrounded by his loving family.

A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was the loving husband of Helen (Butori) Ferriman; loving father of Gilman Brewer and Timothy Donovan, both of Revere, Kevin Donovan and Terrence Donovan and his wife, Mary all of Winthrop, William Ferriman of Florida, Carolyn Richard and her husband, Michael of Medford, Kelly DeBonis and her husband, Steven of Revere and the late Albert Donovan and Virginia Viscay; cherished grandfather of 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of William’s life by gathering in Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach Street, Revere on Friday, December 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. followed by a service in our chapel at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St. Boston, MA 02108. For guest book and directions www.vazzafunerals.com

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