Obituaries 03-15-2017

Donna Church

Former Revere resident

Donna Church, formerly of Revere, passed away due to renal failure on Saturday, March 11. She was 68 years old.

Donna was born on August 21, 1948 in Chelsea and grew up in East Boston and Revere. She loved to play the piano, crochet blankets and enjoyed playing online games with friends.

Donna is survived by her sons: Luke and Shawn Church, her mother, Evira Dalosio, her sister, Patty Pitari, brother, Ernest A Dalosio, and godson Daniel Pitari, a niece, Tanya Davis, a nephew, Ernest H. Dalosio, and two great nieces, Ahlana and Kira Davis.

There will be no calling hours or services at the family’s request. To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.rivetfuneralhome.com.

Kara Barker

Of Revere

Kara Barker of Revere died on March 9.

The beloved daughter of Joseph Barker of East Boston and Carol (Romano) of Revere, she was the loving sister of Joe Barker and his companion, Stacey Miller of Studio City CA, Janeen Barker of Revere,  Kristina Barker of Haverhill, and step sister of Cameron Barker; cherished aunt to Rory, Madison and Emerson and she is also survived by her loving pit bull, Trubee.

At the request of the family, private services will be held. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere.  For guest book, please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Robert ‘Bobby’ Finestone

Home improvement industry retiree and lifelong member of many organizations

Robert S. “Bobby” Finestone passed away on March 9. He was 94 years old.

Born in Chelsea, the son of the late Harry and Rose (Stoloff) Finestone and loving brother of the late Phyllis Werner and the late Leonard Finestone, Bobby was raised in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1942. He was a proud US Coast Guard veteran of World War II who served on the USS Bayfield APA 33 in Europe, Normandy Campaign and Southern France as well as the Pacific Campaign of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Bobby worked in the home improvement industry as a salesman and business owner while also serving as President of the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  He was a life member of the VFW, Jewish War Veterans of Revere, Revere Elks, Disabled American Veterans, Order of The Free Masons and Shriners.

Bobby is survived by his sons: Todd Finestone and his wife, Marian and Andrew Finestone and his wife, Blaire, his grandchildren Emma and Nicholas Finestone and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service will take place on Monday, March 20 at 11 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm Street, Everett, MA 02149. Assisting the family is the Torf Funeral Service, 151 Washington Ave. Chelsea, MA 02150. Contributions in Bobby’s memory may be made to The Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston, MA 02215. Memorial observance will be announced later this week on the Torf Funeral Service web site. For guest book, please visit: www.torffuneralservice.com.

Rebecca Sallop

A kind and gentle soul who will be missed

Rebecca (Netupsky) Sallop,  a resident of Revere for 75 years, passed on March 11 at The New England Home for the Deaf in Danvers. She was 98 years old.

She was a 1935 graduate of The American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT. and was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Max Sallop and her son, Steven Sallop of Lynn.

She is survived by her son Marvin Sallop of Revere; her daughter Gail Sallop of Reading; her daughter in law Bernice Sallop of Lynn; and her five grandchildren: Mara Kauff, Benjamin Sallop, and Lori Dermer of Austin, TX, as well as Al Sallop and Holly Sallop of Lynn. Rebecca leaves eight great grandchildren of Austin, TX and Lynn. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She wasn’t famous. She wasn’t the head of a company, organization or agency. She was more than that. Rebecca was a mother and wife who kept a loving home for her family. She supported her husband in his many civic and social activities and was his business partner in his Frosty Ice Cream truck. Together, Rebecca and Max raised three children, who are successful in their careers and business.

Rebecca was a kind and gentle soul who never had a mean word or act towards anyone. While she outlived most of her family and peers, Rebecca will be missed by those who knew her and will be remembered with kind thoughts.

Graveside services were held on Monday, March 13 at The Old Jewish Deedholder’s Cemetery, Everett.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to The New England Home for the Deaf, 154 Water St., Danvers, MA 01923.

Rhoda Hurley

Boston Gardens concessionaire retiree

Rhoda (Arsenault) Hurley, a longtime resident of Revere, passed away peacefully

on March 7. She was 86 years old.

Rhoda, who worked as a concessionaire at the old Boston Gardens for many years, was the beloved wife of the late Linus Hurley, the loving mother of Sandra Annese and her husband, Bill of Revere and the late Dennis Hurley and his

surviving wife, Vivian Hurley; cherished grandmother of Jill Annese, Dennis, Brian and Vanessa Hurley; dear sister of Bella Hurley of Revere, Walter Arsenault and his wife, Jeanette of Malden and her friend, Ralph Menard.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. For online guest book, visit: www.vazzafunerals.com.

Elaine Thorner

Of Everett, formerly of Revere

Elaine (Hartigan) Thorner of Everett, formerly of Revere, died on February 20.

The beloved wife of the late Michael Thorner, she was the devoted mother of Michael Thorner Jr. of Malden, Jason Thorner of Revere, and Tammy Raduazzo and her husband, Randy of Revere; loving daughter of the late John and Josephine (Teneriello); cherished grandmother of Randy Jr, Robert, and Ryan Raduazzo, and Dylan Chalanti. She is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. At the request of the family, all services were privately held. For guest book please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com.

Paul ‘Butch’ Zeroogian

Horse trainer

Paul “Butch” Zeroogian died recently. He was 82 years old.

Paul was proud of his service in the U.S. military and was at his happiest when working as a trainer in the horse racing industry.

Born in Whitinsville, MA, to Hovsep and Rose Zeroogian, he was the youngest of five children and was predeceased by his sisters, Anne Merigian, Victoria Akillian, Florence Zeroogian and his brother, George Zeroogian.  He leaves behind his brother George’s wife, Anita Zeroogian.    Paul also leaves behind his nieces, Mona Talanian, Victoria O’Brien,  Nancy Mason, and Linda Bieber,  as well as his nephews, Michael Zeroogian, David Zeroogian, Oscar Zeroogian. He was also predeceased by his nephew George Zeroogian, Jr.  Paul also leaves behind two good friends, John Previte and Dan Maguire.  Both John and Dan spent quality time with Paul and were there to assist Paul when it was needed.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home ,128 Revere St, Revere.  Burial will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Tuesday, March 21 at 12:30p.m.  For guest book, please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com

Robert Love

Retired Revere School Principal

Robert P. Love of Merrimac, a native of Revere, passed away following a long illness on March 6 at Anna Jaques Hospital of Newburyport. He was 83 years old.

Born in Tampa, Florida, his family came to Revere when “Bobby” was a young boy. He was raised and educated in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1951. In June of 1952, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict until June of 1956, as a Staff Sergeant. Upon returning to Revere, he continued his education at Suffolk University and completed his courses at Boston State Teachers’ College. He would end his education with three Master’s Degrees in Education. His career within the Revere School system was from 1960 to 1995. Most folks remember him as an English professor and then finally a physical education instructor. He completed his time in Revere as Assistant Principal at the “New” Garfield Middle School, from where he formally retired in 1995. He had a love for the classroom and especially his niche as an English teacher. However, administration and all that went with it –“not so much.” He had a large and warm personality, as so very many from school and St. Vasilios Church would attest.

He was the devoted husband of 66 years of Antigone E. (Fanikos) Love of Merrimac, formerly of  Revere, the cherished father of James R. Love and his wife, Laura of New York City, NY,  William P. Love of Wenham, Thomas M. Love and his wife, Cindi of Mission Viejo, California, Helen Delaney and her husband, Todd of Standish, Maine and the late Patricia A. “Patty” Love; the dear brother of Richard S. Love and his wife, Roberta of Canton and the most proud grandfather to 10 loving grandchildren.

“Bob” was the quintessential Dad and Papa, and loved and reflected in that role. On April 16, 2005, Bobby and Antigone sustained “the nightmare of every parent,” the loss of their brilliant, intensely lovable daughter, Patricia A. “Patty” at only 46 years old. They lived and lived through this Cross with the strength of their Greek Orthodox faith and the support of so many family, friends and extended family and friends. The comfort in knowing and believing that Bobby and Patty share a closeness, now, that they never had, must be overwhelming to his large circle of family and friends.

He was a member of the St. Vasilios Mens’ Club for many years and relished his friendships and associations within that organization. Bob and his family moved from Revere in 2005 and settled in Merrimac. He was also a long-time member of the Retired Revere Teachers’ Association. There, he would find many friends and associates from very early in his career.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere.

Interment was in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, West Peabody. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the: St. Vasilios Mens Club, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody, MA 01960 or to the Patricia Ann “Patty” Love Endowment Foundation, c/o Clark University, 950 Main St., Worcester, MA 01610. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.

Donna DiStefano

Of Revere

The beloved wife of Richard DiStefano of Revere, she was the devoted mother of Richard DiStefano Jr., Angelo DiStefano II and his wife, Fernanda, and Briana Farauton, all of Revere; loving daughter of the late William Dolan and Roberta (McLean); dear sister of Kathleen Dolan and her husband, Barry Decker of Revere, sister in law of Nancy Dolan of Revere, and the late Marty Dolan, and William Dolan Jr.; cherished grandmother of Brian DiStefano and Angelo DiStefano III. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews: Billy Dolan III, Gabriela Dolan, Richie DiPietro, her godson, Scott Long, James Long, Justine Raymond, her godson Kirk Rinaldi, Jackie, Crystal, and Joe Rinaldi.

Her Funeral will be held at the Church of the Nazarene, 60 Essex St, Saugus, on Saturday March 18 at 10 a.m.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  A memorial visitation will be held at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna’s name to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St 2nd floor, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Autism Speaks, ATTN Web Gift 1060 State Road 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.  Private Interment.  For guest book please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com.

Evelyn Goff

New England Telephone Co. retiree, one of the original ‘Chelsea Girls’

Evelyn R. Goff, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, passed away at the Massachusetts General Hospital after a brief illness on January 11 at the age of 97.

She was raised in Chelsea, attended local schools and graduated from Chelsea High School with the Class of 1938. She married Lawrence P. Goff and began her career as a telephone operator with the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Evelyn was one of the original “Chelsea Girls” working from the Chelsea exchange. She remained with the company throughout all the name changes, from NYNEX to Verizon, before taking retirement nearly 25 years ago.

Friends knew her as “Ebbie” and in her retirement years she remained active and involved in life whether playing games of Bocci Ball at Voke Park or trips to the casinos.  Ebbie was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and an active participant at both the Chelsea Senior Center on Riley Way and the Rossetti-Cowen Senior Center in Revere. She won the Bocci Tournament held at Langone Park in the North End of Boston in 2006.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence in 2002; her sister and brother in law, Ellen and Raymond G. Higgins and her brother and sister in law, John and Theresa (Léclair) Hayes. She is survived by her loving and caring nieces: Maureen Nagle of Milton and Linda Melescius of Melrose and also by Patricia and M. Kenneth Hyland of Stoneham, Patricia and Eugene O’Flaherty of Chelsea, Katherine and Stephen M. LeClerc of Stoneham, Eileen and Matthew Piccione of Winchester, Kathleen Hyland Flett of Malden and Patricia Walsh of Saugus.

Funeral arrangements were by the Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Joseph Sartiano

Highly decorated OSS/CIA US Army Colonel (Retired)

Colonel Joseph “Joe” Frank Sartiano, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 103 surrounded by his family on February 9 in Sebastopol, California.

Joe was born to Italian immigrant parents, Carmella and Francesco Sartiano in Bakerton, Pennsylvania on  October 25, 1913. After many voyages between Sicily and the United States, the Sartiano family settled in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where Joe grew up in a loving family along with his eight siblings. Joe’s love for this nation and the opportunities it offered inspired the success he achieved as a man and patriot all the days of his life.

Joe’s early years in Johnstown reflected his life-long love of music where he taught youngsters at his accordion school and led his band, “The Silver Strings.” At the onset of World War II, Joe enlisted in the United States Army where, based upon his demonstrated leadership and intellect, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia.    Upon successful completion of OCS, 2nd Lieutenant Joseph F. Sartiano was recruited to join a new, highly secretive organization, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) where he would be called upon to operate behind enemy lines orchestrating and carrying out partisan activities, rescuing downed Allied pilots and leading both American and British units on intelligence gathering patrols in Italy. Joe was credited with action in Salerno, Anzio, Monte Cassino, Ravenna and the Upper Po Valley. For his actions, Joe was awarded the United States Silver Star and from the United Kingdom, The British Military Cross, both for gallantry in action. In addition, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.

At the end of hostilities in Europe, Joe volunteered for service in Japan and while enroute, World War II officially ended. Based upon his OSS experience in Italy, Joe was recruited to join the team of American military officers investigating Japanese war crimes and he spent the next five years living in Japan conducting interviews and investigations that led to the prosecution of war crime offenders.

In early 1950, after returning to the United States, Joe was asked to become a member of the recently established Central Intelligence Agency which sought former OSS officers to join its ranks.

It was while stationed in Washington DC that Joe met his wife, Alba T. Pagnini, who also worked for the CIA as a Case Officer.  They married on April 16, 1955 and together Alba and Joe embarked on a life filled with adventure, patriotism and passion. Tokyo was their first tour of duty followed by Honolulu, Taipei, Washington, DC, Rome, Saigon and West Berlin. As a result of his work in Saigon for the CIA, Joe was awarded the South Vietnamese National Police Medal of Honor and recently, the Congressional Gold Medal for his participation in the OSS.  In 1973 Joe retired from the CIA and he continued to support Alba’s CIA career both in Washington DC and San Francisco until her retirement in 1991.

Joe’s service to this nation spanned over 30 years and his innate character, charismatic leadership, intellect, mentorship and professionalism inspired those around him to execute missions often under the most difficult of circumstances and extremely challenging conditions.

Colonel Sartiano is survived by his loving children: Rina S. Gibbons (John) of Sebastopol, California and Joseph F. Sartiano (Kim) of Great Falls, Virginia. He was the adored “Popop” of Marina Bogle, Lara Gibbons, Johno Gibbons, Joleigh Nolen, John Brigham and five great grandchildren.

Joe also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and friends throughout the United States. Those who had the honor of meeting him were forever touched and changed for the better.

Louis DiBella

Owner of night clubs and F. DiBella and Sons, one of the largest purveyors of fruit, produce, and bananas in the Boston area.

Louis D. DiBella of Revere, formerly of Boston’s North End, died on March 12.

A US Army veteran of World War II, he was the owner of  F. DiBella and Sons, one of the largest purveyors of fruit, produce and bananas in the Boston area. He also owned and operated the following nightclubs: Basin Street South, El Morocco, Guys and Dolls, Green Apple, The Colosseum, Boots and Saddles, and the world famous, D.B.’s Golden Banana.

He was the beloved husband of the late Gloria “Dutchess” (Luongo) DiBella; loving father of Frankie M. DiBella of Revere; adored grandfather of Leah M. DiBella and her companion, Brian Tester of Peabody and Courtney A. DiBella of Myrtle Beach, SC; great-grandfather of Jayden Tester and Chelsea Rose DiBella; dear brother of Gregory and his sister in law, Carol of Stoneham, Albert of Quincy, sister in law Genie DiBella, brother in law, Jimmy Ferro and the late Joseph DiBella, Carmella (Millie) DiBella, Nancy Gioia and brother in law, Frank Gioia, Marie DiBella and sister Josephine Ferro; dear friend of Matthew Gaeta and family of Lynnfield. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors in the Boston Harborside Home, 580 Commercial Street, Boston, on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Parking attendants on duty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere Street, Revere, on Friday at 10 a.m.  PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.  Services will conclude with entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. For online condolences and/or directions, visit:

www.bostonharborsidehome.com.

Edward Haas

Brother of former Mayor

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church (corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue) Revere for Edward J. Haas on Saturday, April 1 at a time to be announced.

Eddie died unexpectedly at his Revere residence on Monday, March 13. He was 69 years old and had been in failing health for the past year.

A Vietnam Era US Army veteran, he was the dear brother of former Revere Mayor Robert J. Haas, Jr., Sheila A. Arsenault and Judy A. Cotter.

Complete funeral notices and obituaries will appear in the Boston Globe and the Revere Journal on March 22 and March 29. Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals is honored to care for these funeral arrangements. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com

John Mercurio

Retired Metalurgist and Master Welder

John V. Mercurio, a Revere resident for over 55 years, died unexpectedly after being stricken at his Middleton home and rushed to Beverly Hospital on March 12. He was 90 years old.

Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, John and his family came to live in East Boston where John attended school. At the very tender age of 10 years old, the Boston Post did a story on John regarding his already business success. As an entrepreneur, he was brilliant for having the largest and most loyal shoe-shine business on Beacon Hill. Keep in mind that we are reading an article that appeared in the Boston POST in 1938. After reading this remarkable article, you will understand and appreciate the personality of our beloved John V. Mercurio. John worked for over 35 years for the former, NEW ENGLAND METALURGIST CO. of NORWOOD & SOUTH BOSTON, as a master welder. His ability to be the best and still retain his charm carried him throughout his lifetime.

His beloved late wife of over 65 years, Helen E. (Saladino) Mercurio died on May 4, 2016.. The couple had made the move to Middleton in 2013 to be with their son and daughter-in-law. They had resided earlier in East Boston and then in Chelsea-Revere for over 50 years.

The devoted father of Richard T. Mercurio and his wife, Sharon of Middleton and the late John S. “J.J.” Mercurio, he was the dear brother to Lucy Fields of Medford, Gloria Palmerini and her husband, William of Saugus and the late, Thomas and Salvatore Mercurio. He is also lovingly survived by his long-time friend, Laura Fiore-Osgood and her family of Revere.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, March 17 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route107), Revere.

The visitation will be followed by the Funeral Service in the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the: Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Daycare Health Program, 240 Lynnfield St., Peabody, MA 01960. Attn: June Davis. Please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com to view the Boston Post Article.

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