Charles R. Balliro
Attorney, actor, author, and playtwright
Attorney Charles R. Balliro died tragically in his Winthrop home on Saturday, March 18. He was 68 years old.
Born in Boston, Charlie was raised in the North End before the family settled in Revere. He was educated in Revere and is a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1966. Charlie went on to earn his undergraduate degree at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. During his time there, Charlie was most active, taking advantage of all that the school offered to him. He played football for the NSU Demons, he was in Student Government, he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and he thrived in the School Drama Club. In his junior year, he earned the lead role in a Woody Allen production of “Don’t Drink the Water.†He also was the lead as King Lear in “The Lion in Winter†and received Best Actor Award for his performance. He also won awards for Southwest Conference Poetry Competition, earning first place. Charlie excelled at NSU and his achievements validate his active leadership. In his senior year, he was elected President of the Student Body and he was sworn into the Chief Justice office by the Dean of NSU – Fulton. He graduated from NSU in 1971.
Charlie’s true calling may have been “Acting.†He loved the theatre and the audience loved him. He had a natural talent for the stage.
Charlie returned back to Boston to pursue a law degree and earned his J.D. of Law from Suffolk University Law School in 1976.
He later moved to Winthrop and opened his own law firm, Offices of Charles R. Balliro. Charlie practiced law and loved what he did, but his true passion was theatre. He continued to act in Dinner Shows, Summer Stock on Cape Cod and returned to Louisiana at the Abbey Players. He wrote a poem titled “To My Brother Paul.†He wrote several plays to include “He’s not heavy, He’s my brother.â€
Charlie had a real zest for life, intellect, talent and an aura that made people want to be around him.
With all his accomplishments and leading roles, his most favorite role was “Dad.†He loved his family and made them proud of all his achievements.
He was the beloved son of Antonetta (Agresti) Balliro of Revere and the late Joseph P. Balliro; the loving father of Joseph P. Balliro of Winthrop; cherished brother of Lucille DiChiara of Revere, Fawn Andersen and her husband, Bjorn of Charlestown, Deveen Balliro – Arrigo and His Honor Revere Mayor Brian M. Arrigo of Revere and the late Paul “Paulie Boy†Balliro. He was the dear friend of Linda M. “Shana†Plakias of Revere, the former husband of Peggy Balliro – Bayard of New Iberia, LA and is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews and by many many friends and extended family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Friday, March 31
from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Vertuccio and Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107) Revere. A funeral service will begin at 7 p.m. in the Funeral Home following the visitation. Interment will be private. For more information, visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com
–
Barbara Colleen Willis
Proud Catholic and Immaculate Conception Parish devotee
Barbara Colleen (Fitzgerald) Willis of Revere passed away peacefully Thursday morning, March 16 while surrounded by her loving family and grandchildren, following a brief illness. She was 85 years old.
Born in Revere on August 2, 1931, she was the daughter of James Patrick and Alice Mary (A Hearn) Fitzgerald of Prince Edward Island. She was the youngest of 11 children and the only one born in the United States. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, Class of 1949 and then worked at New England Telephone and Telegraph in Revere.
She married Kenneth E. Willis in 1954 and raised a family of five children.
She later worked for 20 years at John Hancock as a disability claims adjuster in Boston until her retirement in 1993. Barbara was a proud Catholic and a faithful parishioner and devotee of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Revere for her entire life. Barbara was a humble, caring, loving person who enjoyed the simple things in life, most notably spending time with her family and grandchildren, including many memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
She enjoyed theater, including being a faithful member at North Shore Music Theater for 30 years. She treasured walks in the neighborhood with her niece, Nancy and long talks with her nephew, Tony. She adored all kittens and dogs.
There wasn’t a person who didn’t enjoy her cooking and baking, including her Sunday roast beef dinners, famous brownies or chocolate chip cookies.
The Willis and Fitzgerald families acknowledge with overwhelming gratitude the extraordinary care Barbara received over the years from the doctors, nurses and staff at Mass. General Hospital of Boston, as well as her recent care at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital of Salem, New Hampshire and Wingate in Andover.
Barbara was the devoted mother of Kenneth E. Willis, Jr. and his wife, Helen of Plymouth, NH., Kevin J. Willis and his wife Wendy Zollo of Snoqualmie, WA., Dr. Karen A. O Brien, M.D. and her husband, Anthony F. of North Reading, James P. Willis and his wife Donna of Methuen and the late Janet M. Willis. She is the cherished grandmother of Paul, Richard, Kristin, Robert Bobby, Christofer, Brenden, Anthony, Matthew, Meghan, Colleen, Catherine, Molly and Ryan. She is also lovingly survived by her four great-grandchildren; Kyle, Haley, Blake and Aidan, her constant companion and niece, Nancy G. McMahon of Revere and her very special nephew, Francis H. Tony Ferraro of Boston s Back Bay. She was the dear sister of the late Edna M. Ferraro, Geraldine G. McMahon, Mary A. Fitzgerald, Henry T., Rowan S., Desmond J., William J., Hugh J. Fitzgerald, Eleanor O Halloran & Mildred Fitzgerald. Many other faithful and caring nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews also survive her. Her feline grand kitties , Chelsea and Nikki, also will sorely miss Barbara s protection, attention and love.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church on March 21 followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Remembrances may be made to the Boston Catholic T.V., 34 Chestnut St. Watertown, MA 02472. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
–
Mildred ‘Millie’ Viele
Of Revere, formerly of East Boston
Mildred “Millie†(Claver) Viele of Revere, formerly of East Boston, passed away March 24. She was 67 years old.
The beloved wife of James Viele, she was the cherished daughter of the late Theodore and Grace Claver; loving mother of Frances Claver of East Boston, Michelle Flores and her husband, Jose of Everett, Tanya Viele of Boston, James Viele Jr. of Revere and Jason Viele and the late Shaun Viele and Renee Turcot; dear sister of James “Jimmy†Stephens and his wife, Maki of Florida and Phillip Claver of Iowa; adored grandmother of 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor Mildred’s life by gathering in Vazza’ “Beechwood†Funeral Home, 262 Beach Street, Revere on Thursday, March 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday morning at 11 for a service in our Chapel of the Resurrection before leaving in procession to Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. For guest book and directions: www.vazzafunerals.com
–
Carmen Gato
Of Revere, formerly of East Boston
Carmen Gato of Revere, formerly of Orient Heights East Boston, passed away after a brief illness on March 24. He was 64 years old.
A former employee of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Business Xpress Logan Airport, he was the beloved husband of Deborah (Higgins) Gato; cherished son of the late Carmen and Nicolina Gato; dear brother of James Gato and his wife, Phyllis of Peabody, and the late John Gato and his surviving wife, Leslie of Carver. He was the brother in law of Linda and Stacy Higgins and the late George and Kenneth Higgins; loving uncle of Suzanne, Stephanie,
Jessica, Jennifer, Mark, Chris and the late Nanci.
Interment will be today at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Arrangements are by Vazza s Beechwood Funeral Home, 262 Beach St., Revere. For guest book and directions, visit: www.vazzafunerals.com
–
George Canvin, Jr.
Retired Great Northern Manufacturing Co. Foreman
George W. Canvin, Jr. of Haverhill, an East Boston resident for 40 years, died on March 21 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House of Haverhill following a brief illness. He was 83 years old.
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late George W. Canvin, Sr. and Dorothea (Fisher) Canvin-O Callaghan. A graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1951, he entered the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict on August 1, 1951 and served as a Seaman until May 12,1955. He had a long 40-year career with Great Northern Manufacturing Co. of Revere and Chelsea before retiring in 1993. He served the company as plant manager, a position he earned by his unusual and often talked about work ethic. There was no other employee more honest or dedicated as was George; glowing remarks often heard from the entire Gesamondo family, who owned and founded the company. In 1995 he moved to Haverhill, with his wife, Janice and their children.
Janice C. (Belliveau) Canvin died on February 27, 2001. She and George courted from their early teen years and spent more than 40 years together until her death.
He was the cherished father of Cheryl P. Cormier of Peabody and Robert G. Canvin of Haverhill and his wife, Elissa Turner of Manchester, NH; the devoted grandfather of Kevin B. and Elizabeth A. Canvin, both of Haverhill and Kenneth E. Cormier of Peabody and is also lovingly survived by several cousins in the Revere area.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Funeral Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, (Corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue) Revere on Thursday, March 30 at 11 a.m. Family and friends are asked to report directly to the church. His Funeral Mass will be followed by interment of both his cremains and those of his wife, Janice in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the New England Center & Home for Veterans P.O. Box 845257 Boston, MA 02284-5257.
For additional information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
–
Mary LoGrasso
Jordan Marsh Co. retiree
Mary (DiPrimo) LoGrasso, a native of the North End of Boston, died at her Stoneham home on March 22 following a long illness. She was 97 years old.
Born and raised in Boston s North End, she was schooled there and was a graduate of the Michelangelo High School, Class of 1938. She had a career with the former Jordan Marsh Co. of Boston for over 25 years as a leading salesperson and Mrs. LoGrasso was a proud member of Jordan s Quarter Century Club.
After marrying the love of her life, Anthony J. Tony LoGrosso, also of Boston s North End, the couple continued to live there until 34 years ago (1982) when they moved to Stoneham. Tony passed on November 23, 2001.
She was the cherished mother of Marjorie E. Westwood and her husband, David of Stoneham and Joyce J. Manne and her husband, Carl of Reading. She was the devoted grandmother of: Joseph A. Manne, Anthony C. Manne and Christopher T.D. Westwood, all of Stoneham; the dear sister of James DiPrima and his wife, Jean of Saugus and the late Antoinette Capello, Santo and Joseph DiPrimo.
She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was at the Massachusetts National VA Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave., Norwood MA, 02062. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
–
Rudolph T Rudy Drinkwater
Combat Missile Supervisor during the Cuban Missile Crisis and golf enthusiast
Rudolph T. Rudy Drinkwater passed away at his lifelong Revere residence on Saturday, March 25 following a long illness.
Born in Chelsea, he graduated from Revere High School at the age of 16 in 1940. He began college at Tufts University and then, in June of 1943, joined the U.S. Navy during World War II serving until February of 1946 as a Signalman 2nd Class. He returned to Tufts and was awarded a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He worked for G.E. of Lynn for over 10 years. Later he continued his education at Northeastern University, received his MBA and began a 20 year plus association with the Boston Naval Shipyard. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was appointed Combat Missile Supervisor. This position was probably the highlight of his working career.
He worked until the early 1970’s and then retired, allowing him to reclaim his passion and joy, playing Golf. Rudy played all over New England but frequented and thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Ponkapoag Golf Club of Canton. A deeply private man, he was a sincerely religious man, often resulting in quiet giving and generosity to many charities and organizations.
He was the beloved son of the late Atty. Alexander Drinkwater and Mary (DiVenuti) Drinkwater;Â the most cherished brother to the late Evelyn G. Prizio, Gloria Goglia, Marion Burns, Mildred Thompson and Arthur Drinkwater. He is lovingly survived by many dedicated and faithful nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and a team of devoted and dear caregivers without whom it would have been impossible to fulfill his last and dying wish, to die in his own home, sheltered in his own bed. The wish was fulfilled and for that, God Love and Bless each and everyone of you for your professionalism, friendship and extraordinary care.
Family and friends are invited to attend his funeral in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107), Revere today, Wednesday, March 29 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church (Corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue) Revere at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. For additional information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com
–
Giuseppe A. S. Santo
Formerly of Revere, East Boston, and Italy
Giuseppe A. S. Santo, formerly of Revere, East Boston and Italy, passed on March 23 at Care One of Peabody following a long illness.
Born and raised in the town of Atripalda, in the province of Avellino, Italy, he came to this country in 1955, settling in East Boston until 1974, when he moved to Revere. In 2000, he moved to his daughter s home in Middleton and a year later, in 2001, moved to Salem, Mass. In 2015, he moved to Peabody Glen Nursing Facility (Care One at Peabody). Since that time, he has been a patient at Peabody Glen, (Care One at Peabody) where he passed.
He was the beloved husband of the late Pasqualina (Santosuosso) Santo who died in April of 2000. He is survived by his devoted daughter Elvira Guarino and her husband, Pasquale of Middleton, his adoring grandaughter, Anna Frongillo and her husband, Matthew of Peabody, and two grandsons; Joseph Guarino of East Boston and Michael Guarino of Middleton. He is also lovingly survived by his two great granddaughters; Giana and Gabriella Frongillo. He was also the brother of Mario Santo, Carmellina Iandolo and her husband, Gaetano, Anna Sandullo and her husband, Modestino and Ida Santo, all of Italy.
Funeral arrangements were by the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) Revere. Entombment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the PACE Program, 20 School Street, Lynn, MA 01902. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
–
Walter L. Bacigalupo
Retired electrical engineer and quintessential sportsman
Walter Lewis Bacigalupo of Revere, the Florida Keys and Naples, Maine, died on Wednesday, March 22 following a brief illness.
Born and raised in Ossipee, New Hampshire, Walter came to live on Arch Street, Malden as a young boy and remained there until joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict on January 25,1955. After his discharge, he settled in Revere, where he lived, particularly North Revere, until moving to the Keyes in Florida during the winter months and Naples, Maine during the rest of the year.
He was a graduate of The Laboratory for Electrical Engineering of Boston and worked as an electrical engineer for over 25 years with them until retiring at 50 years of age. Walter was the quintessential sportsman, engaging a full schedule of fly-fishing and hunting into an already crowded schedule. At 50 years of age, he saw fit to be able to retire and devote much of his energy to his fishing and hunting and the joy of being with family.
Walter was the beloved husband of 64 years to Mary A. (Capano) Bacigalupo and the cherished father of Dawn M. Sylvia and her husband, Stephen of West Peabody and Thomas W. Bacigalupo and his wife, Donna of Lynnfield; the adored grandfather of Bianca M. Bacigalupo of Winthrop, Gregory M. Sylvia and Sasha Lee Sylvia, both of West Peabody and Stephen M. Sylvia of Acton. He is also lovingly survived by three great-grandchildren; Armani Nicolas, Alexis and Matthew; two nephews, Walter and Joseph and two nieces, Theresa and Lynn. He was also the dear brother of the late Thomas F. Bacigalupo and Genevieve Perrotta. Walter’s canine and best buddy, Hunter, will sorely miss the presence of Walter s love and attention.
Walter was a long-time member of several fishing and hunting organizations. They are: Danvers Fish & Game Club , Trout Unlimited , Ducks Unlimited and the Atlantic Salmon Association & Federation.
Funeral Services were held in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals on Friday, March 24. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Remembrances may be made to the Atlantic Salmon Federation & Association. To complete a gift, please visit: asf.ca. For additional information, visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
–
Carmine Micciulla
Multi-talented family man and chef extraordinaire
Carmine Micciulla, a lifelong resident of Revere, died on March 24.
Dad was well known for his many talents and gifts. Among which were detailed mechanic skills, woodworking, carpentry, landscaping, gardening. He was a chef extraordinaire! His gravy, meatballs, eggplant parm, stuffed artichokes, roasted peppers, and frittatas were enjoyed by all who came thru our family s doors.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He was the beloved husband of the late Josephine (Blandino) Micciulla; devoted father of Lorraine Micciulla of Revere, Carmine P. Micciulla and his wife, Louise Roche of Connecticut, Richard Micciulla and his wife, Natalie of Melrose, and James Micciulla and his wife, Lisa of Revere; loving son of the late Sebastiano and Maria (Milano) Micciulla; dear brother of the late Louis and Salvatore Micciulla and Lucille (Muldoon) Gulla; cherished grandfather of Rick, Christine, James, and Laura Micciulla and great grandfather of Troy and Jacob.
His Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere on Thursday, March 30 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visitation will be today, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Children‘s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905, or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Attn: Donor development, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114.
For guest book please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com
–
Edward J. Haas
Retired computer engineer
Edward J. Haas died unexpectedly on Monday, March 13 at his Revere residence.
Although Ed has been fighting cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, his death was indeed sudden. He spent most of his life in Revere and was a 1965 graduate of Revere High School. He served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army during the Viet-Nam Era from April 11, 1966 through May 2,
- He returned to school at Northeastern University and secured a career as a computer engineer. For a brief time, he lived in New Orleans and secured a position as an oil rigger in the Gulf of Mexico. He also spent time as a property manager in New Orleans. While working in thesales end of the computer industry, he was most proud of his association with Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
He was the beloved son of the late Robert J. Haas, Sr. and Regina E. (Lewey) Haas; the devoted brother to former Revere Mayor Robert J. Haas, Jr. and his wife, Juanita of Revere, Sheila A. Arsenault and her husband, Arthur T. of Chelsea and Judy A. Cotter and her husband, William of Gilford, N.H. He was the proud uncle of Jennifer Haas and her fiance, John Coyne of Revere, Rachel Shanley of Revere, Robert J. Haas III and his wife, Jennifer of Winthrop, Christopher R. Forestra and his wife, Gina of Ft. Worth, Texas, Robyn Forestra and her husband, Matthew Pollock
of Brooklyn, NY, Joshua Cotter and his wife, Katelyn of Swampscott and Meghan Mazzolla and her husband, Tory of Exeter, N.H. He is also lovingly survived by his faithful and dedicated friends: Louis Caprio and his wife, Elizabeth of Miami, Florida, John Fitzgerald and his wife, Peggy St. Clair of Wellesley and Matthew Martelli and his wife, Debra of Winthrop. He is also survived by many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, April 1 in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107), Revere beginning at 9 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church (Corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue), Revere followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Boston Pride, 12 Channel St. #503, Boston, MA 02210. Please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com
–
Helen Carvotta
An inspirational and multi-talented woman clearly ahead of her time
Helen (DiMattia) Carvotta of Revere, formerly of Peabody, died peacefully in her sleep at the Lighthouse Nursing Facility in Revere, on March 21. She had just celebrated her 97th birthday at the nursing home surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Helen was a woman clearly ahead of her time, a liberated woman long before it came into vogue. She was multi-talented in many areas, foremost a gifted and talented pianist, a tremendous seamstress who created and stitched her haute couture gowns for her work as a musician and was involved in other artistic endeavors over the years. Because of the family s musical background, Helen, Jody, and Clara were members of the All Ladies Band which traveled and worked in venues in the Northeast and Canada throughout the 1940’s Big Band Era. Although Helen played the drums in the band, she was more importantly valued as a truly gifted and talented pianist, self-taught. She would lovingly play piano for her family and they always enjoyed those treasured moments.
While on the road, Helen became a great friend to Sammy Davis Jr. who appeared with his father s vaudeville act in the same venues in Canada as the All Ladies Band and was taught to play the drums by Helen. Whenever Sammy was appearing in Boston, Helen would attend the performance and visit him in his dressing room where they enjoyed stories about being on the road together in the days before integration and shared many laughs about their experiences. Helen and her sisters had to sneak Sammy into the hotel from the back entrance because he and his father could not be in the white hotel with the other players. This is when he learned to play the piano and then started to add to his instrumental repertoire.
Helen will always remain an inspiration for all women and mothers today who struggle to be a professional as well be the center of their family and do it so well. She is greatly loved and respected and will be sorely missed and remembered fondly by all those who had the privilege to have known her.
She was the beloved wife of over 50 years to the late Patsy Carvotta, originally of Medford. Helen was the beloved mother to her late son John Carvotta of Groveland; cherished grandmother of Christopher of Norwalk, CT and Alex of Groveland. John was married to Kimberly Carvotta, also of Groveland. Helen also leaves her very special great grandchildren, John Carvotta and Eva Carvotta of Norwalk, CT, children of Christopher and Eveline Carvotta. Helen was a loving daughter to the late Michael and Marina DiMattia of Revere. She leaves her much beloved sister Jody Caruso of Maine and brothers Charles and Michael DiMattia, both of Revere and the late Clara DiCarlo of Salisbury, George of Randolph, and Arthur DiMattia of Revere. She also leaves many adoring nieces and nephews who visited her often over the years and who loved talking to her about her musical career with the family and the All Ladies Band she and her two sisters performed with throughout the 1940’s.
Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Make-A-Wish, Attn: donations, One Bulfinch Place 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114.. For guest book, please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com.
–
Geraldine Fantasia
Loved by all who knew her
Geraldine R. (Tempesta) Fantasia passed away following a long illness at her Revere residence on Saturday, March 25.
Geraldine or “Mama Gerry,†as most knew her, worked for many years as a nursing assistant, retiring at age 85 and in later years as an activities assistant at The Lighthouse Nursing Center. She was the life of the party and very loved by all who knew her. She was an amazing cook and shared wonderful Italian recipes with everyone. Her sense of humor was contagious and everyone knew who ruled the roost.
This past year was a difficult time with many health issues. She could no longer travel to the casino or play Bingo with friends, but she kept busy making puzzles and doing crosswords. She was able to live at home these past months with much help from the Chelsea Jewish Hospice Team.
A special thank-you to Judy Duncan her favorite nurse who she enjoyed having coffee with in the morning. To Joyce, Kelly, Barbara and all the caretakers who visited daily. we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You all helped make these last months comfortable and happy for her.
She was the wife of the late Cosmo Fantasia who died April 9, 2016 and with whom she shared 67 years of marriage; devoted mother of Anthony F. and his wife, Ann of Tampa, Florida, Geri R. Fantasia and Tracey A. Fantasia of Revere and the late Richard C. and his surviving wife, Deborah of Sacramento, CA; cherished grandmother to Kimberley R. Fantasia and her fiancé, Dan and Kristen A. Fantasia of Tampa. FL, Nathalie A. and her husband, Lance McDaniel of Sacramento, CA, Philip S. and John A. Miller of Revere and Brian R. Miller of Los Angeles, CA; great-grandmother of Macy L. McDaniel of Sacramento, CA; loving Sister to Daniel Tempesta of Stoneham and the late Ann Pasquale, Antonio Tempesta, Marilyn Ordway, and Lawrence Tempesta. She was the sister-in-law and best friend of Mary Ficaro of Revere, Salvatore Fantasia of Falmouth and the Late Augustine Fantasia. She is also lovingly survived by her loving
goddaughter, Maureen Pasquale of Northampton, and by many, nieces and nephews and her canine companion “Babeâ€.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, March 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107), Revere. Her funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, March 31 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church (Corner of Beach St. & Winthrop Ave.), Revere at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Foundation, 160 Captain’s Row Chelsea, Ma 02150. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
–
Raffaelle 2 Ralph LoConte
Longtime Marriott Sky Chef Executive Chef
Raffaelle Ralph LoConte of Revere passed away following a brief illness in his Revere home on Tuesday, March 14. He was 84 years old.
Ralph was born, raised and educated in Avellino, Italy. He served in the Italian Army and was later discharged honorably after his service to his country. He was married in Italy and he and hiswife began their family there. In 1963, he moved his family to America, first settling in East Boston and later to Revere in 1983.
Ralph had a passion for food and began a 30-year career with the Marriott Company and later with Sky Chef as an Executive Chef preparing airline meals. Ralph also worked for himself owning several restaurants in Revere and the North Shore. He was also very passionate about gardening. He grew all sorts of fruits and vegetables for his family to enjoy and would spend hours working and tending to his garden. Ralph was very proud of his home which he kept in pristine condition and always manicured. Many people who would drive down Central Avenue would often see Ralph s friendly face in front of his house talking and waving to people. He was known as a humble man who loved his family and appreciated the simple things in life.
The beloved husband of Maria J. (DiCicco) LoConte, he was the cherished father of Teresa LoConte of South Boston and Carmella LoConte of Revere; adored grandfather of Justina Bonfiglio of Revere; dear brother of Leonarda LoConte-DiCesare and her husband, Antonio of Montreal, Canada, Antonetta LoConte, Santo LoConte and his wife, Giovanna, all of Avellino, Italy and Antonio LoConte and his wife, Tina of Switzerland. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, Revere.
Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. For additional information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
