Obituaries 10-11-2023

Carolyn “Carri” Messina

Devout Catholic and Longtime Board Member of Revere League for Special Needs

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, October 13th from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere for Carolyn  “Carri” (DePina) Messina who died on Sunday, October 8th following a very brief illness. She was 80 years old. A funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Saturday, October 14th at 11 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 12 Noon at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., Revere. Interment immediately following will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Carri was born in Boston on January 16, 1943 to the late Amancio T. and Carolina (Pinheiro) DePina. One of four children raised in Dorchester, Carri was educated in Boston Public Schools and was a graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School, Class of 1960. On July 23, 1966, Carri married the love of her life, John Messina. The couple moved to East Boston, then later settled in Revere. They began to raise their family in Revere where Carri and Johnny made a beautiful home and life for their family.

When her children were in high school, she returned to the workforce and began a career as an Accounts Payable Administrator for the law office of Sugarman, Rogers, Barshack & Cohen, P.C., a career that spanned 28 years.

She was an active member at the Revere League of Special Needs where she served on the Board of Directors until her passing. Carri volunteered countless hours and cared about special needs children and adults throughout her years. As a devout faithful Catholic, she was an active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish in Revere, daily communicant and Eucharistic Minister. Believing in the power of prayer, Carri would offer a novena or rosary to those who needed it.

Carri loved to knit and sew making blankets, scarves, dolls and clothes for many family members and friends through the years. Carri adored her family more than anything else; her heart belonged to them.

The beloved wife of 57 years to John A. Messina of Saugus, formerly of Revere, she was the loving mother of Stevie Messina of Saugus, Annie Deukmejian and her husband, Brian of Saugus and Linda Allwood and her husband, Paul of Melrose; the cherished Grammy of Brett Deukmejian and his wife, Miriam of Winthrop, Connor Allwood of Melrose, Christian Deukmejian and his wife, Britney of Raymond, NH., Sara Allwood and Jenna Allwood of Melrose, and Alex Deukmejian, both of Saugus and her great Granddaughter, Amelia Grace; the treasured sister of Cynthia Pereira of South Weymouth and her late husband, Bert Pereira, the late Henry DePina and his surviving wife, Marie DePina of Fairhaven and the late Joao Henrique DePina. Carri is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

At the family’s request, please OMIT flowers, donations may be made in Carri’s name to CARDINAL CUSHING CENTERS, Attn: PATRICIA CONLEY, 291 Rockland Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals.

James Santosuosso

Builder and Owner of Jeanie Homes for Over 60 Years

It is with a heavy heart we announce the peaceful passing of James R Santosuosso, 80, on October 6 from acute organ failure at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

James was a successful, accomplished builder and owner of Jeanie Homes for over 60 years, building and remodeling homes, and businesses in Revere and the surrounding communities. He was exceptionally skilled in various trades and took a great deal of pride in the quality of his work.

James raised his family in his original model home in Revere which he built at the age of 18 and lived there until his passing. He will be missed by family and friends.

A lifetime resident of Revere, he was the loving husband of the late Christine (Pike) Santosuosso of Revere, proud father survived by his children: Jean Young, Beth Blumenfeld, Leigh Santosuosso, James Santosuosso, Jr., Julie Santosuosso, Amy LaVoie, Lorna Santosuosso, Paul Santosuosso and their spouses; his grandchildren: Deanna Santosuosso, Jon Young, Matthew Santosuosso and Ethan LaVoie. The son of the late Theresa and Albert Santosuosso, he was brother of Joe Santosuosso and Nancy Collins.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church, 250 Revere Street, Revere at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 12 followed by private burial services at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody where James will be laid to rest alongside his beloved, Christine.

Kindly send donations to St. Judes, in memory of James, his favorite charity for the children.

Marie A. Hennessey

Family Was the Center of Her Heart

A Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Church on Saturday, October 7th for Marie A. Hennessey, who died on Monday, October 2nd at Massachusetts General Hospital in

Boston following a long illness. She was 68 years old. Services concluded with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Marie was born on April 28,1955 in Everett. She was a lifelong Revere resident where she was proudly raised by her parents, David and Virginia Hennessey. She was the eldest of three with brothers, David, Jr. and Mark. She attended Immaculate Conception School and was a graduate of

Revere High School, Class of 1973. Marie furthered her education by earning a degree in Business Administration from Fisher College. She also continued to take various classes that interested her throughout her life. Marie worked for New England Tel & Tel, which became Verizon as a “Line Assigner” and her career spanned over 30 years.

Family was the center of Marie’s heart. She loved her parents, her brothers, and their spouses, and adored her nieces and nephews, who affectionately referred to her as “Auntie Ree.” Marie was a member of the Red Hats, The Telephone Pioneers of America, and she was most proud of her volunteer work for the “Generations” reading program at the Whalen School. Marie’s health had been declining over the past several years, but very much like her personality, she had a strong will to fight and push, which she did courageously. Her battle ended on Monday and she is now reunited with her parents in heaven.

She was the beloved daughter of the late David J. Hennessey, Sr. and Virginia T. (Manning) Hennessey, the loving sister of David J. Hennessey, Jr and his wife, Francine M. Hennessey of Bedford and Mark F. Hennessey and his wife, Maureen B. Hennessey of Melrose; the cherished aunt of Daniel P. Hennessey, Timothy J. Hennessey, Theresa V.S. Hennessey, Kevin J. Hennessey, Ryan D. Hennessey, Brendan D. Hennessey and Erin B. Hennessey. She is also lovingly survived by many cousins, extended family and friends.

Remembrances may be made to MGH Cancer Center, MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.

To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com?.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals.

Alexander Ferragamo

A Loyal Man of Strong Faith, Affectionately Known As “Uncle Lee”

A Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Church on Tuesday, October 10th  for Alexander A. Ferragamo, who passed away peacefully in his niece’s residence where she had been providing him with supportive care for the past several months. He was 95 years old. Services concluded with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.

Born in Revere, he remained a lifelong resident, attending local schools and graduating from Revere High School. Following high school, he attended the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

He soon entered the workforce and worked several jobs before settling into a career with the federal government.

Uncle Lee, as he was known to many, was a loyal man and one of strong faith. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church for all of his life and also served as an usher and volunteer for many years. Alexander enjoyed music and simply being around his family. He was a nostalgic man who enjoyed history, however, he also remained educated on current events. He was always interested in learning new things and keeping his mind sharp. He enjoyed collecting special items over the years and held a meticulous record of the important dates and memories each item was attached to. Uncle Lee was simply a pleasure to be around, he was a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of having him in their lives.

He was the loving son of the late John and Lina (Losanno) Ferragamo; devoted brother of the late Anthony Ferragamo, Ralph Ferragamo, Michael Ferragamo and Philip Ferragamo and his surviving wife, Joan Ferragamo of Revere. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and he was affectionately known as “Uncle Lee” to all.

To send online condolences, please visit ?www.vertucciosmithvazza.com?

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals.

Steven Michael Ferrante, Jr.

Revere Firefighter

Revere Firefighter Steven Michael Ferrante Jr. of Revere passed away on October 4 at the age of 35.

Born on January 12, 1988 to his loving parents, Capt. RFD Steven M. Ferrante Sr and Melinda K. (Bova) Ferrante of Revere, he was the cherished brother of Rachel Raffaele and her husband, Chris and Katherine Ferrante and her fiancé, Chris Wright; adored uncle of Christopher, Vincent and Salvatore Raffaele; beloved grandson of Camille “Lindy” (Spinelli) Bova and the late Basil Bova, RFD Deputy Chief Thedore Ferrante and Gloria (Cataldo) Ferrante.  He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Visitation will be held at St. Anthony’s Church, 250 Revere St, Revere on Thursday, October 12 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  Please arrive at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home on Friday at 9:30 a.m. if you would like to process by the Fire House on the way to St. Anthony’s Church for 11 a.m. Mass.

He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, his infectious smile that lit up any room he walked into and for his unwavering love for friends and family. Steven’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.

James V. Spears

Retired Postal Clerk and Dedicated Member of St Anthony’s Holy Name Society

James V. Spears of North Reading, formerly of Revere, entered into rest on October 8 at the age of 93.

He grew up in Revere, graduated from Revere High School and raised his family in Revere.  He was a postal clerk for many years and a dedicated member of St Anthony’s Holy Name Society. He loved sports of all types, was a devoted Red Sox fan and also enjoyed playing lottery scratch tickets. He cherished time spent with family and friends and especially enjoyed birthday celebrations with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The beloved husband of Lorraine (Clementi), he was the devoted father of Bernadette Bertoli and her husband, Mark, James V. Spears Jr., Marian Hardman and her husband, Harry, Sandra Griffin and her husband, Jeff; cherished grandfather of Mark Bertoli Jr, Christina Mojica, Peter Bertoli, Danielle Camara, Benjamin Spears, Mitchell Spears, Madeleine Spears, Samuel Spears, Amelia Spears, Catherine Hardman, Christopher Hardman, Sara Prince, Joshua Griffin, Jeremy Griffin and Sophia Griffin and cherished great grandfather of 12 great grandchildren. He was the loving brother of the late George Spears Jr. and Gerald Spears and the dear son of the late George Sr. and Elsie Spears.

Visitation will be held at Buonfiglio Funeral Home, 128 Revere Street, Revere on Saturday, October 14 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. followed by a  funeral service at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 250 Revere Street, Revere with interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 185 Lake Street, Peabody.

For more information or to register in the online guestbook,  visit www.buonfiglio.com.

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