Joseph and Joan Patti
Graduates of RHS, Class of 1951
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Salvator Patti and Joan DeNunzio Patti of Pleasanton, California, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident on September 25, 2025. Married for almost 70 years, Joseph and Joan’s lifelong love story began in high school and blossomed into a rich partnership filled with devotion, family, and shared purpose.
Joe was born on February 15, 1934, in Medford, Massachusetts, to Vincent and Rose Patti. Joan was born on May 10, 1933, in Revere, to Vincent and Louise (Turco) DeNunzio. The two met at Revere High School, where Joe served as senior class president and Joan was head cheerleader.
Joe graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and proudly served in the United
States Marine Corps before beginning a distinguished career in public service with the Federal Government, ultimately becoming Western Regional Director of the Office of Personnel Management. Joan, a graduate of Tufts University, shared her love of literature as a public school English teacher, balancing her professional life with years dedicated to raising their children. A gifted musician, Joan also served as an organist at her church, sharing her faith through music.
Together, Joe and Joan raised five children, who—along with their twelve grandchildren were the center of their world. Joe’s career brought the family to many parts of the country, including Fairfax, VA; Littleton, CO; Sudbury, MA; and Orinda, CA. They created a home filled with love, music and laughter.
In addition to many adventures around the country, they loved returning in summer to their native Boston, where the family continued the beloved childhood tradition of spending long days at the beach.
Proud of their Italian heritage, Joe and Joan made frequent trips to Italy, where they nurtured relationships with extended family and deepened their connection to their roots. At home, they kept Italian culture, food, language, and traditions alive in everyday life, enriching their family’s identity across generations.
Joan was known for her warmth, wit, and charm—a natural conversationalist who could light up any room. Joe, quieter by nature, was equally beloved for his kindness, humility, and steady presence. Together, they were a perfect complement.
In their later years, they moved to Stoneridge Creek Retirement Community, where they became vibrant and beloved members of the community. Joe managed the bocce team, led the Italian club, and participated in gardening, billiards, bridge, and improv. Joan sang in the choir and took part in bridge, bocce, and other social activities—always fostering connection and joy.?
Joe and Joan are survived by four of their five children: Susan Lewis (Mike) of Carbondale, CO; Steven Patti (Katy) of Mill Valley, CA; Jennifer Duffy (Sean) of Carbondale, CO; John Patti of Newton, MA, and daughter-in-law Jocelyn Larkin of Berkeley, CA. They were preceded in death by their beloved son, Christopher Patti. They are also survived by their cherished grandchildren: Joseph Lewis, John Lewis, Charlie Lewis, Vince Patti, Gabe Patti, Henry Twiss, Annie Twiss, Kate Twiss, Jack Patti, Vivian Patti, Joseph Patti, and Juliet Patti—as well as a wide circle of extended family and dear friends whose lives they deeply touched.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Open Heart Kitchen or Bay Area Music Project.
John J. Murphy, Sr.
A devoted family man who took pride in caring for those he loved.
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours today, Wednesday,
October 8th, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza,
Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere, for John J. Murphy, Sr., of Revere, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 83 years old. His Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home today, Wednesday at 12 noon. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
John was born in Chelsea on February 3, 1942. He was the son of the late William G. and Isabella (Walls) Murphy. John was raised in Chelsea and received his education at St. Rose High School in Chelsea. Shortly after high school, John met and married the love of his life, Mary “Honey” on May 27, 1962. Together they moved to Revere to raise their family.
John began working for Biltrite Corporation as a production scheduler. His career spanned over 40 years until the time of his retirement in 2005.
John was a lifelong member of the Beachmont Yacht Club, where he built many friendships over the years. He also enjoyed sports and was an avid Boston Bruins fan. Most importantly, John was a devoted family man who took pride in caring for those he loved. He was a proud grandfather and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
The loving husband of Mary “Honey” (Sargent) Murphy with whom he spent 63 years of marriage, he was the loving father of John Murphy, Jr., and his wife, Kellie-Lyn of Winthrop and Kathleen O’Donnell and her husband, Jimmy of Revere; the adored grandfather of James O’Donnell III, Madison-Lyn Murphy and Katie O’Donnell; the dear brother of William Murphy, Patricia Murphy, Mary Murphy Wilson and her husband, Buddy, Helena de Sharnis and Margaret Sealey; the brother in law of Roberta Callinan and her husband Ernest, George and the late Carole Sargent and Richard Sargent and his companion, Karen Steed. He is also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460. www.alz.org
For online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.
Josephine Gagliardi
Liberty Mutual retiree
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Friday, October 10th from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere for Josephine (Catalano) Gagliardi, who passed away peacefully on October 4th at 104 years of age. Her Funeral will begin from the Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11th at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., Revere at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Josephine was born and raised in East Boston and was the daughter of Giuseppe and Francesca (Zaggarella) Catalano. She was educated in East Boston and attended East Boston High School. Josephine would soon move to Revere where she remained a longtime resident. She married Anthony Gagliardi, and the couple raised their family in Revere. She and her husband were inseparable and would spend every Saturday night ballroom dancing together.
Aside from being a devoted wife and mother, Josephine entered the workforce and she worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for over 20 years, retiring as supervisor of the claims department in the early 1990s.
She enjoyed her retirement and during the winter months, she resided with her husband in Deerfield Beach, Florida enjoying family and friends.
In her spare time,she enjoyed sewing and cooking meals for her family and loved ones. Her love was expressed through her cooking.
Her greatest joy was becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her beloved husband, Anthony passed away in 2005 and shortly thereafter, she took residence with? her daughter in Boxford and she enjoyed happily living together as a family.
She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony Gagliardi; devoted mother of Donna Vaccari and her husband, William of Winchester, Caryn White and her husband, Richard of Plymouth and Lynn Williamson and her husband; Robert of Boxford; cherished grandmother of William Vaccari and his wife, Melissa, Joseph Vaccari and his wife. Lauren, Erin McCosh and her husband. Daniel, Kelley White, Stephen White and his wife, Christina, Robert Williamson and his wife. Julia, and Derek Williamson; adored great grandmother of William III, Ava, Joey, Thomas, Owen, Anthony, Domenic, Emily, Stella, Bobby III, Josie, Abby and Cami. Dear sister of the late Manny, Mary, Phyllis, Rose, Joe, Angelo, Angie, Francis, Bobby and Dolly. She was the special aunt and “second mother” to Raymond, Ronnie, Randy and Darlene DeRosa. 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.
Sheila M. DeStefano
Beloved wife and mother
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Thursday, October 9th from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere for Sheila M. (Barry) DeStefano, who passed away on October 2nd at 85 years of age. A Funeral Service will be conducted in the Funeral Home at 11 a.m., followed by interment in Winthrop Cemetery – Belle Isle Section, Winthrop.
Sheila was born and raised in Winthrop and was the daughter of James and Evelyn (Burke) Barry. She attended schools in Winthrop and was a graduate of Winthrop High School. When she married Carl DeStefano, she remained in Winthrop with her family.
Sheila was a devoted wife and mother, and she also held several jobs throughout her life. She worked for several years as a bartender at the Sand Bar on Revere Beach and was also a nursing assistant for many years in several nursing homes in Winthrop. Her most recent career was in medical records and at M.G.H. in Revere where she remained until her retirement.
She and her husband travelled to Florida for the winters for over 15 years, before taking full time residence there. As her health declined, she returned home and moved to Peabody.
The beloved wife of Carl C. DeStefano of Peabody, she was the devoted mother of Lisa Kirby and her husband, Daniel of Peabody, William DeStefano and his partner, Kathy Murphy of Peabody, Edward DeStefano and his partner, Angela Williams of Revere, Janine Sujko of Revere and the late Danielle DiChiara and Michael Flaherty. She is also lovingly survived by many grandchildren. She was the dear sister of the late Joseph Barry of Winthrop.
Donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
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, Revere.
