Obituaries 01-13-2011

Baldassare LaRosa

Of Revere, formerly of East Boston

Baldassare LaRosa of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on January 10.

He was the beloved husband of Rosanna (Graziani) LaRosa; loving father of Antonietta LaRosa of Revere, Floredana Colarossi of Brighton and her late husband, Donato, Marinella Schena and her husband, Lorenzo, of Tewksbury and Anna Rita Cali and her husband, Shawn, of Revere. He was the son of Antoinetta (DiGirolamo) LaRosa of East Boston and the late Paul LaRosa; dear brother of Angelo of Revere, Nino of Malden, Frank, of Lynn, Maria of East Boston and Giovanna DeFeo of Revere; the cherished grandfather of 10 grandchildren and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held from Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach St., Revere, Friday morning at 11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Immaculate Conception Church, Revere, at 12 noon. Family and friends may visit Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. For guest book and directions: www.vazzafunerals.com.

John Smith

Everett resident

John J. “Beaver” Smith of Everett died on January 9. He was 59 years old.

The former husband of Joanne Smith and Judy Jackson, he was the loving companion of Marilyn Bater; loving father of Jill White of Derry, NH and Shawn and Jaclyn Smith, both of Everett; loving brother of Constance Gallant of Revere and  Paul and Dennis Smith of Everett and cherished grandfather of Chloe White. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his funeral from the J.F. Ward Funeral Home, 772 Broadway, Everett on Thursday, January 13 at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass in Immaculate Conception Church, 487 Broadway, Everett, at 10 a.m. In his memory, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For directions and online guest book visit www.jfwardfuneralhome.com.

Concetta Marrocco

Jordan Marsh retiree

Concetta “Connie” (Cuono) Marrocco died in East Boston on January 9 following a long illness. She was in her 93rd year.

A Jordan Marsh Company retiree and member of the Jordan Marsh Quarter Century Club, she was the cherished sister of John Cuono and his companion, Angelina DiGiovanni, of East Boston; beloved daughter of the late Luigi and Alessandrina (Paolillo) Cuono and is also lovingly survived by several cousins, extended family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, January 13 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rt. 107), Revere followed by a Funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, East Boston at 10 a.m. Entombment will be in the private family mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

Luciano Restaino

Revere resident

Luciano C. Restaino of Revere, formerly of Wakefield, died on January 9.

A US Army veteran of World War II, he was the beloved husband of the late Flora (Paradiso) Restaino; brother of Theresa Lambert of Malden, Victor Restaino of Saugus, the late Carmine, Vincent I, Vincent II, Alfonso and Anthony Restaino and Stella Tini. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held from Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach Street, Revere Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. followed by services in our Chapel of the Resurrection at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Revere League for Special Needs,  200 Winthrop Avenue, Revere, MA 02151. For guest book and directions, www.vazzafunerals.com.

Esther Brown

Retired B&D’s Clerk

Esther L. (Sargent) Brown of Chelsea, a resident of the Lighthouse Nursing Care Center in Revere, passed away at the Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett on January 3. She was 72 years old.

For many years, until her retirement, she worked as a clerk at B&D’s on Broadway.

She was the devoted wife of the late George B. Savoy and Arthur Brown; beloved mother of Kenneth Savoy and his wife, Cindy, of Chelsea and Kathleen Levy and her husband, Lawrence, of Revere; dear sister of Donald Sargent of Pennsylvania and the late Richard Sargent, Jr. and Herbert Sargent; cherished grandmother of Nicole Van Steensberg of Saugus and Eric Savoy of Peabody and is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service was held in Glenwood Cemetery, Everett. To send a message of condolence to her family, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com.

Salvadore Flores Molina

Chelsea resident

Salvadore Flores Molina of Chelsea died on January 5.

He was the devoted husband of Hortenzia (Mendoza); beloved father of Rosa Rivera, Oyuky Montoya, Efrain Molina, Nelson Molina and Guillermo Molina, all of Chelsea, and is also lovingly survived by 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were by the Smith Funeral Home, Chelsea. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. To send a message of condolence to his family, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com.

Gertrude Topson

Revere resident

Gertrude (Frem) Topson of Revere died on January 7 at Penacook Nursing Home. She was 88 years old.

The devoted wife of the late Nelson Topson, she was born in Plymouth and attended the Revere schools.  She was very dedicated to her grandchildren and in her spare time loved dancing, shopping, singing and the beach.  She was very well liked by all the aides and nurses at Penacook Nursing Home and the family is grateful for the wonderful care she received during her stay there.

She was the devoted mother of Francine Blair and the late Sandi Fittingoff and dear mother-in-law of Richard Fittingoff; the dear sister of Sally Ann Abel; the loving grandmother of Jason Fittingoff, Brian Fittingoff and Jennifer Blair.  She is also survived by two great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were by Torf Funeral Service, Chelsea. Burial was in Brockton.  Memorial contributions  may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA  02472.  For online guestbook please visit the funeral home website, www.torffuneralservice.com.

Gertrude Grady

40-Year Teacher and Administrator at McKinley School

Gertrude A. Grady, formerly of Malden and Revere, died peacefully on January 1 at the Jewish Rehabilitation Center in Swampscott. She was 98 years old.

During her early years, she lived in Revere and her formal education was at the Immaculate Conception School where she graduated as Valedictorian of her senior class. She continued her education at Regis College also graduating as Valedictorian and received her Masters in Education from Harvard University.

She worked at the John Hancock Life Insurance Company for a few years before embarking on a 40-year teaching career at McKinley School in Revere. She was a junior high teacher of math, English and history before becoming assistant principal for the last 20 years of her career. An outstanding educator and administrator, she had a great fondness for the arts and current affairs and directed the McKinley School Drama and Debating Clubs. She introduced her math class to the stock market resulting in very good investments.

Miss Grady was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Retired Revere Teachers Association and the McKinley School Teachers Association. A McKinley Scholarship in her name is given yearly to a worthy Revere High School senior at graduation.

Ms. Grady was one of a kind–a woman of enormous intelligence, kindness of spirit, grace and style. She led a remarkable life dedicated to her family, friends and students.

She was beloved by her devoted friend, retired McKinley School teacher, Mary Roche; her adopted granddaughters, Attorney Marie Roche and Doctor Barbara Roche; great granddaughter Julia Roche; beloved cousin Robert Grady; and many friends and relatives. She was the daughter of the late George and Mary Grady and sister of the late Helen Grady.

Funeral arrangements were by the Breslin Funeral Home, Malden. Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to Boston Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, 34 Chestnut Street, Watertown MA 02471.

Lola Napolitano

Long Time Arts and Crafts Teacher at Revere Youth Center

Lola (Barnes) Napolitano of Revere died on January 8.

A member of the Revere Senior Center, she taught Arts and Crafts for many years at the Revere Youth Center.

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph,  the devoted mother of Carol Ferrandi of Revere, Janis Bard-Wildman and her husband, Sean Wildman, of Revere and Elaine Stilwell and her husband, William, of Melrose; loving grandmother of Nicole Gurrisi and her husband, Peter, John Ferrandi, PJ Bard and Erin Stilwell; great grandmother of Alexandria, Nicholas and Peter; dear sister of Faye Brock of Washington and the late Auretta Long and Verle Barnes. She is also lovingly survived by her brother in-law Roger Naples of Revere.

Her Funeral Service will be held in The Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere today, Wednesday, January 12 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly Invited. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. For guestbook or flowers please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Alfred Guanci

Long Time Boston Herald employee

Alfred Guanci of Everett died on January 8.

A Korean War Veteran, he was a long time employee of the Boston Herald and a member of the Teamsters Local 82.

The beloved husband of the late Ann (Lanzo), he was the father of Dianne and her husband, Steve Fortier, of Malden, Robert and his wife, Mary, of Wilmington, Linda and her husband. Paul Crawford, of Malden, William and Stephanie of Everett, Michael and Julie of Everett, Patricia McNalley and Eddie Myers of Everett, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul Sek, of Revere, Janet of Malden, Nancy and her husband, Dennis Pontbriand, of Malden and Geraldine and her husband, Tim Moran, of Tewksbury; brother of Mary Warren of Florida and the late Ralph. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

His Funeral will be held from the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main St., Everett today, Wednesday, January 12 at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Everett at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. www.roccofuneralhomes.com.

Hazel Coleman

Winthrop resident

Hazel A. (LeBlanc) Coleman of Winthrop died January 6 at Masconoment Health Care in Topsfield.

The wife of the late Retired U.S. Navy Commander Robert E. Coleman, she is survived by two daughters, Sue Carabott of Dover, NH and Cathy McKenna of Winthrop; a brother, Thomas LeBlanc and his wife, Josephine, of Revere; three grandchildren, Michelle Brockmann, Todd and Jeffrey Sullivan as well as five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass was held in St. John the Evangelist Church,  Winthrop followed by burial in Winthrop Cemetery, Winthrop.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SolAmor Hospice, 161 Main St., Middleton, MA 01949. For guestbook please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com.

Paul Triano

Beachmont resident

Paul J. Triano of (Beachmont) Revere died on January 7.

A US Army veteran of World War II, he was the beloved husband of the late Josephine M. (Conti) Triano; loving father of Lorraine J. O’Brien of Wrentham; cherished grandfather of Charles F. O’Brien of Bellingham and Paul J. O’Brien of Revere; great grandfather of Paul Joseph, Hannah Dawn and Nolan Charles; dear brother of the late Rocco Triano, Angelo Triano, Loretta Pagliuca, Josephine Tripaldi, Angelina Mancusso, Rose Ciampa, Lillian Ganem, Mary Moscarito and Virginia Demonte.

His Funeral will be held from the Porcella Funeral Home, 876 Winthop Ave., (Beachmont) Revere today, Wednesday, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 133 Beach St., Revere at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. For directions and condolences: www.BisbeePorcella.com.

Anna Esposito

Revere resident

Anna E. (Duggan) Esposito of Revere, formerly of Malden, died on January 6.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert A. Esposito; devoted mother of Robert A. Esposito Jr. of Revere and her daughter in law Doreen Manzi, Annmarie Marrotta and her husband, David, of Florida, Ronald Esposito of Revere, John Esposito and his wife, Debbie, of Malden, Walter Leneski and his wife, Linda, of Revere and Robin Leneski Sica of Saugus. She was the cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the A.J. Spadafora Funeral Home, Malden. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. For guestbook see www.spadaforafuneral.com.

Stanley Wolfgang

Former Owner of Family Jewelers, Boy Scout Leader, member of many organizations

Stanley Wolfgang of Revere died on January 7. He was 80 years old.

Born in Boston and raised in Winthrop, he lived in Revere for most of his life. He was a US Air Force veteran of the Korean War,  a member Kearsarge I.O.O.F., Revere Kiwanis, Consolidated Lodge A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite and a member of the Beachmont Yacht Club. An avid painter, he was the former owner of Family Jewelers in Revere and a former long time Scout Leader.

He was the beloved husband of the late Naomi (Davidson) Wolfgang; devoted father of Mark Wolfgang and his wife, Kerry (Welby) and Seth Wolfgang; devoted brother of Barbara Finkleman and Risa Buckstein and her husband, Jan and loving uncle of nephews and a niece.

Funeral arrangements were by Torf Funeral Service, Chelsea. Burial was in Sharon. Donations in his memory may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Minute Man Council, 411 Unquity Rd., Milton, MA 02186. For online guestbook please visit the funeral home website: www.torffuneralservice.com.

Carmelina Romano

Revere resident

Carmelina (Gelardi) Romano of Revere died on January 5.

She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph; devoted daughter of the late Gaetano and Carmela (Fortunato); dear sister of the late Salvatore Gelardi and Rosaria Gelardi-DeSimone; loving aunt of Dena and Laura DeSimone.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio &Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 311 Arsenal St Watertown Ma 02472. www.Buonfiglio.com.

Rose Marie DiPiero

Of Wilmington, formerly of East Boston

Rose Marie (Perron) DiPiero of Wilmington, formerly of East Boston, died peacefully on January 5 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 64 years old.

The beloved wife of the late Ernest DiPiero, she was the loving daughter of the late Henry and Lillian McDonagh of Brighton; devoted mother of Lorraine Amato and her husband, John, of Wilmington, Ernest DiPiero and his fiancé, Liz Kanofsky, of Revere and the late Joseph Paul Borden of Revere; second mother to Raymond Borden of Winthrop. Her life was dedicated to her grandchildren who meant the world to her  and she was the adoring grandmother of Angelina, Michael, Christina, Brandon, and Daelan; loving sister of Catherine Stehr and her husband, Richard, of New York, Mary Garbarino and her husband, James, of Rhode Island, and the late Joseph McDonagh of Brighton. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., Wilmington. Burial was in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.

Josephine Mottolo

Lifelong Revere Resident

Josephine R. (Puopolo) Mottolo, a lifelong Revere resident, died on January 3.

She was the beloved wife of the late Albert “Herbie” Mottolo; devoted mother of Dotti Nardone and her husband, Tom; loving grandmother of Tom Nardone and his wife, Alison, and their children Matthew, William, Rebecca and Samuel and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons – Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. For guestbook visit www.buonfiglio.com.

John Stasio

Of Hamilton, formerly of Revere

John S. Stasio of Hamilton, formerly of Revere, died on January 3.

A US Army veteran of the Korean War, he was the beloved husband of Mary (Malfitano); devoted father of Nancy Camley and Rick Laird of Hamilton, John and his wife, Donna, of Revere, David and his wife, Shirley, of Chelsea and Michael and his wife, Annmarie, of North Reading; dear brother of the late Vincent Stasio and is also survived by 13 loving grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. For guest book please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Anthony Greco

Entrepreneur, Candy Maker, Hotelier and Philanthropist

Anthony Greco, entrepreneur, candy maker, hotelier, philanthropist, died on January 3. He was 89 years old.

Born in East Boston, in 1922, the oldest of five children of Cosmo and Rosa (Bonsinalli) Greco, the family traveled back to Italy after a short stay in the United States and, as a teenager, he enlisted in the Italian Navy at the outbreak of World War II. The Navy Destroyer he served on saw more than its share of action and Mr. Greco was injured in the line of duty. He served with honor until his ship was captured by allied forces and he spent the rest of the war in a detention facility in North Africa.

The family made its way back to the United States after the war where he met and married, Maria, his wife of 60 years. They lived in the sanctuary of Boston’s North End for all their lives.

Mr. Greco was employed by the world famous Schraffts Chocolates where over many decades he served as “Master Candy Maker.” In the early 1960’s he developed and produced his own line of gourmet candies, securing a partnership with both Jordan Marsh and The Stop & Shop Co.

Anthony Greco was a lover of great music, with a dedication to “the standards” and Neapolitan love songs. Being blessed with a great voice, he had seriously considered a professional career in music. His love for people and his predictably charming and charismatic personality made him popular and a favorite amongst his family, friends and colleagues.

Mr. Greco’s love for quality service and products led to an illustrious career at The Fairmont Copley Plaza. As one of the longest tenured employees in its history, his career crossed many of the hotel’s departments and he was frequently sought after by regular guests, athletes and celebrities.

Though formal education eluded him, Mr. Greco recognized the important effect that learning and technology would have on our youth. He focused his attention on donating computers and technology to different high schools. He was recognized for his generosity and the “Anthony Greco Computer Lab” stands in his honor at the Jeremiah Burke School.

He leaves behind Maria, his wife of 60 years; his children Charles and Theresa Greco of Braintree, and Rosemarie and Norman Hanley of Weymouth; his brothers Guy of Malden, Vincent of Revere, and the late Sammy of New Jersey; his sisters Filomena Vellucci of New York and Anna DiBenedetto of the North End; seven grandchildren, Anthony Greco of Weymouth, Charles Greco of Braintree, Lisa Marie Greco, also of Braintree, Diane Hanley of Weymouth, Brian Hanley of Weymouth, Michael Hanley of Weymouth and Sarah Hanley, also of Weymouth; five Great-Grandchildren, and many, many friends who will miss him deeply.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Leonard’s Church in the North End followed by entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden. Arrangements were by the Boston Harborside HomeBoston Harborside Home J.S. Waterman & Son-Waring-Langone 617-536-4110.

Anthony DeFelice

Newspaperman, sports enthusiast and consummate family man

Anthony “Lefty” DeFelice, newspaperman, sports enthusiast, consummate family man and a very prominent and respected man in his community, died from natural causes on December 30, at his Winthrop home.  He was 99 old.

Mr. DeFelice was born in East Boston on September 18, 1911 and moved to Winthrop in 1942. He graduated from East Boston High School in 1927 at the age of 15.  He was in the printing profession and worked in the newspaper business (Record American, Boston Herald, and Boston Globe) for more than 50 years. He was a member of the International Typographical Union.

“Lefty” loved sports, especially baseball.  He was a left-handed first baseman and outfielder and his teammates dubbed him with the nickname “Lefty” when he was about 12 years old. He played semi-professional baseball for the Boston Typos for years and later became the team’s business manager.  He played handball from his childhood on, and with his trademark finesse and skill, was the New England Handball Champion in the 1940s. He played twice at week at the Paris Street Gym until age 75.

His passion for sports was undeniable and he had the great pleasure of following his sons’ athletic careers in football and baseball as players and then later as coaches.  He attended every Winthrop High School football game until his early 90s when he could no longer see the players on the field.  He became a fixture at the grill from the inaugural Winthrop Vikings Father’s Day Football Pancake Breakfast and as a rare invited guest on the team football bus.  His support of student athletics and his popularity in the town earned him the informal title of “Mr. Winthrop” in 2000.

“Lefty” was one in a million – a gracious and warmhearted man, a generous and guiding spirit, a loyal friend, a good neighbor and citizen, and above all, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who weaved faith, principles, integrity, hope, and humor into the framework of his family.

He loved the beach, his famous tomato garden and sitting on his porch in his white rocker.  Until his death, he was seen regularly in Winthrop Center having a cup of coffee and attending daily mass at St. John’s Church.

Anthony DeFelice lived a long and happy life.  He was beloved by his family, the members of his church, his town and myriad friends of many generations.

The son of the late Leonardo and Lucia (Frisoli) DeFelice, he outlived all his siblings: Peter, Leo, Gus, Michael and Dominic and sister, Rocchina Granese.  He was married to the love of his life, Eleanor Cataldo, for 66 1/2 years and is survived by his sons, Francis of Swampscott; Robert of Winthrop; his daughter Susan of Winthrop; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

His funeral was conducted from the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son Funeral Home, Winthrop on Monday followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church. Rev. Peter Graziano celebrated the mass and offered prayers at the burial in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery. To sign his online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Saint John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop Street, Winthrop, MA 02152.

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