Obituaries 02-16-2011

LeighAnn Zarrella

Sony Corp. Executive and animal lover

LeighAnn (Thomas) Zarrella in Revere, formerly of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, died on February 4 after a seven year long and valiant battle with breast cancer with dignity, strength, perseverance and an inspiration to all who knew her. She was 44 years old.

She was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1985 and Northeastern University. Early in her career, she worked for John Hancock (International Division-Boston), before an 11 year executive career with Sony Corp. of New York and New Jersey. Only recently did she leave her position because of illness. Her computer exertise was paramount to her success. She spent many years volunteering for animal shelters, placing countless animals in good homes. Being proficient in the computer field, she lent her computer expertise to help develop several non-profit animal shelter computer systems.

“Though her smile is gone forever and her hand, we cannot touch, we shall never lose our sweet memories of Leigh Ann, the one we love so much.”

She was the cherished daughter of Lee F. Thomas, retired Revere High School Guidance Counselor, and Elaine A. “Honey” (Benedetto) Thomas of Revere; beloved wife of Ronald V. Zarrella of Woodcliff Lake, NJ and loving mom to his children, Mark V. and Michael R. Zarrella, both of Woodcliff Lake, NJ; dear niece of Robert Benedetto and his wife, Joan of Everett, Evelyn R. Benedetto of Revere, Robert B. Thomas of Sarasota, Florida and the late Thomas G. Benedetto and further survivors include several cousins, close friends and her canine companion, “Humphrey”.

To honor Leigh Ann, rather than flowers, remembrances may be made to “Happy Tails Animal Rescue”, PO Box 143, Paramus, NJ 07653, [email protected], or to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.

Salvatore Struppa

Of Meford, formerly of East Boston

Salvatore Struppa of Medford, formerly East Boston, died unexpectedly on February 14.

He was the beloved husband of Camille ( Luongo) Struppa with whom he shared  32 years of marriage; loving father of Michael, Danielle Amy and Briana Struppa; dear brother of Michele D’Itria of Revere, Giacoma of Winthrop, Vincenza of East Boston and the late Anthony “Nino” Struppa; cherished grandfather of Nancy.

His Funeral will be held from Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach Street, Revere, Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Francis of the Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway, West Medford at 11 a.m. Family and friends may visit Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery Medford. For directions and guest book: www.vazzafunerals.com.

Richard Smith

Of Revere, formerly of Malden

Richard G. “Dick” Smith of Revere, formerly of Malden, died on February 11.

He was the beloved husband of Claudette P. (Paradis) of Revere; devoted father of Randy J. Smith and his wife, Renee, of Malden and Timothy A. Smith of Salem; cherished brother of the late Jeanie Boivin and Dr. Loran Smith; loving step-grandfather of Timothy and Antonio.

Funeral services will be held at the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St, Malden on Thursday, February 17 at 10 a.m. followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Visitation will be held at the funeral home today, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. For obituary and directions, www.weirfuneralhome.com

David Rizzo

Of Everett, formerly of East Boston

David G. Rizzo of Everett, formerly of East Boston, died unexpectedly on February 13.

A graduate of East Boston High School, Class of 1986, he was a Little League Soccer Ball Coach for the City of Everett.

He was the beloved husband of Karen (Zenga) Rizzo with whom he shared 17 years of marriage; loving father of Justin and Samantha, both at home; cherished son of Paul Rizzo and his wife, Tina, and Rosemary (Collins) Rizzo and Ronald DeMarco, all of East Boston; dear brother of Paul Rizzo and his wife, Lisa, of Revere; fond uncle of Paul and Leeane Rizzo.

His Funeral will be held from Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach Street, Revere Thursday morning at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Sacred Heart Church, East Boston at 10 a.m. Family and friends may visit today, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. For directions and guest book: www.vazzafunerals.com.

Anna Vivolo

North End resident

Anna C. (Galasso) Vivolo of Boston’s North End died on February 12.

She was the devoted mother of Leonard Vivolo and his late wife, Constance, of South Carolina, JoAnne Ruggiero and her husband, Nicholas, of Lynnfield, Phyllis Cesso and her husband, B. Anthony, of Revere; cherished grandmother of Carla DeSimone and her husband, David, Anthony Cessa and his wife, Annmarie, Lisa Cesso, Nicholas Ruggiero Jr. and Mark Ruggiero. She is also survived by three loving great-grandchildren. She was the sister of Joseph Galasso and Lucy Squadrito, both of Medford, and was also preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.

Her Funeral will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Thursday at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated in St. Leonard Church, Hanover Street, Boston, at 9:45 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are today, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent in her name to the Founders Affiliate of American Heart Association , PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241. For directions, obituary and guestbook, visit: dellorusso.net.

Joanne Sponagle

Nurse’s Aide

Joanne H. Sponagle of Revere died on February 12 after a long battle with cancer.  She was 64 years old.

A Chelsea resident for most of her life before moving to Revere 14 years ago, she was a nurse’s aide who worked in many local area nursing homes.

She leaves behind her husband, William, her two sons, William and Robert and his wife, Maurine, and three loving grandchildren, William, Lilly and Leila. She was the dear sister of Annette DeFranzo, Nancy Stackhouse, Denise  Russo, Joyce Pappadinas and the late Anthony Russo.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons -Bruno Funeral Home, Revere.

Linda Borden

Bartener

Linda A. (Brough) Borden, a lifelong Chelsea resident,  passed away at the Whidden Memorial Hospital unexpectedly on February 8. She was 64 years old.

She grew up in Chelsea where she spent her whole life. A graduate of Chelsea High School, she worked as a bartender at local establishments for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Borden of Revere and her son, Gregory Borden of East Boston. She was the cherished grandmother of Vinessa Tenaglia, Jenna Tenaglia and Janelle Maniero; sister of Tom Brough of Texas and is also lovingly survived by her best friend, Candy Winam of Chelsea.

She will be greatly missed by her family and great friends. To send a message of condolence to her family, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com.

Frances Lepore

St. Anthony’s Parish Devotee

Frances A. (Belmonte) Lepore, a lifelong resident of Revere, died at the Bear Hill Nursing Center of Wakefield following a long confinement on February 10. She was 86 years old.

Born and raised in Revere and a 1942 graduate of Revere High School, she was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved “Family” and enjoyed cooking and baking for her entire family. Although failing health plagued her for several years, she never became discouraged, especially after the amputation of her leg. She remained “upbeat” and grateful for what life sent her way.

She was the wife of the late Ralph F. Lepore who died in 1995; devoted mother of John R. Lepore and his wife, Kathleen A. of Derry, NH; cherished grandmother of Robin A. St. Germain and her husband, Joshua ,of Sierra Vista, AZ; dear sister of Ann M. “Babe” Camiolo of Revere, Joseph J. Belmonte, Sr. and his wife, Rose, of Saugus, and the late Rose Aulino, Nicholas and Angelo Belmonte, Carmella Mazzullo and Janice Cuccio. She is also lovingly survived by her great-grandson, Christian M. St. Germain and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Starlight Childrens’ Foundation at: www.starlight.org.

Mary D’Amico

Of Winthrop, formerly of East Boston

Mary S. (Serino) D’Amico of Winthrop, formerly of East Boston, died on February 11.

She was the beloved wife of the late Louis D’Amico; loving mother of Robert D’Amico and his wife, Marie DiNocco, of East Boston, Donna D’Amico of Winthrop, Mary DeSimone and her husband, Stephen, of Newburyport and Louis D’Amico and his wife, Kim, of Saugus; dear sister of Lena Fiore of Revere, Joseph Fiore and his wife, Erna, of Virginia and the late Nancy and Gloria Fiore. She is also survived by four loving grandchildren, Robert, Lisa, Angela and Louis; one great-grandchild, Skyla, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral arrangements were by Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery Malden. For information and guest book www.vazzafunerals.com.

Christopher Caldwell

Truck Driver, member of Amvets and Beachmont VFW

Christopher Caldwell of Golden Drive, Winthrop, formerly of Revere, died at the Don Orione Nursing Home in East Boston on February 11 after a long illness. He was 75 years old.

Born in Boston, he served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was discharged as a Private First Class. After his discharge, he went on to work as a truck driver for many years for the Boston Concession group. He was also a member of the Amvets and the Beachmont VFW.

He was the beloved husband of the late Pauline (Winczewski) and the loving father of Paul Caldwell and Catherine Sheehan, both of Winthrop, Karen Slate of Athol and the late Robert Caldwell; the dear brother of Arthur Caldwell of Aurora, CO and is also survived by seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted from the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son-O’Maley Funeral Home. The Rev. Donald Milligan celebrated the service and offered prayers at his burial in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to All Care Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 16 City Hall Square, Lynn MA, 01901. To sign the online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Anne Trovato

Long time employee of former Jordan Marsh Co.

Anne B. (Masiello) Trovato of Revere died at her home on February 9. She was 90 years old.

She was a long time employee in the Musical Records Dept. of the former Jordan Marsh Co.

She was the beloved wife of the late John A. Sr.; devoted mother of John A. Jr. of New Hampshire, Barbara White Goldstein and her husband, William, and Joanne Trovato. all of Revere; dear sister of the late Anthony Masiello, Jennie Pizzi, Phillip Masiello, Olympia Indelicato and her husband, George, Lena Palmieri and her husband, Enrico, Valentino Masiello and his  surviving wife, Stella; loving grandmother of Robert White, Barbara Walker and her husband, Michael, Walter White, Michael Trovato and his fiancé, Johanna Janka, and the late Christopher White; great grandmother of Michael Walker IV, John and Jake Walker and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons – Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Entombment was at Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony Bread for the Poor c/o St. Anthony’s Shrine 100 Arch St. Boston, MA 02110 or The Italian Home for Children 1125 Centre St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3495. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.

Joseph Brooks

Waltham resident

Joseph F. Brooks of Waltham died February 7 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 81 years old.

Born in Allston on September 1, 1929, a son of the late Thomas and Signe (Anderson) Brooks, he was raised in Waltham and in Newton and graduated from Newton High School. He served as a staff sergeant with the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Army Boxing Team.

He and his wife, Joanne (Brown) Brooks, were married at Saint Theresa’s Church in Watertown on June 14, 1952. They lived in Watertown before moving to Waltham in 1964. He furthered his education at R.E.T.S. Electronic School in the Electronics Technician Certificate Program and worked for 32 years as a service representative for Victor Business Machines and later as a courier driver for W.R. Grace. In his retirement he was a school crossing guard in Watertown for several years.

“Joe” was a Lieutenant with the Watertown Auxiliary Police Department, an organization that he served for more than 40 years. He was a longtime usher and past president of the Ushers Club at Saint Jude Church in Waltham where he and his wife also belonged to the Couples Club. He also bowled with the parish bowling league and at the Wal-Lex Bowling League and enjoyed playing cribbage and solitaire, hunting and socializing with family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, he leaves his children, Denise Salemi and her husband, Amil, of Revere, Sharon Rothwell and her husband, Mark, of Ashland, Waltham Police Lieutenant Joseph F. Brooks, Jr. and his wife, Patricia, of Maynard, Jill Lawson and her husband, William, of Upton and Kerry Cannistraro and her husband, Michael, of Upton; his grandchildren, Jonathan, Jennifer and Jamie Salemi, Tiffany, Mark and Nolan Rothwell, Julie, Kaitlin, Ryan and Timothy Brooks, Brooke, Jacqueline, Brett and Spencer Lawson and Derek, Drew and Blake Cannistraro; his sisters, Evelyn Anderson of Nashua, New Hampshire, Helen Porter of Lunenberg and Signe Kent of Newton and many nieces and nephews. He was also a brother of the late Thomas, John and Carl Brooks.

Memorial donations may be made to Child Life Services at the Floating Hospital for Children, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA  02111. To share a memory and to offer condolences online please visit www.joycefuneralhome.com.

David Dawley

Member of the Knights of Columbus

David W “Gramps” Dawley of Revere died on February 7.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 179 and  an avid fan of sports particularly of women’s collegiate basketball.

He was the beloved husband of Ginger (Murphy); devoted father of Kathleen Dawley and her husband, Peter Smokowski of Sudbury, Brian and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Revere and Sharon Dawley of Amherst; loving grandfather of David, Patrick and Daniel Dawley, all of Revere; dear brother of James Dawley of Revere and Peter Dawley of Saugus. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

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 Friends of Camp Fatima Trust Fund, PO Box 206, Gilmanton Iron Works NH 03837 or at ecweek.org.

Michael Sullivan

East Boston resident

Michael A. Sullivan of East Boston died on February 7.

He was the beloved husband of the late Jacqueline (Mastrangelo) Sullivan with whom he shared 50 years of marriage; loving father of Michael of Ipswich, Mark of Weston, Kim of Malden, David of East Boston and Scott Sullivan of Revere; dear brother of Jean Molito of Stoughton, and Eileen Sullivan; cherished grandfather of seven and great grandfather of two.

Funeral arrangements were by Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere.  Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery Everett. For guest book: www.vazzafunerals.com.

Edith Clucas

Goldstar Wife

Edith L. Clucas of Almont Street, Winthrop died at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on February 6 after a long illness. She was 83 years old.

Born in Boston, she was the beloved daughter of the late Mary (Fahey) and Clement Vasseur. A longtime resident of Winthrop, Mrs. Clucas was employed as a telephone operator for New England Telephone for 19 years and then went on to work at the Beth Israel Hospital. She was a member of the Little Red Hens, St. John the Evangelist Mother’s Club and was a Goldstar Wife.

She was the beloved wife of the late William G. Clucas and will be lovingly remembered by her children; William J. Clucas and his wife, Jacki, of Blackhawk, SD, Patricia Colangelo of N. Chelmsford, John F. Clucas of Winthrop and Ellen Clucas Bennett and her husband, Al, of Beverly;  the dear sister of the late Rose Connor and Paul Vasseur; cherished grandmother of Christina, Kerri, Tara, Billy, Emily, Erin Rose, Daniel, Brendan, Kevin, Amanda, Ryan, Sammie, Katie and Will and is also survived by four great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were by the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son-O’Maley Funeral Home, Winthrop. Burial was in Winthrop Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers MA 01923. For online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Liborio Bonura

Westwood resident

Liborio J. “Leo” Bonura of Westwood, formerly of East Boston, died on February 6.

A US Navy veteran of World War II, he was the beloved husband of Arlene J. (Vetrino) Bonura; step-father of Denise Brady of Westwood and step-grandfather of Madison and Chase; brother-in-law of Joanne Bonura of Revere and uncle of Tara Lagomarsino and her husband, Steven, of Shrewsbury and their son, Vincent; son of the late Joseph and Maddalena (Collerone) Bonura and brother of the late Salvatore Bonura.

Funeral arrangements were by the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, Westwood. Burial with military honors was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice. www.hdlfuneralhome.net.

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