Michael Megna
Award winner who fought successfully to overcome cerebral palsy
Michael Megna died on Thursday, March 24 at the Cambridge Hospital after a life-long valiant battle with cerebral palsy and all related complications.
Born and raised in Boston, Michael’s birth was afflicted with cerebral palsy which he fought fiercely and intently to gain a place in the real world. After being orphaned at age one, his dear grandmother brought him up and raised him to very best of her capability, until he reached the age of seven.
Because of the times, he was institutionalized at Lakeview Hospital until moving to the Walter Fernald School for the Care of Retarded Adults. Michael was not retarded. He suffered from speech palsy: the inability to communicate. After a fierce debate with the Administration at the Fernald School and intervention from the “Boston Globe Spotlight†team, he won his fight, and was placed in a Watertown half-way house with six other adults, where he began his life with a new joy and excitement.
For the past 37 years, he has enjoyed the opportunity of living within the Cambridge City environment at Jackson Road Apartments. Michael involved himself in many activities, including, CCT (Cambridge Community Television.)
Michael was presented the Joseph Sakey Award for outstanding contributions to the development of access to the Media in Cambridge, in October of 1991. He was also presented an outstanding member-worker award from the Cambridge Food Co-op in May of 1992. In June of 2015, he received his Certificate of Completion from the Commonwealth Care Alliance & Senior Care Options Program: “My Life, My Health,†the Stanford
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.
He was the son of the late Salvatore and Filomena (Blonde) Megna. He leaves his devoted cousins: Rosalie Cunningham and her husband, James P. Jr.of Revere, Joseph V. LaRosa and his wife, Louise of Taunton and Vincent LaRosa of Bridgewater, NH, Francis A. Smith of Marshfield and several other cousins. He is also lovingly survived by a sister, Maryanne and two brothers.
The large extended family at Jackson Road, Cambridge including the residents, staff and care-givers will indeed long miss Michael and the family is grateful for the the extraordinary care and love they showered on Michael all these years. May they all be richly blessed with splendid health of mind and body.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Jamaica Plain. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Jackson Road Residents’ Activities Fund, 27 Jackson Rd. , Somerville, MA, 02145. For additional information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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Patricia Ann Sartorelli
Lived and enjoyed life to the fullest
Patricia Ann Sartorelli, a long-time resident of Revere, died on April 2 at the Brudnick Center for Living in Peabody following a brief illness. She was 84 years old.
Born and raised in Lynn, Patricia was the daughter of the late John and Gertrude (O’Brien) Buckley. Her father was a Secret Service agent for the grandchildren of FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) and Patricia, as a child, would play with the Roosevelt grandchildren during her childhood summers on Long Island.
Patricia was a member of the Lynn English High School, Class of 1950. She attended Salem Teachers’ College and worked for the Prudential Insurance Company before her marriage. In 1958, she married Anthony Sartorelli, a Korean War veteran, who worked for the New England Telephone Company. It was this role as wife, homemaker and, ultimately, as a mother, which she was at her happiest.
After her husband’s death in 1984, Patricia worked for the New England Telephone Company, Salem State College and then Liberty Mutual, from which she retired. She loved to travel and, with her daughters, saw most of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. She went white water rafting, rode a mule in the Grand Canyon and hiked around the perimeter of Devil’s Tower in South Dakota.
She then set her sights globally and explored Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, Austria and France. She sailed down the Danube, visited Notre Dame and stood in front of the Acropolis in Greece.
Through her daughters, she became active at Salem State University, she enjoyed its Speaker Series and met many of its guest lecturers. Patricia also joined in many of her daughters’ alumni events there.
Patricia loved family holidays, especially Christmas with her daughters. One of their favorite memories of their mother is her opening presents one by one in turn with them with all the excitement and wonder of a child.
She was the devoted mother of Pamela (Sartorelli) Doherty and her husband, Stephen, of Brockton, Deirdre Sartorelli and her partner, Linda Brodeur,of Cape Neddick, Maine and the late Adrienne Sartorelli. She is also survived by several friends who enjoyed her good humor and strength.
Her Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere on Thursday April 7 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony’s Church at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. For guestbook please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.
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Roy Whitson
GE retiree and current MWRA employee
Roy Elliot Whitson died unexpectely at his Revere home on March 28. He was 70 years old.
Roy was born and raised in Everett, attended Everett schools and was a 1963 graduate of Everett High School. He joined the US NAVY during the Vietnam War in September of 1963 and served until September of 1968 with the rank of Seaman 3rd Class. For over 30 years, he worked as a Tool & Dye operator for General Electric of Lynn, retiring in 2009. In 2009, he re-entered the work-force with the MWRA (Mass. Water Resource Administration) as a tool & die operator until the time of his untimely death.
 He was the son of the late Leland and Marlene (Shields) Whitson; the beloved brother of Valerie A. Catalano of Revere and his late identical twin, John J. Whitson; the father of Lisa Watson and Roy E. Whitson Jr. both of New Hampshire; the dear uncle of Thomas F. Catalano of Everett and John J. Whitson Jr. of Stoneham. He is also lovingly survived by three grandchildren, several grandnieces and grand-nephews and by Donna Shannahan of New Hampshire and Donna Whitson of Lynn.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: N.E.Shelter for Homeless Vets.,17 Court St.,Boston.Ma. 02108 For additional information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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Louis Pasquale Panzini
Of Revere, formerly of East Boston
Louis Pasquale Panzini of Revere, formerly of East Boston, passed away on Thursday, March 31. He was 89 years old.
He was a US Army veteran of World War II.
The cherished son of the late Domenic and Mary (Valestrano) Panzini, he was the beloved husband of Josephine (Lauricella) Panzini; loving father of Louis Panzini and Lauren Panzini and her husband, Henry Bornstein; adored grandfather of Domenic Panzini, Brittney D’Avella and Juliana Panzini; caring brother of William Panzini and the late Elena Guglioti, Patrick, Panzini, Alfred Panzini and Joseph Panzini. He is also survived by many loving sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends will gather in Vazza’s “Beechwood†Funeral Home, 262 Beach St., Revere today, Wednesday, April 6 before leaving in procession for St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Revere for a Funeral Mass to be celebrated in his honor at 10:30 a.m.. Committal service is private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Louis’ memory to Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. For guestbook and donations www.vazzafunerals.com.
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Ralph Rugoletti, Jr.
Local business owner
Ralph J. Rugoletti, Jr. of Revere died on March 29.
Ralph was a local business owner in Revere, washing many windows in as well as out of town and a former US Army reservist.
He was the beloved husband of Anne M. (Pinto) Rugoletti; devoted father of Michael J. Pinto and Flow of Fitchburg and Matthew J., Mark Anthony and Alexander Rugoletti, all of Revere; loving son of Ralph J. Rugoletti of Las Vegas and the late Barbarann (Desharnais) Rugoletti; dear brother of Doreen M. Comeau of New Hampshire, Walter J. Rugoletti of Las Vegas and Christina Chiarelli of Revere; cherished grandfather of Abram Pinto and devoted uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Donations to Ralph’s family can be made to his wife at 15 Raymond Road, Revere, MA 02151. For online guestbook and memorial please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com.
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Charles Murray
Member of K of C and L Street “Brownies”
Charles F. Murray, a life long Revere resident, died on Monday, April 4 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center after a brief illness. He was 87 years old.
Born and raised in Revere, he was a 1946 graduate of Revere High School. He spent most of his working career as a postal worker for the U.S. Postal Service at the South Boston Postal Annex. There he made many friendships, which would last far into his retirement years. “Charlie†was a long-time member of the L-Street Brownies of South Boston and an outstanding swimmer. He won several awards for his swimming. He was also a member of the Revere Knights of Columbus. He loved the outdoors, and all that it had to offer, in the realm of fitness and health.
Besides being an outstanding brother, son, husband, father and grandfather, he was a true and valued friend to many a neighbor. However, it would be incomplete, not to mention Charlie’s aptitude for superb garden maintenance and his love for flowers and manicured lawn sites. All this he managed to do with his family home on the corner of Beach and Payson Streets, Revere, year after year, season after season. His floral displays were award winning and a joy to behold. Neighbors and friends would look forward to the next season, seeing what Charlie would do with his Garden. Charlie was never idle… on the contrary, idleness was not in his D.N.A. He loved being busy, in and out of the garden, caring for his loving family and always lending a helping hand to a neighbor.
He was the beloved husband of almost 60 years to Genevieve M. “Jennie†(Szarek) Murray; the cherished father of Charles P. “Chuck†and his wife, Jacqueline of Newfields, New Hampshire and Christopher P. “Chris†Murray and his wife, Darlene D. of Malden; devoted grandfather of Kayleigh M. Davis and her husband, Matthew of Exeter, NH., Melissa R. Murray of Newfields, N.H., Alexa J. and Nicholas J. Murray, both of Malden. He is also the faithful and dear brother to I. Patricia McDonough of Revere, John V. Murray of Amesbury, Richard P. “Skip†Murray of Wilmington and the late Paul J. and Leo M. Murray. He is also lovingly survived by many caring nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, April 7 from 4: to 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals,773 Broadway (Rte. 107), Revere. His funeral will be conducted from the Funeral Home on Friday, April 8 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church (Corner of Beach St. & Winthrop Ave.), Revere at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Founders Affiliate, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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Stephen Paulson
Of Revere
He was the loving son of Rose Marie (Chiarella) and the late Kevin Paulson of Revere; beloved husband of Nancy (Norman) Paulson; devoted father of Angela Norman, Michelle and Carolyn Paulson, all of Revere; cherished brother of Donna LoConte and her husband, Joseph of East Boston and the late Kenneth Paulson; dear son-in-law of Caroline and the late Albert Norman of Revere; adored uncle of Frankie and Kristina LoConte, Ivy and Al Norman and Daniel Fecteau. He is also survived by many fond aunts, uncles and cousins.
Family and friends will honor Stephen’s life by gathering today, Wednesday, April 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St. (Orient Heights) East Boston and again at 8:30 on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to the Immaculate Conception Church, Revere for a Funeral Mass in celebration of Stephen’s life at 10 a.m. A private cremation will follow. For complimentary transportation to the funeral home, please call 617 569 0990. For more information, www.ruggieromh.com.
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Paul Petrosino
Former chef at Chili’s Restaurant in Chelsea
Paul R. Petrosino passed away unexpectedly in his Lynn home early Saturday morning, April 2. He was 54 years old.
Born in Lawton, OK, the beloved son of Alphonse and Margaret (Levy) Petrosino, he was a resident of Lynn for the past eight years. Paul worked as a chef at Chili’s Restaurant in Chelsea for several years until he retired for health reasons.
He grew up in Peabody and attended Our Lady of the Assumption Parochial School in Lynnfield. When his family relocated to Revere, he continued his schooling attending the Lincoln Jr. High School and graduating from Revere High School.
A professionally trained chef, Paul worked for various area restaurants. He settled for a time in Ft. Lauderdale, FL where he began working for Chili’s Restaurants, relocating to the Boston area as a chef at the Chelsea Restaurant several years ago
In his life time, Paul enjoyed cooking at home and backyards for friends and family and was remembered as a great communicator sharing long telephone conversations and always taking the time to call and send cards to friends and family personally, acknowledging their birthdays and anniversaries.
Paul is survived by his loving parents, Alphonse “Al†and Margaret “Peggy†(Levy) Petrosino of Revere. He was the dear brother of Kevin Petrosino and his wife, Yen-Yen of Peabody and Patricia Stopa and her husband, Mark of Clearwater, FL.; cherished uncle of Katrina and Michael Petrosino and Camryn and Marinna Stopa. He is also survived by his loving companion, Lisa Herlihy together with his canine friend “Sasha†and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
His Funeral Services will be conducted in the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday April 8 at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Welsh Funeral Home today, Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Should friends desire, contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Or www.Dana-Farber.org “How to Help.†For directions or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com.
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Frederick Terban
Loving husband and father
Frederick A. Terban of Londonderry, NH, formerly of Revere, passed away unexpectedly March 28 at his home. He was 61 years old.
Mr. Terban was born in Chelsea on October 16, 1954, the youngest son of the late Max and Goldie (Slavit) Terban. He grew up in Revere and has resided in Londonderry, NH for the past 20 years. He was a very hard worker and was known for being mechanically inclined and able to fix anything. He enjoyed riding and working on his motorcycle and took pride in home and yard projects. Fred will be remembered as a loving husband and father.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, together 40 years, Susan I. (Connors) Terban of Londonderry, NH, his son Michael Connors of Melrose, daughter, Sarah Terban of Salem, NH, three grandchildren, Autumn Connors, Olivia Connors and Sophia Connors, two great-grandchildren, Ava and Ryan Moore and two brothers, Harvey Terban of Delray Beach, FL, and Charles Terban of Hollywood, FL.
Arrangements were by the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry.
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James Baldwin
Retired finish painter, Orient Heights Civic Club member
James Baldwin of Point of Pines Revere died at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital following a brief illness on March 3. He was 93 years old.
Born and raised in London, England, Mr. Baldwin and his late wife, May Lillian (Houghton) Baldwin and their daughter, Christina J. Baldwin made their way to the United States in 1952, first settling in New Jersey and then coming to live in East Boston in 1955. They remained in East Boston for 30 years before moving to Point of Pines in 1985.
All of Mr. Baldwin’s working career was spent as a finish painter with several local contractors. He was a long standing member of the Orient Heights Civic Club in East Boston, a favorite place for him to visit after retirement where he had many friends and associates.
He was the husband of the late May Lillian (Houghton) Baldwin who passed on October 27, 2008 and the cherished and devoted father of Christine J. Baldwin of Point of Pines, Revere; the dear brother of Beaty Reilly and Bertie Baldwin, both of London, England and he is also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, both in England and the USA.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment will be held privately. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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Geraldine Marie Tusa
Of Revere
Geraldine Marie (Durgin) Tusa of Revere, formerly of Medford, passed away on Thursday, March 31. She was 71 years old.
The loving mother of Mariann Stumpf and her husband, Howard of Billerica and Donna Tusa of Saugus, she was the cherished grandmother of Derek, Nicholas, Taylor, Corey and Brenna; caring sister of Albert Durgin and his wife, Pat, Joanne King and her husband, Ed, Charles Durgin, James Durgin and his wife, Debbie and the late Andrew Durgin. She is also survived by her loving loyal friend of 55 years, Carol DeSimone and by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family and friends will honor Geraldine’s life by gathering in Vazza’s “Beechwood†Funeral Home, 262 Beach St., Revere on Thursday, April 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. Committal service is private. At the family’s request, please omit flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development & The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445. For guestbook and directions www.vazzafunerals.com.
