Dr. Rocco J. Malfitano
Former Superintendent of Schools and School Committee Member
Dr. Rocco J. Malfitano, Retired Superintendent of Revere Public Schools, passed away on April 10 at the age of 86.
He was the beloved husband of Lorraine I. (Trunfio) Malfitano, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Revere, the son of the late Domenico Malfitano and Marianna (Misiano) Malfitano, he was a resident of Revere for sixty-five years, later residing in Stoneham and Port St. Lucie, FL. He was the devoted father of Marc Malfitano of Swampscott, Roxanne Aiello and her husband, Richard of Stoneham and Monique Mallicoat and son-in-law Frank of San Francisco, CA; proud grandfather of Bianca Dunn and her husband, Stephen of Norwell, Alessandra Fedorka and her husband, Chase of San Diego, CA. and Christelle Black and her husband, Christopher of Bradford, VT; loving great-grandfather of Charlotte and Francesca Dunn and Juliette Fedorka; dear brother of Anthony Malfitano and his wife, Sheila of Revere and the late Tina and her husband, Pasquale Pisani, Mary and her husband, John Stasio and Vito Malfitano. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
At the time of his retirement in 1994 from Revere Public Schools, he had served 36 years in the field of education. Dr. Malfitano was a proud graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1955. He co-captained the football team in his senior year. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 from Suffolk University with a major in biology and minor in chemistry he returned to Revere High School as a biology teacher and freshman football coach. In 1960 he earned his Masters of Education degree from Boston State College. In 1962 he was appointed Elementary Science Advisor. At that point he began his career as a mentor to other teachers. In both 1962 and 1963, his work was recognized by the National Science Foundation. He was one of twenty teachers selected nationwide to participate in the 1962 Summer Institute on Radiation Biology at the University of Wyoming. In 1963 he was one of thirty-five teachers selected nationwide to participate in the National Science Foundation Elementary School Earth Science Institute at Rutgers University.
In 1965 he was appointed principal of the Shurtleff School. His view of the principal as curriculum leader put him in the vanguard of educational change. In 1968 he was selected as principal of his elementary/junior high school alma mater, the Abraham Lincoln School, where he would serve for twenty years and earn his doctorate in Educational Administration from Nova Southeastern University in 1978.
As a principal, Dr. Malfitano fostered experiments in methods teaching, modification of the curriculum for individual differences, curriculum innovations and curriculum construction. His teachers were encouraged to try new techniques. He designed and implemented a resource room program with a team approach for children with special needs which was chosen as a model by the Massachusetts Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children. The model was presented at the 56th Annual International Convention in Kansas City, MO. He developed an English curriculum for grades seven and eight and a program for gifted and talented children.
Recognizing the remarkable talent, skill and energy which he has given unselfishly throughout his twenty three years in administration, the Honorable school committee named Dr. Malfitano as Deputy Superintendent in 1988 and Superintendent of Schools in 1991. Among his many achievements in that role was the implementation of the middle school concept. This innovation at the time was a response to the devastating financial constraints and demands for accountability. With the realignment of the elementary program all seventh and eighth grade students would receive equity in education in excellent educational facilities.
In anticipation of the demands of the 21st century for computer literate students who had learned to live and work with diverse people from diverse backgrounds, he created a computer curriculum for the new Garfield Magnet School.
Dr. Malfitano recognized that the schools belonged to the community and opened forums for parental concerns and suggestions through individual school councils and the Superintendent’s School Improvement Committee. In recognition of his extraordinary vision and service, of his shepherding the school system through financial disaster into a new age of education reform, and as an indication of the honor with which he was regarded by the entire educational community, he was named Superintendent Emeritus by the School Committee. He was honored to have the Abraham Lincoln School Library dedicated in his name, receive the Revere High School Distinguished Alumni Award and the City of Revere Certificate of Merit. Following his retirement Dr. Malfitano served as a member of the Revere School Committee. Dr. Malfitano was a member of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, life member of the Nation Education Association, life member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, life member of Massachusetts PTA/PTSA and the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association.
The family of Rocco J. Malfitano would like to acknowledge the many health care professionals at Life Care Center of Stoneham, ComForCare Home Care of Woburn and Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home Hospice.
His Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere on Friday, April 14 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church in Revere at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. A Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.
For guest book, please visit www.buonfiglio.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rocco’s name to the Reid Sacco AYA Cancer Fund, 175 Andover Street, Suite 101, Danvers MA 01923.
Donald Fraser
Loving Brother
Donald E. Fraser of Revere passed away on April 10 at the age of 88.
Born in Everett on September 23, 1934 to the late Charles L. Fraser and Alice M. (Babineau), he was the dear brother of Lester Fraser of Revere and the late Evelyn O’Leary, Charles, Robert, Leonard Sr, James, Johnny, Margaret and Raymond Fraser. Donald is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Richard Nesbitt, Bonnie Waylein, Peter O’Leary, Alan Nesbitt, Danny O’Leary, Carol Brown, Leonard Fraser Jr., Pattie Aloise, Kathy Fraser, Karen Fraser, Jim Fraser, Elise Ferraro, Tommy Fraser, Heidi Spencer and the late Robert Fraser, June Lightbody and Richard Fraser.
A Private Service will be held for the immediate family. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. For guestbook, please visit www.buonfiglio.com.
Janice Lucy McLellan
She Will Be Forever Missed by Her Loving Family
Janice Lucy (Lewis) McLellan entered eternal rest on Easter morning, April 9 at her home in Revere, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. She was 83 years of age.
Born in Chelsea, the daughter of the late Byron and Mildred (Nickley) Lewis, Janice has been a long-time resident of Revere, residing in this city for 43 years. Janice dedicated her working career as a health care aide for seniors, having worked at the Shapiro Adult Day Care Center. During the course of her career, she also cared for children at a day care center. Janice enjoyed baking, but most importantly she enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren to Roller World or Bonkers for fun. She will be forever missed by her loving family.
The beloved wife of Hugh W. McLellan, Sr. of Revere, she was the beloved mother of Donna M. McLellan and her companion, Melissa A. DuFour of Revere, Hugh W. McLellan, Jr. of Saugus and the late Robert Taylor, Joseph Taylor, William Taylor, Paul Taylor. Janice was predeceased by eight brothers and three sisters. She was the cherished grandmother of fourteen, David J. Mullett, Danielle M. Mullett, David W. LePage, Sr., Krystle M. McLellan, Hugh W. McLellan III and four great grandchildren: Elijah A. McLellan, David W. LePage, Jr., Grace M. D’Orsi and Ava R. LePage. Janice also leaves behind her loving dog, Lucy.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., Chelsea today, Wednesday, April 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral from the funeral home on Thursday at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 670 Washington Ave., Revere at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. We encourage family and friends to visit carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.
Louis Dellelo
MBTA Retiree
Louis J. Dellelo of Revere passed away on April 8 at the age of 83.
Louis proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the Beachmont Yacht Club and VFW Post 6712. Louis retired after 31 years with the MBTA as an inspector. He loved sports, fishing and cooking for his family and friends.
Born in Boston on March 20, 1940, to the late Louis and Jeannette (Ramoska), he was the beloved husband of 52 years of Lois (LaVigueur), devoted father of Lori (Lombardi) and her husband, Edwin Arroyo of Wilkes Barre, PA, Teresa (Lombardi) and her husband, Alfonso Losanno of Peabody, Cheri Dellelo and her husband, Matthew Pohlman of Shaker Heights, OH and the late Michael Lombardi and Philip Lombardi; dear brother of Robert Dellelo of Cambridge; adored grandfather of 11 and cherished great grandfather of eight. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere, today, Wednesday, April 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Interment with military honors will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett on Thursday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741, or at www.cancer.org. A guest book can be found at www.buonfiglio.com.
Rosario “Joe†Spagnolo
Longtime Commander of the I.T.A.M. Post 17 of Revere and Retired Firefighter
Retired Revere Firefighter Rosario “Joe†Spagnolo passed away on April 3 at the age of 78. A proud soldier in the United States Army, Mr. Spagnolo ended his fearless battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma stemming from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.
Mr. Spagnolo was the long-time commander of the Italian American War Veterans (I.T.A.M) Post 17 on Lucia Avenue in Revere. He also founded, built and owned, along with JAK Realty, the property at 750 Washington Avenue currently containing Nick’s Deli and Nonni’s Pizza.
In 1979, Army Corporal Joe Spagnolo was one of 200 soldiers—four chosen from each state—to attend the White House in Washington D.C. with his wife Dorothy, for a ceremony and dinner reception held in the East Room by President Jimmy Carter unveiling a new stamp honoring the Vietnam Veterans.
Joe loved being around people and was an intelligent humorist who always kept everyone guessing on the seat of their pants from his love of trivia and witty sayings.
Never without a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in his hand, Joe was a great father who taught both of his sons to play baseball and the correct way to be gentlemen and he will be dearly missed.
Born in Revere on March 24, 1945 to the late Rosario and Teresa Spagnolo, he was the beloved father of Joseph Spagnolo and his wife, Jessica of Florida and Brian Spagnolo and his wife, Gabriella of Revere; dear brother of Anthony Spagnolo of Revere, Vincent “Jimmy†Spagnolo and his wife, Donna of Saugus, Katherine Tiro and her late husband, Ralph of Malden, formerly of Revere, Connie Riley of Saugus, Elizabeth Arone of Revere and the late Mary Flammia, and Domenic Spagnolo; cherished grandfather of Joseph and Ellie Spagnolo and Jackson Spagnolo. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere on Thursday, April 6 followed by a Prayer Service in the Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s name to the DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250-0301 or at www.dav.org. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com
Dante Francione
He Was a Kind of Spirit and Loved by Many
With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Dante J. Francione. Dante passed away in LA County, California on April 2. He was 39 years old.
To all who know him, we know he loved his daughter first, he always said she was the best thing in his life.
Dante will be missed every day by his mother, Diana, stepfather, Bernie and his father Danny and wife, Ngoc. He is survived by his daughter, Divinity “Nox†Francione, his aunts, Debbie Francione and Daralyn Reardon and her husband, Steven. He will be remembered by his siblings Aubré and David, Joshua and Daniel as well as all his friends and companions. He was a kind of spirit and loved by many.
Dante was born in Boston on December 19, 1983 and raised between Revere and North Adams, Massachusetts but has lived in California for the last 12 years. Dante started his career as a member of the Brick Layers Union, but his passion was his music, writing poetry and song. Dante was a musician at heart, loved skateboarding and many other sports over his short life. His transition was assisted by many angels as his spirit is filled with peace and tranquility. We know in our hearts he will rest in eternal bliss in the presence of his maker.
A funeral service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel, 302 Elm St., Everett on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. For those unable to make the service, there will be an opportunity to pay respects on Thursday at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be private. The family requests any donations be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 71 Central St. Stoneham, 02180. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
Edith Palermo
Lifelong Revere Resident
Edith (Otolo) Palermo, a lifelong resident of Revere, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 6 at the age of 98.
Edith loved her family dearly and would do anything for them. She found joy in baking, cooking and cleaning for her family. In her free time, she liked to visit Encore Casino.
Born in Revere on September 19, 1924 to the late Valerio and Giovanina (Lapore), she was the beloved wife of 72 years of Joseph “Joey†Palermo, devoted mother of Donna Russo and her husband, Robert Russo and Valerie Palermo, all of Revere; cherished grandmother of Lori Russo of Revere, Robert Russo Sr. and his wife, Danielle of Tewksbury, Janine (Russo) Cambria and her husband, Steven of Florida and Nicole Moscatelli of Malden; adored great grandmother of Ayden Edelstein, Ayla Edelstein and Robert Russo Jr. and Francesca Russo; dear sister of the late Josephine Ciaccia, Mary Vassallo, Samuel Otolo and Arthur Otolo. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Her funeral was held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere on Tuesday, April 11 followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church in Revere. Entombment Woodlawn Cemetery. For guest book, please visit www.buonfiglio.com.
