Richard R. “Dickie” Powers, Jr.
Former Editor of The Revere Journal
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, November 18th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza Beechwood Home for Funerals for Richard R. “Dickie” Powers, Jr, 75, who died on Tuesday, November 14th following a two-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer.
Dickie was born on September 14, 1948 in Everett to his late parents, Ret. USMC Major Richard R. Powers, Sr. and Louise M. (Nazzaro) Powers.
He was raised and educated in Revere along with his siblings. Dickie attended Immaculate Conception Grammar School and was a graduate of Boston College High School, Class of 1966. After graduation, Dickie enrolled in the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and then served as a Naval Reserve and was honorably discharged as a midshipman. Dickie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Boston University, as he worked and went to school.
He married Louise (DeStefano) and together they raised three children of whom Dickie was most proud.
During this time, Dickie told the story of Revere for over two decades as the editor of the Revere Journal. In the second act of his career, he served as the Director of Communications for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Health & Human Services.
Dickie was influential in creating policy at the inception of the Massachusetts Health Connector. He spent more than two decades with state government before retiring.
Dickie was a devoted Boston sports fan and among the Fenway Faithful for 20 years as a season ticket holder. He loved life and treasured the moment. He truly loved the City of Revere. Above all else, Dickie loved his family, they were his everything.
He was the loving father of Kristen Powers and her partner, Dirk Bohse of Corinth, TX., Richard R. Powers, III and his wife, Susan of Beverly, and Ryan M. Powers and his wife, Katie of Wakefield; the cherished Papa of Sophie, Lily, Jacob, Jackson and Lucy; the dear brother of Cynthia “Cindy” Barnard and her husband, Chester of Boxford, Stephen J. Powers and his wife, Laura of Topsfield and Laura Williams of North Carolina. He is also lovingly survived by his former wife, Louise (DeStefano) Powers of Revere and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and his beloved companion, Jo Irvine of Montgomery, MA.
At Dickie’s request and in lieu of flowers, take a friend or loved one for a drink, dinner or both. For online guestbook please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com?.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals.
Timothy Leonard
He Was Deeply Loved and Will Be Greatly Missed
Timothy J. Leonard, 38, of Gardner, MApassed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 11. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Timothy, or Timmy (affectionately pronounced Tim-Ah by family and close friends), was born on January 20, 1985, joining his older sister, Elizabeth as one of the first grandchildren in the family. By age eight, Timmy had 12 cousins.
As a child, he loved playing and exploring in the woods at Grandma’s house with his sister and cousins. He loved to half-joke, half-be honest while goofing around with friends and family, play tag, stack wood for the campfires, DIY- slip n slides, playing video games, arguing over which Mortal Kombat character was best and all other kinds of mischief after school and during weekend activities.
Timmy spent his life surrounded by love. He enjoyed camping, swimming, sledding, playing touch football at Thanksgiving, and playing with his dogs. Timmy stayed close with his family and friends.
Timmy was known to his friends and family as someone who would always help when he could. If you were looking for company, or someone to help you shovel snow, Timmy would be there. Timmy’s idea of a great night was around a campfire with family, good friends, the dog, and good snacks. Not chocolate though, as sweets never held much appeal for him. Timothy loved many pets throughout his life, and will now be smiling down at us while playing tug-of-war with his dog, Buster.
Timmy was upbeat and caring with others and always found a way to laugh. Timmy did his best to be a hard worker and to find a way to help others.
Timothy is survived by his mother, Ewaugh Leonard, sister, Elizabeth Leonard and her fiancé, Eric Martin and Eric’s sibling, Conor Lamoureux, great uncle, Edward Kangas, great aunt, Carol Vincent-Pennington, aunts and uncles, Mary Ellen and Jack Craft, Annie Rice, Roland Jr. and Gail Rice, Herbert and Christine Rice, Kim Erickson, William Leonard, Thomas Leonard, Daniel Benedict; cousins: Angela Craft, Danielle Rice, Charles Derby, Joseph Benavidez, Seth and Rachel Rice, Matthew Rice, Kristen Rice, Brandon Carmarato, Brandi and Scott Daigle, Jessica Leblanc, Michael Benedict, close friend, Crystal Wiles and second cousins. Timothy was predeceased by his father, James Leonard Jr, aunt, MaryAnn Benedict, cousin, Alex Benavidez, and grandparents, Roland and Beverly (Kangas) Rice and James and Mary (Vincent) Leonard, and many great aunts and uncles and his beloved dog, Buster.
Calling hours at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange on Sunday, November 26 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a funeral at 1 p.m. in the funeral home.Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
Guest book and directions online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com.
Giuseppe Leone
His Unmatched Work Ethic Was Met With His Immense Love for His Family
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Church for Giuseppe “Joe” Leone, 77 years of age, who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 14th. Entombment was in the Community Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
One of six children, Joe was born in Bracigliano, Italy on October 5, 1946 to his late parents, Luigi and Viola Leone. As a teenager, Joe packed up his life and moved to Springfield, MA with only a few dollars in his pocket in pursuit of the “American Dream.” He briefly returned to Italy to marry his wife, Anna Maria, and they came back together, settled in East Boston and welcomed three beautiful children. Soon after, he and his wife moved to Revere and have been proud Revere residents for over 40 years.
A jack of all trades, Joe started working in construction (bricklaying and gunite pools) at a young age, proudly owned and operated an auto body business in East Boston for 25 years, and then worked at Mass General Hospital for 10 years before retiring.
He was the family handyman, teaching his children and grandchildren how to build and fix things. Joe had an impeccable eye for detail and took great pride in all of the work that he did. His unmatched work ethic was met with his immense love for his family. Family meant everything to him, especially his grandchildren.
Outside of work and family, Joe enjoyed taking care of his abundant gardens and spending time in his yard sipping espresso while playing card games with his family and friends.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Anna Maria Leone and his children: Emilio and his wife, Josephine Leone of Peabody, Joanna and her husband, Michael Hill and John and his wife, Joy Leone, all of Revere; cherished grandfather, “Papa” of Michael J. Hill, Joseph Leone, Nicholas Leone, Vanessa Leone, Gianni Hill, John E. Leone, Emilio J. Leone, Steven Leone, Andrew Leone and Matthew Leone. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
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.
Cynthia Recchia
Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Friend
Cynthia Recchia, 83, of Revere, passed away on November 16.
A beloved mother, grandmother and friend, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Cynthia was a graduate of Malden High School and went on to have a successful career as an insurance agent at the family insurance company, Claremont Insurance Company. It was at this company that she met her husband, Alphonse “Fonzo”, who came in as a customer. Their love story began with a date and eventually led to 53 years of marriage.
In her free time, Cynthia enjoyed being a member of the Red Hats Society. She took great pride in her home and loved the holidays, especially baking and cooking for her family.
Cynthia is survived by her children: Cynthia and husband, Jeffrey Graff of Lynnfield and Julia and husband, Nicholas Bisconti of Lynnfield. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Zachary Bisconti, Nicholas Bisconti,and Lauren Graff. Cynthia was preceded in death by her husband, Alfonse, her father, Saverio Paventi, her mother, Antoinette (Giovanni) Paventi (Giovanni), and her brother, Victor Paventi.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, November 20 at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, 670 Washington Ave, Revere followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
We extend our deepest condolences to Cynthia’s family and friends during this difficult time. May her memory live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
