Obituaries 07-24-2024

Elizabeth Catanese

Former Suffolk Downs employee, well known in the community

Elizabeth “Betty” M (Gallo) Catanese of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on July 19, 2024 .  Betty passed away at home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was a longtime employee of Suffolk Downs and was well known in the community as a member of the Winthrop Catholic Ladies Club and active in the Winthrop, Revere and Saugus Senior Centers.  A former member of the Winthrop Ladies Bowling League, she was an avid supporter of EBARC, WINARC and the Revere League.

The beloved wife of the late Anthony Joseph Catanese, she was the dear sister of the late Charlotte DeSimone and her husband, Frederick DeSimone Jr. of Revere; devoted aunt of Liza Internicola and her husband, Daniel of Winthrop, Erica Capogreco and her husband, Robert “Chicky” and Frederick DeSimone III, all of East Boston and cherished Great Aunt of Michalena, Lola and Antonio. She is also survived by many loving cousins and friends.

Betty was born in Boston on June 1st, 1946, to the late Ralph and Yolanda (Andriotti) Gallo. She was a loving and devoted wife, sister, aunt and friend.

Family and friends will honor Betty’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston on Saturday July 27th at 10:30 a.m. before leaving in funeral procession to St. John the Evangelist Church, Winthrop Street, Winthrop. Services will conclude with Betty being laid to rest with her beloved husband, Anthony at Woodlawn Cemetery. For more information or to send an online condolence, please visit ruggieromh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in her memory to WINARC via mail to:

WINARC, P.O. Box 520240, Winthrop, MA

Charles Martarano, Jr.

Family man devoted to his wife, son and grandchildren

Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Friday, July 26 beginning at 10 a.m. for Charles J. Martarano, Jr., who passed away on July 22nd at 81 years of age. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 133 Beach St., Revere at 12 noon followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.

Born in Boston, the son of Charles J. and Celeste (Leone) Martarano, he attended schools in East Boston and was a graduate of East Boston High School. Charles then enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably during the Vietnam Era. He and his wife, Christina would have celebrated their 35th anniversary in October and they have resided in Revere since 1994.

Charles worked for over 40 years for the State of Massachusetts as a clerk in the state bookstore for the Secretary of State William F. Galvin and during that time he also worked part time as a cab driver. After retirement, Charlie continued to keep busy, and more recently he worked for Auto Parts International.

Charles was a family man, devoted to his wife, his son and grandchildren. He loved being surrounded by his family and enjoyed going to numerous concerts with his son, Jay. He was devoted to his role as “Grandpa Charlie” and was very proud of his grandchildren. He loved to cook and to socialize. He always had a good joke and made his presence known by always lighting up a room whenever he entered. Charles also loved animals and he adored being with his faithful canine companion, Banjo, who was most loyal to him and misses him dearly.

The beloved husband of Christina M. (Calabruso) Martarano of Revere, the devoted father of Jay Martarano and his wife, Filomena of Peabody and the cherished grandfather of Jason Martarano and Vanessa Martarano, both of Peabody, he is also lovingly survived by his aunts: Lucy Chiarello and Rose Abaid, his cousins, Michael Chiesa and his wife, Sandy, his canine companion, “Banjo” and several other cousins.

Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. 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.

Stephen Phillip Ward

May 28, 1960 ~ July 16, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Stephen Phillip Ward, who left us on July 16, 2024. He was 64 years old.

Stevie, as he was most commonly referred to by family and friends, was born on May 28, 1960 to the late Joseph F. Ward and Barbara A. (Meagher) Ward of South Boston.

Stevie grew up in South Boston (Southie), where he attended South Boston High School. He later pursued his interest in computer technology and worked as a Technical Specialist at Blue Cross & Blue Shield. He was a dedicated worker who exemplified leadership and teamwork skills daily and was extremely respected by his colleagues and clients alike.

He also spent time on the side building a window cleaning business, which proved to be an enjoyable and profitable business after retirement from the computer technology world.

Despite a busy schedule, Stevie always made time for family and friends and was known to have a big heart, a passion and tremendous skill of cooking, along with a great sense of humor, which he showcased regularly through his bright smile and positive attitude!

Over the years he loved playing and following sports, specifically baseball and hockey, and was always eager to share his knowledge and experiences with others.

Steve is survived by his mother, Barbara A. (Meagher) Ward of South Boston,  his loving partner, Laurie Pina of North Providence, RI, his son, Stephen Ward and his fiancée, Krista and Stephen’s mother, Jody Scicchitani, all of Revere, his brother, Joseph Ward and his wife, Lauri of Hanover, Mass, his sister, Sandra McCarron and her husband, George of South Boston, his brother, James Ward and his wife, Christine of Holbrook, his brother, Brian Ward and his wife, Toni of Weymouth; six nephews, five nieces, five great nephews and three great nieces.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 29th at 10 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East 4th Street, South Boston, Mass, 02127.

The family will offer an after Mass gathering at the South Boston Yacht Club, 1849 Columbia Rd, South Boston Mass, 02127.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen’s name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston Mass, 02215

Rest in peace Stevie, you’ll be in our hearts and memories!

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