Obituaries 01-16-2013

Rita Fontina-Andrews

Of Florida, formerly of Revere

Rita C. (Yandoli) Fontina-Andrews succumbed to lung cancer on December 13 in Palm Bay, Florida. She was 84 years old.

Rita loved people and was well liked. She will be missed by many.

Born and raised in Revere where she met her first husband, Anthony J. Fontina at the Elm Farm Market, they married in 1950 and had two children, Linda and Ronald Fontina, who both reside in Florida.

She met her second husband, Wayne Andrews at Transitron and after retiring from the New England Telephone Company, she relocated to Palm Bay, Florida in 1985.

She was predeceased by her husbands and her two brothers, Richard and Louis. She leaves behind her youngest brother, Emile (Chick) Yandoli and his wife, Cathy, of Palm Bay; her sister-in-law, Lorraine Yandoli, nieces, nephews,  great  nephews and a great niece.

Rita loved people and was well liked. She will be missed by many.

A celebration of her life took place in Palm Bay, Florida on December 22, 2012.

Rowena Finn

Retired Bookkeeper

Rowena Finn of Revere, formerly of Framingham, passed away on January 12. She was 80 years old.

She was born in Chelsea and was a resident of Chelsea for 20 years. She attended the Chelsea School System and was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1949. Following her time in Chelsea, Rowena became a 30 year resident of Framingham. Rowena also lived in Revere for five years.

She was a retired bookkeeper for the Elashoff and Warner Accounting Firm and was also a bookkeeper for Goodman Knitting Mills. She enjoyed knitting, dogs and listening to show tunes.

Rowena was the beloved wife of the late Samuel Finn, she was the devoted mother of Melanie Finn;  the loving daughter of the late Robert Wolfson and the late Mildred Wolfson and the dear sister of Denise Grace. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by Torf Funeral Service, Chelsea. Burial was in Sharon. Memorial observance will continue at the home of Denise Grace from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday and Thursday. Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Eileen Marotta

Of Everett, formerly of the West End

Eileen M. (Hartnett) Marotta of Everett, formerly of the West End, died on January 10.

She was the beloved wife of Louis Marotta; loving mother of Janine Torchio and her husband, Peter of Arlington, step-mother of Steven Marotta of Florida, Jeffrey Marotta and his wife, Cirene of Cape Cod and Damon Marotta of Florida; dear sister of John Hartnett  and his wife, Paula of New Hampshire, Richard and his wife, Patricia and Paul Hartnett and his wife, Lorraine all of Revere; cherished grandmother of Olivia, Peter, Arianna, Darienne, Dominique and Damon and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by  Vazza’s ‘Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere.  Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Remembrances may be made in Eileen’s name to St Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 -1905. For guest book www.vazzafunerals.com

Vernoica Trainor-Blakely

Longtime Metropolitan Credit Union Employee

Veronica M. (Carlo) Trainor-Blakely, a longtime resident of Chelsea, died at home on January 9. She was 70 years old.

Born in Boston, she was an employee of the Metropolitan Credit Union.

She was the former wife of Edward J. Trainor, Jr. of Amherst, NH and the late Paul W. Blakely; devoted mother of Sharon Trainor of Taunton, Linda Dube and her husband, Eugene, Edward J. Trainor, III and Jamie Lee Blakely, all of Chelsea; beloved sister of Dorothy Rounbehler of Billerica, Eleanor Cook of Littleton, Lorretta Kettenring of Brockton and the late Patricia, Janet, Rose, Theresa, Nicholas and Emma; cherished grandmother of Sonia McIntyre, Nicole Tedesco, Christopher Trainor and Emma Rose Vega and is also lovingly survived by her great grandchildren, Damion and Nevaeh McIntyre and Camron and Dominic Shaw as well by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Memorial Service celebrating Veronica’s Life on Saturday, January 19 in the Smith Funeral Home, 125 Washington Avenue, Chelsea from 2 to 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574. To send a message of condolence to Veronica’s family, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com

Lorraine Marsden

Of Revere

Lorraine G. Marsden of Revere, formerly of Wakefield, died on January 13 at the Kindred Hospital in Peabody. She was 77 years old.

Born in Cambridge on July 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Kendall) Travers.

Mrs. Marsden was raised and educated in Cambridge.  She had been a Wakefield resident for 35 years before moving to Revere 13 years ago.  Mrs. Marsden was a member of St. Florence Church in Wakefield, Lady Sodality of St. Florence Parish and the Emblem Club of the Medford Elks.

She is survived by her husband, Clarence E. Marsden, her five children; Edward A. Marsden of Jamaica Plain, Sharon M. Stump and her husband, Chuck of Windham, NH, James A. Marsden and his wife, Christine of Litchfield, NH, Daniel F. Marsden and his wife, Lauren of Londonderry, NH and Scott F. Marsden and his wife, Noelle of Somerville; her two brothers; Joseph A. Travers of Cambridge and Paul Kendall and his wife, Cathy of Alexandria, NH.  Mrs. Marsden is also survived by 10 grandchildren; Laura and Cheryl Frezza, Brian, Adam, Cassandra, Nicolas, Andrew, Stephanie and Eric Marsden and Lauren Stump.

Her funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave, Wakefield today, Wednesday, at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave, Wakefield at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.

Alda Palermo

Worked for Charlestown Chew Candy

Alda Palermo, an East Boston native and a long time resident of Everett and West Peabody, died on January 9 following a brief illness at Winchester Hospital in Winchester. She was 89 years old.

Mrs. Palmero was born, raised and educated in East Boston and worked as a candy packer for the former Charlestown Chew Candy Company of Everett for more than 10 years.

Upon her marriage to Antonio S. Palermo in 1955, she and her husband made their home in Everett where they remained until moving to West Peabody in 1991. Mr. Palermo died on June 20, 2004.

She was the devoted mother of Joanne M. Fitzpatrick and her husband, Michael J. of Limerick, Maine, Donna M. Milley and her husband, George H. of West Peabody and Stephen Palermo and his wife, Justine of Wilmington; the dear sister of Maria Giunta of Everett, Richard Franco and his wife, Marguerite of West Peabody, Frederick Franco and his wife, Helen of Framingham and the late John and Ralph Franco. She is the cherished grandmother of Michael J. Muse and his wife, Michele of Everett, Erin C. Fitzpatrick of Medford, Sean M. Fitzpatrick of Portland, Maine, Ryan C. Milley and Carissa M. Milley, both of West Peabody and Samantha A. and Matthew S. Palermo, both of Wilmington. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews,  grandnieces and grandnephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Winchester Hospital, Attn: C-3, 611 Main St., Winchester, MA 01890 or to: Local Heroes (a special veterans organization) P.O. Box 536, Wilmington, MA 01887. www.vertuccioandsmith.com

John Hegarty

Stop & Shop Foreman; formerly worked for “Angelo’s Roofing of Revere”

Services were held on January 13 in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals of Revere for John T. Hegarty who died unexpectedly on January 3 in his Randolph home. He was 50 years old.

Born in Winthrop, he attended Revere Schools and lived in Revere for most of his life before moving to Randolph in 2002.

For the past four years, he worked as a foreman for Stop & Shop and prior to that he worked as a roofer for “Angelo’s Roofing of Revere” for many years. He was an avid boater and enjoyed his time on the ocean, sailing the harbor.

He was the beloved and faithful husband of 29 years to Lee M. (Freider); the devoted brother of Kathleen M. Walsh and Maureen A. Alikonis, both of Winthrop and the late Michael J. Hegarty. He was the dear uncle of Stefani Kosinski of Chelsea, Diana Walsh of San Diego, California, Daniel and Andrew Walsh, both of St. Petersburg, Florida and Christopher, Nicholas and Ryan Alikonis, all of Tewksbury. He is also the brother in law of Maryann Hegarty of revere, Ellen Spicua of Canton, Lawrence Walsh of Winthrop and Stephen Alikonis of Tewksbury; the son of the late John T. Hegarty and Ruth (Liston) Hegarty and the grandson of the late Timothy and Anne T. (Sheridan) Hegarty.

Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701-4688 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701-9376. www.vertuccioandsmith.com

James Sarro, III

Of East Boston and Plymouth

James Sarro, III of East Boston and Plymouth, died on January 9.

The beloved son of Sheila M. (Connelly) and James Sarro Jr., he was the dear brother of Kimberly Patterson of Illinois, Amanda Sarro of Revere and Michael Sarro of Winthrop; grandson of Jean (Collucci) and James Sarro Sr. of East Boston and the late Sonja (Fosberg) and Kevin Connelly and the proud uncle of Damien Page. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral arrangements were by the Magrath Funeral Home, East Boston. Committal was private. In lieu of flowers, donations to assist the family with funeral expenses would be appreciated. MagrathFuneralHome.com

Eleanor Zolla

Devoted Homemaker

Eleanor B. (Guilfoyle) Zolla of Revere died on January 10 at the Whidden Hospital in Everett. She was 89 years old.

The wife of 57 years of the late James Vincent Zolla, she was born and raised in Revere, the daughter of the late James J. and Mary (Letourneaux) Guilfoyle.  A devoted homemaker, Mrs. Zolla lived in the Beachmont section of Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1941.

Mrs. Zolla leaves one son, Lawrence J. Zolla and his wife, Maria of East Boston; six grandchildren; Leanne Stamatopoulos and her husband, John, Christopher and his partner. Crystal, Michael and his partner, Jenna, David, William and his wife, Ahn and Lauren; four great grandchildren: Bella, Gemma, Alanna and Kosta and one daughter-in-law, Judith Zolla of Revere. She was predeceased by her son, Lee J. Zolla.

Funeral arrangements were by the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Boston Catholic TV, P.O. Box 9196, Watertown, MA  02471.  For obit: www.BisbeePorcella.com.

Concetta Scavo

Of East Boston

Concetta (Mellone) Scavo of East Boston died on December 25. She was in her 83rd year.

Mrs. Scavo was the beloved wife of more than 58 years of the late Frank Scavo; devoted mother of Anthony Scavo, Sr. and his wife, Betty of Methuen, John Scavo and his wife, Peggy of York, Maine and Janice McCue of East Boston; dear sister of Michael Mellone of Revere, Vincent Mellone of California and Salvatore Mellone of East Boston; cherished grandmother of Christina, Anthony Jr., Nicholas, Christopher and Samantha; adored great-grandmother of Julianna and Michael and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, Orient Heights East Boston. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 29 Crafts St. #450 Newton, MA 02458.  For more information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.ruggieromh.com

David Bruce Wheeler

Of Tennessee, formerly of Revere

David Bruce Wheeler of Memphis, Tennessee passed away on December 28 from respiratory failure. He was 70 years old.

He was born in Revere on March 12, 1942 to the late Edna and Milton Wheeler. He graduated from Revere High School and continued his studies at the University of Massachusetts.

He is survived by three children: Karl Wheeler, Erica Perkins and Micah Wheeler, and two grandchildren Evan and Rachel Perkins.  He was the beloved brother of Irma Sabbag and the late Kenneth Wheeler.

Memorial contributions may be made to Anshei Sphard Beth El Emeth Congregation, 120 East Yates Road North, Memphis, TN 38120

Michael Venuti

Of East Boston

Michael A. Venuti of East Boston died on January 8.

A US Army veteran of World War II, he was the beloved husband of more than 65 years to the late Elvira (Mazzapica) Venuti who passed away on November 27, 2012; the devoted father of Michael of  San Francisco and Steven and his wife, Mary of Littleton and dear brother of Victoria Conway of Revere and was predeceased by seven brothers and two sisters. He was the cherished grandfather of Matthew and his wife, Colleen and Jeffrey Venuti; adored great grandfather of Hailey, Nicholas and Ella and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home (Orient Heights) East Boston. Mr. Venuti was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery with his beloved Elvira. For more information, please visit: www.ruggieromh.com

Joseph Pardi

Of East Boston

Joseph Pardi of East Boston departed unexpectedly on January 10. He was 49 years old.

He was predeceased by his devoted mother, Maryann (Dolly) Pardi and the beloved son of Rudolph Pardi.  He is sadly missed by his wife, Nancy, son Joseph, grandson Vincent, and his loving sisters, Ann and Catherine and is also survived by caring aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 20 at 10 a.m. at the Assumption Church, 404 Sumner Street, East Boston.  Following cremation, remains will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Dear brother once lost,

abiding shadow and pain,

now ever at rest.

Paul Sullivan

Award Winning Retired Mass. State Bridge Engineer

Paul James Sullivan, P.E. of Revere, a Retired Bridge Engineer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and passed away on Thursday, January 10 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  He was 86 years old.

Paul was a Professional Engineer and a lifelong and proud public employee and union member.  His career at the Massachusetts Highway Department included instituting and leading the first Quality Control Program for Bridge Erection in the Commonwealth, a program that became a model for other states, and he rose to the position of Bridge Engineer before his retirement.  His contributions to the safety of the riding public were recognized when he became the first public official ever to receive the American Road & Transportation Builder’s Association prestigious “Life Time Achievement Award” and they did not stop with his retirement as he devoted many voluntary hours to the American Welding Society towards the development of welding standards and procedures for aluminum and steel.  He was a tireless advocate for his fellow workers and became President of then Local 780 of A.F.S.C.M.E.

In his personal life Paul was a true renaissance man.  As a young man he played the clarinet in the Holy Name Society of West Roxbury Marching Band among others.  He was a builder of model trains and a painter of esoteric subjects.  At his beloved Maine summer home he was a gentleman farmer of rocks and a connoisseur of fine farm equipment.   He believed strongly in the value of lifelong learning and earned a Bachelor’s degree and multiple Master’s degrees in Political Science, Urban Planning, and Education from UMass/Boston, Boston State College and Rutgers University.   He had a generous and giving heart and was a mentor to many.

Paul joined the Marines at 16 serving in the South Pacific during World War II and was a life-long member of the DAV and a strong supporter of our veterans.

He is survived by his wife and companion of 40 years, Toby Pearlstein; his son, Mark Sullivan and his wife, Linda of Easton, MA and his daughter, Paula Sullivan and her husband, Scott Berna of Sailboat Scherzo.  He was the loving and proud grandfather of Connor G. and Kelsey W. Sullivan and brother-in-law of Jerry Pearlstein and his wife, Cathryn MacInnes.

He was born in Stoneham, the son of the late John J. and Gertrude D. Sullivan and brother of the late John Francis and Ralph Thomas.   He was the cherished uncle of Thomas and Mary Ellen Sullivan, Daniel Sullivan, John and Darlene Sullivan, Eileen and Paul Duggan and Mary and Donald Foster, Alex Pearlstein and Abbie Pearlstein and also leaves many grand-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Maguire Chapel at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Roxbury on Friday, January 18 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the N.E. Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA.   To share remembrances, please visit the online guest book at Bostoncremation.org.

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