Obituaries 01-31-2018

Rita Eriesian

Mother and grandmother, who with her grace, kindness, compassion, and unconditional love, taught the true meaning of love and family

Rita (Camarot, Pinksten) Eriesian, born on the Fourth of July in 1932, passed away at age 85 on Jan. 22 after an 11-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She will forever be in the hearts and minds of her beloved children, Michael Pinksten and his fiancée, Gina White of Chester, N.H., Sharon Pinksten and her fiancé, Mark Williams and Steven Pinksten all of Chelsea and Jim Pinksten and his fiancée, Shauna Mulcahy of Everett; her adored grandchildren, Alanna and Michael Sokoloski, Erik Haywood and her great-granddaughter, Natalia.

Rita was the cherished daughter of Daniel and Albina (Domenichiello) Camarot. She grew up in Chelsea with her late siblings, Daniel and Mildred (Tucci). She married her childhood sweetheart James Pinksten in 195,1 and together, they raised their four children in Chelsea and Revere.

Rita had a strong love for Boston which started with her first job as a saleswoman and hand-glove model at RH Stearns Department Store. In later years, she worked at Leonard Silver Mfg. Co and the law firm of Goodwin Proctor and Hoar. Rita enjoyed talking about the many memories of the friends and colleagues she made over the years.

After her marriage to Edward Eriesian in 1990, Rita resided in Lynn and enjoyed travelling to Las Vegas and Florida with her lifelong friends Margaret and Bob Spinney and cousins Peggy and Ken Greene.

What brought Rita the most joy in life was her children and grandchildren who have sorely missed spending each and every holiday at her home, her daily phone calls providing weather and traffic updates to start their day, and Sunday dinners at her house where she served chicken cutlets that no one has been able to make as well as she did.

We will be forever grateful that it was she who was our Mother and Grandmother, who with her grace, kindness, compassion, and unconditional love taught us the true meaning of the love of family.

Her family would like to extend gratitude to the caregivers at both Prospect House Assisted Living and Memory Care and the Lighthouse Nursing Care Center in Revere for the wonderful care they provided to her over the past nine years.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home,  Revere.   For guest book please visitwww.Buonfiglio.com.

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Estelle Barnes

Longtime employee of Bell Telephone and Verizon

Estelle H. Barnes of Beachmont passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 26, in Greenwood, Del.

Born in Chelsea, the daughter of the late Albert R. and Estelle H. (Quinn) Barnes, she was a longtime employee of the former Bell Telephone Company and then for Verizon.

She is survived by a sister, Carol (Barnes) Jackson; a brother, James A. Barnes; four nieces: Kelli A. Jackson, Tracy A. Hansen, Michelle L. Barnes, and Randi Barnes; a nephew, James A. Barnes; one grand nephew, Tyler S. Puryear, and two grandnieces: Mackenzie G. Hansen and Reagan E. Hansen.

Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to either Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE  19963 or to the Country Rest Home, 12046 Sunset Lane, Greenwood, DE 19950. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford, Del. Letters of condolence may be sent and shared with the family at: www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

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Louella Harper

Of Winthrop

Louella Harper of Winthrop died on Jan. 28.

The beloved wife of Thomas Yourawski, she was the devoted mother of Cathy Mathews and her husband, Thomas of New Hampshire, formerly of Revere, cherished grandmother of Justin, Devan, and Jennafer Puopolo and dear sister of David Wohlman of Beverly.  She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St,. Revere today, Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.   Interment will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park.  For guest book, please visitwww.Buonfiglio.com.

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Pasqualino ‘Pat’ Castaldo

Retired GE technical engineer

Pasqualino “Pat” Castaldo of New Port Richey, Fla., formerly of Revere, died on Jan. 27.

Pat proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II and was a technical engineer at General Electric in Lynn for 43 years.

Born in Boston and raised in East Boston by the late Raffaele and Christina (Zizza) Castaldo, he was the beloved husband of 67 years to Evelyn (Botticelli) Castaldo of New Port Richey, Fla.; devoted father of Patricia (Castaldo) Whitty of Everett and Steven Castaldo and his wife, Landra of New Port Richey, Fla.; cherished grandfather of Matthew Whitty, Kristin (Whitty) Boccuzzi and her husband, William and Deborah Whitty; adoring great grandfather of Kayla, Lana and Aidan Whitty and Olivia Boccuzzi; dear brother of Frank Castaldo and his wife, Marilyn of Stoneham, Rita (Castaldo) Prew and her late husband, Joseph of Reading, and the late Carmela (Castaldo) Pisco and her husband, James and Theresa (Castaldo) Terranova and her husband, James.  He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

His Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere on Friday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 11 a.m.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.   Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL, 34639 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St, Watertown, MA 02472.  For guest book please visitwww.Buonfiglio.com.

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Eleanor DeAmelio

Died recently

Eleanor L Cannizzo DeAmelio died recently.

She was the wife of 1st Sgt. Harold C. DeAmelio, mother of Diane and Robert of Revere, his partner Tracy Toppi, and Roberts daughters, Isabella DeAmelio and Tabitha Rainwater, her husband, David and great-granddaughter River Disher; daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Cannizzo; sister of Josephine Flaherty, her children, Janice, Mary, John, the late Ann D’Orlando and her children, Joan, Karen, John, and Paul and the late Frank Cannizzo. She also leaves many more beloved nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere, on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 a.m.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  A visitation will be held today, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m.  Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.  For guest book, please visit             www.Buonfiglio.com.

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Donna Lee Umana Newcomb

Nationally known authority on non-profit

fundraising

Donna Lee Umana Newcomb of Swampscott, a nationally known authority on non-profit fundraising, passed away on Jan. 14 of complications from cancer.  She was 72 years old.

The wife of the late John “Jack” E. Newcomb, Donna was born and raised in the Orient Heights section of East Boston.  She was the daughter of the late Guy and Yolanda (Vitale) Umana who owned and operated a family bakery in East Boston and the niece of the late Hon. Mario Umana, a municipal court judgeand veteran state legislator.

Her formative years in a tight-knit Italian neighborhood were influenced by politics and community involvement.  Her father was a political activist and, in later years, became a columnist for several local newspapers.  Some of her earliest memories were of leafleting in Maverick Square and asking voters to cast their ballots for “Uncle Mario.”

Music was also a strong influence in her young life.  Her mother, a graduate of the New England Conservatory, taught piano. In later years, Donna was very close to her uncle, the late Bill Vitale, a well-known jazz saxophonist.   Bill toured the country with Woody Herman in the 1940s and played with big band organizations in New York and Miami into the mid-1990s.

A graduate and active alumna of Girls’ Latin School, Donna received a BA degree in psychology from UMass, Amherst.  She began her development career at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford where she served in increasingly responsible positions for more than 28 years. During her tenure, she led the hospital through two successful capital campaigns and established a nationally recognized, comprehensive development program that served as a model for other non-profit community hospitals across the country.

Donna was also responsible for the creation of the Office of Corporate Philanthropy for Hallmark Health, the merged entity of Lawrence Memorial and three other community hospitals.

Following her many years of fundraising in the health care realm, she joined Suffolk University as a senior director for development and major gifts.  There she mobilized a trustee committee to complete a capital campaign for the School of Law. Donna also designed and managed a first- ever capital campaign for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Taking on the challenge of fundraising and development in a new arena, Donna accepted a similar position at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.  During her tenure, she revitalized fundraising efforts by repositioning the leadership annual giving program, resulting in record-breaking numbers in dollars raised and donors participating.

Late in her career, Donna returned to health-care philanthropy at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, where she served as director of campaign planning.  While there, she structured the Clinic’s first formal patient referral program and established the first donor recognition program for physicians and colleagues. ​

While pursuing her career in philanthropy, Donna also took the time to be involved in a new endeavor, joining her late husband Jack in opening La Prima Donna in 1994, an award winning, gourmet Italian food shop and catering service in Swampscott.  Working weekends, she helped  Jack pursue his second career and shared his passion for fine cuisine. Prior to moving into the role of chef/entrepreneur, Jack was an associate director at MITs Center for Advanced Engineering Study.  He also traveled the world as a lecturer and consultant on the principles of quality management.

During her long and productive career, Donna was an active participant in many professional  organizations including the New England Association for Health Care Philanthropy where she was past president; the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE), where she served as a New England chapter board member; and Women in Development.  She also served as chair of the Association of Philanthropy for Fund Raising at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Donna was recognized as a Fellow by the Association for Health Care Philanthropy, the highest, most prestigious, peer designation.  She also received professional certification from the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.

Donna is survived by her partner and best friend, Harvey Pastan of Marblehead.  Donna and Harvey enjoyed boating, reading, going to the movies, spending time together in Nantucket and Florida and were patrons of the Boston Symphony and the Beacon Hill Seminars.

Also surviving are her sister, Anne of Swampscott, and brother, Mario of Lynnfield, as well as her nephews: Stephen, Michael and Christopher and her niece, Valerie Amenta.  She also leaves many close friends and colleagues who will miss her loyal friendship, lively curiosity and generous spirit.

Arrangements are private in the care of Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals of Revere. No  services are planned. Memorial gifts may be made to WBUR Radio, 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 and/or to the William Vitale Scholarship Fund, Berklee College of Music, 1140 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215. For online condolences, please visit  www.vertuccioandsmith.com.

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Carmela Petroccione

She brought fun and joy into the lives of family and extended family

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours today, Wednesday, Jan.  31, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107), Revere, for Carmela A. “Auntie Mill” “Millie” Petroccione who passed on Thursday, Jan. 25 ending a long illness at Rosewood Nursing Care Center of Peabody. She was 91 years old.

Her funeral will be conducted from the Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service in the Funeral Home at 11 a.m. and will be immediately followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Born and raised in East Boston, she was a graduate of the Class of 1943 at East Boston High School with the prestige of “magna cum laude” (with highest honors). She immediately secured a position with Blanchard & Sons of East Boston, a bedding and mattress firm that had served the community for decades. She remained there for over 28 years as supervisor of payroll. In the late 1960s, “Millie” moved on to the Law Firm of Warner & Stackpole of Boston, where she took the position as lead disbursement clerk.

In 1991, she retired and became a member of the Central Square Seniors of East Boston. As time moved-on, “Auntie Mill” took comfort in the company and adventures of her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews and great-grand-nephews and nieces. “Millie” became the adopted member of many old family friends, namely the Penta, Rodrigues, Rosa, Ryan and Vertuccio families; she was the quintessential go-to for all things trivia whether it be political, in the field of entertainment or family and extended family history –and she was always perfectly correct. Thank You, “Millie” for all the fun and joy you brought us, throughout these many, many years … it just wasn’t enough!!!

Millie was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph A. and Mary (Saitta) Petroccione and the dear sister to the late Theresa A. Francis and Joseph E. Petroccione; the devoted sister-in-law to Annette M. Petroccione of West Peabody and the late Peter V. Francis, Sr.; the cherished aunt of Peter V. Francis, Jr. and his wife, Donna of Beverly, Theresa Ryan and her husband, Robert F. of West Peabody, Michael V. Francis of Beverly, Joseph E. Petroccione, Jr. and his wife, Gail of Danvers, Richard “Ricky” ​Petroccione and his wife, Debra of Beverly and Renee Paglia and her husband, Fred of Green Oaks, Ill. She is also lovingly survived by 12 grand-nieces and grand-nephews and eight great-grand nieces and nephews. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.

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Grace Villiotte

Proficient knitter, famous for her beautiful afghans and best pizzelles

It is with great sadness that the family of Grace M (Fala) Villiotte shares the passing of their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.

Born on Sept. 6, 1915, she left us on Jan. 24, at the age of 102.

Born in Boston, she lived most of her life in Revere.  She was the eldest of four daughters of the late Biagio and Nicolina Rosalia (DeLuca) Fala and the beloved wife of the late James Villiotte.  She will be missed by her children, Dr. James and Maureen Villiotte of Palm Coast, Fla., and Attorney Richard and Linda Villiotte of Topsfield.  She was a loved and loving “Gram” to her grandchildren: Richard, Philip, Michelle, James, Erin, Kristin, and Thomas; and “Grammy” or “Nonna” to her great-grandchildren: Isabella, Edward, Thomas, Nicholas, Andrea, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Jack and Grace.  She leaves her treasured sister, Paula Corrado and her husband, John, and will be reunited with her sisters: the late Catherine Quagenti and Mary Tirro.

Grace had a special love for each of her nieces and nephews, those she leaves behind and those she joins in Heaven.

Grace was a proficient knitter, famous for her numerous beautiful afghans, and she made the best pizzelles anywhere.

Grace’s family extends a special thank you to the staff and residents of Prospect House in Revere, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center/Pace and Winthrop Place, all of whom treated Grace with great care, love and respect.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home,  Revere.  Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St., Jude Place, (Memphis, TN 38105-1905.  For guest book, please visitwww.Buonfiglio.com.

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John DeLuca

Former longtime proprietor of Independent Cab

John DeLuca of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on Jan. 24.

John was an Army Sergeant during the Korean War. He was a Laborer in Local 22, and the former proprietor of Independent Cab for many years.

The beloved husband of the late Winifred (Gould), he was the devoted father of Gail McAndrew and her husband, Darryl of Australia, Marilyn DeLuca and her husband, Frank Horton of New Hampshire, Denise Papasodora and her late husband, Peter of Revere, John “Mugsy” DeLuca of Revere, and Holly Schlichting and her husband, Thomas of Winthrop; dear brother of the late Florence Surette and Ronald DeLuca, and is also survived by 11 loving grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home.  Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The New England Center and Home for Veterans  17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108 . For guest book please visit

www.Buonfiglio.com.

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Mary Penta

Of Revere

Mary (Rice) Penta of Revere died on Jan. 30.

Born in Boston on Feb. 10, 1929, to the late Herbert and Rose (McDonough) Rice, she was the beloved wife of the late Benjamin Penta, devoted mother of Barbara Kelly and her husband, Kevin of Lynn, Benjamin Penta of Saugus, Paul Penta and his wife, Debbie of Revere, Patricia Fields and her husband, Brad of Georgetown and the late Edward and Richard; cherished grandmother of 12 and adoring great-grandmother of 18; dear sister of Veronica Pretti and her late husband, Alfred of Saugus, and the late William Rice. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews .

A visitation will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere, on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 1 p.m.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Ste. B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or Books for the Library at the Paul Revere School, 395 Revere St., Revere, MA 02151.  For guest book, please visitwww.Buonfiglio.com.

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Paul Jensen

Lifelong Revere resident and 39-year retired career National Guardsman

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio &

Smith Horne for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte107) Revere for Paul Marius Jensen who died unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 27 after being stricken at his Revere home and rushed to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 80 years old.

His funeral will be conducted from the Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service in the funeral home at 11 a.m. immediately followed by interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Cemetery, West Peabody.

A life-long Revere resident, Paul was an alumnus of Revere High School, Class of 1955. Immediately following graduation, he entered the US Army National Guard with which he completed a thirty-nine (39) year military career as a Master Mechanic, retiring in July of 1997.

Paul’s family was the pinnacle of his life’s activity. As principal caregiver to his late wife, Mary L. (Griggers) Jensen, Paul gave Mary the essence of loving care for over ten (10) years, dealing with the unfortunate progress of alzheimer’s disease. Mary passed on April 25, 2013.

He was the cherished father of John D. Cutillo and his fiancee, Jennifer A. Mahoney of Revere.

Within the scriptures, the authors of the various books remind us of the rewards and everlasting blessings, one receives in light of their devotion to their parents. In the Third chapter of the Book of Sirach, The Lord reminds us; ”My son, take care of your father, be considerate with him; for kindness to a father will not be forgotten. It will serve as a sin offering-it will take lasting root. In time of tribulation, it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.”

He was the devoted brother of Beverly B. Hall and her late husband, Richard Hall of Topsfield and Diane P. Lindquist and her husband, Francis J. “Frank” Lindquist of Ipswich. He is also lovingly survived by Carolyn Catinazzo and her husband, former Revere Agent for the Board of Health, Nicholas R. Catinazzo of Revere, Linda E. Shaughnessy and her husband, Richard of Millbury, Ma., Frank Cutillo, Jr. of California and Robert Cutillo and his wife, Christine of Folkston, Ga. Paul also leaves six adoring grandchildren & 11 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimers’ Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, Ma. 02452. For additional information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.

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Barbara May Neary

Devoted mother and nana

Barbara M. Neary, a lifelong resident of Revere, entered into God’s heaven on Jan. 24 following a brief illness.  She was 85 years old.

Barbara was born in East Boston on Dec. 30, 1932, the daughter of the late Elvira (Bickford) and Ralph Renshaw. She made lifelong friends throughout her years and savored everything including her beloved Patriots. Barbara always said her greatest accomplishment was her children and her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and grandchildren, whom she referred to as “My Angels.”

She most enjoyed sharing her wonderful sense of style and love with her children and grandchildren. When her children were small, she enjoyed lazy summers playing on Pebbles Beach in Beachmont and tending her flower and vegetable garden in her yard. Barbara’s gift was that she was happy and gracious wherever she was.  She loved spending time in her home, especially decorating for every holiday. She also loved to feed the birds and the squirrels that visited her. Barbara was blessed with a loving nature, a generosity of spirit, and a zest for life. She maintained her positive and hopeful attitude even in her final days.  She was always colorful and lovely; her ever present smile brightened the lives of all who knew and loved her.

She leaves to cherish her life and memories her son, John and his wife, JoAnn, her three cherished daughters: Cheryl Sheppard and her husband, Norman, Nancy Neary-Orne and her husband, Kenneth Orne and Kelley Gibney and her husband, Kevin.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John Gerald Neary, Jr. and two infant daughters: Carol Ann Neary and Donna Marie Neary.

Barbara was a wonderful Nana to her 10 loving grandchildren: Thomas, Nathaniel, Andrea, Cassandra, Jeremy, Gabrielle, Cheyenne, Kevin, Cori, and Nolan.  She was also a loving aunt to her niece and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a visitation in the Bisbee – Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., Saugus, on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will be held from the funeral home on Friday at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony’s Church, Revere, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting in honor of Barbara: memorial donations to be annotated, “In Memory of Barbara Neary” can be made to your favorite charity. For directions and condolences www.BisbeePorcella.com.