Obituaries 08-01-2018

Greta ‘Brenda’ Minichiello

Managed five titles for St. Mary’s Baseball League

Greta “Brenda” (Spencer) Minichiello of Revere died on July 29.

Brenda loved her family dearly.  She spent many hours tending to her beautiful garden and her Koi fish. Brenda was a seamstress for many years and was the manager of five titles for the Royal’s in the St. Mary’s Baseball League.  She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

She was the beloved wife of the late Peter Minichiello, loving daughter of the late Herbert and Gertrude (Tinsley) Spencer, devoted mother of Tony Minichiello and his wife, Sharon of Canton, Mich. and Rick Minichiello and his wife, Lisa of Revere; cherished grandmother of Nick and Tanner Minichiello of Michigan, adoring sister of Barbara Harris and husband Mac of Vermont, and is also survived by many caring nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery today, Wednesday, Aug. 1, at noon.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home 128 Revere St., Revere.   For guest book please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Frances Duffy

Of Revere, formerly of Winthrop

Frances A. (Mawhinney) Duffy of Revere, formerly of Winthrop, passed away on Saturday, July 28 at the age of 88.

She was the cherished daughter of the late Edmund and Marion (Knight) Mawhinney, beloved wife of the late James P. Duffy, loving mother of Ann McEachern and her husband, Richard, Patricia Polo and her husband, James, James and Joseph Duffy, Joan Calvin and her husband, Robert and the late Frances Giarla and Marie Duffy and the loving grandmother to a host of grandchildren and predeceased by two of her grandchildren.  She was the caring sister of Marie Bortone and her late husband, Louis and Margaret Casey and her late husband, Leo and is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and her best friend, Omar Escobar.

Family and friends will honor Frances’ life by gathering in Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach St. Revere at 8:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, before leaving in procession to St. John the Evangelist Church in Winthrop for a Funeral Mass to be celebrated in her honor at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.  For guestbook and directions, please visit www.vazzafunerals.com.

Ina Pottle

Of New Hampshire, formerly of Revere

Ina E. (Patten) Pottle of Seabrook, N.H. went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 10 at her daughter’s home in Glen. She was 82 years old.

She was born in Malden on Feb. 25, 1936, a daughter of the late Clarence and Ina (Porter) Patten.

Raised in Revere, she graduated from Revere High School with the Class of 1954.

Ina dedicated her life to raising her family and was a former member of the Parkway Assembly of God Church in Revere. She enjoyed Red Sox games, especially David Ortiz, reading her favorite scripture, Isaiah 26 Verse 3, watching religious programs, listening to her favorite hymns, writing poems, sewing and crafts, taking care of her cats and feeding all the stray animals. She also enjoyed spending her younger days in Boston with her late sister, Daisy and was very proud at the age of 14 to sing in the choir with her late sister, Audrey and the late Rev. Billy Graham in front of 50,000 people at the Boston Common.

Ina shared many years of marriage with her late husband George B. Pottle, who predeceased her in 2005. Surviving family members include her children, George B. Pottle Jr. and his wife, Joan of Molalla, Ore.,  Audrey L. Clapp and her husband, James of Danvers, Wendy L. Pottle and her partner, Briane of Sacramento, Calif., and Ruth E. Curtis and her husband, Bryan of Glen; five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, husband and sisters, she was predeceased by her son, John R. Pottle.

Funeral arrangements were by the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. If desired, donations may be made to the Merrimack  River Feline Rescue, 63 Elm St., Salisbury, MA 01952.  Please visit www.RemickGendron.com to view Ina’s memorial website or to sign her tribute wall.

Phyllis LeTourneau

A ‘larger than life woman’ who was ahead of her time

Phyllis LeTourneau of Lynnfield, formerly of Revere, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on July 26 surrounded by her loving family.

Phyllis was ahead of her time concerning women’s roles in society. In the 1950s, she opened and worked at her own hot dog stand on Revere Beach, which was one of her favorite places in the world, having grown up just down the road. In addition to being a homemaker and mother, she was proud to be a policewoman in her home town of Lynnfield and working security for TSA at Logan Airport. She further served her community by volunteering in the Lynnfield Public Schools and as a Camp Fire Girls leader.

She was a wonderful cook who loved to feed everyone who came to visit. People were drawn to Phyllis because of her outgoing personality and infectious smile. She made friends wherever she went, from the local grocery store to Hawaii. Many of these became lifelong friendships.

Phyllis, known as “Ma” to everyone, was a kind and generous woman who, despite her diminutive stature, will be remembered by all as “larger than life.”

She adored her family above all else and always put them first. Times spent surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the most special to her. Her laughter, humming, and daily phone conversations will be missed by all who were blessed to experience them.

Born and raised in Revere, the daughter of the late Leonard and Catherine (Darone) Radway, she was the beloved wife of 69 years of the late Gerard LeTourneau, devoted and loving mother of Kathrine LeTourneau and her partner, Kathleen McGerigle of Wellfleet, Deborah Bastable and her husband, Philip of Hanover and Jerine Martin and her husband, Scott of Lynnfield, proud grandmother of Cheryn Byron and her husband, Michael of Hingham, Lindsay Bastable of South Boston and Brandon Lemieux of Lynnfield, adoring great-grandmother of Emery, Callan, Grady and Griffin Byron and dear sister of Vita, Arnold and Tony Radway, all of Lynnfield.  She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere, on Thursday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 a.m.  Interment will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:15 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  A visitation will be held today, Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Ste. B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For guest book please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Lena Parker

Lifelong East Boston resident

Lena (Cinelli) Parker, a lifelong resident of East Boston, passed away on July 30 at the age of 89.

She was the devoted mother of Charlene Porzio and her husband, Thomas of Tewksbury and Gaylene Parker of East Boston; cherished grandmother of Alina Lyn and Aria Jade Porzio and dear sister of the late James “Bozo” Cinelli, Joe Joe Cinelli, Mary O’Brien, John “Sunny” Cinelli and Anthony Cinelli. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere on Tuesday August 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.  For guest book please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Thomas James Siegel

April 25, 1956 — June 30, 2018

Thomas ‘Coach’ ‘Slague’ ‘Pop’ James Siegel died peacefully of sarcoma cancer surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 30.

Tom was born in Queens, New York on April 25, 1956, and grew up in Revere. His father, George served 31 years in the U.S. Navy and Tom loved ‘spoiling’ his ‘Chief’ in his later years.

His mother Patricia died when Tom was just 11. Even as a child, Tom showed his mother and father’s loving traits. When his mother was dying of cancer, Tom would take the subway from Revere to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston every day to bring her a coffee milkshake because that was her favorite.

Tom met his wife Cathy at the age of 17 working at Farrell’s ice cream parlor in Hawaii. Tom was head over heels in love with her and that love only grew stronger over their 38 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons, Matthew and Joseph. Tom would often say his wedding day was the best day of his life except for the two days his sons were born. Tom was always quick to do anything for his ‘mums,’ whether that be barbecuing his trademark steak or rewinding a live baseball game so he could explain to her what the announcers said.

An amazing father, Pop’s life revolved around his family. Everyday consisted of wiffle ball games, backyard catches, front-yard football games or evenings watching the Red Sox and Giants on TV with his boys and wife. Even after his sons moved out, they were in contact with him every day. Calls and texts were placed daily and after Red Sox or Giants wins, Tom Brady touchdown passes, or just to “check in and say hi.” Pop never ended a call without saying, “I love you,” to both sons.

Tom served in the U.S. Air Force at Travis Air Force Base for four years before working at Anheuser Busch for 32 years. He was known there for his practical jokes and teasing (otherwise known as Slagues). Tom retired in 2010 but soon was working part time at TC McDaniel Elementary as a campus monitor. What many people would think of as a side job to make a little extra money, Tom didn’t see it that way at all. Tom quickly became known by parents and students alike, and for many students seeing Tom every day was the highlight of their day. Tom would walk them to and from their car to their class. His loving spirit knew no limits.

Coach Tom’s biggest passion was baseball and coaching. Tom started coaching at age 19 for Cal Pal. After a short hiatus when his first son was born, Tom returned to coaching baseball. He coached both sons for numerous years, and continued coaching long after both sons were done playing. His successes on the field would be too many to list (though, his proudest was his 1993 Fairfield Atlantic Little League All Star team which finished second in Northern California) but it was the connections he made with his players that were even more impactful than any win on the ball field. Throughout his career he was a role model and mentor to hundreds of young players. Tom had a unique talent of winning (and winning a lot) and also making baseball fun without compromising one quality for the other. His brilliant baseball mind was only matched by the devotion he gave to all his players.

Once he retired from both work and coaching baseball, Tom enjoyed playing (and winning) poker tournaments at Stones Gambling Hall. Receiving texts of, ‘made the money’ became more and more common the more he played. Tom and his wife also enjoyed visiting their sons in Boston and San Diego as well as spending time with their dog, Mittzy.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Siegel; sons, Matthew Siegel, Joseph Siegel and his wife, Chenin; brothers, Joe and George Siegel; sister, Laurie Hodges (David); as well as many beloved nephews, nieces, in-laws, family, friends, players, coaches and colleagues.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandson, Sawyer Alexander Siegel.

Tom was truly larger than life…he will forever be deeply missed and he will never, ever be forgotten.

A celebration of life was held at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 29, at the Laurel Creek Baseball Field. All family, friends, former and current players, coaches, co-workers, poker buddies, and anyone else who was touched by Tom’s kindness and welcoming smile, was asked to come celebrate (baseball attire was optional).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Sarcoma Alliance; 775 E. Blithedale Ave., #334; Mill Valley, Calif., 94941.

Arrangements under the care of Bryan-Braker, 707-425-4697.

Ronald Corbett

Attorney and Revere icon

Attorney Ronald P. Corbett, Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, July 27, at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. He was 97 years of age.

Attorney Corbett was born and raised in Revere and was a lifelong resident. He attended Immaculate Conception School, graduating in 1938 with great honors and as class president.  He was co-captain of the 1938 Revere American Legion baseball team that won its way to the national semi-finals in Princeton, Indiana.

He went on to attend Boston College, graduating in 1942. He was a member of the BC football team and a center on the Cotton and Sugar Bowl teams in 1941. Enrollment in the United States Army followed during World War II and he served in Europe under Gen. George Patton in the 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division. His fluency in French was of great strategic use to his battalion and he took part in the famous D-Day beach invasions, as well as the historic Battle of the Bulge. At the end of the war, he was honorably discharged as a corporal.

Following his wartime service, he enrolled in Boston College Law School, and graduated in 1951. He was married that year and he and his wife had four children: Ronald Jr., Nancy, Jonathan and Bryan.

Opening a law firm in Revere (Corbett, Corbett and Brereton), Attorney Corbett practiced law for 65 years. He also served alongside his friend, Mayor George V. Colella as Chairman of the Board of Assessors, beginning in 1965 and retiring in 1991 with Colella.

Mr. Corbett was a lifelong member of the local Knights of Columbus and served in many capacities, including as Grand Knight for many years. The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic Fraternity and the largest Catholic charitable organization in the world.

One of his volunteer positions for the Immaculate Conception Parish was as Head Coach of their high school football team from 1949 to 1966 and his teams were undefeated for several years. Upon his retirement in 1966, an event in his honor was held at the Wonderland Ballroom with over 1,000 well-wishers in attendance, most notably Frank Leahy, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, who coached Ron at BC. Leahy went on to many victories coaching at the University of Notre Dame as well.

Ron Corbett never expected anything from anyone who he helped throughout his long life and that number includes thousands. In the words of St. Francis, “It is giving that we receive.” He was an example of a great Catholic man, whose parochial, governmental, and community service has helped shape the city in many, many important ways.

The beloved husband of the late Virginia T. (Kingston) Corbett, he was the devoted father of Dr. Ronald P. Corbett, Jr. of Melrose, Nancy E. Corbett of Winthrop, Jonathan K. Corbett of Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., and Bryan L. Corbett of Revere; cherished grandfather of Ryan S. Corbett and his fiancée, Jen Poskon of Stoneham, Anna J. Corbett and her husband, Alex Sullivan of Saugus, Jordan A. Corbett-Frank and Carly J. Corbett-Frank, both of Winthrop; dear father-in-law of Eileene Stergiou of Melrose, Merrill A. Frank of Winthrop, William F. Bartlett of Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., and proud brother of the late Msgr. Leo J. Corbett, Mary R. Corbett-Sullivan, Atty. John K. Corbett, Vincent J. Corbett and Francis A. Corbett. He 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 the Atty. Ronald P. Corbett, Sr. Scholarship Fund at Immaculate Conception School, 127 Winthrop Ave., Revere, MA 02151. For more information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.

Margaret Abb ‘Peggy’ Gillis

She had a ‘wonderful life’

Margaret Ann (Doherty) “Peggy” Gillis died on Sunday, July 22 with her family by her side.

Peggy was the wife of Neil Gillis of East Dennis, formerly of Charlestown, and mother of Mary Helen Little of Somerville. She was “favorite mother-in-law” to Ryan Little and beloved Grammy to “best kids in the world” Owen and Margaret.

Peggy was born in Charlestown, the sixth child of the late Mary (Burns) and Bernard Doherty. She was the dear sister of Nancy Ryan and her husband, Dick of Readville, Mary Deery and her husband, Bob of East Dennis, Barbara Hunter and her husband, Joe of Gilford, N.H., Roger Doherty of Charlestown, Hugh Doherty and his wife, Lisa of Saugus, Danny Doherty and his wife, Lilly of Saugus, and the late Bernard, Kathleen, Tommy, Joanne, and Johnny Doherty. She also leaves behind best friends Elaine Riley of Hampton, N.H., and Ann Sweeney of Scituate, and many nieces, nephews and great friends.

Peggy had fond memories of growing up in Charlestown as one of 12 kids. There was always “something doing.” She graduated from St. Rose High School in Chelsea and went on to work at the Navy Yard, NASA, and Veteran’s Administration. Peggy and Neil were married on May 17, 1980. Together they raised their daughter, Mary Helen, in Saugus and spent summers at their beloved home on Sesuit Neck in East Dennis. In retirement, they spent winters in Boynton Beach, Fla., reliving their Charlestown days with an incredible group of friends and family.

Peggy enjoyed the beach, cards with the girls, shopping till she dropped, traveling, and most of all, her family. She loved her daughter and grandkids more than anything. Peggy made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a twinkle in her eye and a laugh that was contagious. She always said she “had a wonderful life.”

A Memorial Visitation was held on July 31, followed by a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of the Cape Catholic Church in Brewster. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Compassionate Care ALS at ccals.org or P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574. For guest book please visitwww.Buonfiglio.com.

Pietro ‘Peter’ Rizzuto

Retired senior VP and general manager of Perini Constructrion

Pietro (Peter) P. Rizzuto of Braintree, formerly of Norfolk, passed away on July 30, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 72.

Born and raised in Palermo, Italy, Peter immigrated to the United States at the age of 15, and settled in East Boston where he graduated from East Boston High School and later Wentworth Institute of Technology. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Boston and he was awarded several medals and citations, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.

Peter began a career in the construction industry with the Perini Corp. in 1968 and worked his way up to senior vice president and general manager when he retired in 2002. Peter served on many boards and committees that included The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) and the Massachusetts Laborers Benefits Fund. He was instrumental in starting the mentoring program at Wentworth Institute.

In his free time, Peter enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. A devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather, Peter will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Peter was the beloved husband of Patricia (Connolly) Rizzuto; loving father of Peter J. Rizzuto and his wife, Cindy LaCroix of Brookline, N.H., Christina Joseph and her husband, Jonathan of Needham and Joseph J. Rizzuto of Hawaii; devoted brother of Hugo Rizzuto and Josephine Rude, both of Revere and the late Domenic Rizzuto; loving “Nonno” to Isabella, Gabriella, Marina, Valentina and Alexander. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, please contact Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington St., Braintree, for further details at 781.843.1878 or visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peter’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.

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