Richard Vertuccio, Sr.
Retired Harpsichord Master Craftsman
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) Revere for Richard G. Vertuccio, Sr. who passed away unexpectedly in his Billerica residence on Oct. 14. His funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, Oct. 19, at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Service in the funeral home 10:30 a.m. will be immediately followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
A longtime member of the Deaf Club of Quincy, he was a retired Master Craftsman of Frank Hubbard Harpsicords of Massachusetts.
He was the beloved husband of the late Jeanette S. (Wong) “Jean” Vertuccio, who passed unexpectedly on Feb. 3, 2018.
He was the devoted father to Judy M. MacDonald and her husband, William J., III of Burlington and Richard G. Vertuccio, Jr. and his wife, Laurie A. of Pelham, NH, formerly of Billerica and Burlington and the late Steven J. Vertuccio; adored grandfather of Natalia Li Vertuccio and Vance S. Vertuccio, both of Pelham, NH; dear brother of Paul R. Vertuccio of Billerica, formerly of East Boston, Utah, Montana and Rhode island. He is also lovingly survived by his “Grampy Dog Cooper.” He was the proud son of the late Emilio J. “Legs” and Josephine (Rosa) Vertuccio.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Steven J. Vertuccio Memorial Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of Richard G. Vertuccio, Sr. (bostonchildrens.org/givenow) (Gift designation is SJV Memorial Fund). Also you may mail your check to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Dr., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please reference SJV Memorial Fund on the check. For more information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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CDR Joseph Marotta
US Coast Guard (retired)
CDR Joseph Marotta, U.S. Coast Guard, Ret. passed peacefully surrounded by his family and friends, on Friday, Oct. 12. He was 84 years old.
He resided in North Reading with his soulmate Annette, his wife of 53 years.
Joseph was born in East Boston on Aug. 13, 1934, son of Mary (Russo) and Bert Marotta. He is survived by his wife Annette (Marcucella), his daughter Kristine O’Rourke and her husband, Joseph and his son Joseph Marotta, all of North Reading. He leaves four loving grandchildren: Marisa, Rachel and Spencer O’Rourke, and Manuel Vlaun. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Jablonski and Claire Brush. He was also the brother of the late Florence McGuire.
Joe grew up in East Boston, where he had a special love for his community and was very proud of his Italian family heritage. He worked at the Seville theatre as a young man, which inspired his passion for the arts and opera.
He graduated Boston English High School in the class of 1952. Joe was then appointed to West Point Military Academy. He went on to attend the Coast Guard Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering in 1960. This led to a very distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard. Joe was an honored and decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War.
The sport of deer hunting led him to North Reading. He so greatly enjoyed the outdoors and nature, that he and his wife Annette decided to make North Reading their permanent home after they were married in 1965. He enjoyed summers on Silver Lake in Hollis N.H., woodworking in his garage, and spending time with his lifelong friends and family. Joe had a great sense of humor, and always had a joke up his sleeve. He had a nickname for everyone.
He guided his family with integrity and led by example. He was a gentleman and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was the favorite uncle to many. Joe enjoyed making people happy, whether it was a trip to Disney with the grandchildren or a big Italian dinner around the table with his friends. He made friends wherever he went and found most of his happiness when he was giving or helping others.
“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19 at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. His Funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8:45 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Athanasius Parish, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading. Interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery, 171 Elm St., North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, the Marotta Family requests that donations be sent in memory of CDR Joseph Marotta to Homes For Our Troops, 6 Main Street Taunton, MA. 02780.