Obituaries 03-10-2021

John DiMille

MIS Director for Health Care and East Boston #1 DJ Johnny D.

John M. DiMille, a life long resident of Orient Heights, East Boston, passed away peacefully on March 6 with his loving wife and sons by his bedside.

John worked as a MIS Director for many years but he was best known as East Boston #1 DJ Johnny D.

John’s love for his family and friends was unmatched from the streets of East Boston to the classrooms of St Mary Star-of the Sea School, through the corridors of St. Domenic Savio High School and into the Gymnasium of Savio High or onto the sports fields of his favorite team, John was always there cheering or lending a helping hand.

In September of 1973, John entered St. Domenic Savio as a freshman and became a Spartan. As a Spartan, John was devoted to classmates and the Salesian community with an unconditional friendship that started and never ended. John devoted himself to his school, classmates and the Spartan way. After four incredible years, he graduated and made a commitment that few ever follow through and that was to keep the class of 1977 together through the years.

 John continued his education but never forgot a Spartan, a Salesian and East Boston. John’s education took him into computers and he advanced himself quickly soon becoming an MIS Director for health care running MGH and Dana-Farmer Institute systems. During that time, he always was in touch with a fellow Spartans and a Salesian Brothers or Priests.

He volunteered his DJ skills and equipment for non profits particularly the Salesian’s Boys and Girls Club and the Make a Wish Foundation. While doing all these things, as only DiMille could, he met the love of his life, Dorothea Papa and within two years they married in 1983. Dorothy had already heard and learned about John’s love and devotion. She was a remarkable wife always standing by his side, helping and supporting her John. They are the proud parents of two sons, Jonathan and Nicholas. As John took care of them while in good health, when John became sick, they took care of him. John led by example and his family followed. Nothing showed that more then their unconditional love for John, especially this last several days.

The son of the late Giovanni and Geneva (DiNicolantonio) DiMille, John was the son in law of the late Vincent and Dorothy Papa; beloved husband for 37 years to Dorothy (Papa) DiMille; devoted father of Jonathan DiMille, Nicholas DiMille and his fiancé, Jaime Miglionico; dear brother in law of Diana and Bill Morton of Arizona, Linda and the late Buster Scalfani of East Boston, Vincent and Hildy Papa of Revere and John and Joanie Papa of East Boston. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.

Family and friends will honor John’s life by attending visiting hours today, Wednesday, March 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St. (Orient Heights) East Boston and again on Thursday morning at 8:30 before leaving in procession to St. Joseph – St. Lazarus Church, Ashley St., East Boston for a Funeral Mass in celebration of John’s life at 10 a.m.

Due to John’s love for and devotion to the Salesian community, please, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Salesian Boys and Girls Club 150 Byron Street, Boston, MA 02128. You may also donate online at http://www.salesianclub.com.

Edith DeAngelis D.Ed.

Educator and Community Activist

Edith G. De Angelis D.Ed.  Doctor Emeritus, of  Brooksby Village in Peabody, passed away after a long illness on February 28.

She was born in East Boston on March 22, 1929, graduated from East Boston High School in 1947, attended Sargent College at Boston University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1951, a Master’s Degree in 1955 and a Doctor of Education in 1977.

Her teaching career began in the Winthrop Public School System. She later went on to teach Physical Education and Recreation as a Professor and Department Head at Boston State College/ University of Massachusetts, Boston, until her retirement.

Edith traveled and attended many other colleges and universities to obtain graduate credits in her fields of study. She completed her Doctoral Dissertation on the Costumes, Dance and Traditions of the Native Americans. Edith volunteered countless hours to the Trinity Neighborhood House in East Boston. She made a life-long commitment as an activist for open spaces, recreation and nature, through the parks and recreation system in Boston.

She was a veteran member and active participant in Piers Park, Freedoms Foundation, East Boston Greenway and numerous youth organizations, just to name a few. She was a founding member of the East Boston Community Gardens. She also belonged to the East Boston Historical Society and was twice featured in Who’s Who for Professional Women in America.

Near the time of her death, she was still actively working on the Chelsea Creek Project. She was a devoted member and generous benefactor to the Holy Redeemer Church, where she and her sister served as Franciscan Ministers.

She truly was a dedicated individual and dauntless worker who never sought recognition for herself. She loved her family and had many friends and colleagues. 

She leaves her sister and best friend, Florence R. D’Avella and was also the sister of the late, Joseph and Robert DeAngelis. She also leaves her nephews: Joseph DeAngelis and his wife, Ellen, Richard A. D’Avella and his wife, Lisa, Joseph R. Zarba and the late Christopher R. Zarba, and nieces, Carol Ann DeAngelis Moulton and her husband, James and Patricia A. D’Avella and many grand nephews and nieces.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private service will be held for family members and close friends only at Magrath Funeral Home in East Boston and a Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. To leave a message of condolence for the family please go to MagrathFuneralHome.com.

Anthony Joseph Ruggiero, Jr.

Attorney

Anthony (“Tony”) J. Ruggiero, Jr., of Kinston, North Carolina, formerly of East Boston, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 16, at the age of 80.

Tony was born on March 11, 1940 in East Boston and graduated from Boston Latin School, Tufts University, and Boston University with a degree in law. He served as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps of the U.S. Navy, had a successful career as a corporate attorney, and established a private practice later in life. He and his family moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina in 1979.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Anne (Gordon) Ruggiero of Kinston, NC, daughters Amy Ruggiero, and Bethany Ruggiero of Durham, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Joseph Ruggiero, Sr. and Julia (Fatalo) Ruggiero and his sister, Maryann Ruggiero of East Boston.

Tony’s work ethic, perseverance, and compassion when representing his clients was unmatched. He represented the underdog. He was dedicated to the practice of law and could talk for hours on the finer points of legal principles. He also spoke five languages.

In his spare time he enjoyed reading nonfiction, particularly American History and the history of World War II, as well as gardening, listening to music and watching movies with his family. He loved to reminisce and tell stories. He would often tell stories about growing up in East Boston, about his friends from the neighborhood and the fun times he had with his friends from high school and college. But all would agree that his greatest talent was making others laugh with his great sense of humor – sometimes silly, sometimes witty and sometimes just plain goofy. Tony lovingly supported his wife in all of her endeavors and nothing was more important to him than his two daughters, who will forever miss his wisdom and guidance.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated in Tony’s honor on Wednesday, February 24, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kinston, NC. The Mass can be viewed virtually via Facebook Live on the Howard-Carter Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Howard-Carter-Funeral-Home- 378804352516347. A graveside service was held at Eastern NorthCarolina Veterans Cemetery, with military honors. The graveside service may also be viewed via Facebook Live on the Howard-Carter Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston, NC assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent through howardandcarter.com.

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