Cecilio Silva
Retired US Gypsum Supervisor and Dedicated NY Yankees Fan
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Friday, May 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rt.107) Revere for Cecilio Silva, 88, who died on Saturday, May 8 at the Massachusetts General Hospital, following a brief illness. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m. followed by interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lynn. Face masks must be worn at all times and social distancing must be maintained in the funeral home.
Cecilio was a native of Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde where he was raised and educated. As a young man, he worked on his family farm before he left Cape Verde and moved to Brazil. In 1968, Cecilio came to the United States, settling in Dorchester and later relocating to Chelsea, where he remained until his death.
Cecilio worked in manufacturing his entire working career. He worked for U.S. Gypsum in Charlestown as a supervisor for over 25 years. Cecilio was a humble man with an extraordinary work ethic. He liked to watch his television shows and watch his beloved Yankees. All of his friends and family knew how much he loved the Yankees. He loved having a good time with friends and family and he also enjoyed having conversations and debates about political topics.
The beloved husband of Inacia (Ramos) Silva of East Boston, he was the cherished father of Cecil R. Silva of East Boston, Maria R. de Cruz and her husband, Antonio of Providence, RI, Nelson F. Ramos and his wife, Jessica and Armando Lopes, all of East Boston. He was the loving grandfather of six grandchildren and dear brother of Julia Silva of Brazil and the late Elci Silva, Yosi R. Silva, Antonio dos R. Silva, Eva Silva Rocha, Aida Silva, Maria dos Silva, Celestino Silva and Augusta Silva Almeida. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Last Call Foundation, 73 Elm St., Cohasset, MA 02025. To send online condolences or for more information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals.
Richard Costello
Born in East Boston, he became a Legend in the Town of Chatham
Richard W. Costello lost his short battle with cancer on May 9, 2021 at his home with his faithful companion, Ann Marie by his side. He was surrounded with love all his days and, if possible, more so in his final days. Their home welcomed family and friends during his illness often sharing stories (of which there are many), good food, moral support and love, lots of love.
Richard had a huge family. He was born on November 24, 1940 in East Boston to a loving Irish family and to parents Mary Margaret (Rymill) and Michael Costello, but he eventually built another family in Chatham when he opened the Chatham Squire in 1968 with his friend, George Payne. He was a mentor, a teacher, a friend and occasionally a tormentor to all of them. They learned lifelong lessons from him that will be passed on to the next generation and the one after that. He was legendary then and will be forever.
He loved being the center of attention; he basked in it. His Squire family called him “The King” and he loved that. He embraced the town of Chatham and created a safe haven for the working class and the elite alike in the Squire. Where else could you see a polo shirt-clad preppie enjoying a beer with a fisherman fresh off the boat? He recycled and repurposed before it was a trend. When he saw uneaten food scraped into the garbage, he came up with the idea of getting pigs. Those pigs were well fed!
Another example is when he discovered cod cheeks and tongues; he heard the fishermen were throwing the codfish heads away or squirreling them away for their own consumption, he made a deal. Bring him the cheeks and tongues (cheeks as you know are the perfect fish and chip, and tongues gave a rich flavor to the chowder) to the kitchen back door, and turn in a slip at the bar for cash. Anyone who worked for him knew to be conscious of waste, and not just food but not to waste time, energy and of course good times with your friends.
He taught how to give back by example too. He served on the Chatham Board of Selectmen and gave back to the town in so many diverse ways. On any Chatham event, the Chatham Squire was listed as a sponsor; he hosted an annual children’s party with Santa in December with a gift for every child (bought from the Mayflower Shop), was an original and continuing sponsor of the Chatham Harbor Run, sponsored the Carnival Caper kick-off event for First Night and backed an old-timer’s softball team.
He loved the Fourth of July and Halloween. The only year he didn’t give out Hoodsies on the Fourth was when he was the Grand Marshal, and the Squire’s Halloween Party was infamous.
The Squire stayed open year round serving lunch and dinner even when it wasn’t profitable. They did it for the town. Hurricane? Nor’Easter? The Squire’s lights were on.
He eventually found financial success from the Squire but he didn’t spend it on a lavish house or car; he bought experiences. He won an online Hemingway look-alike contest in 2012. He travelled making lifelong friends along the way, he helped others financially without a question asked, and he helped create the Pals For Life Foundation to help anyone in the hospitality industry. If everyone gathered together who he helped both financially and emotionally, you might need to rent his beloved Fenway Park to fit them all. He loved the Splendid Splinter, and celebrated his birthday every year.
When he lost his beloved wife, Wendy Costello in 2007, family and friends mourned with him. He met Ann Marie Doherty and while they shared the experience of losing their beloved spouses, they were blessed to be able to share many years together while laughing and living life to the fullest. God bless Ann Marie. Her love and loyal care-giving was a gift his family and friends cherish. A family member of Richard’s described her as an angel on earth.
He is survived by his loving companion, Ann Marie Doherty, his brother, Bob Costello and his wife, Laurel, his sister, Margaret (Peggy) Coppola; nieces: Laurene Visco-Grzybala, Karen St. Clair, Patti Biggs, Kathie Eagle, Barbara Compton, Michelle Gordy, Tracy Schwartz, Susan Costello, Colleen Kudrikow, and nephews: John Visco, Salvatore Indorato, Rick Coppola, Chris Coppola, Michael Costello, Bobby Costello, many great-nieces and great-nephews, his dear friend, George J.H. Payne, brother-in-law. Michael Wade, Midnight, the cat and too many special friends to name here. He was predeceased by his wife of 20 years, Wendy Wade Costello, siblings: Michael Costello, Lorraine Indorato and Mary Josephine Visco; brothers-in-law, Sal Indorato, Buddy Coppola and John Visco, and close friend Pete Shelley.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Pals For Life Foundation, 213 AP Newcomb Rd. Brewster, Ma. 02631.
www.palsforlife.com Richard would like that.
A celebration of his life will be announced later. To share your condolences go to www.nickersonfunerals.com.
“The people you love become ghosts inside of you and like this you keep them alive.” – Robert Burns.
Victor Popeo, MD
May 9, 1936 – April 30, 2021
Victor Richard Popeo, M.D, also affectionately known as “Dr. Vic”, passed away peacefully at his home in Florida, surrounded by family.
Born to Italian immigrants, the late Vincent and Esterina (Gianasca) Popeo, Vic grew up in East Boston along with his three sisters and two brothers.
Vic graduated from Boston College in 1957 where he worked several jobs including as a trumpeter in several jazz bands to pay for his education. During his undergraduate years at BC, he fell in love with a fellow student, Annette Collins. They married in December 1958 while he was attending Tufts University Medical School, from which he graduated in 1961.
During the next three years of internships and a residency at Boston Floating Hospital, all four of his children were born. The family moved to Walpole, MA where he joined fellow partners, the late Dr. Edwin Hubbard and the late Dr. George Geyer at Walpole Pediatrics. Shortly after settling in Walpole, Vic was drafted during the Vietnam War and moved with his family to Wurzberg, Germany serving as a Captain in the US Army from 1966-1969. During this time, he met the late Dr. Arthur J Lusty III, who later would become the 4th partner at Walpole Pediatrics and one of Vic’s dearest friends.
Over his long and distinguished career, Dr. Vic held numerous positions including Chief of Residency at Kennedy Memorial Hospital, Chief of Pediatrics and Physician in Charge at US Army Hospital of Wurzberg, Germany, and Chief of Pediatrics, at Norwood Hospital. He maintained a multitude of staff positions including at Westwood Lodge Hospital and Children’s Hospital Medical Center. In addition, he taught at Tufts University School of Medicine serving as an instructor and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics. He retired in 1995 but kept his license to practice so that he could continue to educate adults and treat children on a volunteer basis.
Vic was an inspirational and gifted physician with a kind and generous heart and a brilliant mind. His passion was in helping others, especially children and their families, but the generosity of his time and knowledge also extended to many charitable causes. Vic’s deepest devotion was for his family. Nothing made him happier than spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and telling his countless, embellished stories. Vic was a competitive tennis player, an avid skier, runner, and trumpet player. He also enjoyed golf, bocce and woodworking. He had a genuine love and respect for animals, nature, wildlife, botany and all living things.
He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his mischievous smile and fierce sense of gratitude and humility; he never forgot his roots.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Annette (Collins), his daughters: Joanie Popeo-Madinah (husband Mahdi) of Dixon, CA, Denise Popeo of Apex, NC and Marlene Popeo-Nickerson (husband Mark) of East Lyme, CT; Grandchildren: Nicolle Murphy of Philadelphia, PA, Ryan Nickerson and Andrew Nickerson of South Boston, Siblings: R. Robert Popeo Esq.(wife Brenda) of Needham, MA, and Mary Popeo Greenburg (husband Hank) of Venice, Fla. He is predeceased by his son, David Popeo of Woburn, MA and siblings Connie Wilson (husband Dave) of Lexington KY, Jim Popeo (wife Joan) Peabody MA, and Helen Gladney (husband Arthur) of Barrington RI.
A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome at: Tufts Children’s Hospital 755 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111 OR Vitas Hospice Health Care Attn.: donations 4980 Tamiami Trail North Suite 103 Naples, FL 34103.
The family would like extend their sincere gratitude to the many doctors, nurses and health care providers who cared for Vic. Please visit http://www.hodgesjosberger.com/ to leave condolences.
Francesco Recupero
Of East Boston
Francesco Recupero of East Boston passed away on Thursday, May 6 at the age of 92.
The beloved husband of the late Maria (Stefano) Recupero, he was the devoted father of Catena Ford and her husband, Robert of East Boston, Joseph Recupero and his wife, Lucille of Peabody and the late Giovanni Recupero; cherished grandfather of Robbie and Veronica Ford and Kayla and Joseph Anthony Recupero and treasured great-grandfather of Jaden, Dante, Savannah and Aria. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga Street, (Orient Heights) East Boston. Services concluded with Francesco being laid to rest with his beloved wife, Maria, at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. May they rest in peace. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.ruggieromh.com.
Anne Marie Tracht
Retired Supervisor of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Mass. Commission for the Blind
Anne Marie (Donovan) Tracht, 73, in Salem, formerly of Swampscott and East Boston, passed away on May 4 following an 18-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She fought the battle bravely and positivity.
The beloved wife of the late David M. Tracht, her soul mate, who passed in July of 2018, those left to cherish her memory include her devoted daughter and best friend, Ashley R. McHarrie and her husband, John M. and her treasured granddaughters, Margaret C. and Chloe M McHarrie, all of Salem. She is also lovingly survived by her brother-in-law, Leon Tracht and sister-in-law, Arlene Tracht of Tarpon Springs, FL, several cousins in Maryland and many dear friends and extended family. She left a lasting impression on all who met her and became “Mama T” to so many.
Born in Boston, the only daughter of the late Gerald F. and Margaret A. (McQueeney) Donovan. she was a proud graduate of Fitton High School, Emmanuel College and Boston College. She retired in 2008 after 34 years as Supervisor of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Mass. Commission for the Blind.
Anne was involved as a religious education teacher and Eucharistic minister at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Swampscott and was a member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks #1078. She enjoyed all social gatherings, especially those at North Shore Music Theater, Bertini’s in Salem, happy hour at Brightview in Danvers, or in the “cul de sac.” Her favorite activity, by far, was doting on her two granddaughters, whom she adored more than anything and who could unequivocally brighten her spirits.
The family acknowledges with overwhelming gratitude the extraordinary care Anne received at MGH Danvers Cancer Center, Brightview Senior Living in Danvers, Care Dimensions and finally at the Kaplan Family Hospice House – Danvers during the final chapter of her earthly journey.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment was at Swampscott Cemetery, Swampscott.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to The Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre St., Newton, MA 02458 (www.carroll.org). To send online condolences or for more information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, Revere.
Rita “Freshie” Valente
Of East Boston
Rita E. “Freshie” (Hanlon) Valente died in East Boston on Mother’s Day, May 9.
The beloved wife of the late Louis C. Valente, she was the daughter of the late Rita (Costello) and John Hanlon, loving mother of Ranae Valente of East Boston and Audrey Solorzano of Derry, NH; sister of Jeanne Scaduto, Karen Siciliano and the late John “Dodo” Hanlon and Mildred Lamy; grandmother of Tanya Solorzano and her husband, Demetri Papaporfiriou of Wilmington and Louis Valente of East Boston and great-grandmother of Demetra and Julian.
Private Services will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Please leave messages of condolence for the family on her Tribute Page at MagrathFuneralHome.com.
Ann Margaret DeRuosi
She Was a Friendly Face to All Who Met Her and Was Beloved by All
Ann Margaret DeRuosi of East Boston passed away on May 4 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with ALS.
Ann was a longtime waitress at Lombardo’s and Spinelli’s Function Facility. She was a past employee of the Commonwealth of Mass. Division of Professional Licensure Plumbing Division. She was a friendly face to all who met her and beloved by all. She will be missed.
The beloved daughter of the late Richard and Carol (Ventullo) DeRuosi, she was the devoted mother of Anthony of East Boston, dear sister of Richard DeRuosi and his wife, Lisa of Beachmont, Michael DeRuosi of Massachusetts and twin sister of Michelle Gill and her husband, Kevin of Winthrop; cherished aunt of Richard, Dominic, Anthony, James, Gregory, Nicole and Lorrie; adored great-aunt of Lydia and long-time partner of Giovanni.
Family and friends honored Ann’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home on Monday, May 10 followed by funeral procession to St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Winthrop St., Winthrop for a Funeral Mass in celebration of her life. Services concluded with Ann being laid to rest in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle Isle).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter 685 Canton St. Suite 103 Norwood, MA 02062 or online als.org/massachusetts . To leave an online condolence please visit www.ruggieromh.com.
Teresa Moran
Of East Boston
Teresa A. (Giardina) Moran died in East Boston on May 8.
The beloved wife of the late William F. “Bill” Moran Sr., she was the daughter of the late Frances (Malta) and Angelo Giardina, loving mother of Kevin F. Moran Sr. and his companion, Francesca Grimaldi of North Andover, Mark S. Moran Sr. and his wife, Deserrae, Gayle Norcross and her husband, William Sr., all of Lynn and the late William F. Moran Jr. Teresa was the grandmother of Kevin Moran Jr. and his wife, Katelyn, Ryan Moran and his wife, Nicole, Savannah and William Norcross Jr, Mark S. Moran Jr., Christian Moran, Danielle Moran and her fiancé, Robert Serino, Corey Douglas and his wife, Samantha and James Close; sister of the late Edward Giardina and his surviving wife, Shirley and the late Gene Giardina and his surviving wife, Janice.
She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Lily and Sophia Moran and Daxton Douglas and her dog, Lil Mo. Funeral Services will be private. Donations in Teresa’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated. Please leave messages of condolence to the family on Teresa’s Tribute Page at MagrathFuneralHome.com