Gerald Mazzarella
Retired Boston Educator Devoted to his Catholic Faith
Gerald Mazzarella, 77, passed away January 1, after a long illness.
A lifelong resident of East Boston, Gerald was born May 29, 1944. He was an educator both in his personal and professional life. During his 41-year career as a high school teacher, he impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Boston Public Schools.
While he was often working two or more jobs and organizing a band, his true life’s work was inspiring family and friends, instilling in them a love for wisdom and the Catholic Faith. He acted in union with his membership in the Knights of Columbus and the Third Order of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He was a diligent student until the end and a passionate defender of the eternal truths. When he was homebound, he treated his home as a monastery and designed a website to share Catholicism with others. His wish was that many people would visit homemonastery.org.
He was predeceased by his parents, Rafael (Ralph) and Maria Rosa Caristo Mazzarella, his brother Vincent (Sonny), and his son-in-law, Steven Frye. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Colbe Corcoran Mazzarella, and his eight children and their spouses: David and April Anselmo Mazzarella, Lisa Frye, John and Maggie Mathews Mazzarella, Joseph and Kelly Dwyer Mazzarella, Mary Rose, Catherine and Oliver Domina, Theresa and Peter Lajoie, and Elizabeth, as well as 17 grandchildren: Rachel, Seth, Sarah, James, Maria, Thomas, Grace, Josephine, Nicholas, Zyah, Lily, Daniel, Eloise, Lucia, Anna, Phoebe and Regina.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, January 5 at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston and again at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, January 6 to be followed by Funeral Services at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph-St. Lazarus Church, 59 Ashley St., East Boston. Gerald will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. The family requests prayers for the repose of his soul. To leave an online condolence visit www.ruggieromh.com.
Douglas Wood-Boyle
A True Renaissance Man
The friends and family of Douglas “Doug” Wood-Boyle bade a final farewell to one of the most enlightened humans to grace their lives. Remembered as a true Renaissance Man, Doug’s funeral service and life celebration was held recently at the United Parish of Auburndale, MA.
He passed away October 18, 2021 after a short illness. He was the husband of Linda Wood-Boyle for 34 years, making their home in Dorchester for the past 20 years. They were partners from the start and he readily added Linda’s last name to his as an outward sign of that connection.
He was the son of the late Neal Boyle of Malden and the late Catherine (Rogers) Boyle of Everett and is survived by his brother, Neal and his wife, Sandy, as well as nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and the many friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. Colonel David Boyle.
Born in Everett, Doug grew up in Malden and Lynn. He graduated from Lynn English High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Leland Powers School of Communication. After graduation, he spent the next decade in radio, as well as touring throughout the country with a professional Children’s Theater Group.
When not touring, he worked security (with his canine companion) for several large companies in the Boston area.
While working security, he began to freelance for several local newspapers, and that’s where he found his true passion. He wrote for the Prime Times of Saugus, the Daily Times-Chronicle of Wakefield and Reading, the Chelsea Record and the Saugus Advertiser. Doug eventually became the editor of the Saugus Advertiser and the Wakefield Daily Times-Chronicle. He later served as the senior writer for the Middlesex East weekly publication, telling local human interest stories. He was known for his ability to get people to trust him and open up to him and share their stories. He was genuinely interested in the person he interviewed and really listened to them. After retiring from newspapers, Doug worked as a public relations consultant for local cable access stations, including at the Wakefield Community Access Cable Channel. He also worked as freelance editor, photographer and food enthusiast for local newspapers and magazines in the Boston area.
In addition to his professional work, Doug served as a volunteer for many non-profits, including Recording for the Blind, SPAN, Inc., The United Parish of Auburndale, and several LGBTQ organizations.
Doug loved to perform in community theater groups, and if his arm was slightly twisted, would sing when requested. He and Linda shared that love of music and singing, another bond that sealed them in this life. He enjoyed traveling, any activity on the ocean, reading, and old and new friendships. He also deeply valued his relationships with family. Doug embraced everyone he met with humor and love, and the space he left behind is filled with memories of good times and good conversations.
Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to the Outreach Fund, c/o the United Parish of Auburndale, 64 Hancock Street, Newton, MA 02466.
Funeral services were coordinated by the Burke and Blackington Funeral Home in Newton, MA.