Rita Amodeo
A very holy, caring woman who saw the best in everyone
Rita A. (Casaletto) Amodeo of Saugus, formerly of East Boston, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4 at 96 years of age, surrounded by her loving family.
Rita was a devoted contributor every month to St. Jude, St. Anthony and the Blessed Mother Charities. A very holy, caring woman who saw the best in everyone and gave with all her heart and wanted nothing in return. She had a huge love for animals and donated to animal shelters and would feed every animal in the neighborhood. Everyone who knew her, LOVED her! She always had a big smile on her face even when her health was failing.
The last few years her health started fading and her daughter, Doreen, took her to live with her. This is where she LOVED to be, always surrounded by her grandchildren and always playing and singing with her great grandchildren, Gabriella and Christopher, she truly cherished those moments, and these children adored their “NONI”. She will live on in their hearts forever. At the end of her days, she would say “Pray to me in Heaven and I will hear you and help you.” We all are praying.
She was the loving daughter of the late Frank and Lena (Gallo) Casaletto, beloved wife of the late Nicholas Amodeo; devoted mother of Doreen Milito and her husband, John of Saugus, Frank Amodeo and his wife, Jacqueline of Brockton, Nicholas Amodeo of East Boston, Sandra Lavigueur and her husband, Robert of Winthrop and the late Dennis and John (Jack) Amodeo; cherished sister of the late Dorothy Beddia and Joseph Casaletto; adored grandmother of Lauren, Lindsey, John, Danielle, Brooke, Erin, Jackie, Jamie, Joy, Jill, Nicholas and Christopher. She is also survived by many loving great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Family and friends will honor Rita’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga Street, East Boston, today, Wednesday, July 10 from 4 to 7 p.ml and again on Thursday morning at 8:30 before leaving in procession to the Most Holy Redeemer Parish, East Boston, for a Funeral Mass celebrating her life at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with Rita being laid to rest with her beloved husband, Nicholas, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. May they rest in peace.
For more information, please visit www.ruggieromh.com.
Joseph Ventresca
He was the living embodiment of the American Dream
Joseph Ventresca, 74, passed away on May 19, 2024, in San Clemente, California. He was born on February 8, 1950 in Torre dei Nolfi, Italy. Joe emigrated to the United States with his mother, Elisa in 1956. They were reunited with his father, Mario, and the Ventresca family in East Boston. Joe would later relocate and find his forever home in California, where he would also meet the love of his life, Marlene Jaynes.
Joe was a living embodiment of the American dream, finding success, joy and happiness in the United States, while never losing touch with his family and where he came from. He attended Curtis Guild School and went on to Boston Latin School, where he excelled. He was the first member of his family to graduate from university.
Joe was predeceased by his incredible life-partner, Marlene Jaynes, and survived by his loving stepchildren. Joe and Marlene’s life together would create a loving family. Joe is remembered as a truly incredible stepfather who enriched their lives from an early age.
He is also survived by his sister, Joanne, brother-in-law. William, nephew, Desmond, and his cousins: Laura, Ginger, Joseph and Anthony. Joe is also survived by aunts, cousins and relatives in Canada and Italy.
One cannot forget to mention the love and joy Joe had for his pets, of which there were many. He is also survived by his beloved cats, Spanky and Darla.
In his career, Joe excelled in finance, earning his CPA, and working at prestigious accounting firms before becoming the owner of his own business in California. He was a dedicated professional who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Above all his accomplishments, there was none greater than his love for his family and the memories shared.
Joe enjoyed cooking, traveling, music, horse racing and trying exotic foods. His hobbies reflected his adventurous spirit and love for creating lasting memories with those around him. Joe was known for his generosity and fun-loving nature. He cherished his time with family and friends, making those memories around dinner tables, restaurants, and bars. Joe’s warm personality, knack for storytelling, and zest for life touched all who knew him.
A celebration of life to honor Joe will be held at a later date. May his memory live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.