Robert Brinson
AKA “The Mayor of Victory Gardens”
Robert L. Brinson of East Boston passed away on Friday, May 1.
Bobby, as his friends referred to him, was a longtime resident of over thirty-two years at Victory Gardens in East Boston where he was known as “the mayor.”.Robert was also a dear friend and longtime worker with Peabody Properties in Braintree where he was respected and loved by all.
In accordance with the CDC, Mass. Department of Public Health, Archdiocese of Boston guidelines and local restrictions on gatherings and congregations due to COVID-19, all services will be held for the immediate family privately. If you have any questions or would like to express your condolences please contact the funeral home during normal business hours 617-569-0990 or leave a message for the family on the tribute wall www.ruggieromh.com.
Vincent Gioioso
Of East Boston
Vincent J. Gioioso of East Boston passed away on Friday, May 1.
The beloved son of the late Vincent and Phyllis (Toto) Gioioso, he was the devoted brother of Rosemarie Sinopoli of Revere and Daniel Gioioso and his wife, Jill of Saugus and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
In accordance with the CDC, Mass. Department of Public Health, Archdiocese of Boston guidelines and local restrictions on gatherings and congregations due to COVID-19, all services will be held for the immediate family privately. Vincent will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
If you have any questions or would like to express your condolences please contact the funeral home during normal business hours 617-569-0990 or leave a message for the family on the tribute wall www.ruggieromh.com.
Frank Tassone
Retired 34 Year Master Sergeant U.S. Army
Frank J. Tassone, a lifelong resident of East Boston, passed away on Monday, April 27.
A retired veteran of the United States Army after serving thirty-four years as a Master Sergeant, he was the devoted son of the late Joseph and Maria (Sesito) Tassone, the dear brother of Elizabeth Sharpe of Quincy and the late Rose Carley, Vito and Salvatore Tassone and cherished uncle of Robert Carley and Kristin Carley. He is also survived by many loving friends and neighbors.
In accordance with the CDC, Mass. Department of Public Health, Archdiocese of Boston guidelines and local restrictions on gatherings and congregations due to COVID-19, all services will be held for the immediate family privately. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. If you have any questions or would like to express your condolences please contact the funeral home during normal business hours 617-569-0990 or leave a message for the family on the tribute wall www.ruggieromh.com.
Kathleen DiChiara
World War II English War Bride and Woman of Style, Elegance and Grace
Kathleen “Kay” (Davies) DiChiara of Revere died on April 30 at the age of 92.
Born in Liverpool, England to the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Hanratty) Davies, she was the beloved wife of the late Alfonse “Al” DiChiara, devoted mother of Sandra DeChristoforo and her late partner, Steve of Revere and the late Nicholas DiChiara of Westminster, CO; dear sister of the late Anne Matthews and Bette Machon of England; cherished grandmother of Gina Bassant and her late husband, Jay of Revere, Brenda Spinelli and her husband Jim of Port St. Lucie, FL and Johnna Wallace and her husband, Bruce of Port St. Lucie, FL; adored great grandmother of Cassandra, Nikolas, Caden and August. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
We lost a remarkable woman. A woman full of life, courage and determination. Throughout her exceptional life she endured many challenges but also enjoyed many incredible experiences. Growing up in England during World War II led her to meet a U.S. soldier and fall in love, and that love led her to move to the United States, to marry and start a new life and a family.
Kay was a devoted wife and an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (Nana). A woman of style, elegance and grace. She was the family’s matriarch, historian and storyteller. She loved to travel the world and read everything she could. Her talents were endless; there wasn’t anything she couldn’t cook, sew, create or learn. Always there to lend a hand and always had a smile. And she was the best bargain shopper, especially at her beloved Filene’s.
There is so much that can be said about Kay and the way she lived life. She will be tremendously missed and remembered by all those who love her.
In accordance with the CDC’s current restrictions on gatherings due to Covid-19, all services will be held privately. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 or to a Cancer Charity of your choice in Kathleen’s name. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.
Marie Papasadora
Active in “Revere First” and an Original Board of Directors of MGH Revere
Marie (Terrazzano) Papasadora, 88, of Revere entered into rest on May 1.
Earlier in life Marie was a bookkeeper for Electronic Fasteners located in Waltham and then for the Revere Housing Authority. Marie was on the original Board of Directors for MGH Revere one of the first volunteers with Representative William Reinstein’s “Revere First.” Marie loved to bake for her family, play bingo, enjoyed cards with her friends and will be sadly missed by all.
Marie was born on Sept. 29, 1931 to the late Antonio and Mary Terrazzano . She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Papasodora , loving mother of the late Revere Police Sgt. Peter Papasodora and his wife, Denise of Revere; the adored grandmother of Taylor, , John and Joseph Papasodora; cherished sister of Angelina and her husband, Domenic Bramante of Revere, the late Albert Terrazzano and his wife, Carmella of Amesbury and the dear sister to the late Irene Terrazzano of Revere . Marie is also survived by her nephew Albert Terrazzano and his wife, Cynthia, and her great nephew, Anthony of Amesbury. She also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews. . In accordance with the CDC’s current restrictions on gatherings due to Covid-19, all services will be held privately. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.
Gerard DeFranzo
Retired 35-Year Accountant for the Mass Dept. of Employment Security
Gerard “Jerry” DeFranzo, 84, of Somerville, formerly of East Boston and Malden, died at Mass General Hospital in Boston on Saturday, May 2.
Gerard was born in Winthrop on October 18, 1935, one of five children of the late Michael DeFranzo and Isabel (Rinaldi) DeFranzo. An East Boston native, Jerry’s love of baseball originated in the ballparks of Eastie while playing for East Boston High. After graduating, he enlisted to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Jerry’s love for his country and his fellow service members was an integral part of his life. Jerry enjoyed his work for the Commonwealth of MA as an Accountant for the Division of Employment Security where he worked for 35 years. After retiring in 1991, Jerry was blessed to spend more time with his family, the most precious people in his life.
Jerry was loved by everyone who knew him. His enthusiasm for life brought a smile or a laugh to everyone in the room. A lifelong baseball fan, Jerry’s love of the Red Sox was only matched by his lifelong admiration of the great, Ted Williams. He forever rooted for the underdog quarterback and enjoyed sharing his love of sports with his family as he watched from the sidelines of his grandchildren’s games.
Growing up in East Boston, he held memories of visiting Revere Beach with his family close to his heart. In addition to sports, Jerry had a love for playing blackjack, roulette and the slots at the casinos, including trips to Las Vegas, and many visits in New England. He also enjoyed trips to Disney World with his family, turning any time spent with his grandchildren into a special moment shared.
Jerry will be deeply and sorely missed, but his devotion to his family, and his sense of humor will carry on as his legacy.
He was the beloved husband of Pamela (Rubin) DeFranzo with whom he shared 35 years of marriage; devoted father of Darlene Cianci and her husband, Paul of Groveland, Theresa DeFranzo and her husband, Peter Chianca of Georgetown and Thomas DeFranzo and his wife, Robyn of Somerville; cherished grandfather of Jake, Jackie, Ria and Tim; dear brother of Barbara Walsh and her late husband, Edward of East Boston and the late Louis DeFranzo and his surviving wife, Joan of Saugus, the late Celeste Mei, and the late Rocky DeFranzo; caring brother-in-law of Cecelia Russo of Reading, Philip Rubin of Saugus and Linda Rubin of East Boston. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Services at this time will be for immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be announced when all may gather to remember and honor Jerry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Ave., Boston MA 02118 or to a charity of your choice. To send a message of condolence to the family, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
John Zinna
Electrician for Commonwealth of Masschusetts
John F. Zinna of Winthrop, formerly of East Boston, passed away on Thursday, April 30.
John was a member of Local 103 IBEW. He was also an electrician of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for over 30 years.
The beloved husband of over 40 years to Marie (Petralia) Zinna, he was the devoted father of Christina Zinna of Braintree, cherished brother of Anthony Zinna and his wife, Deborah of Georgia, dear uncle and godfather to Richard Zinna and his wife, Christina and son Nicolas, all of Georgia, cherished brother in law of Rosalie Petralia and is also survived by many loving aunts and cousins.
In lieu of flowers please donate in John’s memory to The Boston Medical Center Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Fund at https://www.bmc.org/covid19relief#makeadonation. In accordance with the CDC, Mass. Department of Public Health, Archdiocese of Boston guidelines and local restrictions on gatherings and congregations due to COVID-19, all services will be held for the immediate family privately. John will be laid to rest at Winthrop Cemetery, Winthrop. If you have any questions or would like to express your condolences please contact the funeral home during normal business hours 617-569-0990 or leave a message for the family on the tribute wall www.ruggieromh.com.
Anthony Serino
Delta Airlines Retiree
Anthony D. Serino, 90, beloved husband of Marie (Olivieri) Serino, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 26 at home.
Born and raised in Boston, he was the son of the late John and Lucrenzia (Pagluca) Serino. He was raised and educated in East Boston and graduated from East Boston High School.
An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country during the Korean Conflict as a member of the United States Army.
Mr. Serino had been employed for thirty-seven years by Delta Airlines in its fleet services department until the time of his retirement in 1989.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife with whom he shared sixty-five years of marriage, he is survived by two daughters, Maryellen Mosca and her husband, Nicholas of East Boston and Maria Nee and her husband, Scott of Melrose; six sons, Anthony Serino and his wife, Trudye of Wyndham, NH, John Serino and his wife, Donna of Beverly, Thomas Serino and his wife, Deborah of Wilmington, Michael Serino and his wife, Roslyn of North Carolina, Joseph Serino of Salem and Robert Serino and his companion, Karen Henderson of Billerica; 27 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by seven siblings.
His funeral services will be private. Arrangements by the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. For online guestbook, please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.
Laura Josephine Fiorino
Past Member of Women’s Auxiliary and American Legion Post 6, East Boston
Laura Josephine (Voci) Fiorino, a lifelong resident of East Boston, died on May 1 at the age of 94.
Laura was a past member of the Women’s Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 6 in East Boston. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Born in Revere on August 2, 1925 to the late Joseph Voci Sr. and Amelia (Cataldo) Voci, she was the devoted mother of Vincent “Vinny” Fiorino and his wife, Lorraine of Revere and Philip Fiorino and his wife, Diana of Saugus; beloved sister of the late Grace Guerrero, Patricia Lavoine, Irene Coughlin, Albert Voci and Joseph Voci Jr. ; cherished grandmother of Vincent, Michael, Stephen, and Ava and adored great grandmother of Alessandra, Craig, and Alyssa. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
In accordance with the CDC’s current restrictions on gatherings due to Covid-19, all services will be held privately. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lighthouse Nursing Care Center, 204 Proctor Ave, Revere, MA 02151. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.
Giovanni Graziani
25 Year proprietor of Caffe Graziani in Salem
Giovanni Graziani of East Boston, formerly of Piglio, Italy, proprietor for 25 years of Caffe Graziani in Salem, died on May 1 from complications due to COVID19.
The son of the late Pasquale Graziani and Lorenza Ercoli of Piglio, he was the beloved husband of Paula Gravallese of East Boston with whom he shared 32 years of marriage; the proud and loving father of Giancarlo Graziani and his wife, Heather of Winthrop and Giacomo Graziani of Boston and treasured Nonno of Madalina Graziani. He also leaves his in-laws, Peter and MaryAnn Gravallese of East Boston, Peter and Patricia Gravallese of Lynnfield, Stephen Gravallese of East Boston and Nancy (Gravallese) and David Coletti of Beverly. In Italy he leaves his brother Augusto and Lina Graziani, sister-in-law Anna Consalvi and his sister Pina Graziani. He was predeceased by his brother Mario Graziani and brother-in-law Franco Morrea. He will be missed by many loving nieces and nephews both in Boston and in Italy and by his dear friends on the tennis courts.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Giovanni’s memory to MAcovid19relieffund.org or Zumix.org. In accordance with the CDC, Mass. Department of Public Health, Archdiocese of Boston guidelines and local restrictions on gatherings and congregations due to COVID-19, all services will be held for the immediate family privately. Giovanni will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
If you have any questions or would like to express your condolences please contact the funeral home during normal business hours 617-569-0990 or leave a message for the family on the tribute wall www.ruggieromh.com.
David DeRuosi, Sr.
Retired Massport Fire Captain
David J. DeRuosi, Sr., retired, Fire Captain for Massport, of Topsfield, formerly of East Boston, passed away on April 29.
A US Navy Korean War veteran, he was the beloved husband of the late Blanche (Conti) DeRuosi with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He leaves behind his sons David DeRuosi, Jr and his wife, Kim of Salisbury, Frank DeRuosi and his wife, Karin of Ambler, PA, and Kevin DeRuosi of Salem. He was the loving grandfather to Ashley Cinelli and her husband, Antonio of Saugus, Brittany DeRuosi of Wakefield, Joshua DeRuosi Denver, Co, and Emma DeRuosi of Ambler, PA; cherished great-grandfather of Harper Cinelli and Ryan Cinelli, both of Saugus; dear brother to Dolores Lamattina and Mary Roach, both of East Boston and loved brother-in- law to Maria Conti of Saugus, Frank Conti and his wife, Carmella of Candia, NH and Theresea Giles of Malden. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic all services will be held for the immediate family. Please send messages of condolence to the family on our memory wall. www.vazzafunerals.com.
Theresa Pagliarulo
Active in Many Organizations
Theresa (Lionetti) Pagliarulo of Revere died on April 30 at the age of 94. Theresa was a lifelong Revere resident as well as a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1942. She was a former member of the Revere Women’s Club, Boston University Women’s Council, Friends of Switzerland, and the Speech and Hearing Foundation of MA. Theresa had a passion for music and was a big fan of the Boston Symphony. She also enjoyed helping her friend Kay in the office.
She was the devoted daughter of the late Antonio and Agnes (Manzo) Lionetti, beloved wife of the late Albert, loving mother of Agnes P. Trabucco and her husband, Michael of Wakefield and Mary J. Pagliarulo of Revere, cherished grandmother of Alana Trabucco of Somerville and dear sister of the late Arthur Lionetti.
In accordance with the CDC’s restrictions on social gatherings due to covid-19. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. All services will be held privately and family and friends are encouraged to leave a message or share a memory in the online guest book at www.Buonfiglio.com.
Paul Bard
He had a Beautiful Soul
Paul G. Bard, a longtime resident of Chelsea, passed on April 30 after a period of declining health.
Born August 13, 1948 in Chelsea, Paul was a son of the late Thomas D. and Sylvia Perez Bard, He grew up in the Chelsea area, attended local schools and graduated from Chelsea High School. Paul was proud to be a US Marine Veteran and kept those memories close to his heart.
Paul had a beautiful soul. He brought smiles to all who loved him with his sharp wit and fun loving outlook on life. He will be deeply missed.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Lisa and is also survived by his loving son Paul J Bard (PJ) of Revere and his former spouse, Janis. In addition he leaves his sister Rhoda Burrows of Warrenton MO, brother, Thomas Bard, (MaryJo) of Boise, ID, sister Charlene Lombardi of Del Ray Beach, FL, brother, Dennis Bard (Karen), and sister, Susie Alfieri (Tony) of Old Lyme, CT. He was predeceased by his sister, Robin Ann Bard. Paul is also survived by many nieces and nephews along with lifelong friends, Kenny and Rita Flynn.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Covid Unit at MA General Hospital for the exceptional loving care and compassion shown to Paul during this difficult time. In accordance with the CDC’s current restrictions on gatherings due to Covid-19, all services will be held privately. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chelsea Soldiers Home, 91 Crest Ave, Chelsea, MA. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com
Albert Vitello
Of East Boston
Albert A. Vitello of East Boston passed away on Saturday, May 2.
He was the beloved husband of Harriet (Littlefield) Vitello, devoted father of Diane D’Andrea and her husband, Anthony; cherished brother of Lillian Costello and her late husband, James Vitello of Bellingham and loving grandfather of Melissa and Nicolette D’Andrea.
In accordance with the CDC, Mass. Department of Public Health, Archdiocese of Boston guidelines and local restrictions on gatherings and congregations due to COVID-19, all services will be held for the immediate family privately. If you have any questions or would like to express your condolences please contact the funeral home during normal business hours 617-569-0990 or leave a message for the family on the tribute wall www.ruggieromh.com.