Obituaries 07-15-2020

Ann Colvario

Late proprietor of Willie’s Classic Barbershop formerly of Maverick St., East Boston

Ann M. (Speciale) Colvario of Saugus, formerly of East Boston, died on July 9. 

The late proprietor of Willie’s Classic Barbershop, formerly of Maverick St., East Boston, she was the beloved mother of Gina Colvario Krupka and her husband, Mike Krupka of Rhode Island and the late Diane Colvario VanMeter; grandmother of James and Lucas VanMeter; daughter of the late Emily (Cioffi) and James Speciale; sister of Edward Speciale and his wife, Kathy, Joanne Lovetere and her husband, Frank and the late Ida Pennacchio and her surviving husband, Anthony “Spinny” Pennacchio and niece of John Speciale. Ann has been blessed by a family of many friends and loved ones.

In keeping with safe COVID-19 practices, all indoor services will be private.  Anyone attending graveside services at Woodlawn Cemetery today, Wednesday, July 15, at noon is requested to meet in the lot behind the chapel and remain in their vehicles.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory to either the American Cancer Society or Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) would be appreciated.

Please send messages of condolence to Ann’s family on the funeral home website Tribute Page: MagrathFuneralHome.com.

Michael DiVenuti

A known figure around Eastie

Michael G. DiVenuti of Lynn passed away suddenly on July 2.

Michael worked many years at some of Massachusetts finer lodging facilities and also supervised many local Dunkin Donuts. Mike loved being with family.

He was a known figure around Eastie always following any team his dad was coaching on any level. Standing 6 foot 3 inches, he was a strikingly huge man who was as happy and loving as he was large. As many of us know, our families always have a member who struggles. Mike’s struggles are now over.

He is survived by his father, Gerard ‘Gerry’ DiVenuti Sr. of East Boston/ Lynn and Melrose and Barbara Jensen DiVenuti of Lynn and Wilmington and his grandfather, John of Lynn and his late grandmother, Phyllis. He is also survived by his aunt, Joan of Middleton and brothers, John of Revere and Gerard ‘Gerry’ Jr. of East Boston. He was the nephew of the late Mark and his  aunt, Sally of Portsmouth, Virginia. Also included are his dear late grandparents, Otto and Josephine Jensen and his uncle, Robert Jensen. Michael also leaves his pride and joy, Aubree DiVenuti of Dover, NH and his niece, Jaylani Thalia DiVenuti of East Boston. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Rita Vitale

Loving wife, mother, grandmother and crackerjack bookkeeper

Rita (D’Ortona) Vitale of Revere, formerly of East Boston, passed away at the age of 89 on July 5.

Rita and her late husband, Charlie raised their family in the Beachmont section of Revere. In the early years, Rita entertained her family by playing the organ and ukulele, which she taught herself to play. She and Charlie sang along with the kids often. Rita enjoyed doing crafts of all sorts, including sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching and cake decorating.

In more recent years, her favorite hobby was scrapbooking. She lovingly made beautiful scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren using the many pictures she took over the years. Before and after raising her family, Rita was a cracker-jack bookkeeper.

Born in Boston on March 4, 1931 to the late Nicholas and Mary Costa)  D’Ortona, she was the beloved wife of 56 years to the late Charles (Charlie) Vitale Sr., devoted  mother to Charles (Chuckie) Vitale Jr. of Lynn and his partner, Debbie Dwyer, Patti  Vitale Cameron and her husband, Dan of Reading and Maria Vitale Cannatella of  Peabody; dear sister of Lorraine Repoli and Marianne Fiore, both of Revere and the proud grandmother of John Jr. and Joseph Cannatella, Christopher, Gregory  and Stephanie Cameron, and Darla Vitale.  Rita was mother in law to Cindy Vitale of Medford and John Cannatella of Salem, NH.  She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held privately due to Covid-19. The family is planning a memorial service to celebrate Rita’s life  in early August.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to Dementia Society of America, PO  Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 https://www.dementiasociety.org/  For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com.

Dorothy Grace Polito

Of Melrose, formerly of East Boston

Dorothy Grace Polito, 33, of Melrose, formerly of East Boston, died on Wednesday, July 1 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital due to complications from staph and sepsis infection.

Born in Boston on October 20, 1986, she was the cherished daughter of Ronaele (Small) Polito of East Boston and the late Richard Polito.

Dorothy was a graduate of East Boston High School, Class of 2005, attended Bunker Hill Community College, Gibbs College and earned her Practical Nursing Certificate in 2013 at the Medical Professional Institute in Malden.

She was the devoted mother of three-year-old Illyana Polito and the fiancé of Michael Murray of Melrose; the adored sister of Everett Fraser of East Boston and Richard Polito of Winthrop; the loving niece of Catherine Clapp of Rosedale, MD, Lillian Nesbit and Samuel Small of East Boston, Suzanne Small of Everett and the late Carol Kilbreth, Louise Shepherd, Marion Cheffro, Patricia Brown, Charles Small, William Small and Barbara McCormack. 

She is also survived by many loving family members and friends. 

Family and friends honored Dorothy’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA on Wednesday, July 8.

James Furlong

Gillette retiree

James (Jim) P. Furlong passed away in peace on July 7.

Born in Medford on June 10, 1939, Jim attended St. Joseph’s Parochial Grammar School and Matignon High School in Medford. After graduating high school, Jim attended Northeastern University earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting and economics. After college, Jim enlisted in the military serving for two years in the Army Signal Corps. During his military service, Jim served in Seoul, S. Korea, and in Arizona.

Following his honorable discharge, Jim had the good fortune to work for The Gillette Company for 37 years in various capacities. Jim joined the company as an internal auditor, then advanced to positions within the finance, employee benefit, human resource, and community affairs departments. Jim enjoyed his time at Gillette and developed close ties to a number of terrific people.

Jim loved the theatre and was an avid movie buff, particularly of film noir. He was also a voracious and lifelong reader.

 He was a devoted uncle to his nephew, James Alberetti and his wife, Maria and a beloved great uncle to his great nieces, Ava and Tess Alberetti. He is also survived by many loving cousins and friends.

At Jim’s request, all services will be held privately. Jim will be buried alongside his sister, Ann Elizabeth (Furlong) Alberetti and his parents, Irene (Gillespie) and James Furlong in the family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.  For guest book, please visit www.buonfiglio.com.

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