Obituaries 01-06-2020

Beatrice Ryan

She Filled Many Lives with Her Endless Warmth and Kindness

Beatrice M. Ryan of Revere passed away peacefully on January 2 at the age of 98.

Formerly of the Boston’s West End, she lived in Revere for many years with her devoted husband, Thomas Ryan and her much-loved sister, Anna Bifulco.

Bea filled the lives of so many with her endless warmth and kindness. She never had children of her own yet was always surrounded by those who adored her as a mother and grandmother figure: the family of Leonard and his wife, Carol Doucette of Plymouth, Godson Paul and his wife, Kathy Doucette of North Andover and their children and grandchildren, the late Robert and his wife, Elaine Doucette of Saugus and their children and grandchildren and her Goddaughter, Joanne Shaughnessy and her husband, David Algiers and their children. She was predeceased by her dear sisters: Anna Bifulco, Connie Bertuccini, Rose Mastacusa and Lucy Tavano and brothers, Harry and John LaSpina. She was a favorite aunt to loving nieces and nephews and a fun-loving cousin. Bea was a loyal friend and neighbor to so many.

Due to the current spike in COVID-19, the guidelines issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and local officials, Funeral Services will be privately held for the immediate family under the direction of Paul Buonfiglio & Sons – Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere Street, REVERE, MA 02151. She will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery with her late husband, Thomas and sister, Anna, side by side forever.

A Memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org. For guest book, please visit: www.buonfiglio.com  

John Giuffre

Of Beachmont Revere

John N. Giuffre of Beachmont Revere passed away at the age of 70 on January 3. 

 Born in Boston on May 6, 1950 to the late John J. Giuffre and Helen (Cullen), he was the beloved brother of Peter Giuffre and his wife, Jeannie and Cynthia LaBonte and her husband, Richard, all of Revere; adored uncle of Renee LaBonte and Juliette LaBonte of Melbourne, FL and Peter John Giuffre and Nicholas  Giuffre of Revere and cherished godfather to Lawrence Guarino III.  He was the dear friend of Lawrence Guarino and his wife, Lauren of Peabody and is also survived by many loving cousins. 

A Visitation will be held at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere on Friday, January 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 11 a.m. Strict capacity limits are enforced, please  make your visit brief to allow others to visit (names, phone numbers, and temperatures will be taken upon entrance).  Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to The Foundation of the MEEI, 243 Charles St, Development Office, Boston, MA 02114 or at masseyeandear.org/online-donation-form.   For guest book, please visit www.buonfiglio.com.

Ann Albano

Her Door Was Always Open to Everyone

Ann (Ivers) Albano of Salem, NH, formerly of East Boston and Revere, passed away on January 2.

Annie, as she was affectionately referred to by family and friends, was the loving mother of Kelly (Ivers) and Richard Marino of Salem, NH and Kenneth and Vonnette Ivers of Melrose and the cherished Nana of Leonora and Victoria Ivers of Melrose. Annie was the beloved daughter of the late Marie (Parillo) and Fred Albano, dearest sister of Joan M. Albano Toriglione of East Boston and aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was the former wife of the late Ken Ivers and Nonnie to her fur babies, Sammy and Penny.

She was a retired employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents and the former cheerleading coach and director for East Boston Pop Warner in 1980.

Annie was known for her kindness and generosity and her door was always open to everyone. On any given day, her home was filled with children who weren’t her own yet they called her “Ma” and today she is still referred to as “Ma” by many.

Family and friends will honor Annie’s life on Thursday, January 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Vazza’s Beachwood Funeral Home, 202 Beach Street, Revere. Services will be held according to the State’s Covid restrictions and face coverings will be required. Once Covid restrictions have been lifted, a Memorial Mass and gathering in celebration of Annie’s life will be held for those unable to attend her service at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Fund in Annie’s honor.

Diane Sandra Donovan

Of Revere, formerly of East Boston

Diane Sandra Donovan of Revere, formerly of East Boston, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31. 

The beloved wife of the late Albert Donovan, she was the devoted mother of Albert Donovan and his wife, Kristine of Colorado, Stephen Donovan and his fiancé, Yari Escobar of Revere and Brittney Amaro and her husband, Bryan of Lynn; dear sister of Crystal Capone and the late Anthony Straccia, Theresa Kaprelian, Alfred Capone and Paul Capone and adored grandmother of Albert Jr., Shea, Reece and Raegan. 

Family and friends will honor Diane’s life by gathering for a memorial celebration of life at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston on Saturday, January 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Revere Fire Department, 400 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151. In accordance with the Commonwealth of MA  Phase 2 Covid-19 re-opening restrictions, all attendees must wear face coverings and social distancing measures will be maintained. For more information, please visit www.ruggieromh.com.

Anna DiPalma

She Was Everyone’s ‘Grandma’ and Was Loved by All

Anna M. (Gullifa) DiPalma died unexpectedly in East Boston on December 30. 

The beloved mother of the late Robert J. DiPalma Sr., she was the grandmother of Robert J. DiPalma Jr. and his wife, Danielle of Beverly; great-grandmother of Staci DiPalma of Beverly; loving aunt of Diane Vaughn, Gail DellaCroce, Geri DellaCroce, Lynne Tranfaglia, Doreeen DeCrescito and Billy Gullifa and is also survived by many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was the dear friend of Adriana and Lisa Giuliano who were the daughters she never had, their love and devotion was immense and was appreciated by her every day, and the beloved cousin of Rhonda Mariano. 

Anna was well known for her generosity in all things.  She had a big heart and loved to cook and had a special attachment to children. She became everyone’s “grandma.” She would greet you with her brash and tough voice, though beneath it all was the biggest heart and kindest soul. She was adored by her family, friends and anyone who came in contact with her.

Her kitchen table was the core of her home and heart where a fresh pot of coffee was always brewing. You could find someone at any given time at the table sampling her famous pizzelle or biscotti. Her door was always open, especially to the “landlord” Rafaele and his sons Neffo and Ralph “Ralphy” who she watched grow up as children on Chelsea Street. Within the last few years, she grew a strong affection for the “landord’s” grandson Christian. A special bond developed between the two of them. The sparkle in Anna’s eyes reappeared when he was born and from that day forward, she happily awaited his daily visits.

Anna was genuinely loved by all. A simple, humble woman who lived her life to her fullest desires; baking, cooking, sharing her boisterous laughter with friends and family, she provided a comfort to everyone who crossed her path. There could never be another “Anna” but a bit of her will always live within us. She taught us to not take life so seriously and to enjoy the present moment. Rest In Peace dear Anna. 

Visiting hours were held at Magrath Funeral Home, Tuesday, January 5 followed by graveside services in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Because of her love for children donations in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated.

Anthony Scapicchio

Emergency Medicine Physician

Anthony P. Scapicchio, 83,  of San Diego, formerly of Nahant, passed away on Christmas morning.

He was born to the late Armando and Fannie Scapicchio of Revere and was a graduate of Boston College and Seton Hall New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry. After serving in the Vietnam War as a Major in the Army Medical Corps tending to the wounded, he established a successful career in Emergency Medicine. He served as Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge for two decades. He is credited with that department’s growth into a fully staffed teaching hospital and for advocating for holistic care for emergency room patients during his tenure.

He was married to the late Diana Beatrice Scapicchio and is survived by his daughter, Sarafina Scapicchio and son-in-law T.J. Seguine of San Diego, CA and his extended family of in-laws including Henry and Lita Beatrice of Revere, Chucky and Diane Beatrice and Melissa and Greg Burrill, all of Scituate, Stacy and Greg Hetrick of Lynn, and Stephanie and Paul McSweeney of Swampscott and their children.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, January 4 at St Anthony’s Church, Revere. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund at www.sdfoundation.org. For guestbook please visit www.Buonfiglio.com.

Norma E. Compagnone

Member of the Brandywyne Senior Club

Norma E. (Pesaturo) Compagnone of East Boston passed away on December 28. 

Norma was a member of the Brandywyne Senior Club and a resident for over 40 years.

The beloved wife of the late Gino Compagnone, she was the devoted mother of Francis and his wife, Judith of Peabody and Jeanne Haynes of Woburn; dear sister of the late Armando Pesaturo, Edio Pesaturo, Emma Vergados, Delphine Markis and Salvatore Pesaturo; loving grandmother of Gino, Jodi, Gina, Stephen and Nicholas; cherished great-grandmother of Domenic, Gianni, Ali, Stephen, and Douglas. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends honored Norma’s life on Saturday, January 2 by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga Street, East Boston followed by an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church, Revere. Services concluded with Norma being laid to rest at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  For more information or to leave an online condolence. please visit www.ruggieromh.com. 

Anthony James Diaz

His Magnetic Personality Won the Hearts of Everyone He Met

Anthony James Diaz of Revere was taken from us too soon at the age of 29. He passed away unexpectedly on January 1.

Anthony was the youngest son of Gail Scimone and  Jimmy Diaz Sr. of Revere, the beloved brother of Jimmy Diaz Jr., Christina “Bags” Bagnera and Tanya Bagnera; cherished grandson of Gloria Zagarella, Richard and Angela Diaz, Karen Scimone and the late Elaine Riley, and Joe “Red” Scimone; adored nephew of Joni Scimone and Lee Scimone, Lisa Diaz Edwards and Chris Cavanaugh, Phillip Douglas and Shirley Duddy, Richie Diaz, Jodi Scimone and Patty Lewis Pepi; dear cousin to Ronnie Particelli, Stephanie Particelli and Davey Goodrich, Nicole and William Dunn, Lauren Diaz, Kristina Diaz and Bobby Pelosi, Tori Pepi and Richie Diaz Jr.

Anthony was a graduate of The Northeast Metropolitan Tech, Class of 2009 – Automotive Technology. He worked for Sears Automotive and for the Department of Revenue. After graduating the Academy in 2015, Anthony began his career with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Most recently, Anthony was selected for a special assignment to work in the department’s Automotive Division and brought his expertise and work experience and was able to follow his passion and help others.

Anthony was a kind, thoughtful and a generous soul. He worked hard and played hard. His favorite thing to do was to spend time with the people he loved. His family and friends meant the world to him. He and his brother, sister and his cousins were all best friends. They did everything together and always had a great time.

He was sincere, funny, caring and quick to share his honest opinion. He loved to travel, loved to ride his motorcycle, loved to set goals and make a plan. His magnetic personality won the hearts of everyone he met. Anthony had a unique way of making everyone feel special, loved and protected. He loved a good joke and was a prankster. He had a caring way to make the darkest situations brighter. His outlook and perspective on life was positive and inspiring to all who knew him. He had an exceptional way of looking at life and seeing endless possibilities. His spirit was infectious and an inspiration to all he crossed paths with.

Anthony was an incredible soul with so much light and love to share with the world. We are grateful and will cherish the time we had with him here on earth and vow to always celebrate his life.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church 133 Beach St, Revere on Saturday, January 9, at 12 noon (Everyone to meet directly at church) capacity limits will be enforced. Masks and social distancing are required, and names and temperatures will be taken upon entrance to church.  For guest book, please visit  www.buonfiglio.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

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