Richard McDonald
Former Proprietor of Heights Donuts
Richard E. McDonald, born in Winthrop on May 4, 1943 and a long-time resident of East Boston and Revere, passed away peacefully on October 14.
Richard was a beloved figure in his community, known for his warm heart, love for family and passion for life.
Richard was the former proprietor of Heights Donuts, a place where friendships were forged and stories were shared over coffee and pastries. Beyond his dedication to his business, Richard had a deep affection for music, movies, horse racing,and keno. He had an insatiable love for life’s simple pleasures, and these interests brought him joy throughout his journey.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Nina Elizabeth (Walsh, and his loving children: Linda Cohen and her husband, David of Winthrop and Richard McDonald and his wife, Jacqueline of Waltham. Richard was also a cherished brother to Rosemarie Murray. He leaves behind a legacy in his grandchildren: Kenneth McDonald, Cameron McDonald and his partner, Cayla and Isabella McDonald, as well as great-grandchildren Madison and Hazel.
Richard was predeceased by his brothers William McDonald, John McDonald and his surviving spouse, Mary, Anthony Ferragamo Jr. and his sister, Carolann Guarino. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he held dear.
Visiting hours will be held today, Wednesday, October 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home located at 971 Saratoga St in East Boston. A funeral service to honor Richard’s life will take place on Thursday, October 19, at 10 am at the same location. Richard will be laid to rest at Winthrop Cemetery, Belle Isle section.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Survivors by the Sea, 180 Lincoln St, Winthrop, MA, a cause that was close to Richard’s heart. Richard’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Josephine E. Calderone
She Never Passed an Opportunity To Live Life
Josephine Elza (Maniccia) Calderone passed away on October 5 in Bristol CT. Josie was the seventh of ten children born on September 15, 1929 in Torrington, CT to the late Giovannina (DiCicco) and Tulio Maniccia.
The devoted wife of the late George Calderone who she married on May 16, 1958.
They settled in East Boston where many wonderful memories were made with the musically talented Calderone brothers and family, singing, dancing and taking trips to the casino.
Josie never passed up an opportunity to live life. They enjoyed visiting Torrington each year and took several trips with family and friends both in the states and abroad.
Josie was employed as an administrative assistant at MIT and after her retirement, she kept active working part time for security at Logan Airport. Josie always had a smile on her face, making anyone feel welcome with her engaging conversation. She made the best of any situation. Josie never forgot to remember a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion of a loved one with a card.
Left to cherish her memory is her brother Armand; sisters, Anna, Francis Maniccia and Elda Rosenbeck and sister-in-law, Norma Maniccia, all of Torrington and brother-in-law Joe Calderone of East Boston, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, October 11th in Sacred Heart Church, followed with interment in St. Michael Cemetery, Boston.
To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.
Stephen Joseph Giardina
Family and Friends Will Hold His Memory Close to Their Hearts Forever
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved father, Stephen Joseph Giardina, who departed this world too soon on September 10, 2023. Stephen was born on March 10, 1957 to Mary Ann “Snooki” Puopolo and James Giardina in Boston and is survived by his two loving daughters, Angelica Giardina of Everett and Nicoletta Giardina of Winthrop;, his siblings, Julie Ann and Frank Strangie and Jimmy and Milva Giardina, all of East Boston and Richard Giardina and Meca Andrade of Sao Paolo, Brazil; his step-mother, Karen Giardina of Peabody and his step-siblings: Tina Elliot and Jason Elliot, both of Peabody and Tonya Hernandez of Tewksbury along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.
While we mourn his physical absence, we also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the enduring love he gave to us all.
A memorial service to honor and remember Stephen will be held on Thursday, October 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St, East Boston. In lieu of sending flowers or planting a tree, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association as it was a cause dear to his heart.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit www.ruggieromh.com.
Elizabeth “Betty” Vitale
Retired School Librarian Who Will Be Remembered for Her Kind Heart, Love for Family and Dedication to Education
Elizabeth “Betty” (DeLeo) Vitale, 83, passed away peacefully in Boston on October 10 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Boston on August 22, 1940 and spent the majority of her life residing in East Boston. Betty’s life was marked by love, family, friends and a passion for reading.
In 1965, she married the love of her life, Anthony Vitale and together they raised their children in the vibrant community of East Boston. Betty devoted much of her career to helping children develop a passion for reading, serving as a librarian at St. Stanislaus School and East Boston Central Catholic. Her dedication to education impacted countless lives over the years.
Retiring 13 years ago, Betty moved to Laconia, NH where she enjoyed the serene beauty of her retirement home by the lake. Betty had a special fondness for Disney World and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in the most magical place on earth. She looked forward to spending time with family at her lakeside retreat for memorable moments and shared adventures.
Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Anthony Vitale and several siblings: Vincent Dentino, Mary Venuti, Katherine Gordon, Rose Sacco, Pasquale DeLeo and Gloria Belmonte. She is survived by her loving children, Nancy Jean Parker, Betty Ann Vitale and Stephen Vitale. Betty’s legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Benjamin, John, Julia, Anthony, Christopher and Emily. Additionally, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will always carry her memory in their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization Betty held close to her heart.
Family and friends attended a memorial visitation on Sunday, October 15 at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St, East Boston. A memorial mass in celebration of Betty’s life was held on Monday, October 16th at Sacred Heart Church on Brooks St, East Boston.
Betty will be remembered for her kind heart, love for family and dedication to education. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all whose lives she touched.
To leave an online condolence visit www.ruggieromh.com.