Joanne M. DePalma
MGH Pediatric Registered Nurse
Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., Revere, today, Wednesday, June 11, at 11 a.m., for Joanne M. DePalma, who passed away unexpectedly on June 3rd at 41 years of age. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
The devoted daughter of Joseph W. DePalma and the late Maureen A. (DeFeo) DePalma and the cherished sister of Christine DePalma of Beverly, she is also survived by her adored feline companion, Milo.
Joanne was born and raised in East Boston. She was a two time cancer survivor and the care she received throughout her battle by the exceptional doctors and nurses inspired her to return to school to obtain a degree in nursing. She attended UMass Boston and worked tirelessly to obtain her bachelor’s degree. Her commitment to her studies eventually allowed her to realize her dream and she began working as a registered nurse in pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101.
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.
William “Billy” Rew
The City of Boston held a special place in his heart, as did the brotherhood of ironworkers Local #7
William P. “Billy” Rew, 67, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, in Akron, New York, with family at his side.
Born on July 10, 1957, in Niagara Falls, New York, Billy dedicated much of his working life to Iron Worker’s Local #7 in Boston —a career he deeply loved. His time in Boston was marked not only by hard work and craftsmanship, but he was a legend at EDDIE C’s and he was loved by the ITAM club. The city held a special place in his heart, as did the brotherhood of ironworkers with whom he shared so many years.
He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Barbara (Allan) Winstanley and his brother, Michael. His legacy continues through his nieces and nephew, who knew him as someone who could always bring a smile to their faces.
Billy was predeceased by his parents, William and Patricia (Sweet), as well as his brother, Patrick.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and joy to those who recall his laughter.
John Michael Roberts
His life was marked by his passion for sports and his commitment to family
John Michael Roberts, a devoted son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on June 6, 2025. He was born on October 26, 1967.
John was the cherished son of June Roberts and the late John Roberts. He grew up in East Boston where he lived. He was the dear brother of Maria Roberto and her husband, Louie. He was an adored uncle to his nieces and nephews: Joseph Roberto and his wife, Michelle, Alexandra Padovani and her husband, Dante, Matthew Roberto and his wife, Maria, Marc Roberto, and Justin Roberto. John had many great nieces and nephews: Alana, Nadia, Louie, Joseph, Maria, Siena, Olivia, Santino, Alessandra and Stefano. His presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
John’s life was marked by his passion for sports and his commitment to his family. John worked for Verizon for 30 years. As a hockey player, he excelled at Malden Catholic High School and later at Plymouth State College, where his talent and sportsmanship were evident on the ice. His love for Boston sports was unparalleled, and he was a fixture at his nephews’ sporting events, cheering them on with vigor and pride.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, John was a devoted caregiver to his mother, embodying a profound sense of love and unwavering dedication. His compassion extended far beyond, Each day, he showed up for her with patience, tenderness and quiet strength. In caring for her, he revealed the very best parts of himself: loyalty, humility, and an unshakeable commitment to those he loved.
An animal lover at heart, John’s dog, Remy and cat, Ella were very important to him. He loved Remy deeply, and Remy rarely left his side.
John’s capacity for friendship knew no bounds. He was a treasured friend to many, including John and Tina Parziale. John is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
As we say farewell, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the memories we hold dear and the impact he made on our lives. John will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.
Family and friends will gather at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., East Boston on Thursday, June 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in funeral procession to St. Joseph – St. Lazarus Church, Ashley Street, East Boston for an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass in celebration of John’s life. Services will conclude with John being laid to rest with his father, John at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Malden Catholic High School c/o Advancement Office, 99 Crystal St., Malden, MA 02148 or visit Giving – Malden Catholic (https://www.maldencatholic.org/giving)