Obituaries 07-14-2025

Rosalie “Ro” Sarro

Retired nurse, avid sports fan and gardener

 Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours today, Thursday August 14th from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere for Rosalie C. “Ro” Sarro, who died peacefully at her home in Saugus surrounded by her family and dearest friends on Thursday, August 7th, following a long illness. She was 87 years old. A Funeral Service will be conducted in the funeral home at 11 a.m., followed by interment in Riverside Cemetery, Saugus.

Ro, as she was known to everyone who knew her, was born on May 5, 1938 in Winthrop. She was an only child, raised and educated in Revere and a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1957. She pursued a successful nursing career. She earned her nursing diploma at the Somerville Hospital School of Nursing. She then studied at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health to earn her B.S.N. Ro took her studies very seriously. She began her career at the Winthrop Community Hospital and was a Nursing Supervisor for over 30 years. She then returned to the Somerville Hospital for an additional 15 years, before retiring. Ro then returned to Winthrop for several years as the Health Department Nurse.

She was an avid Boston sports fan and gardener. She cherished spending her summers at her cottage at the Seaglass Village in Wells, Maine. Ro’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.

The beloved daughter of the late Faustino Sarro and Antoinette (Antosca) Sarro and  the dear friend of Maureen D. Santiano of Saugus, Patricia Demers of Peabody and Debbie and Bob Gerety of Woburn, she is also lovingly survived by her extended family: Robert Santiano and his wife, Anne of Saugus, and the late Richard Santiano and Michael Santiano, III. She was the treasured aunt of Michael Santiano, Maryanne Williams, Julie Santiano and Montana Santiano and great aunt to seven nieces and nephews. She was also the beloved friend to many both here and in Maine.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Jeffrey & Susan Brudnick Center for the Living, Rehab. Unit, 240 Lynnfield Street, Peabody, MA 01960.

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.

John Domenico

Educator, athlete, coach and retired Winthrop High School Principal

John J. Domenico passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 97 at Northern Lights Medical Center in Ellsworth, ME, with his wife, Elaine, and son-in-law, Bernard, by his side. He was born in Boston on March 10, 1928, to the late Carmen and Rose (Vitale) Domenico. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara L. Connolly; his sister, Althea R. Paige (Emil) of Marblehead and his brother, Carmen S. Domenico (Theresa) of Winthrop.

Mr. Domenico was a loving uncle to the late John L. Paige, Althea Bertrand (Steve) of Lexington, Robert Domenico (Sharon) of East Boston, and Donna Boutin of Winthrop, as well as to all their children. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine (Everbeck) Foley Domenico; their family, Michelle Foley-Bellamy and Bernard Bellamy Jr. of Bass Harbor, ME; Robert J. Foley (Dawn) of Mesa, AZ; and Brian J. Foley of Phoenix, AZ. Papa John will be greatly missed by his loving grandchildren, Ryan Foley-Bellamy, Annie Foley, Rob Foley, Kayla Gould, and Kiara Foley-Bellamy.

Mr. Domenico was a dear friend to the Benson family, including the late Kay and Harry Benson; Ruth, his cherished goddaughter, of Plymouth; Russ Morrison of Plymouth; Trina Benson; Harry W. Benson of Winthrop; and the late Claire Mayer of South Dennis. He was like a second father to many, particularly loving his special bond with Howie Conley of Saugus and Ted Conley of Winthrop. His cherished friends in Winthrop, including the tennis community, teaching associates, classmates, and former students, held a special place in his heart.

Though he was born in Boston, Mr. Domenico spent most of his 97 years in Winthrop. He attended Winthrop High School in the early 1940s, graduating in 1945 as Class Vice President and receiving the Bentley Swift Memorial Cup for Athletic Achievement and Good Citizenship. He went on to attend Northeastern University and played varsity baseball as a freshman (1945-46). His military service included two years in the U.S. Navy (1946-48) at Camp Bainbridge, MD, and Newport, RI, where he played baseball on the station team as well as for a semi-pro team in Newport. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1948.

After leaving the Navy, he re-enrolled at Northeastern University, continued to play varsity baseball, and spent summers playing with the Winthrop Varsity Club (1948-50). He attended the University of Maine for his junior year but was ineligible for baseball due to the NCAA transfer rule; however, he played varsity tennis for two years and graduated in 1952. Mr. Domenico taught English at Presque Isle High School for half a year before beginning a 34-year career with the Winthrop Public Schools. He served as an English and Physical Education teacher at Winthrop Junior High School (1952-54), an English teacher and varsity baseball coach at Winthrop High School (1954-61), assistant principal of Winthrop High School for nine years (1961-70), and principal of Winthrop High School for 16 years (1970-86).

He was Past Exalted Ruler (PER) of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks #1078 (1966-67) and an Honorary Life Member for 73 years (1952-2025). He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Sons of Italy, as well as a past president of the Rotary Club of Winthrop. He received the United States Jaycees Man of the Year Award in 1978. One of his prized accomplishments was being a founding member of the Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame (1996), his induction into the hall (2006), and serving as Past President until 2022.

For many years, Mr. Domenico was integral to Winthrop youth sports through the Winthrop Park and Recreation Departments, the Saint John’s Boys Club, and as a tennis and baseball coach. He was an accomplished tennis player, and he enjoyed the sport well into his 90’s. He received many tributes during his life and greatly appreciated the kindness and recognition from the Town of Winthrop.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 16, , at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop, at 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with military honors in the Cross Street section of Winthrop Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Domenico’s memory to the Athletic Hall of Fame: Winthrop High School Hall of Fame P.O. Box 520343 Winthrop, MA 02152.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Nancy “Dolly” Raffaele

Time spent with family brought her the greatest joy

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Nancy “Dolly” (Noto) Raffaele who passed at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her devoted family.

Born on October 29, 1944 in East Boston, she was raised there before she and her husband made Winthrop their home and raised their family.

She was the beloved wife of the late John “JR” Raffaele, the love of her life. She is survived by her two loving children, Melissa Wasson and her husband, Scot and John Raffaele Jr., all of Winthrop. She was known as “Mema” to her cherished grandchildren, Cody and his wife, Hannah, Derek and John III. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was the loving daughter of the late Salvatore and Anna (Minchella) Noto. She is also survived by her brother, Sonny Noto and his wife, Evelyn of Lynnfield as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dolly was a very talented, hairdresser (non-practicing) and had a great sense of style. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Spending time together with them brought her the greatest joy. She also loved trips to the casino with her husband, good friends and daughter.

The funeral mass was held Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in St. John the Evangelist Church. The interment was private. To  sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.

Michael J. Amico, Jr.

Retired machinist also known as an incredible baker and talented gardener

Family and friends attended Visiting Hours on Monday, August 11th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals,26 2 Beach St., Revere for Michael J. Amico, Jr., who died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 6th at his home in Revere. He was 91 years old. A Funeral Mass at St. John The Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop was followed by entombment at Holy Cross Community Mausoleum, Malden.

Michael was born on October 9, 1933, in Boston to his late parents, Michele and

Josephine Amico. He was one of three children raised and educated in East Boston and a graduate of East Boston High School, Class of 1951. Immediately following high school, Michael began working in construction. He made himself a career, mastering his craft and finding his niche. Along the way, he learned many trade skills to earn a living. He later became a machinist and worked at Boston Centerless in Malden, spanning 25 years. During this time, Michael married the love of his life, Josephine (Ippolito) on October 6, 1957. The couple began their life together in East Boston and later moved to Winthrop. They made their home in Winthrop and together had two daughters, who Michael loved unconditionally. He and his wife were blessed to welcome four grandchildren.

Michael was known for his incredible baking skills. He enjoyed baking all types of pastries, cakes, cookies, and whatever else he could create. Michael was also an incredibly talented gardener growing many vegetables, herbs, and flowers. He truly found great happiness, with these passions. Michael later moved to Revere, overlooking Revere Beach, enjoying the scenery of people walking the beach and simply the beauty of the ocean and sunsets. His legacy undoubtedly will be remembering him for being a great family man and cherishing them immensely.

The beloved husband of 48 years to the late Josephine (Ippolito) Amico, he was the loving father of Grace A. Gagin and her husband, Stephen of Winthrop and Donna A. Moore and her husband, John of Revere; the cherished grandfather of Kyle B. Gagin of Winthrop, Deanna N. Hanifin and her husband, Chris of Stoughton, Amanda J. Gagin and her partner, Anthony of Winthrop and Ashley M. Tierney and her husband, Matthew of Melrose and the adored great grandfather of Michael and Henry; the treasured brother of Mary Grace Feeney and her husband, Stephen of Winthrop and the late Carmen Amico and his wife, Mary. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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.

Sheila Hazel Pike

Affectionately known as “the honeybee,” she will always be remembered for her friendly, chatty nature, and kindheartedness

Sheila Hazel Pike, 79, died peacefully surrounded by her family in New Jersey. Sheila was born in 1945 in Revere and was raised by her mother, Mary Frances Harrington alongside her two brothers, John Powers and William Hazel. Sheila and her brothers often recounted the many wonderful times they had growing up on Revere Beach exploring the shores, playing on the boardwalk, and at times, getting into what Sheila would call “mischief.”

Sheila loved donating her time to many civic organizations, especially political campaigns, which led her to meet her lifelong partner and husband, Charles Pike. The two met at a rally where she worked as a Peabody girl, supporting a campaign for former Governor Peabody of Massachusetts. Charlie, who was a recent graduate of Boston College, found Sheila’s playful nature endearing. The two found a special connection exploring New England on weekends and relaxing on the picturesque coastline.

They married in 1969 and moved to Winthrop. Within a few years, the couple welcomed two daughters, Kristen and Stephanie. They moved their family to Lynnfield in the summer of 1977, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Sheila, a woman filled with compassion and empathy, took great pride in being part of her community. She volunteered countless hours as a teacher’s assistant in the Special Education Program for the Lynnfield Public Schools and was always the first mom to raise her hand to lead a local Girl Scout troop. She truly understood the ethical principle of “love thy neighbor” and went out of her way to be at the bedside of an ailing neighbor offering them emotional and practical support. Sheila’s true love was always her family and home.

Her two daughters were her pride and joy. Sheila always encouraged her children to be active and involved. Each day was filled with activity and adventure. She fostered their love for learning and trying new experiences that they pass down to their children even today. In her free time, she could often be seen outside tending to her garden, making sure her plantings were meticulous. She had a knack for decorating and never overlooked the tiny details that would make every event a special occasion. As she grew older, her creativity expanded into sewing and scrapbooking, hobbies that would later be passed down to her family.

In 2002, Sheila and Charlie welcomed the first of their five grandchildren. She extended her familiar selflessness and endless devotion to her grandchildren and some of her happiest moments were spent with them. As a wife, mother, and nana, she was adored. She never missed a birthday party, musical, recital, or sporting event that they were involved in, often driving hours to be a part of their special moments. The children would often look out into the crowd, seeing her beaming with pride at their accomplishments.

In their later life, family vacations and travel became important. Although Cape Cod was their first love for summer vacations, they also enjoyed traveling abroad. This led Sheila to England and Ireland where she reconnected with distant family members. Sheila treasured these memories and recounted these years as the fondest of her life. Sheila cherished the family they built, which was evident upon her passing, as she was surrounded by the beautiful pictures and memories with which her life was filled.

Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Pike, she is survived by her daughters, Kristen Landolfi and Stephanie Martino. She was the proud grandmother of Olivia, Samantha, Paige, Jack, and Charlotte. Affectionately known as “the honeybee,” she will always be remembered for her friendly, chatty nature, and kindheartedness.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20th, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 758 Salem Streetl Lynnfield. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.