Obituaries 09-05-2025

Michael Edward DeSpirito

He was instrumental in founding the drug court in the East Boston court system; giving a second chance in life to many

Michael Edward DeSpirito, of Winthrop, formerly of East Boston, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.  He was the devoted son of the late Edward and Jennie DeSpirito, and the beloved husband of Jacqueline (Brunelle) DeSpirito. Michael was the loving father of Ellie “Jenna” DeSpirito, Kristina Ventresca and her husband, Michael, Michael Susi and his wife, Kim and Alessandra Susi and her fiancé, Tim Dalton; cherished brother of Karen DeSpirito and proud uncle of Krista Carlson and her husband, Scott, and Kayleigh Carlson. Michael was a proud and adoring grandfather to Michael Ventresca, Grayson Susi and Theo Susi. He also shared a special bond with his feline pal, Luna. He will be deeply missed by his many cousins, extended family, and countless friends. 

Not only was Michael a pillar of strength to his countless friends and his dear family, he devoted his life to helping numerous people find recovery. He was instrumental in founding the drug court in the East Boston court system; giving a second chance in life to many. No matter what you were going through, Michael would be there with advice and a joke to make you crack a smile just when you thought you couldn’t.  While he liked to make up his own lyrics, Michael was a true lover of music and could name off any Beatles song. He was also a big fan of old Westerns and perhaps in another life was the closest an East Boston man could ever get to being a cowboy.

Michael lives on in the countless nicknames he has given to anyone lucky enough to cross his path, the stories he has retold enough times that we can all recite them, and his timeless sense of fashion-including Hawaiian shirts.  Family and friends will honor Michael’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, East Boston, on Friday, September 5th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday morning at 9 a,m. before leaving in procession to St. Joseph – St. Lazarus Church, East Boston, for a 10 a,m. Funeral Mass. Michael will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mchael’s memory may be made to the Meridian House, online at https://web.charityengine.net/Default.aspx?tsid=28869 or checks payable to North Suffolk Community Services may be sent to 301 Broadway, Chelsea MA 02150. Please note the donation should be directed to Meridian House. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.ruggieromh.com.