Priscilla Rivers
Retired Winthrop High School Guidance Counselor
Priscilla B. (Bradford) Rivers of 91 West Myrtle Street, Orange, died at home early on December 26 following an illness with her loving husband at her side. She was 87 years old.
Born in Spencer on August 17, 1923, she was a daughter of Willis and Lucy (Perry) Bradfor. She grew up in Spencer and the Brookfields and moved to Orange in 1939. She was a graduate of Orange High School, Class of 1941, received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1944 and her Masters Degree from Boston University in 1966._
She married Robert Rivers in 1945 and the couple has enjoyed 65 years together. A guidance counselor at Winthrop High School, she retired after 25 years. She was a member of the Orange Central Congregational Church, enjoyed gardening and wood working, and was an avid photographer._
Survivors include her husband, Robert Rivers of Orange; daughters, Lucy Whitmarsh and her husband, Jim Kane, of Silver City, New Mexico and Rosalind Rivers and her husband, Richard Krause, of East Amherst, New York; a son, Robert Rivers and his wife, Cynde Collins, of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, David Whitmarsh, William Krause, and Allison Krause; several great-grandchildren; and several great, great-grandchildren._
Funeral arrangements were by Witty’s Funeral Home, Orange, MA. Burial was in South Cemetery, Orange. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Gardner VNA, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440. Guest book is available online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com.
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Mary Tranquillo
East Boston resident
Mary (Robbins) Tranquillo of East Boston died on January 1.
She was the beloved wife of the late Paul; devoted mother of Cheryl Trainito of Winthrop and the late Paul Jr.; dear sister of Madeline Gould of Florida and the sister of two late brothers and two late sisters; cherished grandmother of Brianna and Bianca and the late Jeremy Marchesi and adored great grandmother of Jacob and Emma.
Visiting hours in the Ruggiero Mazzarella Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St. (Orient Heights) East Boston will be on Saturday January 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. For complimentary transportation to and from the funeral home please call 617 569 0990. For more information or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit: www.ruggieromh.com.
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Antoinette D’Agresto
Member of Third Order of St. Francis
Antoinette “Toni” D’Agresto of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on January 4. She was in her 98th year.
She was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis and a 1932 graduate of Fitton High School.
The cherished daughter of the late Domenic and Liberata (Diiovanni) D’Agresto, she was the dear sister of Louis of Bridgewater and the late James J., Camilla Martin and Caroline Lyons and fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral will be held from Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, 262 Beach St., Revere, Friday morning at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in The Most Holy Redeemer Church, East Boston at 10 a.m. Family and friends may visit today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. For directions and guest book: www.vazzafunerals.com.
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Anthony DeFelice
Newspaperman, sports enthusiast and consummate family man
Anthony “Lefty” DeFelice, newspaperman, sports enthusiast, consummate family man and a very prominent and respected man in this community, died from natural causes on December 30 at his Winthrop home. He was 99 years old.
Mr. DeFelice was born in East Boston on September 18, 1911 and moved to Winthrop in 1942. He graduated from East Boston High School in 1927 at the age of 15. He was in the printing profession and worked in the newspaper business (Record American, Boston Herald, and Boston Globe) for more than 50 years. He was a member of the International Typographical Union.
“Lefty” loved sports, especially baseball. He was a left-handed first baseman and outfielder and his teammates dubbed him “Lefty” when he was about 12 years old. He played semi-professional baseball for the Boston Typos for years and later became the team’s business manager. He played handball from his childhood on, and with his trademark finesse and skill, was the New England Handball Champion in the 1940s. He played twice at week at the Paris Street Gym until age 75.
His passion for sports was undeniable and he had the great pleasure of following his sons’ athletic careers in football and baseball as players and then later as coaches. He attended every Winthrop High School football game until his early 90s when he could no longer see the players on the field. He became a fixture at the grill from the inaugural Winthrop Vikings Father’s Day Football Pancake Breakfast and as a rare invited guest on the team football bus. His support of student athletics and his popularity in the town earned him the informal title of “Mr. Winthrop” in 2000.
“Lefty” was one in a million – a gracious and warmhearted man, a generous and guiding spirit, a loyal friend, a good neighbor and citizen, and above all, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who weaved faith, principles, integrity, hope, and humor into the framework of his family.
He loved the beach, his famous tomato garden and sitting on his porch in his white rocker. Until his death, he was seen regularly in Winthrop Center having a cup of coffee and attending daily mass at St. John’s Church.
Anthony DeFelice lived a long and happy life. He was beloved by his family, the members of his church, his town and myriad friends of many generations.
The son of the late Leonardo and Lucia (Frisoli) DeFelice, he outlived all his siblings: Peter, Leo, Gus, Michael and Dominic and sister, Rocchina Granese. He was married to the love of his life, Eleanor Cataldo, for 66 1/2 years and is survived by his sons, Francis of Swampscott; Robert of Winthrop and his daughter Susan of Winthrop; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
His funeral was conducted from the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son Funeral Home, Winthrop on Monday followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church. Rev. Peter Graziano celebrated the Mass and offered prayers at the burial in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery. To sign his online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Saint John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop Street, Winthrop, MA 02152.
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Rhonda Falzone
Fought Multiple Sclerosis for 19 years
Rhonda M. (Cianciulli) Falzone of East Boston died on December 30 surrounded by the love of her family at the Massachusetts General Hospital following a 19 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was 52 years old.
Her family and their love surrounded her throughout her illness.
She was born in Winthrop and lived in East Boston all her life. A 1976 graduate of East Boston High School, she worked briefly in global aviation at Logan Airport in Customer Relations.
She was the cherished mother of John M. Falzone and his wife, Kerry, of Manchester, NH and David R. Falzone of East Boston; devoted daughter of Salvatore and Mildred E. (Casaletto) Cianciulli of East Boston; the sister of Gail M. Poirer and her husband, Scott, of East Boston and Boston Fire Lt. Jerry M. Cianciulli and his wife, Laurie, of Peabody and the adoring grandmother of Lucas J. and Alexa M. Falzone of Manchester, NH. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral arrangements are by the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) Revere. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated today, Thursday, January 6 at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, East Boston. Burial will be private. Remembrances may be made to: NTAF-Northeast Lung Transplant in honor of Brian Sullivan, 150 North Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-120, Radnor, PA 19087.
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Joan Kathryn Hanlon
Of California, formerly of Winthrop
Joan Kathryn (Greene) Hanlon, born on January 17, 1928, died peacefully in the presence of her loving family after a long illness at her home in Fallbrook, California.
The beloved wife of Philip P. Hanlon, she was born in Winthrop, attended both Boston and Emerson College and worked for the New England Power Co. in Boston before being hired as an airline stewardess with American Airlines.
She and Philip were introduced in 1953 by her brother, Arthur Greene, and were married at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Fresno, CA on April 24, 1954. They took up residence in Southern California, where they raised their five children. She was a devout Roman Catholic and an active member of her parish. She enjoyed cooking, swimming and diving, studying theology, and travel. Her passion for travel led her and her husband to Ireland, England, the Holy Land, Greece, and throughout North America.
She was very artistic and had a natural talent for painting with both oil and acrylics. Her favorite scenes to depict were seashores of both Massachusetts and California. She loved family life and all the excitement that it brought, including 4-H projects and fairs, football and basketball, drama clubs, PTA and CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine).
She and her husband celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in April 2010. They lived in Orange, California for 32 years and spent the last five years in Fallbrook, CA, living close to three of their daughters who reside in the San Diego area.
In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her children, Maureen Taylor, Kevin Hanlon, Elaine Hanlon, Laura Hanlon and Denise Lindgren. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one on the way. Her surviving siblings are Carol Driscoll, Richard Greene, Robert Greene and Ann Cole.
A visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m. at Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 8 at 12 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fallbrook, CA. Private burial will be held at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego 6632 Convoy Ct., San Diego, CA 92111 in memory of Joan Kathryn Hanlon.
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Marie Gracie Bucca
Winthrop School System retiree
Marie Gracie Bucca died on January 2 after a long struggle with Alzheimers’ Disease. She was 83 years old.
She was born to Anne and Angelo Picceo on August 31, 1927 and lived in Brockton before moving to East Boston as a young girl with her mother and five sisters after the death of their young father, Angelo. She married Patsy Bucca in 1949 and the couple moved to Winthrop in 1963.
She worked many years as a teaching assistant in the special needs preschool for the Winthrop Public School System, retiring in 1998. Before her illness, Mrs. Bucca enjoyed walking, reading, cooking, attending theater and movies and spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren. Her home was always open to her family, her friends, her children’s friends and her many nieces and nephews. Her generous, abundant and love filled kitchen has been and will continue to be missed by all who knew her.
She was the beloved mother of Patrice Schoetter, AnneMarie Bucca and Paula Bucca Karl and the wife of the late Patsy Vincent Bucca; the beloved mother in law of Harry Schoettler of Fresno CA and Clem Karl of Andover MA;Â the beloved grandmother of Patrick and Maria Schoettler of Fresno CA and Andrew, Jacob and Grace Karl of Andover MA. She is also survived by her beloved brothers in-law, Vincent J. Bucca of Saugus, Louis Visco and Dario Fortunato of Winthrop and her dear friend Ella Wessling. Her beloved nieces and nephews include Daria Fortunato, Robert Fortunato, Patty Persico, Linda Persico, Georgianna Spencer, Diane Duplin, Lisa Miller, David Visco, Mark Visco , Stephen Visco, Diane Martiniello, Donna Bucca Brinkerhoff, Frank Bucca, Kim Martino, Frank Wessling, Bill Wessling, Linda Wessling, Susan Wessling and Kara Wessling. She was the sister of the late Anne Fortunato, Barbara Persico, Margaret Picceo, Dominica Iorio, and Irene Visco.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son Funeral Home, 147 Winthrop St., Winthrop today, Thursday, January 6 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited. For memorial donations or to sign her online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
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Marie Miner
Of Hyannis, formerly of Winthrop
Marie C. Miner of Canterbury Circle, Hyannis, formerly of Winthrop, died at home on January 2. She was 76 years old.
Born in Winthrop, she was the daughter of the late Eleanor F. (Douglas) and Edmund W. Barry Sr. She was rasied in Winthrop and was a graduate of Winthrop High School. She worked in the Registry of Probate after High School until she became a full time mother in 1963.
She is survived by three children; Michael W. Miner and his wife, Patricia, of West Roxbury, Timothy I. Minor and his wife, Roseann, of Marshfield and Meredith Miner-Waites and her husband, Tim, of Natick. She also leaves one grandchild, Ryan. She was the sister of Edmund W. Barry Jr., Thomas L. Barry, Paul D. Barry, Nancy A. Oncavage, Richard J. Barry and the late James F. Barry.
Her funeral will be conducted from the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son Funeral Home, 147 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Friday, January 7 at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow the Mass in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 2 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. For memorial donations or to sign her online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
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Angelo DeLuca
Awarded French Legion of Honor, owned DeLuca’s Market for more than 60 years
Angelo H. DeLuca, a lifelong resident of Revere, died unexpectedly on December 28. He was 91 years old.
Mr. DeLuca was born and raised in Revere and was a 1937 graduate of Revere High School. He entered the US Army in September of 1943 and served until October of 1945 when he was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Only recently did his family become aware of the magnitude of Mr. DeLuca’s valiant and magnanimous service to his country. Over 63 years ago, Sgt. DeLuca pulled Harold Choate, a private with the 90th Infantry Division in Europe, from a burning building in Paris after Choate was severely injured by shrapnel.
After 63 years, in the summer of 2009, Choate came to Revere from his home in Winston Salem, NC, to re-connect with DeLuca and to inform DeLuca’s family of what had happened during the war. It was a story that DeLuca never mentioned. Choate was especially thrilled to be able to visit with Mr. DeLuca’s sister Theresa J. Crivello and her family and to share the details and the emotional impact of DeLuca’s selfless act. When Harold Choate made his memorable trip, he was able to complete and add details of the many outstanding acts of bravery and patriotism that DeLuca accomplished.
DeLuca was the recipient of the Purple Heart with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, representing three separate instances of injury during battle, the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He was recently awarded the “Legion of Honor” Medal by the French Government for service above and beyond, the single highest award given by France.
Upon returning from the service, Mr. DeLuca continued to work in the family business “DeLuca’s Market” on Beach Street in Revere. The store, which was opened by his father and mother, Thomas V. and Fannie (Fuccia) DeLuca in 1926, provided customers with the finest of meat products, especially their own hand made sausages. Customers came from all parts of the North and South Shore, Boston area communities and even from New Hampshire for their fine food products.
After the death of their mother in 1979, Angelo DeLuca and his sister, Theresa, continued to operate the business which finally closed this year. During the depression and the subsequent war years, the store on Beach Street was a Godsend for many of the struggling neighborhood families who still remember with impassioned gratitude the generosities and charity of the DeLuca Family.
Angelo was a beacon of strength, dignity and humility. He always brought a smile to everyone’s heart with his wit and humor.
He was the son of the late Thomas V. and Fannie (Puccia) DeLuca; cherished brother of Theresa J. Crivello and her husband, Vincent Sr., of Revere and the late Ralph DeLuca; devoted companion of the late Ruth A. Powers; beloved uncle of Vincent Crivello Jr. and his wife, Marie E., of Revere, Janet M. Pletcher and her husband, Stephen D., of Prides Crossing, Marilyn J. Kobus and her husband, Anton H., of Manchester, MA, Stephanie Melchionno and her husband, Victor, of Exeter, NH, Ann Marie Colotti and her husband, Harold, of Nashua, NH, Patricia Celantano and her husband, John, of Peabody. He is also lovingly survived by his sister-in- law, Angela DeLuca of Exeter, NH, many grandnieces and grandnephews and also by the Michael Kuntupis Family of Swampscott and the North Shore.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108.
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Fred Nardone
Retired Postal Worker, shoe salesman
Fred Nardone, born, raised, and a long-time resident of Revere, died December 21. He was 91 years old.
A US Army veteran of World War II, he worked as a shoe salesman for Coward Shoe in Boston for many years and was also a retired postal worker in Boston. He was a former musician in the U.S. Army Band and the U.S. Postal Band. Mr. Nardone was also a former member of the Winthrop Elks Lodge.
He was the loving father of Barbara Comeau and her husband, Eugene, of Covington, GA, Thomas W. Nardone and his wife, Dorothy, of Revere, and the late Fred Nardone Jr. of Lynn. He is also lovingly survived by a sister, Louise Bianchi, formerly of Revere, and the loving brother of the late Philomena Lillo and Angelo Nardone, both of Revere and Ann Cooke of Malden; loving grandfather of Chris Comeau and his wife, Amy, of Conyers, GA, Lance Comeau and his wife, Christine, of North Kingston, RI, Thomas M. Nardone and his wife, Alison, of Nashua, NH, Eric Nardone of Lynn, and the late Mark Nardone of Lynn; great grandfather of Joshua Comeau of Georgia, Ryan Comeau of Rhode Island, Matthew, William, Rebecca, and Samuel Nardone of New Hampshire. He is also lovingly survived by several nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be announced at a later date.
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Louis Manganiello
Of Revere, formerly of East Boston
Louis A. Manganiello of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on January 1, New Years Day.
A US Army and National Guard veteran, he was the beloved husband of Doris (Vierira) Manganiello with whom he shared 58 years of marriage; dear brother of Michael Manganiello of California, Frank Manganiello of Weymouth, Connie Autilio of East Boston and the late Anna Correale and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. For guestbook: www.vazzafunerals.com.
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Harry Cole
Member of Several Organizations
Harry A.”Sonny” Cole of Chelsea, formerly of Revere and Winthrop, died on January 1. He was 87 years old.
A veteran of World War II and a member of several organizations, he was the devoted husband of 61 years of the late Cissy (Simons) Cole; beloved father of Joseph and Inez Cole and Robert and Ellen Cole; cherished grandfather of Jason and Heather Cole, Pamela, Alexander and Carolyn Cole; adored great grandfather of Elyssa and Halen Cole; dear brother of the late Anita Linker.
Arrangements were by The Goldman Funeral Chapel, Malden. Burial was in Everett. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be donated to the Jewish National Fund, Magen Dovid Adom, the Jimmy Fund or a charity of one’s choice. Special thanks to all the aides, doctors and nurses of Beth Israel Hospital and Kaplan House Hospice of Danvers for their kind compassionate care. For online condolences go to: www.goldmanfc.com.
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Paul Masciulli
Of Revere, formerly of East Boston
Paul Masciulli of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on December 28 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 49 years old.
He was the husband of Lisa (Cipriano) Masciulli; devoted father of Paul and Phillip Masciulli of East Boston; loving son of Prudence”Prudy”(Firicano) and the late James Masciulli of Revere; cherished grandson of Edith (Carbone) and the late Ralph Masciulli Sr. and the late Paul and Anna (Vitale) Firicano; dear brother of James R Masciulli of Revere and Lorraine Burri and her husband, Steven, of East Boston. He is also survived by his many fond aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral arrangements were under the personal care of Ruggiero Mazzarella Memorial Home, East Boston 617 569 0990 For information, please visit www.ruggieromh.com.