Charles Karpenko
Member of the 5-2 Club of Chelsea
Charles R. Karpenko of Revere, formerly of Chelsea, died on February 2.
A late member of the 5-2 Club of Chelsea, he was the beloved husband of the late Jennie (Scrivano); devoted father of Jeanette Durgin of N. Andover, Charles A. Karpenko of Amesbury, Richard Karpenko and his wife, Ernestine of Saugus, Alfred Karpenko of Saugus and Carol DeSimone of Revere; dear brother of Frederick Karpenko and his wife, Carmela of East Boston and the late Anna Palermo, Helen Palermo and Rose Williams; cherished grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 13.
His Funeral will be held from the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons~Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere on Friday, February 5 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony’s Church at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting Hours are today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. For online guestbook and memorial, please visit: www.Buonfiglio.com
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Joseph Bocchetti
Active in many fraternal organizations
Joseph M. Bocchetti of Revere, formerly of East Boston and Chelsea, died on Saturday, January 30 at the Lahey Clinic, Burlington following a long illness. He was 80 years old.
Born in Tewksbury and raised in East Boston, he attended Boston Public Schools and entered the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, proudly serving his country. When “Joe” returned home, he began a career in the Construction field. He worked as a “Rigger” for several of the larger construction companies in and around the Boston Area. Due to failing health, Joe was forced to retire.
Joe was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1272 , Revere, Beachmont V.F.W. Post #6712, American Legion Post #61, Joseph L. Mottola VFW Post # 4524 and The Sons of Italy of Revere.
He was known for being very social and was very active in many of the area’s fraternal organizations. He had a love for playing cards with the guys at many of the social clubs. He especially liked playing “Gin” & “Texas Hold’em”. He was a Regular at Suffolk Downs, betting or just socializing. During his life, Joe resided in East Boston, Chelsea and Revere.
He was the loving and devoted father of James J. Bocchetti of Revere, Joseph V. Bocchetti and his wife, Lisa L. of Haverhill and Joanne M. Peters and her husband, Carleton M. of Lynn; cherished grandfather of Vanessa M. Pozerski and her husband, Christopher of Crofton, Maryland., Eric Russano of Revere, Marissa C. and Ashley N. Bocchetti, both of Haverhill; adored great grandfather of Hayden Robert Pozerski. He was the beloved son of the late Vincent Muscara and Concetta “Connie” Bocchetti. He is also lovingly survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Vertuccio and Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107 ) Revere. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, N.E. Chapter, 60 Walnut St. Wellesley, MA 02481.
Please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
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Marie Cole
Animal lover whose life centered around family
Marie C. Cole, a longtime Chelsea resident, passed away on January 18 after a brief illness at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. She was 86 years old.
Born and raised in Revere, she was one of three children born to Vito and Therese (Rizzo) Lepore. After attending High School, Marie worked for a brief time at Schraft’s Candies in Boston. In the late 1940’s, she married Edward L. Cole and shared 45 years together before his passing in 1991.
A devoted homemaker and mother of four, she also worked outside of the home at Bartolo’s Café in East Boston where she was the cook and table waitress.
Her life centered around family and in her lifetime Marie enjoyed many simple pleasures; such as sitting in front of her home on Saipan Road. enjoying the sun and passing time playing her electronic board games. Playing bingo and other games of chance at Foxwoods, Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Feeding the urban wildlife; squirrels and a disabled neighborhood raccoon. And of course her favorite feline companions “Gypsy” and “Kimba.”
In addition to her parents and husband, Marie was also preceded in death by her siblings; Robert Lepore and Jean Sarmanian. She is survived by her beloved children and their spouses, Edward L. Cole, Jr. and his wife, Janet of Chelsea, James W. Cole and his wife, Denise, Thomas “Bucky” Cole and his wife, Carol of Saugus, Patsy Pistone of Revere and her late husband,, Guy. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Hallmark Health VNA & Hospice, 178 Savin St., Ste 300, Malden, MA 02148 or Alzheimer’s Assoc. 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472
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Anna Recupero
Of East Boston, formerly of Sicily
Anna (Rizzo) Recupero of East Boston, formerly of Sicily, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving and devoted family on January 30.
She was the beloved wife of Giuseppe; devoted mother of Giovanni and his wife, Anna of Chelsea, Francesco, Giuesppe and his wife, Carol, all of East Boston; dear sister of Leo Rizzo of Rhode Island, Salvatore Francesca and Antonia Rizzo, all of Italy and the late Nino and Calogero. She was the adored grandmother of 19; great grandmother of 27; great great grandmother of five. She also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor Anna’s life by gathering in the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St. (Orient Heights) East Boston at 8:30 a.m. today, Thursday, before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, Brooks Street, East Boston for a Funeral Mass in celebration of Anna’s life at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with Anna being laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery. For complimentary transportation to and from the funeral home, please call 617 569 0990. For more information visit: www.ruggieromh.com
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Kenneth Parrow, Jr.
Retired Chelsea Fire Captain and former Ward Five Alderman
Kenneth J. Parrow, Jr. passed away January 27 at the Chelsea Soldiers Home where he had been receiving supportive care for the past few years. He was 91 years old.
Born, raised and a lifelong resident of Chelsea, he was one of five sons of the late CFF Kenneth J., Sr. and Kathleen (Thornton) Parow. Kenny attended local schools and was a member of Chelsea High School, Class of 1941. He enlisted in the US Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged in February of 1946.
Shortly after returning home to Chelsea, he wed his beloved Alice Therese Rennie. The couple remained in Chelsea and together raised their family of three sons and one daughter.
As a young father, he joined the Chelsea Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his late father, Chelsea Firefighter Kenneth Parow, Sr., His father was one of the first of Chelsea professional firefighters who died several years earlier from line of duty injuries in 1943. Kenny rose through the ranks retiring at the rank of Fire Captain in 1982 after 33 years of service to the community.
He also served as union president of the Chelsea Firefighters Local 937 and under Mayor Spellman, Kenny was the civil defense director for Chelsea. In his retirement, he was elected to the Chelsea Board of Alderman representing the city’s Ward 5 district.
In September of 2014, he was widowed after 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife Theresa. In addition to his wife and parents, Kenny was also preceded in death by three brothers: Walter J., Robert J., and Edward Brian Parow. He was the devoted father of Kenneth J. Parow, III of Chelsea, Donna Marie Cronin of Hardyston, NJ, Richard J. Parow and his wife, Mary Alice of Windham, NH and Robert J. Parow and his wife, Terry of Wilmington; dear brother of George V. Parow of Clearwater FL and is also lovingly survived by his grandchildren: Michael K. Cronin and his wife, Amanda, Shawn R. Parow, Dr. Aimee Marie Parow, Christopher J. Parow, Christopher J. Cronin and his wife, Sarah, Kevin J. Parow, Allison L. Parow, Drew Cronin and his wife, Lauren, Timothy J. Parow and Briana K. Parow and his adored great grandchildren: Kali, Emily, Cameron, Thomas and Caitlin Cronin.
His Funeral was held from the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, (Soldiers Home) Chelsea. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, PO Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. To send expressions of sympathy, please visit
www.WelshFuneralHome.com
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Vincent Luciano
of East Boston
Vincent J. Luciano passed away at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a sudden onset of heart illness. He was 84 years of age.
Born and raised in East Boston, he was one of three children born to Nicholas and Anna R. Luciano. He attended local schoolsand graduated from High School in Utica New York. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 serving during the Korean Conflict; he was honorably discharged and returned home to East Boston. He continued his education at Boston University receiving a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
He married Ann M. Tennerini and shared the past 56 years together residing in Chelsea with his wife making their home on Columbus Street to raise and support his family. Vincent worked as a Spectrometrist with Thermo Jarrell-Ash, developing scientific lab equipment. He retired in 1994 after 35 years with that company. In his lifetime, he enjoyed relaxing with family on weekends, being an all-around home-handyman, watching baseball and football, following the Red Sox and Patriots.
He is survived by his beloved wife Ann M. (Tennerini) Luciano. He was the devoted father of Judith Luciano and her husband, Brian Seigel of No.Andover, Joan Federico and her husband, Pat of Saugus, Janet Luciano and her husband, Steven Stoddard of Tewksbury. He was the dear brother of Carol Ballou of Amesbury and Daniel Luciano of Peabody; cherished grandfather of Dr. Domenic Martinello and his wife, Natalie of Chester, NH and Frank Federico of Saugus.
Funeral arrangements were by the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Entombment was at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden.
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Sophie “Puffie” Zullo
Active in resident affairs at Admiral Towers
Sophie M. “Puffie” Zullo, a lifelong Chelsea resident, passed away after a short period of declining health on January 4 at the Bear Hill Nursing Center at Wakefield where she had been receiving supportive care over the past two weeks. She was 95 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Michalina (Sylvanowicz) Bazylewicz. Sophie attended local schools and continued her education and formal training in hairdressing at the Regency Beauty School in Boston. As a professional hairdresser she worked for Stella’s Beauty Salon in Chelsea.
She was married to Charles “Jerry” Zullo and raised her family of three daughters and one son in Chelsea. As a single mother she supported her family working outside of her household for Jordan Marsh in Boston at the store’s blouse counter and at the Gilchrist’s candy counter in town. She was later hired as the Office Manager for Metal Spinners, a machine shop in Malden, working there up to her retirement. She was a member and secretary of the Polish National Alliance, she enjoyed Square Dancing and was past president of the Checkerboard Squares dance club.
She was a 20 year resident at Admiral Towers in Chelsea and was active in resident affairs there. A renowned home cook and baker she once received an award for her fudge recipe given by the Karo Syrup Co.
In addition to her parents and former husband, she was also preceded in death by siblings; Jane Juliano, Monica Thacker, Albert and Theodore Bazylewicz, a son-in-law Dick Ross and two of her grandchildren. She is survived by her loving children and their spouses; Barbara Ross of Saugus, Christine Gray and her husband, Harold of Laguna Niguel, CA, Phillip Zullo and his wife, Lisa of Tewksbury, Geraldine Degurski and her husband, John of Burlington; a sister of Amelia Phillips of Cambridge, eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the
Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to “Boston” Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471
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Helene Jakusiak
NYNEX retiree, hospital volunteer and lifelong St. Stanislaus parishioner
Helene H. Jakusiak a lifelong resident of Chelsea,, passed away on January 31 at the Eastpointe Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Chelsea where she was receiving supportive care for the past few months. She was 96 years old.
Born, raised and a lifelong resident of Chelsea, she was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Maryanne (Matys) Jakusiak. Helene attended St. Stanislaus Parochial School and graduated from Chelsea High School. Early on she began her working career with New England Telephone and Telegraph Co.,in Boston beginning as a switchboard operator and later in the business office in Boston. She transitioned along with New England Tel & Tel. Co. to NYNEX before retiring from a career that lasted for more than two score years.
She was a lifelong parishioner and communicant of St. Stanislaus Church in Chelsea and a longtime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. She was a past member of the former St. Stanislaus Get Together Club and the Chelsea Senior Citizens Club. In her lifetime she enjoyed working as a volunteer at the Chelsea Soldiers Home, Quigley Hospital and at the Whidden Memorial Hospital. She also enjoyed traveling.
In addition to her parents, Helene was also predeceased by all of her siblings and their spouses; the late John Jakusiak, Alexander and Helen F. Jakusiak, Mary and John Dobbs, Edna and Andy Soja, Chester and Connie Jakusiak and Stanley Jakuisiak. She was the cherished aunt of Joanne Stevens and her late husband, Danny, Bernadette Hockney and her late husband, George, Marcia Aloi and her husband, Fred, Felicia Schwindt, Janice Hitchcock and her husband, Al, the late Maryanne Jakusiak, Virginia Stevens and Patricia Hatfield, dear step-aunt to Gloria Morris, Lawrence Scacchi, Maryanne Scacchi, and the late Diane Testa. She was the cherished great and great grandaunt of Jeffrey and Debbie Aloi with their daughter Theresa, Victoria and Patrick Curran with their daughters Alannah and Allie, Gary Hockney and many additional great-nieces, great-nephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.
Her Funeral will begin from the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Saturday February 6 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stanislaus Church, 163 Chestnut St., Chelsea at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Welsh Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of their choice.
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Lawrence Creilson
Meat cutter, past member of
Merritt Club in Chelsea
Lawrence P. “Larry” Creilson passed away unexpectedly on January 19 in his Everett home. He was 91 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, he was the youngest of three children born to Leo J. and Alice (O’Brien) Creilson. Larry attended local schools and was a member of Chelsea High School Class of ’43. He was called into active duty with the Navy in December of ’42. He served at the rank of Radioman 2nd class and was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre aiding in the Philippine liberation forces. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home to Chelsea.
Returning to civilian life he began working at the Chelsea Naval Hospital. There he met his future bride, Carmella “Mella” Rizzo. They were soon married and settled in Everett raising their family of one son and two daughters. Larry continued working primarily as a meat cutter in the Naval Hospital kitchen. He also held various second jobs to better support his family, among them was as the head waiter for the “Boston Club” on Beacon St. in Boston. He remained with the Naval Hospital right up to the time of its closing in1974. From there he went to work for Newman’s Meat Market as a butcher and also as a short order cook for Frank’s Donut Shop in Cary Square and lastly with Curley’s Restaurant in Chelsea Square before taking his full retirement.
Larry was widowed four years ago after sharing 64 years together with his beloved wife “Mella.” In his lifetime Larry enjoyed time with family and was a passionate Red Sox fan, preferring radio broadcast of the games over TV. He was a past member of the Merritt Club in Chelsea. Although he resided in Everett for the past 67 years, it was said that he still lived in Chelsea, working, trading, shopping and visiting with friends both new and old.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased in death by his siblings; Angelina Skerry and John Creilson. He was the devoted father of Linda McNamara and her husband, John of Ireland and Lawrence P. Creilson Jr. and his wife, Linda of Snellville, GA, and Susan Dascoli and her husband, Frank of Saugus. He was the cherished grandfather of Andrea Connolly and her husband, Gareth, Michael Dascoli, Gina Dascoli, Alexander Creilson and Nicholas Dascoli and the adored great grandfather of Charlotte, Isabelle and Rachel Connolly.
Funeral arrangements were by Frank A. Welsh & Son’s Funeral Home, Chelsea. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
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Toni Ann Mendoza
Dental assistant, Boston hotel waitress and talented singer
Toni Ann Mendoza passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 30 at the Brigham and Women’s, Faulkner Hospital in Boston. She was just 29 years old..
She was one of four daughters born to Susan K. Griffin and the late Bruce Griffin. Toni attended grade school at St. Rose Elementary School and attended North East Regional Vocational Technical High School in Wakefield, graduating with a proficiency in Dental Assistance. She enjoyed working in that capacity at a dental practice in Burlington; she also worked waitressing at downtown Boston Hotels. Given her affable nature and personable charm she related well to all people, and made friends with great ease. She was lover of music and song and she very much enjoyed sharing her talent for singing whenever the opportunity allowed.
She was the loving mother of Alexander Mendoza, beloved daughter of Susan K, Griffin and the loving sister of Crystal, Jennifer and Erin Griffin, all of Chelsea. She was the former wife of Alex D. Mendoza and the cherished granddaughter of Sally Brennan and the late Thomas Brennan, Loretta Griffin and the late James Griffin.
All funeral services will be private.
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Anna Melesciuc
Devoted to St. Mary’s Orthodox
Church of Chelsea
Anna Melesciuc of Revere, formerly of Chelsea, passed away on January 20 while rehabilitating at the Lighthouse Nursing Center in Revere following a brief period of declining health and aging. She was 94 years old.
Born in Newington, New Hampshire, she was one of 10 children given to the late Stephen and Urstina Mary (Rockowitz) DeMetrick. A longtime Chelsea resident she garnered her early education, married and settled in Chelsea. In the mid 1940’s, during World War II, she joined the home wartime effort working as a Production Aide for the BF Goodrich Company in Watertown manufacturing rubberized garments and boots for the troops overseas.
Anna held a lifelong devotion to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Chelsea and was a member of St. Mary’s Council and the Church Women’s Guild. She had been a resident of Revere for the last 20 years.
In addition to her parents, Anna was predeceased by her beloved husband Alexis Melesciuc, her loving daughter Arlene Burke, son-in-law Robert L. Burke and siblings: the late Olga Beeler, Mary Pierro, Alice Freitas, Stephen and John DeMetrick, Raymond, Fred, Paul and Henry Metrick. She is survived by grandchildren: John Burke and Jennie Solis and her husband, Javier, all of Revere. She was the adored great grandmother of Alexis Solis.
Funeral arrangements were by the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.