Robert Foresta
Retired Whidden Memorial Hospital Director of Pharmacy, Active Member of Revere K of C
Robert “Bob” Foresta, 86, passed away from fighting an illness on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett.
After Bob graduated from Revere High School, he entered the military with the US Army. During his military years, he was part of the nuclear bomb testing teams in Nevada.
After his time in the US Army, Robert went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacology from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. He worked at the Whidden Memorial Hospital for 27 years where he was also the Director of the Pharmacy. While at WMH, he took great pride in preparing the complex medications needed for cancer patients.
Bob was also a very active member of the Knights of Columbus, Revere Council, where he participated in the weekly meetings, Tuesday night bowling league and many of the other council events.
He was a philanthropic donor supporting many charities. Bob was also a DIE HARD Red Sox fan. He watched just about every game possible and had great pride in the Sox after they ended the 86 year drought and won the World Series.
He enjoyed Big Band Swing music especially the Glen Miller Orchestra, old Italian crooner music from Mario Lanza to the Rat Pack, old western movies and TV shows, and ballroom dancing.
He was born on May 8, 1933 in Revere to Salvatore and Emily Foresta. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Glennon) Foresta, his sisters and brothers-in-law: Phyllis and Roy Bettano, Marilyn and Dave Ellis and his brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Gloria Foresta; his children, Christopher Foresta and his wife, Gina and Robyn Foresta and her husband, Matthew Pollock; Barbara’s children, John Glennon, Laura Glennon and Judith (Glennon) Frazier; his grandchildren, Isabella, Samantha and Andraya Foresta, Otis Pollock, Jessica Vasquez, Alyssa Vozzella, Cecilia Frazier and Adrienne Morales and nine great grandchildren.
Services for Robert will be held on Friday June 19 at 11 a.m. at Saint Anthony’s Church in Revere. Private burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Shriners Children Research Hospital.
John Burns, Esq.
Prominent Criminal Defense Attorney
John T. Burns, Esq., passed away on June 10, due to complications from COVID-19 after a long and agonizing battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
John was born on July 14, 1940, the son of the late Kathleen (Coleman) and George V. Burns, Sr, formerly of West Roxbury and East Dennis.
He was the beloved husband of the late Roberta (Abrams.) John and Roberta were married for 40 plus years, until 2008, when Roberta lost her battle to lung cancer.
John and Roberta settled in Revere (Roberta’s hometown) where they raised their family. He was the caring brother of George V. Burns Jr. of West Roxbury, Kathleen and her husband, Vincent Ryan of West Roxbury, Mary Guiney of Canton and her late husband, Ken Walsh, the late Helen Doyle and her husband, the late Joseph Doyle of Scituate and James of Pompano Beach, FL and his ex-wives, the late Janet and the late Diana. He was the loving father of George and his wife, Marifrances Morrison, of Raleigh, NC and John Jr. of Revere and he is also survived by three adoring grandchildren, Madison, Michael and John of Raleigh, NC and many loving nieces and nephews.
John, a native Bostonian, lived with his family in Hyde Park, then moved to West Roxbury. From an early age, John was always active in sports, but as a child he particularly loved basketball. It was as a result of John’s basketball exploits for his CYO basketball team at St. Thomas More in Braintree that John’s older sister Kathleen, was introduced to her future husband Vincent Ryan, John’s CYO basketball coach. (Rumor has it that the only reason Coach Vincent Ryan kept John on his team was to get a date with Kathleen).
John attended Roslindale High School, graduating in 1959. While at Rozzie High, John played football, basketball and baseball, being named as the school’s “Most Athletic” student. (It has been reported, although not confirmed, from a (mostly) reliable source that while at Rozzie High, John was a member of the military cadets, attaining the rank of captain, the key club, as well as being involved with student government.)
After graduating from Rozzie High, John traveled across the country to attend New Mexico State University-Las Cruces on a football scholarship. However, being far from home and missing his friends and family, John returned to Boston, eventually graduating from Calvin Coolidge College, located in the Beacon Hill section of Boston. After graduating from college, John attended Portia Law School (now New England Law), also located in Beacon Hill. It was while at law school that John met his future wife, and the love of his life, Roberta, who was working as a secretary at the school. Upon John’s graduation from law school, he passed the Bar Examination and in 1969 was admitted to the practice of law in Massachusetts. John went on to have a 40+ year career as a prominent criminal defense attorney, zealously (and often colorfully) representing his clients in courtrooms throughout Greater Boston.
During his many years of practice, John was not held to be in contempt of court in the great majority of his many cases. When his advocacy was needed to defend juveniles accused of committing a crime, John could be heard in the hallways of the various Suffolk County Courthouses lecturing the various juveniles to, “Remain in school,” “Stay away from drugs,” and to “Not speak to anyone.”
In his spare time, John was an avid sports fan, with a love of all Boston’s sports teams, especially the Celtics. In fact, as a younger man, John would frequently sneak into the old Boston Garden to watch the Celtics’ games for free. John also was a fan of high school and college sports. Over the years he attended many St. Dominic Savio’s High School football games and John always looked forward to their annual Thanksgiving Day game played at East Boston Stadium.
During the 20+ years he attended Savio’s Thanksgiving Day’s games, John tirelessly worked at perfecting his Bloody Mary recipe, which he unveiled every year at the pre-game tailgate. His tailgates were always lively affairs, attended by many friends, supporters and alumni of Savio Football.
John was also a regular at Stonehill College’s football games, traveling all over New England and New York to cheer on the Chieftains (now Skyhawks). In fact, during a 4-year stretch in the mid-to-late 1980’s, John only missed two games, and that was because he attended weddings for two of his beloved nieces.
Other than competitive sports, John loved to go fishing off Cape Cod with his father and other family members. John also loved spending time on Cape Cod and long days with his family at Corporation Beach followed by a dip in Scargo Lake. John was the long-time Grand Poobah of Camp Ding-a-ling, which was an annual family gathering held on Jericho Lane, East Dennis. Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, Revere. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations may be made in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com
Paul Sartorelli
Union Carpenter, Owned PRS Inc., Former Member of Merritt’s Club in Chelsea
Paul R. Sartorelli, Sr. passed away on Sunday, June 7 while at High Pointe House in Haverhill after a period of declining health. He was 82 years old.
A resident of Georgetown for the past 17 years, he was born and raised in Chelsea, a beloved son of the late Vincent and Mary (Sullivan) Sartorelli. He attended local schools and graduated from Chelsea High School.
Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the US Army and served three years stationed in Germany. He was discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1959, returned to Chelsea and soon married his High School sweetheart, the former Joyce A. (DeAngelis). They settled in Chelsea and lived here for most of their years together.
He worked in the building and construction field and was a Union Carpenter with Local 218. He established himself as PRS Incorporated specializing in design and building of research laboratories. He retired from his company several years ago. Later he returned to work assisting in his brother’s ink manufacturing company CAI Inc. He fully retired six years ago.
In his lifetime, Paul enjoyed traveling with his wife, bowling in various leagues and spending time at the Georgetown Senior Center.
He was a devoted New England sports fan and was a former member of the Merritt’s Club in Chelsea.
He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Joyce A. (DeAngelis) Sartorelli, father of Paul R. Sartorelli, Jr and his wife, Christine of Lynnfield, grandfather of Paul R. Sartorelli, III, Joseph Sartorelli and Andrew Sartorelli, dear brother and brother-in-law of; Vincent J. Sartorelli and his wife, Sandra of Amesbury, Mary E. Mahoney and her late husband, Dennis and the late Claire and Thomas Harney, the late Carol A. and Robert Cataldo. He is also lovingly survived by his uncle and friend, Al Campedelli of Winthrop and by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and extended family members.
A private family farewell and Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church in Georgetown. Services concluded with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. A Memorial Mass and celebration of his life will be announced at a later date when all family and friends can attend. Arrangements were given to the care and direction of the Welsh Funeral Home, Chelsea. We encourage family and friends who wish, to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card visit; www.WelshFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in Paul’s memory should be directed to a favorite charity of one’s choice.
Kim O’Connell
Devoted Homemaker, Mother and Grandmother
Kim N. (McCarthy) O’Connell of Nahant, formerly of Chelsea, passed away on Monday, June 1 at the NSMC Salem Hospital after a short illness. She was 57 years old.
Born in Everett, she grew up in Chelsea, a daughter of the late James and Marilyn A. (Parotta) McCarthy. Kim attended local schools and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1980. She attended North Shore Community College where she majored in creative writing and horticulture. Kim was a devoted homemaker and mother.
In her lifetime Kim enjoyed spending time at the beach, jet skiing and taking boat rides. She was a rabid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots on TV. Anyone who knew Kim knew well enough not to disturb her during a Bruins or Patriots game. She was also an avid gardener and floral arranger.
The beloved wife of the late Joseph W. O’Connell, Jr. who died in 1999 after 18 years of marriage, she was the devoted mother and grandmother of Joseph O’Connell, III, his wife, Kelly and their children: Dylan, Jack and Riley of Lynn and mother of Jamie O’Connell and his partner, Kelly Cheng of Brighton and their grand-dogs, Lilo and Duncan; dear sister of Diane and her husband, Joseph Shai of Chelsea, Erin and her husband, Wayne Stevens of Revere and Lisa and her husband, Sean Kilbride of Chelsea.
A private family farewell and graveside services were held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in Kim’s memory should be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. https://www.stjude.org/donate/ Arrangements were given to the care and direction of the Welsh Funeral Home, Chelsea. We encourage family and friends who wish, to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card visit;
www.WelshFuneralHome.com
Grace LoGrasso
Gentle, Understanding Woman Who Always Gave Solid Advice
Grace (Pace) LoGrasso of East Boston, formerly of Revere, California and Florida, passed away on June 7 at the age of 95 surrounded by her caring family.
Grace was a homemaker and a loving, giving mother and grandmother.
Grace was a gentle, understanding woman who always gave solid advice. She enjoyed traveling, reading, singing along to classic movies, and vividly retelling moments from her life. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were some of her favorite shows. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.
She was the beloved wife of the late Frank LoGrasso, devoted mother of Rosemary “Rory” Pretti and her husband, Alfred “Butchie” of Derry, NH, Suzanne LoGrasso of East Boston, David LoGrasso of Palm City, FL and the late Stephen LoGrasso; cherished grandmother of Brian LoGrasso, Vanessa Middleton, Derek Pretti, Ashley LoGrasso, Frankie LoGrasso, Krystal Almonte and the late Douglas “Dougie” Pretti; adored great grandmother of Dallas Gilbreath, Steven LoGrasso, Devin Michaud, Andrew Middleton, Avery Middleton and Dario Pretti; dear sister of the late Frank Pace, Tina Adreani, and Joseph, Joseph, Salvatore, Michael and Rosie Pace. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church, Revere on Thursday, June 11. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave, Waltham, Ma 02451. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com
Rose Mullett
Retired Federal Government Purchasing Agent
Rose (Lepore) Mullett of Barefoot Bay, Florida, formerly of Chelsea, passed away suddenly on January 28, 2020 with her loving family by her side.
Rosie, as she was fondly called by family and friends, graduated from St. Rose School, Chelsea in 1949. She loved her career as a Purchasing Agent for the Federal Government until her retirement. She dedicated her retirement to her children and grandchildren. Rosie loved the visits from close family and friends at her home in Florida. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, never missing a milestone in any of their lives. She cherished all the celebrations hosted by her daughter, especially Easter and Christmas Eve, enjoying her favorite foods, pizzagaina, stuffed artichokes/mushrooms and many other Italian dishes. She also cherished all the fun she shared with her longtime best friends, Ronnie and Angie who were considered family to her and her children.
Rosie loved to dance and was often the life of the party always focusing on the good in people making friends wherever she went. Rosie was humble. She never knew how many young people she influenced. High schoolers to longtime friends were able to talk to her and she would listen without judgment. She knew how to say the right thing to help them along. She knew the right time for a hug. She was patient. Even in her busy life, she always made the time for you. Her favorite lines were “put it on the shelf” and “just wait till the dust settles.”
She was an avid New England Patriots fan, knitter, crocheter, sewer and quilter, making beautiful cherished items for her family and friends.
Rosie had a sense of style that was unparalleled. She could put together fabulous outfits, always with an incredible pair of shoes. Rosie was always ready for an adventure! Whether it was going on cruises with her children, visiting her son, Richard in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, hunting for antiques with her son, Robert or shopping with her daughter, Patricia.
Rose was born July 15, 1931 in Chelsea and
was predeceased by her parents, Melinto and Louise (Cambria) Lepore. She was the beloved wife of 66 years of James Mullett, dear and devoted mother of Richard Mullett and his wife, Paula of Campton, NH, Patricia Mullett-Yanakakis and her husband, Charles Neos of Salisbury and Robert Mullett, of Barefoot Bay, FL., sister of Richard “Sonny” Lepore of Chelsea, loving grandmother “Nini” of Danielle Providakes and her husband, Harry of Wakefield and Nicholas “Niko” Yanakakis of Salisbury and great grandmother to Andrew Providakes. She is also survived by her sisters-in law Helen and Barbara Mullett and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
As a result of the ongoing health crisis in the world and our community and with genuine concern for the well-being of all involved, Rosie’s family has decided that her Funeral Services and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Rosie’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory-Sebastian, Florida.
Robert DeBonis
His Infectious Laugh, Outgoing Spirit and Engaging Conversations Will Be Missed
Robert DeBonis of Middleton, formerly of Revere, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 11 at the age of 75.
He was a graduate of Revere High School and Salem State College and proudly served his country in the United States Army in Germany during Vietnam. He had an accomplished career that spanned 40 years in finance and banking. Robert spent the latter part of his career and retired as a respected employee of Mass Housing Finance Agency. We will all miss his infectious laugh, his outgoing spirit, and his engaging conversations. He will be sorely missed.
Born in Winthrop on Jan. 4, 1945 to the late Olivio DeBonis and Chiarina (DiCesare), he was the devoted father of Debora DeBonis of Malden and David DeBonis and his wife, Michelle of Middleton; cherished grandfather of Lucianna and Giannan and he is also survived by countless family members and friends.
A Funeral Mass was be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church, Revere on Wednesday, June 17. Private Interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen Street, 2 nd floor, Framingham, MA 01701. For guest book please visit www.buonfiglio.com