Sonny Richard Lepore
“Legendary Chelsea Barber”
Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday, November 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. for Sonny Richard J. Lepore, who passed away suddenly after a brief and sharp decline in health. He was 90 years of age. His funeral will begin at the funeral home on Saturday, November 25th at 9:30 a.m. immediately followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., Revere at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Born and raised in Chelsea, he was the beloved son of the late Melinto “Morley” Lepore and Louise (Cambria) Lepore. Sonny was a lifelong resident of Chelsea and attended schools in Chelsea, Somerville and Boston School of Barbering.
He was married to Patricia C. (Fern) for 50 years and together raised their daughter and later welcomed two grandchildren into their home.
Family was always first in his heart, no one meant more to him than his wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. One only needed to talk with him briefly for a second and you would know this to be true.
You would also soon realize that his second joy in life was Barbering! Sonny was a third-generation family Barber. His grandfather and Italian immigrant Serafino Lepore established the “Modern Barber Shop” on Broadway. The shop was next passed to Sonny’s father, Melinto “Morley” Lepore and was renamed “Morley’s Barber Shop” and with Sonny and his father working together the shop became a Chelsea institution.
Several years ago, Sonny relocated the shop into his Chelsea home. Patrons would travel across the state, country and even the globe, to get their haircut, commiserate with old friends, catch up on Chelsea affairs or just have a visit in the shop with a cup of Sonny’s “Special Back-room Coffee.” His patrons came from various walks of life, from the rich and famous, politicians, or the regular working man. Whether famous or notorious, nobody was better than anyone else to Sonny, except maybe his grandchildren.
Sonny never retired, he was a barber extraordinaire for 70 years, and he gave his last haircuts in his Home-Based Shop on Friday, November 11. He will be remembered as one of Chelsea greatest sons and a true local legend.
Sonny was an integral part of his grandchildren’s lives, supporting them in all of their pursuits, mentoring them and offering them his old school knowledge of the world and people.
Sonny also enjoyed gardening, as any of the shop patrons would attest. He was a talented cook, cooking in his traditional Italian Home Style. In his earlier lifetime, he and his wife enjoyed vacationing in New Hampshire. He would make several trips to Las Vegas with his own “Chelsea Rat Pack” and recently shorter trips to local casinos.
Sonny was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Rose Mullett, who is survived by her husband, James and brothers and sisters-in-law; the late Ralph and Dolly Fern, Elizabeth and Guy Toro, Carolyn and Robert Holsten and John and Otavia Fern.
Sonny was widowed in 2007, the beloved husband of the late Patricia C. (Fern) Lepore. He is survived by his loving and caring daughter, Lisa Lepore-Perry and her husband, William “Bill” Perry of Middleton, the devoted and cherished grandfather of Anthony Perry and Arianna Perry of Middleton, and dear brother-in-law of Joseph Fern and his wife, Christine of Chelsea, He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and treasured friends.
Should friends desire contributions in Sonny’s name can be made to American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give
For online guest book or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit: www.WelshFH.com.
Alvin Bernard “Pee Wee” Moore
MBTA Retiree
Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend a celebration of love for Alvin Bernard “Pee-Wee” Moore on Saturday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea. Immediately following the services, please join the family at Anthony’s of Malden, 105 Canal St., Malden for a continued Celebration of Life.
On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Moore family lost their hero and patriot, Alvin Moore. Alvin was born on December 3rd, 1934, to the late Irving Moore and Evelyn Dennis-Moore-Gardner. Alvin passed away at the home of his beloved daughter in Decatur, GA after a valiant fight with Amyloidosis. He was 88 years of age.
He grew up in Chelsea, MA with six siblings, and was predeceased by his brothers Irving, Earl, William “Billy” Moore, and sisters Arlene Moore and Natalie Butler. He is survived by Charlotte Bonds, his only living sibling.
Alvin attended the Chelsea School system and excelled in both academics and athletics. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and upon completion of his tour of duty received an honorable discharge. He then went on to learn the construction trade and soon became a construction worker/engineer. He retired from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) where he worked on some major historical projects throughout the Boston area.
Al’s love for his family ran deep, just like his love for Boston. After living in some of Boston’s surrounding areas, he moved to Mashpee, MA to care for his beloved mother. That was Al. He took care of everyone around him until he couldn’t. His easy-going personality, infectious smile, bright hazel eyes and swift moves on the dance floor made him unforgettable. He loved a good meal and never met a haddock he didn’t like. A true New Englander who loved all things chowder and all things sweet.
He is survived by his children Darcelle (Michael) Jones and Nicole (Lyn) Moore-Jackson. He was preceded in death by his children Deana and Shawn Moore and granddaughters Sacoya and Tyler Moore.
Al also leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren Vincent, Darren, Jasmyn, Michael Jr., LaDonne, Tyshaun, Jasmine, and Amber.
He is also survived his partner, Anna Lewis, and her family; Johanna (Renardo) Andrade, Karen (Vern) Cowan, Ferdinand and Kevin (Leslie) Singleton. Al will be missed by a host of family members and friends.