Obituaries 02-17-2011

LeighAnn Zarrella

Sony Corp. Executive and animal lover

LeighAnn (Thomas) Zarrella in Revere, formerly of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, died on February 4 after a seven year long and valiant battle with breast cancer with dignity, strength, perseverance and an inspiration to all who knew her. She was 44 years old.

She was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1985 and Northeastern University. Early in her career, she worked for John Hancock (International Division-Boston), before an 11 year executive career with Sony Corp. of New York and New Jersey. Only recently did she leave her position because of illness. Her computer exertise was paramount to her success. She spent many years volunteering for animal shelters, placing countless animals in good homes. Being proficient in the computer field, she lent her computer expertise to help develop several non-profit animal shelter computer systems.

“Though her smile is gone forever and her hand, we cannot touch, we shall never lose our sweet memories of Leigh Ann, the one we love so much.”

She was the cherished daughter of Lee F. Thomas, retired Revere High School Guidance Counsellor, and Elaine A. “Honey” (Benedetto) Thomas of Revere; beloved wife of Ronald V. Zarrella of Woodcliff Lake, NJ and loving mom to his children, Mark V. and Michael R. Zarrella, both of Woodcliff Lake, NJ; dear niece of Robert Benedetto and his wife, Joan of Everett, Evelyn R. Benedetto of Revere, Robert B. Thomas of Sarasota, Florida and the late Thomas G. Benedetto and further survivors include several cousins, close friends and her canine companion, “Humphrey”.

To honor her, rather than flowers, remembrances may be made to “Happy Tails Animal Rescue”, PO Box 143, Paramus, NJ 07653, [email protected], or to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923

Joanne Sponagle

Nurse’s Aide

Joanne H. Sponagle of Revere died on February 12 after a long battle with cancer.  She was 64 years old.

A Chelsea resident for most of her life before moving to Revere 14 years ago, she was a nurse’s aide who worked in many local area nursing homes.

She leaves behind her husband, William, her two sons, William and Robert and his wife, Maurine, and three loving grandchildren, William, Lilly and Leila. She was the dear sister of  Annette DeFranzo, Nancy Stackhouse, Denise  Russo, Joyce Pappadinas and the late Anthony Russo.

Funeral arrangements were by the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons –Bruno Funeral Home, Revere.

Linda Borden

Bartender and Lifelong Chelsea resident

Linda A. (Brough) Borden passed away at the Whidden Memorial Hospital unexpectedly on February 8. She was 64 years old.

She grew up in Chelsea where she spent her whole life. A graduate of Chelsea High School, she worked as a bartender at local establishments for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Borden of Revere and her son, Gregory Borden of East Boston. She was the cherished grandmother of Vinessa Tenaglia, Jenna Tenaglia and Janelle Maniero; sister of Tom Brough of Texas and is also lovingly survived by her best friend, Candy Winam of Chelsea.

She will be greatly missed by her family and great friends. To send a message of condolence to her family, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com

TSgt, John Godfrey

Past Exalted Ruler of Chelsea Elks

TSgt. John H. Godfrey of Portsmouth, NH, US Air Force, retired, died on February 8 at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was 72 years old.

He was a former Past Exalted Ruler of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 938 in Chelsea.

He was born in Chelsea on June 12, 1938, the son of the late James R. and Mary (Butler) Godfrey and was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1956. TSgt. Godfrey was a 28 year veteran of the US Air Force who served during the Vietnam War. Following his military career, he was employed in civil service at Hanscom Air Force Base, retiring after 17 years.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Geraldine M. Godfrey of Portsmouth; two daughters, Kim A. Gillis and her husband, Scott of Monterey, TN and Jodi L. Godfrey of Portsmouth; a grandson, Robert J. Godfrey of Rochester; godchild, Loreen Bauer of Londonderry; two sisters, Ellen D. Galatis and Mary Bullock, both of Chelsea.

Funeral arrangements were by the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home-Buckminster Chapel, Portsmouth, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Guild at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Charitable Gifts, 333 Borthwick Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Please visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book, send a private condolence, and/or to send a sympathy card.

Marc R. Pompeo

Chelsea native

Marc, R. Pompeo, late Ironworker and Chelsea native, passed away suddenly at the JFK Medical Center in Atlantis FL, early Friday morning February 11th.  He was 46 years of age.  Born and raised in Chelsea he was the loving son of Carol A. (Kopaczynski) Pompeo of Chelsea and the late Joseph “Boom” Pompeo, who passed away 18 months ago. He was the dear grandson of the late Andrew and Genevieve “Arlene” Kopaczynski and the late Angelo and Anna Marie Pompeo.  Marc attended and graduated Chelsea schools. He worked locally as a Union Ironworker for many years before moving to West Palm Beach, Florida 12 years ago.  While living in Florida he worked in Commercial Construction as an on call laborer for several independent contractors. He is survived by his mother Carol A. Pompeo of Chelsea, his sister Andrea M. Gustin and her husband Bryan, his brother Jason E. Pompeo and his wife Darlene, nieces and nephews; Sean and Brianna Gustin and Erick and Brittani Pompeo, he is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.  Funeral services were private. To send expressions of sympathy, please visit  www.AnthonyMemorial.com. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Anthony Memorial Funeral Home.

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