Rosemarie Rios
She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Rosemarie Rios at the age of 83 on Monday, December 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home.
For the past four years, Rosemarie showed remarkable courage as she faced ongoing health challenges, always maintaining her warm spirit and love for those around her. Born on September 26, 1942, in Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Rosemarie was one of eleven children born to Isabel Baez and Jesus Nieves. She received her early education in Puerto Rico before embarking on a new chapter of her life when she moved to Long Island, New York, in 1972. Eventually, she settled in Chelsea, where she would cherish over 46 years of community and connection.
Rosemarie was married to Faustino Atanacio, and though she faced the heartache of widowhood, her spirit remained unbreakable. A devoted mother to her five children, Rosemarie’s love for her family knew no bounds. She was an integral member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Chelsea, where her faith and dedication shone brightly. Known for her love of dancing and her warm, welcoming nature, Rosemarie became a beloved figure in her neighborhood. She was often found sitting on her front door steps, a friendly ambassador to all who passed by, greeting friends and strangers alike with her genuine smile.
Rosemarie was predeceased by both her parents and seven siblings, but she leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. She is lovingly survived by her devoted son and caregiver, Jorge D. Atanacio, as well as her children, Orlando Atanacio and Maria Medina in Puerto Rico, and Jose Rios and Ana I. Vega of Chelsea. Her family will also honor her memory with the love of 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren, along with her siblings Cheo, Juan, and Luz Nieves.
In celebration of a life beautifully lived, a Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Rose Church, 600 Broadway, Chelsea, on Friday, December 19th. Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Welsh Funeral Home, Chelsea.
For online guest book or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit; www.WelshFH.com As we remember Rosemarie’s spirit and the profound impact she had on all of our lives, we find solace in the love and memories she leaves behind. May her soul find peace, and may we carry her love with us always.
John N. “Johnny” Vento
July 21, 1956 – December 16, 2025
At the age of 69, John Vento passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. A lifelong resident of Chelsea, Johnny graduated from Chelsea High School in 1973.
Johnny was born on July 21, 1956, one of two children of the late John and Edith (Ida Leo) Vento. He was an avid Boston sports fan and proudly collected sports memorabilia throughout his life. His love of sports began at a young age while assisting with his father’s Chelsea Little League team, the Cubs.
Johnny worked for both Cool-Ray and Leonard Silver in Chelsea and also enjoyed hosting bingo games at Admirals Hill, where he was well known and warmly regarded.
Johnny is survived by his loving sister, Joanne Morabito, and her husband Michael Morabito of Saugus. He also leaves behind his cherished nieces, Lisa M. Smallwood of Saugus, Joanne Vasquez and her husband, Santiago (“Chago”) Vasquez of Chelsea, and his nephew and godson, Michael J. Morabito of Saugus.
He was a devoted great-uncle to Christina Vasquez and her longtime companion, Christian Rosario of Saugus, Christopher Smallwood of Saugus, and Ryan Smallwood and his wife. Elise of Manchester, TN.
Relatives and friends attended visiting hours for Johnn, in the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Sunday, December 21st and his funeral was conducted from the funeral home on Monday, December 22nd immediately followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Rose Church, 600 Broadway, Chelsea. Services concluded with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Johnny will be deeply missed by all who were so near and dear to his heart.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com.
Carol E. Cole
September 2, 1953 – December 19, 2025
Carol E. Cole, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the age of 72, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, surrounded by her loving family. She lived courageously with multiple illnesses for many years, embodying unmatched strength and superior resilience throughout her life.
Carol was born on September 2, 1953, in Chelsea, the daughter of the late Donald F. MacDonald and Evangeline (Robichaud) MacDonald. Raised in Chelsea, she received her education at Our Lady of the Assumption Parochial School, Carter Jr. High School, and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1971. She later attended Bay State College, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to family and service.
In 1974, Carol married Thomas “Bucky” Cole Sr., with whom she shared 51 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they raised a loving family of four children: daughter, Julie McCann and her husband, Steven of St. Marys, KS; sons: Tommy Cole Jr. and his wife, Sasha of Winchester, Michael Cole and his wife, Lauren of Wilmington, and Craig Cole and his wife, Ashlee of Saugus. Carol was a cherished grandmother to Isabelle, Cole, Evangeline, and George McCann; Tavian, Jaiden and Kiana Cole; Michael and Drew Cole; Craig and Ryder Cole and dearest sister of Donald MacDonald and his wife, Jean of Sutton.
Throughout her life, Carol was passionately devoted to her home and family, finding joy in the simplest of moments and taking pride in creating a nurturing environment. Her smile lit up every room that she entered. She had a very strong work ethic which she demonstrated over many years, even when ill. Nothing could stop her from working and she worked harder than most. She enjoyed a fulfilling career, starting as a Service Repair Coordinator for NE Telephone, where she spent 28 years before retiring from Bell Atlantic in 1998. Following her retirement, she worked as a medical secretary for Dr. Tong in Stoneham and concluded her career as a file clerk for the DOR in Chelsea.
A deeply religious woman, Carol was a lifelong devout Catholic and a dedicated member of Our Lady of the Assumption “French” Church in Chelsea. After its closure, she attended weekly Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel in Chelsea, where her support for veterans and residents at the Chelsea Soldiers Home was unwavering. Carol was also an active participant at the Saugus Senior Center and a longtime member of the NE Telephone Workers Union.
Carol’s interests spanned across many hobbies, from crocheting (which she learned from her mother) and oil painting beautiful landscapes to decorating her home with painted murals and collecting shells and rocks along the beach. She found joy in shopping (there wasn’t a dollar store that she didn’t like), gift-giving (which is her love language shown to family and friends, old and new), and she was particularly proud to be the #1 fan of the group “Just the Three of Us ” (which her favorite singer, her beloved, is a part of). She was known for her unconditional kindness to everyone that she met, especially strangers . She made friends very easily and was the first one to run to someone’s aide, regardless of the situation. In every area of her life, she always went above and beyond. She embodied such grace and love and she will be remembered for many years to come. She truly was an Angel on earth.
Visiting hours were held at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Monday, December 22nd and her funeral service began at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 23rd followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, 100 Summit Ave, Chelsea. Services concluded with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, friends may consider making contributions in Carol’s name to a charity of their choice.
Carol E. Cole will be deeply deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her legacy of love, compassion and unwavering spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com.