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24
Oct

Mildred E. “Millie” (LeGrow) French

Funeral Services were held in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals for Mildred E. French (LeGrow) who passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on October
24, 2022 after a short illness.

Born in Chelsea she was the daughter of the late William and Ellen (Parsons) LeGrow. She grew up in Chelsea and lived in Revere since 1960. She leaves behind her three daughters, Bonnie-Ellen Bryson of Revere, Robyn J. Vesce and her husband Joseph of Chelsea, and Allyson S. French of Revere, as well as five grandchildren, Julie-Ann Bryson Casavant (Brant) of Medford, Amy A. Bryson Carfagna (Chris) of Revere, Alex P. Cabral of Medford, Kyle W.L Speroni of Revere and Zachary C.T. Sperori of Revere. She was also the sister of the late William, Harold, Arthur, Ralph, Allan and Robert LeGrow, Dorothy King and Winnie LeGrow. She is survived by her sister Phyllis LeGrow of Saugus.

She was a skilled seamstress making clothes and unique Halloween costumes for each of her daughters. But it was her creativity and imagination that she utilized as a single parent to provide for her family crafting all kinds of favors for parties, showers and weddings, along with various Christmas ornaments. in
1975 she graduated from Wheelock College with an Associate Degree in childhood education and worked as a pre-schoolteacher at Little Folks Daycare in East Boston for many years. She was exceptional with children and created a rock garden with children in her neighborhood. An avid reader, she enjoyed
books about true crime and anything pertaining to US history. She also enjoyed participating in Walk Boston tours. But her passion was children’s’ books, especially pop-up books which she collected. She worked at Bradlees’ in Chelsea until its closing and she began making lap-size afghans which she
dubbed “French Toasties.” She made hundreds of these warm and colorful afghans which she donated to local rehab and nursing centers most notably the Lighthouse in Revere.

Remembrances in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.


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23
Oct

Ruth M. (Rourke) Better

Funeral Services were held privately in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, Revere for Ruth M. (Rourke) Better, who died on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at the Mass General/Brigham Salem Hospital in Salem, MA she was 91 years old.  Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, MA.

Ruth was born on May 9, 1931, to John J. and Mary (Berg) Rourke in Chelsea.  She was the sister of the late Anna E. Quinlan and the late Edward J. Rourke.  She was the beloved wife of the late Ret. Chelsea Deputy Chief Robert Better, Sr. Loving mother of Ret. Chelsea Fire Chief Robert Better, Jr. and his wife Diana of Marblehead, Gayle L. Jones of Cobbleskill, NY and Paula M. Kerrins and her husband Atty. Michael P. Kerrins of Lynn. She was raised and  educated in Chelsea.  She attended Our Lady of Grace Elementary School, St. Rose High School and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class 1949. She married Robert Better, Sr. in 1951 and the couple remained in Chelsea, where they began their life together, raising their three children.  Ruth was a loving and dedicated wife and mother who also worked as a bookkeeper.  During her career as a bookkeeper, she worked for Union Oil in East Boston, the New England Casket Company and finally retiring from Northeast Petroleum Corporation.  Ruth enjoyed her lake house in New Hampshire, spending time with her family and travelling with her friends.

Ruth is the cherished grandmother of Lindsay Northrop and her husband Bryan of Marblehead, Chelsea Fire Lt. Robert Better, Jr. and his wife Christine of Medway, Marybeth Bartlett and her husband Brian of Schenectady, NY, Sarah Cole and her husband Sean of Latham, NY, Sophia M. Kerrins of Lynn, and Benjamin D. Kerrins of Lynn.  She is the great grandmother of Jake, Sam, Jackson, Ryan, Connor, Lenox, and Zadie.  She is also lovingly survived by her dear brother-in-law, Richard (Red) Quinlan and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

 Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452.


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16
Oct

Salvatore Simili

Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours on Friday, October 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) Revere, for Salvatore Simili, who died at the CHA – Everett Hospital, with his family by his side following a brief illness, he was 90 years old.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 133 Beach St., Revere at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Salvatore was born in Mineo, Sicily, Italy. He was raised & educated there. He was married to his wife Josephine (Cardello) in 1956. He was a proud father of his two daughters, and in 1966 they traveled from Italy to the United States, settling in Revere. When Salvatore arrived here in the United States, he began working at Schraffts Candy Co. in Charlestown, before starting his own painting business, where he worked very hard & diligently to provide for his family. He would later work in the produce department in Cerratani’s for several years before retiring, almost 30 years ago at the age of 60. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren.

He is the beloved husband of the late Josephine (Cardello) Simili of 53 years. Loving father of Anna B. Kulakowski & husband Kerry C. of Lynnfield & Maria G. Simili – Croteau & husband John of Danvers. Cherished grandfather of Sandra L. Campbell & husband Maj. Matthew Campbell, U.S. Army National Guard of Peabody & Caitlyn K. Kohler & husband Richie of Sutton, MA. Adored great grandfather of Ava E. Campbell, James T. Campbell & Emma O. Campbell. Dear brother of Mario & Iris Simili, Pina Simili, Pippo Simili, all of Italy & the late Carmela Bucchieri. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, & grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.


Services

Visiting Hours

Friday, October 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home

Funeral Mass

Friday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church, Revere

Interment

Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett


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11
Oct

David J. Drinan, Sr.

Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, October 22nd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) Revere for David J. Drinan, Sr., who died at the Winchester Hospital on Tuesday, October 11th following a lengthy illness, he was 75 years old. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home at 3:15 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

David was born in Somerville on December 23, 1946, to his late mother, Patricia (Drinan) Gravell. He was one of five children. The family later moved to Chelsea, where David was raised & educated. He was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1965.  On of David’s first jobs was at Bradlees in Chelsea where he met Rosemarie.  The majority of his working career  was spent at the Chelsea Soldier’s Home as a Purchasing Agent where he worked for many years before he retired  On May 19, 1967, David married his wife, Rosemarie (Mastascusa). They remained in Chelsea until 1987 then settling in Saugus. David was a proud & loving father of his son & two daughters. He was an active parent in his children’s lives and coached baseball & basketball in the City of Chelsea. David was a dedicated family man and adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially loved when he & his wife Rosemarie would take their “casino trips”.  Unfortunately, David lost his best friend, on April 10, 2021 and a big part of him went with Rosemarie. They are undoubtedly together in heaven.

He is the beloved husband of 54 years to the late Rosemarie (Mastascusa) Drinan, the loving father of David J. Drinan, Jr. & wife Joyce of Revere, Denise M. Grassa & her husband Nicholas of Saugus & Diana M. LaVertue & husband George also of Saugus. The cherished grandfather of Sabrina, Justin, Katie, & Isabella. He is the dear brother of Carol Rosnov & husband Theodore “Ted” of Wakefield, Joseph Weinstein & wife Patricia of Mashpee, Patricia Weinstein of Somerville, & Jean Gately & husband Richard of Reading. Also lovingly survived by his sister-in-law Joyce Di Nuccio & husband Thomas, Sr. of Revere & many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, & grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital 501 ST. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.


Services

Visiting Hours

Saturday, October 22nd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Saturday, October 22nd at 3:15 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Interment

Will be Private


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10
Oct

John P. “Jack” Donahue

Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Friday, October 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals 773 Broadway (Rt. 107) Revere for John P. “Jack” Donahue who died on Monday, October 10th at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a lengthy illness, he was 65 years old.  A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home at 7:15 p.m.  Interment will be held privately.

Jack was a lifelong Revere resident who was educated in Revere Public Schools. During high school, Jack was a standout on the Revere High School Track Team. He was an alumnus of Revere High School, Class of 1975. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country for five years & eleven months. During his military service, Jack served overseas in Germany, when he was discharged, he was a Specialist 4th Class. Jack returned home to Revere, and he began to drive for a living. For many years he drove a Taxi for the Green Cab Company. Unfortunately, Jack’s health began to decline, and he was forced to stop working. For the past seven years, Jack came back into the life of his high school sweetheart, Sandra L. (Long) Davis. His past seven years has been filled with much happiness and contentment, especially with his declining health, he had his Sandy by his side.

He is the beloved son of the late James J. & Helen (Eismonth) Donahue.  Cherished brother of Ann Schulchter of Portland, OR, Joseph D. Donahue & his wife Cherie of Doswell, VA, the late James Donahue & his wife Patricia Donahue, the late Mary Fitzpatrick & the late Helen Doucette. Loving companion of Sandra L. Davis of Revere with whom he made his home. He is also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 209 West Central Street, Suite 207, Natick, MA 01760.


Services

Memorial Visitation

Friday, October 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Friday, October 14th at 7:15 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Interment

Will be Private


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9
Oct

Joseph P. Ranese

Funeral Services were held in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals for Joseph P. Ranese, who passed away suddenly on October 9th. He was 60 years of age. Interment was in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.

Born in Winthrop, he was a graduate of St. Clement High School in Medford. He soon entered the workforce and began a career with the United State Postal Service. He worked as a mail handler at the South Postal Annex and retired just 2 years ago after 35 years of service. Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family and friends would regularly meet with his closest friends at Margaritas Restaurant in Revere. He was also a sports fan, especially enjoying hockey and he was a devoted fan of the Boston Bruins.

He is the loving father of Danny Bua & his wife Lauren of Nashville, TN, Virginia Matyka & her husband Jarred of North Andover, Matthew P. Ranese & his wife Nicole of Danvers & Rachel M. Ranese of Winthrop. Adored grandfather of Tyler & Emily. Devoted son of Mary N. (Nargi) Ranese of Revere and the late Peter J. Ranese, Sr., who passed away in January. He is the dear brother of Peter J. Ranese, Jr. of Revere.


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6
Oct

Francis B. “Frank” Schroeder, Jr.

Family & friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Thursday, October 13th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) REVERE for Francis B. “Frank” Schroeder, Jr., who passed away on October 6th. He was 78 years of age.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Francis B., Sr. & Emma L. (Ittner) Schroeder. He attended Boston schools and was a 1962 graduate of B.C. High. He entered college to continue his education, but only after a year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. His service in the military spanned 4 years and, while abroad, he learned to speak Russian. Frank utilized his new skills and served as an interpreter, intercepting and translating Russian intelligence for the United States armed forces. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and he returned home and enrolled in Boston State College, achieving his bachelor’s degree. He married Patricia A. (Phelen) and the couple began their family. They would eventually settle in Revere and have been residents for 41 years. Frank worked for many years for Cigna Corporation and finished his career, working as the Operations Manager for Best Buy. A career he excelled at due to his outgoing and warm personality. Frank was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who worked hard to support his family. He enjoyed spending time with his family and together he and his wife shared 44 years of marriage.

He is the devoted husband of 44 years to Patricia A. (Phelan) Schroeder of Revere. Beloved father of Francis B. Schroeder, III & his wife Tiffany of Cummings, GA & Kathleen Schroeder & her partner Kristen O’Neill of Revere. Cherished grandfather of Lillian C. & Jack N. Schroeder. Dear brother of Daniel P. Schroeder of Hudson. Adored brother-in-law of Pamela A. Sullivan & her husband John “Sully” of West Roxbury and Judy Antonelli of Allston. He is also lovingly survived by his nephew & his 3 nieces. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Midha & Dr. Ma along with the staff at Melrose Wakefield Hospital.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970.


Services

Visiting Hours

Thursday, October 13th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Funeral Mass

Friday, October 14th at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Revere

Interment

Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett


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5
Oct

Donald J. “Donny” Robinson

Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours on Tuesday, October 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) REVERE for Donald J. “Donny” Robinson, who died on Wednesday, October 5th at the Whidden Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness, he would have celebrated his 87th birthday on November 14th. A Funeral Service will be in held in the Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Donny was born & raised in Chelsea, and he was educated in Chelsea Public Schools. Early on in Donny’s working career he began driving trucks for Chelsea Restaurant Supply. He worked there for several years before leaving and taking a position as a laborer at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. There, he was known to many of his friends & coworkers as “Robbie”. His career spanned well over 30 years. In 1984, Donny moved to Revere where he remained.  In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas. He was also a past member of both the Chelsea Lodge of Elks #642 & Revere Lodge of Elks #1171. Donny was a quiet & humble man, that enjoyed fun times & his quiet times.  He also enjoyed spending time with family & friends, especially his close friends at Woodlawn Cemetery.

He is the beloved son of the late Geraldine M. (Moore) Reardon & her husband Lawrence. Loving brother of Jean M. Signorino of Revere. Cherished uncle of Danielle G. Burke & her husband Charles and their son David P. Burke, all of Revere. He is also lovingly survived by many friends & colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the St. Anthony of Padua Church Building Fund, 250 Revere St., Revere, MA  02151.


Visiting Hours

Tuesday, October 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Tuesday, October 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Interment

Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett


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3
Oct

Irving E. “Tilly” Tillinghast

Family & friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Thursday, October 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) Revere. His funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, October 7th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass in the Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St., Melrose at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery Everett.

Irving E. “Tilly” Tillinghast passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old.

Born in Revere, he was the son of the late John & Johanna “Annie” (Coomey) Tillinghast. Loving husband & best friend of 69 years of Helen G. (Pearl) Tillinghast. He was predeceased by his six siblings.

He was the father of Edward I. Tillinghast & his wife Sharon of Acton, Elizabeth H. Ferri & her husband John of Rockland, Stephen J. Tillinghast & his wife Jayne of Danvers and Marianne Tillinghast of Melrose. Irving was happiest when he was surrounded by his family especially his nine grandchildren , Ashley, Alyssa, Adam, Jonathan, Tyler, Matthew, Amy, Andrew and Ryan along with his four great grandchildren. During these occasions, he was sure to have his camera ready to capture the memories. He was also the uncle to many nieces and nephews.

During his 91 years, Irving and Helen loved to travel & were fortunate enough to visit many states & several countries. He also served five years in the Navy during the Korean War. During his countless afternoon walks with his dogs, he made many new friends. Irving never met a stranger.

Irving’s family also wishes to thank the kind staff of Oosterman’s Rest Home for the dedicated care that he received over the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.


Services

Visiting Hours

Thursday, October 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Funeral Mass

Friday, October 7th at 11:00 a.m. in Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St., Melrose

Interment

Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett


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24
Sep

Luis A. Carvalho

Funeral Services were held privately for Luis A. Carvalho, who passed away on September 24th at his Everett residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.

Born in Azores, Portugal, he was the son of Manuel Henry & Matilda (Gaspar) Carvalho. He attended schools in Portugal and immigrated to the United States in 1957, settling in Cambridge. He married Maria A. (Mederois) and the couple began their family. Luis was a hardworking man dedicated to this family and his wife. He worked for many years for Charles Webb as a cabinetmaker and carpenter until his retirement. Because of his carpentry skills, Luis loved to work around the house on various projects and renovations. He also had a keen enjoyment of birds and had a particular love for canaries. He lived in numerous communities before finally settling in Everett. Luis lost his beloved wife, Maria, in 2021 after 65 years of marriage.

He is the beloved husband of the late Maria A. (Mederois) Carvalho. Devoted father of Paula Grey & her husband Scott of Saugus, Louis A. Carvalho of Moosup, Connecticut, Patricia A. Rabideau & husband her James, Sr. of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Marjorie Hersey – Ross & her husband Derek of Everett, Yvonne M. Graham of Rhode Island & Tina Botelho of East Providence, Rhode Island. He is the cherished grandfather of Brittany J. Hersey, James Rabideau, Jr., Ryan Rabideau, Michael Rabideau, Kristen Toppi, Tammi Carvalho, Joseph Rabideau & the late Louis Carvalho, Jr. Treasured great grandfather of Jared, Sophia, McKenzie, Tyler, Ava, Nikozy, Madison, Aria, Sora, Skyla & Zeke.  He is the dear brother of Marie “Neddy” McDonald, Maria Cavaco & the late Albert, Manny & John. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces & nephews.


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To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.
On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.
Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.
Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.
Thank you for your friendship and continued support.
God bless you all.
Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.

To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.

On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.

Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.

Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.

Thank you for your friendship and continued support.

God bless you all.

Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.