Melrose Obituaries

A kind and gentle lady who was happiest when with her family

SOMERVILLE — It’s so hard to say goodbye. On November 20, 2021, Sophia “Sophie” Angelina (Leoncello) LaGrega left this earth peacefully to be with the love of her life, Johnnie. Sophie was the daughter of the late Carlo and Genoveffa (Collela) Leoncello and the…

WWII US Army Veteran

MELROSE — Domenic Previte, 97, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021. A lover of VO Manhattans, horse racing, the Yankees and, above all, his family, Domenic will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

Son of the late Peter and Nicolina ( LeDonne) Previte. Preceded in…

A humble man who valued his family more than anything else

DANVERS — David William “Dave” Akerley, 66, formerly of Saugus, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021 in Danvers at the Kaplan House with his daughter at his side. His battle with a serious medical issue in the past year showed his courage in…

A great cook who loved preparing meals for her family

MELROSE — Elizabeth (Napoli) Pitari, 94, of Melrose, died peacefully on November 18, 2021. She was born in Boston on September 3, 1927 to Gaetano and Maria (Corrao) Napoli. She was raised in the West End of Boston and attended Boston Public Schools.

Elizabeth and…

A loving mother whose greatest joy was hiking with her kids

DENVER — Kathryn W. Cochran (Kimball), 43, of Denver, died tragically on November 8, 2021; a victim of gun violence and domestic abuse.

“Katie” was the devoted mother to Emerson and Cash Cochran who will be raised by their loving father, Sean Cochran. Cherished…

A cherished, loving mother and grandmother

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz — Florence C. (Curreri) Polce, 84, passed away in Fountain Hills on November 8, 2021. Florence was born in Boston on October 12, 1937 to the late Carl and Calogera (Indelicato) Curreri.

Florence is a second generation Sicilian. Her grandparents Giuseppe and Domenica (Scaduto) Indelicato immigrated…

Title examiner was an avid Boston sports fan

HAVERHILL — Mary (Murdock) Hannabury , 76, of Melrose passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021.

Mary was born to the late William Murdock and the late Grace (Garrity) Murdock on April 4, 1945 in Melrose. She was married to Ralph A. Hannabury, Jr. for 54 years. Mary…

A family oriented man who had a big heart

WAKEFIELD — William J. “Bill” Lamson, 71, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington.

Born in Malden on February 10, 1950, Bill is one of eight children of the late…

An avid sports fan and a loyal friend

MELROSE — Joseph A. Rotunno, 62, of Melrose, passed away at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital on November 3, 2021.

Joe was born and raised in Melrose and a graduate of Melrose High School. He resided in Wakefield and worked as a truck driver for Odwalla Beverage Company…

Father of five children and step-father to two

MELROSE — Lee Tyler Ingalls, 84, of Melrose, passed peacefully on November 8, 2021.

Lee was born on August 28,1937 to Hazel (Rand) and Albert Ingalls, both from Massachusetts. He was raised in Malden, later moved to Everett and then to Stoneham, where he graduated high school…

A family man who enjoyed spending time in Scituate with his family

MELROSE — Dr. James T. McNeil, of Melrose passed away on November 2, 2021. Dr. McNeil was raised in Everett. He attended Boston College High School and then entered the United States Navy V-12 program during World War II matriculating at Boston College…

Avid sports fan was member of the Elks lodge

WAKEFIELD — Robert J. DiRaffaele, age 85, of Wakefield and formerly of Melrose, died October 27 at his residence.

He was born in Somerville, MA on April 12, 1936 and was the son of the late Francisco and Anna (Carra) DiRaffael. Mr. DiRaffaele was raised in…