Wakefield Obituaries

Passionate lifelong teacher

WAKEFIELD — Mary Shirley Sardella of Wakefield died peacefully with family at her side at the age of 93 on October 18, 2024. 

She graduated from Regis College and fulfilled her lifelong passion of teaching children at Winthrop Elementary in Melrose for over 25 years. Shirley was a remarkable woman, a…

WAKEFIELD — Helen M. Ventura, 95, a lifelong resident of Wakefield died Wednesday, October 16 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington.

Born in Wakefield, she was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Nella (Valvo) DeMarco. Helen was a graduate of Wakefield High School class of 1947. She was a member of St…

Gift for illustration, avid traveler and dedicated Boston sports fan

WAKEFIELD — Anthony R. Merlino, age 38, passed away unexpectedly on October 4.

Born in Boston, Anthony was the beloved son of Anna and Richard Merlino. He was raised in Wakefield where he spent his formative years before embarking on life’s journey to Central Florida,…

Lover of animals

READING — Evelyn G. (Thompson) Del Ninno of Reading, formerly of Stoneham passed away on Tuesday, October 8. She was 91 years of age.

Born on Monday, September 11, 1933 in Cambridge, NY, Evelyn is the loving daughter of the late Gordon C. Thompson and Concetta (D’Amato) Thompson. Evelyn was a warm…

A true gentleman, family man and friend

WAKEFIELD — John A. “Jack” Zani, age 71, of Wakefield passed away on Friday, October 11 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Boston. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Caesar and Florence (DiMilla) Zani.

Jack was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother-in-law,…

Excellent baker who loved anything chocolate

WAKEFIELD — With profound sadness, we announce that Exsandra Elcewicz, aged 54 passed away on Sunday, October 13 due to glioblastoma. She left this world the same way she lived it, surrounded by people who loved her deeply.

Born on December 21, 1970, she was the daughter of Joseph…

US Army veteran

WESTERLY, RI — Robert “Bob” James Rideout, a resident of Westerly, RI and formerly of Wakefield passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 11 at age 90.

Robert was born in Everett on July 11, 1934, one of four children of the late Emerson and Edith (Burke) Rideout. Raised and educated…

Loved holidays, traveling and outdoor activities

BEVERLY — Kathleen M. Iosua, age 59 of Beverly, formerly of Wakefield, died on Tuesday, October 8 at her home.

She was born in Winchester on May 17, 1965 and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Riccelli) Iosua. Kathy grew up in Wakefield and was a…

US Army veteran

BEVERLY — Thomas F. Duggan, Jr., age 88 died Monday, October 7 in Beverly. Born in Malden on December 8, 1935 he was the son of the late Thomas F. and Eugenia (Ambrozik) Duggan. 

Mr. Duggan was a retired Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, an honorably discharged Captain…

Veteran and dedicated engineer

WAKEFIELD — Donald O. Thomas, long-time resident of Wakefield passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 7 at the age of 89.

Born in Melrose, Don was one of two children of the late Nelson and Dorothy (Myrick) Thomas. He graduated from Melrose High School where he played football…

Avid golfer and Patriots fan

ROCKLAND — Arlene M. (Keigan) Reyenger, 95, born April 15, 1929 passed away on October 2 surrounded by her loving family.

Growing up Arlene spent her summers at Cathy’s Cottage in Acton. ME and loved to bring her children to Acton for summers when they were growing, a love they…