Published in the September 9, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Concetta “Connie” (Sardo) Tagliamonte, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 5, at age 91.
Born in Boston on April 30, 1925 with roots in the North End, Connie learned the importance of family from a young age. She was one of nine children of the late Cologero and Rosa (Cammarata) Sardo. Her childhood was spent in the North End until the family moved to Revere when Connie was 10 years old.
Connie graduated from Revere High School and met her future husband Vincent “Tag” Tagliamonte while in Confirmation class. After he returned from the war, they were married on Oct. 13, 1946 at St. Anthony Church and settled in Melrose to start a family.
For many years, Connie worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, first as a secretary, and worked her way up to become a junior civil engineer. First and foremost a family woman, she was a caring wife, doting mother and later a loving grandmother.
Connie was also a passionate political activist who served as a Massachusetts delegate for the Democratic Party for several years. She started locally as a vocal supporter of the Melrose Democratic Committee and later became involved on the state level.
On a personal level, Connie’s generosity and caring nature were well known. She was always looking for ways to help her neighbors or even strangers she met who needed help. She loved shopping, so she frequently bought gifts or clothing for those in need. She was a parishioner of St. Mary Church for many years.
With her easy smile and endearing charm, Connie was a sociable, fun-loving and friendly person. Spontaneous and funny, she kept everyone guessing and — most of the time — laughing. Connie loved entertaining at the Tagliamonte home in Melrose which served as a central gathering place for many family parties, holidays and events.
She also loved ballroom dancing together with husband, Tag, for many years every Saturday night at Broadway Manor in Malden.
She and Tag enjoyed their time spent together, whether with family or on their own. They did some traveling to Italy, Hawaii, Florida and more regular vacations to their home in West Yarmouth on Cape Cod. Connie loved the beach and the warmth of the summer sun on her skin.
Most of all, Connie’s life centered on the many activities of her family. Her grandchildren’s school events and games were never missed and she was forever loyal to her husband and supportive of her children.
She will be dearly missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Connie was the beloved wife of Vincent W. “Tag” Tagliamonte with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Salvatore “Sal” Tagliamonte of Malden and Maria “Ria” Leach and her husband Gary of Lynnfield. She was the dear sister of Rosemarie Cattoggio and her husband Joseph of Revere and the late Philip, Vincent, Charles, Dominic, Lucia Stott, Anthony and his surviving wife Nina, and the late Joseph. She was the cherished grandmother of Vincent Leach and his wife Alison of Waltham and Charles Leach and his wife Luisa of Lynnfield. She was the loving great-grandmother of Silvio Leach. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Connie’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 4-8 p.m. and again on Thursday at 8 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose for her funeral Mass celebrated at 9 a.m. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
Gifts in Connie’s memory may be made to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St., #19, Malden MA 02148.
For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
