Published in the February 21, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — John V. Vozella, 90, of Wakefield and formerly of Winthrop and East Boston, passed away unexpectedly on Friday February 17.
John was born in Boston on July 22, 1926 to the late John and Josephine (Pichulo) Vozella. He served his country with dignity and honor in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
After being discharged and becoming a teacher, John joined the Boston Public Schools and taught for over 30 years. During his teaching career he was principal of the Curtis Guild Elementary School, and assistant principal of the Joseph H. Barnes School.
John passed away in the Emergency Room at the Melrose/Wakefield Hospital on Friday afternoon after a fall at home.
He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Kelley) Vozella. He was the dear stepfather of Diane Scarpa and husband Gino of Texas, Richard Petrillo and wife Laura of Stoneham, and Julie Figueroa and husband Mark of Arizona. He was the devoted brother of Ethel Innello of California and the late Ida Dente, Teresa and Ernest Vozella, Eva Wutcher and Julia Constantine. He was the cherished grandfather of Kaitlin, Matthew, Gianna, Sophia, Dario, Ryan, Braeden and Sarah.
Family and friends will honor John’s life by gathering in the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga St., in the Orient Heights neighborhood of East Boston on Wednesday, February 22, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday morning, February 23, at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield for a funeral Mass celebrating John’s life at 11 a.m.
The funeral home is handicapped accessible, with a children’s lounge available. Courtesy valet parking at the front entrance and ample off street parking with attendants in our parking lots. For complimentary transportation to the funeral home for visitation please call 617-569-0990.
Services will conclude with John being laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.
