Published March 26, 2021

MELROSE — Bernard J. Cincotta Sr., of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by family on March 18, 2021. He was born in 1926 in Marlborough to Angelo and Jennie (Zanca) Cincotta.

He graduated from Marlborough High School in June 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He had a 40-year career at Boston Gas Co. where he started in 1948 as a chemist in the lab and retired in 1988 as superintendent in the company’s LNG facilities.

He met his beautiful wife, Rosemarie (Belmonte) Cincotta, at Mosley’s Dance Hall in 1950 and they married in 1951. That was the start of their 70-year journey together. His faith and love of family is what made him happiest.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Claire Cincotta, and their eight children, Donna Williams, Joanne Ashley and the late Richard Ashley, Rosemarie and Fred Gilfeather, Catherine and Enrico Pepe, Elaine and Chuck Rogal, Ann Potito, Bernard and Tracy Cincotta, Joseph and Doreen Cincotta, and his sons-in-law, Raymond Williams and Donald Potito. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Building things for his family and friends was one of his many talents. He was a true handyman. There was nothing he couldn’t do and no one he wouldn’t help. He enjoyed his times at their cottage in Maine with family and friends. He had a great life surrounded by the people he loved: his family.

Visiting hours were held on Sunday, March 21 from 2-5 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 22, at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Burial followed the Mass at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Bernard’s name to a charity of one’s choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.