Published June 11, 2021
MELROSE — Norma J. (Gradone) Marcotti, longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 6, 2021, with her family by her side. She was 91.
Born on June 26, 1929, in Winthrop, Norma was one of eight children of the late Michael and Josephine (DeNunzio) Gradone. She grew up in Somerville, graduating from Somerville High School, where she met Arthur D. Marcotti in their advanced math class. The two were high school sweethearts. They married on July 21, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Church in Medford and were blessed to celebrate 70 ½ amazing years of marriage together.
Settling in Melrose to raise their family, Norma loved her role as a homemaker. She adored Arthur (”Art” or “Arturo” as she lovingly called him), her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was exceptionally active in their lives and wouldn’t have traded this role for anything.
Loving, warm, generous, smart, sassy and not afraid to speak her mind, Norma made life fun and loved her family well. She loved to cook and bake beautiful cakes for all occasions. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially Christmas. A talented creator of gingerbread houses, Norma made dozens every year to give to family, friends, and various organizations where she also volunteered her time.
Volunteering was a substantial part of Norma’s life. She was a longtime volunteer at Reserve Officers Association League and the Italian Home for Children, where she and Arthur also served on the board. She and Arthur made contributions to many other charitable organizations throughout their lives.
Beyond her beloved family, Norma enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading multiple newspapers every day, and maintained a strong devotion to her faith. Norma loved sports especially the Red Sox and the Celtics. Her and Arthur were Boston Celtics season ticket holders for many years. Norma enjoyed traveling with Arthur, and together they traveled to numerous places across America and Europe. They also enjoyed yearly trips to Vermont and Bermuda together and with their family.
Norma loved her family, friends, and life. Her memory will live on through those she touched. She will be deeply missed.
Norma was the beloved wife of the late Arthur D. Marcotti with whom she shared 70 ½ years of marriage. Devoted mother of the late A. Douglas Marcotti and his surviving wife Alison of Melrose, and the late Diane M. Bowen and her surviving husband John of Stoneham. Dear sister of Michael Gradone, Gloria Cummins, Yolanda “Linda” Manning, Cynthia McGaffigan, Sylvia Miller, Richard “Dick” Gradone, and Thelma McCann. Cherished grandmother of Keith Marcotti, Andrea Marcotti, Vanessa Bello, Gina Foshage, Julia Wrightenberry, and the late Michael Marcotti. Loving great-grandmother of Ashlynne, Julian, Aarya, Ava, Nicholas, Amelia, Tegan, Richard, William, and Annmarie.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor of Norma’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, June 10 from 4-7 p.m., and again on Friday for her funeral service celebrated at 9 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in Norma’s memory may be made to Reserve Organization of America, 1 Constitution Ave. NE, Washington D.C. 20002-5618 or Italian Home for Children, 1125 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA. 02130. For online tribute or directions please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
