Passion for cooking his famous Italian dishes
MELROSE — Paul Sestito, age 83 passed away on December 28 surrounded by his loving family.
Paul was raised in Malden along with his two brothers as part of a family grounded by a simple life with the principles of hard work, loyalty, faith in God and family above all else. Paul attended Malden High School where his passion for sports developed particularly football in which he excelled and the lessons of determination, leading by example and positive attitude served him for the duration of his life.
Paul was a devoted husband of 54 years to Mary Ellen Sestito raising two children Anthony and Cherilyn in Melrose where they resided for over 40 years. He was a wonderful father who dedicated his free time to coaching his children in youth sports and serving as a role model to many. When not on the field he spent his time refurbishing his home in Melrose or lending a helping hand to others which he secretly loved and had tremendous talent for.
Paul enjoyed socializing with his close circle of friends and his many trips and vacations with Mary Ellen visiting family and friends in Florida, Maine and Cape Cod. Later in life, he enjoyed his time spent at Mount Hood as a member of the Inner Club and Riley’s Raiders. He traded in his hammer and developed a passion for cooking by perfecting his “famous” Italian dishes to be shared with the ones he loved. As a grandfather, one of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play sports and the opportunity once again to pass along some wisdom after the games.
We will miss his quiet humble nature, sense of humor and quick one-liners and knowing his loving support was always close by. We will always look at his demonstration of strength and fight of twenty years against cancer and residual illnesses without complaint as inspiration to find joy in every day.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Paul A. and Angela Sestito, brother Vincent and Lieutenant Anthony Sestito and young son Michael Sestito. May you all be reunited again. Paul was survived by his wife Mary Ellen; his children Anthony Sestito and wife Amy Dolan Sestito of Melrose; Cherlyn Sparks and her husband Doug Sparks of Greenland, NH; his beloved grandchildren Brendan, Caitlin, Emily, Chase and Camden. His sister-in-law Alberta Sestito of FL and his two nephews Carl Sestito and Vincent Sestito who he was extremely close with and will always have a special place in his heart.
We welcome all who knew Paul to join in celebrating his life. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, January 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wakefield on Monday, January 6 at 10 a.m. Interment to follow the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Paul’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org. Visit gatelyfh.com.
