Published in the May 19, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Roscoe L. Coolidge Jr., a resident of Melrose and formerly of East Boston, passed away peacefully at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington on Monday, May 8, at age 71.
Roscoe was born in Boston on October 15, 1945, one of 12 children of the late Roscoe L. Coolidge Sr. and Sarah (Pestell) Coolidge. Proudly raised in East Boston, he graduated from Brighton High School, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Two months later on June 18, 1966, he was married to Elizabeth D’Addario and they settled in East Boston to raise a family of three daughters.
Roscoe worked as a truck driver transporting air freight from Logan Airport for many years, and became part owner of Swiftway for 10 years before retiring. In his retirement, Roscoe was afforded more time with his family. He became a Hoover School crossing guard in Melrose and happily obliged to many picks ups and drops offs for his grandchildren.
At home, Roscoe enjoyed working in the yard, or watching the ballgame in his shed with a cigar in his hand. He enthusiastically supported his favorite Boston teams, and always enjoyed horse racing.
The summer months were highlighted with family trips to Lake Winnipesaukee to spend time relaxing on the deck watching the grandchildren. For years, he and Liz enjoyed a cruise every year, or a vacation to Disney in Florida. He also loved music, especially the Rolling Stones, and ZZ Top.
Roscoe was a simple guy with a few basic needs in life. He was happiest with a cigar, a homemade Italian meal, or spending time with his grandchildren who he loved dearly. Roscoe will be forever missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Roscoe was the beloved husband of Elizabeth M. (D’Addario) Coolidge with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Michelle A. Bettano and her husband Kenneth of Melrose, Donnaleigh Coolidge-Miller and her husband Brian of Melrose, and Lisa M. Ellis and her husband Eric of N. Plainfield, NJ. He was the caring brother of Joan Jagiello, Barbara Romano, Ralph Coolidge, Christine Greenwood, Janet Pelegrino, Marian Diluigi, and the late Marie Pava, Patricia Lavigne, and John, Alfred, and David Coolidge. He was the cherished “Papa” of Danielle, Carly, Dante, Mia, and Elizabeth. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends were invited to a Life Celebration for Roscoe during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, May 12 from 4-8 p.m. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
