Deacon Frank Valeri
A Deacon for 43 Years
Deacon Frank A. (Sonny or Mr. V) Valeri passed away peacefully at High Pointe House in Haverhill on February 14.
Frank served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a Deacon for 43 years. In the 1970’s, Frank would run the monthly dances at the Knights of Columbus in Everett. Frank was also an avid football and horse racing fan. He and Kay would go to Saratoga every August or September. Frank was a charter member of the Unique Club.
The beloved husband of the late Kay (Sclafani), he was the loving father of Peter and his wife, Kathi and Paul; dear grandfather to Jon and his wife, Edith, Peter Jr., and his wife Lisa, Katherine and fiancé Nate and Laura. Frank was the son of the late Avelino and Helen (Mattuchio).
A wake was held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church 1155 Main St., Wakefield on Tuesday, February 21. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. was followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made in his name to American Red Cross PO Box 37839 Boone, IA 50037-0839.
Virginia Fitzgerald
Family Matriach
Virginia M. “Ginny” (Wyrocki) Fitzgerald, a resident of Melrose and formerly of Everett, passed away peacefully at home on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14 at the age of 85.
Virginia was born in Boston on May 15, 1937, one of two children of the late John T. Wyrocki and Stella R. (Bezon) Wyrocki. Raised in Everett, Virginia graduated from Everett High School. On November 17, 1956 she married Harold E. “Fitzie” Fitzgerald at Immaculate Conception Church in Everett and they settled in Everett to raise a family of seven daughters and one son.
A dedicated and wonderful mother to eight children, Virginia was always there when needed. She was a constant source of support, love and kindness to everyone whether a family member or friend.
Virginia held various jobs throughout her life, but found the most joy in caring for her children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She and her late husband, Fitzie enjoyed many years dancing together in the local area. As a grandmother to 12, she hosted many sleepovers often making gingerbread houses and waking her grandchildren up with frappes and French toast.
Smart and intelligent, she always enjoyed reading and had a love for birdwatching, especially her beloved cardinal. She cherished many years of hosting Christmas at her house for generations of the family to gather and spend time together. In her free time, she enjoyed painting, and doing puzzles and arts and crafts with her grandchildren.
As the matriarch of the family, Virginia served as a source of great strength, as well as the most loving and kind role model for others to follow. She will be deeply missed, but her kind spirit, and inner strength will carry on in the lives of those she loved.
Virginia was the beloved wife of the late Harold E. Fitzgerald, Jr. with whom she shared 45 years of marriage, devoted mother of Donna Pedersen and her husband, Henry of Middleton, NH, Debbie Santore and her husband, Phil of Palm Harbor, FL, Terry Lyons and her husband, Dennis of Tarpon Springs, FL, Linda Sullivan and her partner, Edwin List of Sun City Center, FL, Cindy Shaw and her husband, Kevin of Saugus, John Fitzgerald of Melrose, Paula Rock and her partner, David Dardas of Middleton, and Sandy Donnelly and her husband, Bob of New Hampton, NH. Dear sister of the late John T. Wyrocki, Jr.; cherished grandmother of Justin Dello Iacono and his wife, Mariana, Jena Dello Iacono, Kyle Sullivan and his wife, Mia, Elizabeth Shaw and her partner, Charles Finnemore, Emily Anderson and her husband, Greg, Erin Shaw, Allison Rock, Zachary Rock, Jacob Rock, Robby Donnelly, Michael Donnelly and Kathryn Donnelly; loving great-grandmother of Charlie and Madeline Finnemore. She is also survived by her longtime friend Pat Cafasso and predeceased by longtime friend, Mary Kerrigan.
Funeral arrangement were entrusted to the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. If you wish, donations can be made in Virginia’s name to St. Mary’s Church, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose MA 02176.
John L. Diamond
November 7, 1950 ~ February 15, 2023
John L. Diamond, 73, of Port St. Lucie Fl, formerly of Everett, passed away suddenly at the Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital on February 15.
John was a late lieutenant of the City of Everett Fire Department and former secretary treasurer of the local 143.
The loving husband of Nanci M. Diamond, he was the loving father of Kristen and her husband, Steven Dillingham and Adrianne and her husband, Shaun Johnson; beloved grandfather to his “Best Friends” Evan, Jillian and Kaylin Mantel and Jack Johnson and his furry grandchildren, Molly, Tuukka and Cooper; adored brother of Sharon and her husband, Dr. Raymond Murano and adored uncle of Dr. Raymond Murano III and his wife, Tricia and Jaclyn Murano and her fiancé, Kai Glick; step-father of Jimmy Cook, brother-in- law of Bart Silva. John was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Joan (Rongone) Diamond and his first wife, Judith L. Diamond and her family. John leaves a very good friend, John Shinners. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Funeral from the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street, Everett today, Wednesday, February 22. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 12:30 pm. Interment will be in Saint Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made in his name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, Ma 02115 danafarber.jimmyfund.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.