Elaine L. McDonald, 77

Jun 4, 2020 by

Published June 5, 2020 MELROSE — Elaine L. (Donnelly) McDonald, 77, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 after a brave fight against lung disease. Elaine was born in Somerville on July 28, 1942, daughter of the late John P. and Eva (Zec) Donnelly. Faced with the unexpected loss of both of her parents at a young age, Elaine persevered through life with a determined, but always kind and humble outlook. On October 22, 1966 she was married to Medford native, Eugene McDonald, and they settled in Melrose to raise two sons and a daughter. Elaine enjoyed her work for the United States Postal Service in the general mail sorting facility in Boston for over 35 years. Elaine was a quietly strong, unassuming woman with a...

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Eileen Riordan, 101

Jun 4, 2020 by

Published June 5, 2020 MEDFORD — On May 29, 2020, in Medford, Eileen Mary (Callaghan) Riordan, 101, left this world. Born August 3, 1918 in Goutnalour, Co. Cork Ireland, she emigrated to the United States in 1948 with fiancé, Denis, who were later married in February 1950. Together they raised three children and, by daily word and example, instilled in them the importance of love, responsibility, friendship, charity and hard work. Eileen was a faithful Catholic, devoted wife and mother, doting grandmother and loyal friend, who loved all creatures, great a small and had an amazing “green thumb.” She never completely lost her lilting Irish brogue, loved music and easily broke into song while working around the house or when prevailed upon by guests. She is predeceased by husband Denis (2001) and youngest son...

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Virginia Shaw, 97

Jun 4, 2020 by

Published June 5, 2020 MELROSE — Virginia Shaw, 97, a resident of Melrose, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Thursday, May 28, 2020. Born on June 16, 1922, the daughter of the late Howard P. Isabelle (Metz) Shaw. Virginia worked for many years as a banking administrator in Boston. Virginia was a longtime, devoted and active member of Melrose Highlands Congregational Church. Always willing to help, she was an integral volunteer at the annual Church Fair, auction, and youth programs. She participated in the Church Women’s Guild, Bible Study, and monthly lunch bunch with fellow church members and friends. She took great joy in her church and attended worship every Sunday. She made many dear friendships at the church, and held close to her heart the connections over her many...

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Lt. Commander Stephen R. Harris, 82...

Jun 4, 2020 by

Published June 5, 2020 MELROSE — Lt. Commander Stephen R. Harris, U.S. Navy (Ret.), 82, a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at the EN Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford on Monday, May 18, 2020. Stephen was born in Melrose on March 31, 1938, the son of the late Robert S. Harris and Eleanor L. (Van Buskirk) Harris. Stephen was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. He entered the ROTC program while at Harvard University. Upon his graduation in 1960, he was immediately commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and served as a communications officer aboard two Navy ships positioned in the Atlantic in the early 1960’s. After being sent to Russian language school, Stephen served most of his Naval career as a cryptologist (communications intelligence specialist). Serving...

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Rolando Visentini, 72

Jun 4, 2020 by

Published June 5, 2020 MELROSE — Rolando Visentini, 72, of Melrose, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Beloved husband of 48 years to Michelina (Pastore) Visentini. Dear brother of Rolanda DiScipio, Medford and Lina Visentini, Genova, Italy. Devoted father to his son, Agostino, daughter Daniela, son-in-law Alex, and adoring grandson Lorenzo. Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was born in Italy and came to the United States with many hopes and aspirations. He was a man who loved his family deeply and had a passion as a machinist. He enjoyed hobbies which included fishing, model ship building, gardening and outdoor activities. Due to the pandemic, Rolando will have a private family viewing at Gately Funeral Home and laid to rest during a private burial service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. At...

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