Ross Puopolo, 55

Feb 13, 2020 by

Published February 14, 2020 SAUGUS — Arthur R. “Ross” Puopolo Jr., 55, of Saugus passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 in Lahey Clinic Burlington following a lengthy illness. Ross was born May 13, 1964 in Malden; he is the son of Loretta J. Puopolo of Saugus and the late Arthur R. Puopolo Sr. He was a resident of Saugus for most of his life. Ross graduated from Everett Vocational High School. Ross was a truck driver for Caruso Brothers in Revere for many years. Ross was a Harley kid who enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. In addition to his loving mother, Ross is survived by brothers Philip A. Puopolo of Concord, N.H. and Mark J. Puopolo and his wife Christine of Dracut. Uncle of Mitchell, Nicholas, Jason and Christopher Puopolo. Visitation was held at...

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Kevin F. Brizee, 42

Feb 13, 2020 by

Published February 14, 2020 WAKEFIELD — Kevin F. Brizee, 42, a lifelong resident of Wakefield died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at his residence. Kevin was born in Melrose on August 14, 1977 and was the son of Dagmar (Fogal) Brizee and the late Alfred A. Brizee. Kevin was a lifelong resident of Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield Memorial High School, Class of 1995. He was a part owner of Designer Lawn Sprinkler Inc. of Wakefield. He was a lover of Boston sports, music, and reading. He was a member of the Crystal Community Club of Wakefield and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his mother, Kevin is survived by the love of his life, Jennifer Missett of Wakefield. He was the brother of...

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Rita I. Cody, 79

Feb 13, 2020 by

Published February 14, 2020 RAYMOND, N.H. — Rita I. Cody, 79, of Raymond, N.H., formerly of Melrose, Mass., died on February 4, 2020 at Greenwood Nursing & Rehab in Wakefield, Mass. She was born on March 27, 1940 in Everett, Mass., the daughter of the late Samuel J. and Margaret M. (Belloise) Cirino. Rita grew up in Everett and was a resident of Melrose for 35 years before moving to Raymond, N.H. in 2005. She was formerly employed as a bookkeeper for American Reliability Labs in Malden, Mass. She was the widow of Albert W. Cody Jr., and is survived by three daughters, Ann-Kathryn Franco of Raymond, N.H.; Mary Ellen Gregorio of Melrose; and Jennifer E. Cody of Quartzsite, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her brother Robert D. Cirino of Hanover, Mass.; four sisters,...

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Schools seek $38M next year

Feb 13, 2020 by

Published February 14, 2020 MELROSE — School officials are asking for $38 million next year to run a system that needs to deal with rising enrollment, handle a 5 percent Special Education tuition increase, fund a nearly 50 percent hike in the cost of transporting local kids to out-of-city Special Education programs and meet over $600,000 in negotiated agreements with its employees. In her last budget presentation to the School Committee Tuesday, Supt. of Schools Cyndy Taymore was quick to acknowledge the critical help provided by voters last April when they passed a $5.18 million override of Proposition 2 1/2.  “The additional monies enabled us to restore positions eliminated over the past three years, add positions critical to support our students growing academic and social emotional needs, and to meet the demands of increasing enrollment....

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Early voting begins Feb. 24

Feb 13, 2020 by

Published February 14, 2020 MELROSE — The City of Melrose will hold early voting for the Presidential Primary and State Representative General Election. Early voting is available February 24-28 in Melrose City Hall during regular city hall hours (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Friday). Evening voting hours are available on Thursday, February 27 until 8 p.m. Voters can come to city hall to cast their ballots for both elections at any time during early voting hours. They will need to check in and request their presidential primary ballots separately from the state representative...

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Police: Hands-free driving law just around the corner...

Feb 13, 2020 by

Published February 14, 2020 MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle and the Melrose Police Department would like to remind residents of the upcoming hands-free law for drivers. On Feb. 23, An Act Requiring the Hands-Free Use of Mobile Telephones While Driving will go into effect prohibiting drivers from using cellphones and other hand-held devices while operating a vehicle. There will be a grace period through March 31 in which drivers will get a warning for their first violation rather than a fine. The law states that no motor vehicle operator may use electronic devices while driving unless the technology is being used hands-free. Operators found to be texting, dialing phone numbers or using a phone with their hands in any capacity while driving will be fined. Operators are permitted to use hands-free technology including...

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