Crocetti, Marie Josephine (Rotondi), Daughter of Ernest and Assunta Rose Rotondi of Melrose MA, and Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend of Boston, passed away peacefully at her home in Gloucester’s Annisquam Village on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the age of 90 on a sunny autumn morning.
The oldest of six children, Marie grew up spending her summers in various New England towns, traveling with her family business, G. Rotondi & Sons Construction, who built roadways such as Route 2, Route 101, and Route 128 – including the stretch that connects Gloucester to the “Mainland”. These childhood experiences contributed to Marie’s lifelong love of travel and world cultures.
She graduated from Melrose High School in 1951 and then earned a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Pursuing her passion for education, she obtained her M.Ed. in early childhood development from Tufts University, and she played a pivotal role in establishing the first daycare center in Massachusetts, in her hometown of Melrose.
Marie was introduced to her beloved husband of 68 years, Charles V. Crocetti (formerly of Stoneham) by her cousin at a holiday party. They fell in love and married, and moved to Philadelphia while Chuck attended The University of Pennsylvania Dental School. Upon Chuck’s graduation, the couple moved back to Massachusetts where they raised their son, Charles “Chip” Crocetti, in Melrose. They moved from Melrose to Boston’s Back Bay in 1984, and eventually, their path brought them back to Marie’s favorite childhood summer spot Gloucester, where they built their summer home in 1987. Marie’s love of travel led her and Chuck on numerous trips across the US and the globe, sharing remarkable experiences.
Marie was deeply committed to her community and was a contributing member of the League of Women Voters, Boston College Club, Back Bay Garden Club, and Boston Needlepoint Guild. She also volunteered for several years at Harvard University, working for the Director of the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology. Marie enjoyed a full and creative life – she wrote and illustrated children’s books, painted and sketched prolifically, needlepointed, explored the world of fashion, and was a lifelong cat owner and lover.
Marie is survived by her husband Chuck of Gloucester, son Chip and wife Amy of Durham, NH, and four granddaughters: Michelle, Emily, Abigail and husband Christopher, and Elizabeth.
She also leaves behind siblings William and wife Madeline Rotondi of Melrose, Donna and husband Stephen Pinto of Newton, Paula Rotondi and husband Michael Crum of Bellingham Washington, and Ernest and wife Ann Marie Rotondi of Norwood. Marie was predeceased by her sister Roberta and husband Patrick Banfield of Middleton, whose memories will always be cherished.
Marie will be deeply missed. No service or celebration of life is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and Care Dimensions Hospice and Palliative Care of Danvers, MA.