GLOUCESTER: Michael C. Aiello, husband of Grace (Parisi) Aiello, died Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Beverly Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born the sixth child of the late John and Calogera “Lillie” (Gelardi) Aiello, on May 20, 1931, in Boston’s North End, he was a graduate of St. Ann High School and the New England School of Art.
He spent his entire professional career as a designer and vice president in charge of production of Priscilla of Boston, the renowned bridal gown company. In 2000, he was nominated for the prestigious DEBI (Distinctive Excellence in the Bridal Industry) award for life achievement, craftsmanship and styling in the national bridal market.
He traveled to Washington for the weddings of President Nixon’s daughter, Julie, whose gown he designed, and President Johnson’s daughter, Luci who chose his design for her bridesmaids.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
In addition to his wife, Grace, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage, he is survived by his children, Jon, Leila and her companion John Poremba, Josef, and Anne Aiello, his grandchildren Michael and Lacey Aiello, his siblings, Joseph and his wife, Catherine Aiello, John and his wife, Patricia Aiello, Grace and her husband, Joseph Favazza, Marie Linquata and her companion, Joseph Polizzia, Annette and her husband, Brien Kennedy, Joanne and her companion, Anthony Tamarindo, brother-in-law Michael DiLiberti, and sisters-in-law, Felicia and Rose Aiello, Josette Parisi, RSM, Catherine Parisi, brothers-in-law Paul and his wife, Sharon, Salvatore and Norma Parisi, many nieces and nephews, and long-time family friends Priscilla Cunningham and Spike and Gert Pretzler. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony “Nutzie”, Thomas and his wife, Emily and Louis Aiello, his sister Josephine (Aiello) DiLiberti, brother-in-law Louis Linquata, and parents-in-law Joseph and Grace Parisi.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Holy Family Parish, St. Ann Church, Pleasant St., Gloucester on Friday, April 20th at 11 AM. Family and friends are invited to attend. Per Mr. Aiello’s request, there will be no visiting hours. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.