Mrs. Catherine J. LaPuma, 81 a lifelong resident of Somerville died unexpectedly on Thursday in the Massachusetts General Hospital. She is the wife of the late Joseph J. LaPuma.
Born in Somerville, daughter of the late Arthur and Sadie (Berte) Triglione. She is a graduate of Somerville High School, class of 1949. She and her husband were the proprietors of the Florida Fruit Market, on Bow Street for more than 40 years. Considered Somerville’s most respected residents there is a street corner dedicated to the couple at the corner of Bow and Wesley Park with a plaque in their honor officially designating it Joseph J. and Catherine LaPuma Square. She also was a dedicated volunteer for the Mission of Deeds of Reading.
She is the mother of Jean McGeary and her friend Jim Powers of Wakefield, Diane and John Carreiro of Stoneham, Catherine Federico of Somerville and her late husband Steven. Loving grandmother of Katie McGeary, John Michael and Tiana Carreiro, Joseph, Christopher and Steven Federico. Great Grandmother of Alexis Federico. Dear sister of Theresa Binari of Carver, Arthur Triglione of ME, and the late Anthony Triglione. Friends may call Sunday from 3 through 8 at the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield, Monday at 10 am. Services will conclude with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff on White 6 in the Massachusetts General Hospital for their tireless efforts and compassionate care given to Catherine. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Catherine’s name may be sent to Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin Ave., Reading MA. 01867.