Donald Alunni passed away peacefully at his Medford home in the company of his loving family on Tuesday morning. He was 98. Donald was born and raised in Boston’s North End, the son of the late Eduardo and Rosina (Paolucci) Alunni. He began working as a young man during the Great Depression, developing solid skill, a strong work ethic and an ability to solve problems and get things built. He worked at the Navy Yard and refitted many ships for the lend-lease program which helped save England during the War. He also worked on the refitting and building of various other ships as America entered the war. Prevented from entering the military because his skills were vital to the war effort at home, Donald focused on his work and raising his loving family. As work diminished in the ship yard, Donald translated his skills into work with the Raytheon Corp. His abilities allowed him to help create many missile systems which are still in use today defending the United States, including the Patriot Missile. A quiet man, Donald enjoyed the company of his family and friends.
The beloved husband of the late Assunta (Rotondi), he was a devoted father of Concetta Alunni of Medford, Susan Micelli and her husband Nicholas of Wakefield, Donald Alunni and his wife Joanne of Peabody. He was a loving grandfather to Donald E. Alunni Jr and his wife Allison, Paul M. Alunni, Jeanna Posteraro and her husband Carmen, all of Peabody and a loving great grandfather of Gianna and Dylan Alunni. The dear brother of the late Concetta Delloiacono, Edward Alunni Jr. and Wanda Celani, he leaves many dear nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Saturday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Adelaide Church, 708 Lowell St., Peabody, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit at the funeral home on Friday 4 – 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Donald’s name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 33 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581.