HONORABLE HENRY A. TEMPONE
FROM THE BARRACKS TO THE BAR TO THE BENCH
Henry Tempone was born on April 8, 1922, in Cambridge, MA to Italian immigrant parents, Gennaro & Lucy (Marsi) and was the older of two sons. His family moved to the North End of Boston where he attended St. Mary’s school and was taught by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. He liked to boast of being seated at the front of the class because he was a good student. His family eventually settled in Medford and despite his good grades there was little money to pay for a college education when he graduated from Medford High School in 1940. Henry ran a poolroom in Tufts Square and became quite good at the game. He later worked at the shipyard in Hingham making war materials and then enlisted in the Army and served his country stateside in the bombardier section of the Airforce. He was always very proud of his service and grateful for the opportunity to take advantage of the GI Bill which paid for his higher education at Boston University. After passing the Bar, Henry worked for the law firm of Viola & Singer in Boston before eventually creating a partnership practice in Medford Square with Joseph Sharillo and Frank Fortunato. In 1970 he was appointed Special Justice by then Governor Sergeant. He was later appointed full Justice and served at the Somerville District Court where he acquired the reputation of being “tough but fair”.
Henry married Anne (Tempone) in 1955 and shared a wonderful marriage with her for 43 years before her passing in l999. They settled in Melrose and they vacationed in the White Mountains area of New Hampshire every summer and in Miami, FL in the winter before buying a condominium in Delray Beach where he domiciled in his later years after becoming widowed. He was devoted to his family and spent much time with his nephew playing sports among other interests. He lettered in soccer in high school and later became an avid golfer. Baseball was his spectator sport of choice and he was a loyal Red Sox fan attending games occasionally both in Boston and Florida, but always watching them on TV. He was a great dancer, loved music and could regale you with his stories and be the life of a party. One story he was proud of was that he danced with Harriet Hilliard (Ozzie & Harriet) while in the service. Henry enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra and it could be said that Henry “did it his way”!
His warm personality was shared with many and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him well.
The beloved husband of the late Antoinette “Anne” Tempone, he was a devoted brother of the late Gennaro “Jerry” Tempone. He was a loving uncle to Atty. Robert Abruzese of Medford, Patricia Abruzese Johnston of Stoneham, Marie Polster of Las Vegas and Lorraine Tempone of Stoneham. He was a beloved grand-uncle to Maria Longo, Stephen Foy, Susan Drinan, Robert Abruzese Jr. and Jennifer Krueger.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Monday, December 7th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main Street, Wakefield, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 1 - 5 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Henry's name to the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880.