Geno Cognata passed away peacefully at home on Saturday morning. He was 88. Born Giacinto but known as Geno, he was born and raised in Boston’s North End, the son of the late Salvatore and Francesca (Indelicato) Cognata. Geno worked for many years as a bartender at the famed Stella’s Restaurant in Boston’s North End. A Medford resident since 1956, Geno worked for several years, after Stella’s closing, as a toll collector for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. He was once recognized as Toll Collector of the year. He and his beloved wife enjoyed winters in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
The beloved husband of the late Jennie (Taromino) “Jennie Doll”, he was a devoted father to Salvatore Cognata and his wife Paula of Billerica, Gus Cognata and his wife Maureen of Malden, Frances Ciampaglia and her husband Charlie of Medford and Gene Cognata and his long-time companion Betty of Marlboro. He was a loving grandfather to Salvatore, Jr., Mellisa, Lori, Andrea, John, Kristen, Gus M. and Kevin as well as a loving great-grandfather to Dante, Matteo, Giacinto, Vincenza, Antonia, Mckenzie, Madison and Gabriella. The dear brother of the late Tony Cognata, Annie Milito, Jennie Lemmi, Mary Esposito, Antonette Battersby, Josephine Kiminsky and Helen Tramonte, he leaves many dear nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Thursday, March 17th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Geno's name to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.