Matthew A. Gianetta
…WWII Veteran, Naval Architect ; 90
TEWKSBURY - Mr. Matthew Anthony Gianetta, age 90, died peacefully on Friday afternoon, August 19, at the Putnam Farm assisted living community in Danvers, after a long period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of Constance “Connie” (Silva) Gianetta, who died in April 2000.
Mr. Ginaetta was born in Somerville in November 1925, and was the last survivor of seven children of the late Vito and Carmella (Lapore) Gianetta. He was raised in Somerville and after his marriage, moved to Tewksbury in 1952 to raise his family.
During WWII he enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he became a Ball Torrent Gunner. His assignment was to overfly the entire East Coast of the U.S. as part of the homeland air defense system. His flight time includes sorties aboard B-17’s, B-24’s, B-26’s and B-29’s, and earned the American Service, Good Conduct, and Victory Medals.
He began his career as a ship-fitter at the Boston Navy Yard, where he diligently, “worked his way up,” earned and retired in the position of Naval Architect.
In his retirement years, he will be remembered for his carpentry and finishing skills as a creator of heirloom quality dollhouses.
He leaves three children, Susan and her husband Don Piantaggini of Pepperell, Mark and his wife Cheryl Gianetta of the Philippines, and Al and his wife Shenna Gianetta of Danvers; seven grandchildren, Lance and his wife Christa Piantaggini of No. Hampton, MA, Laurie Piantaggini of Salem, MA, Anthony Chin of OH, Nigel Gianetta and Dylan Gianetta both of the Philippines, Matthew Gianetta and Elizabeth Gianetta both of Danvers; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours are Monday, Aug. 22, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950. A Prayer Service will follow on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Assn. of MA, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 will be appreciated. tewksburyfuneralhome.com