John Russolillo, age 86, of Medford passed away on Monday, August 2nd, at Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston. Born and raised in Ariano Irpino, P. Avellino, Italy, he was the son of the late Nicola and Giulia (Baviello) Russolillo. John immigrated to the U.S. in 1954, settling first in Boston’s North End before moving to Medford in 1978.
John worked as a contractor for New England Telephone, and was a proud member of Local 22 for over 40 years. His favorite things to do were playing base drum in the North End Marching Band and the Roma Band with his son Nicky, spending time with his grandchildren, watching Italian soccer teams on TV, having lunch at Massimino’s, and sitting in coffee shops with friends in the North End.
John was the beloved husband of 55 years to the late Valentina (Lauretti) Russolillo, and the devoted father of Nicola Russolillo of Medford, Pasquale Russolillo and his wife Frances of Georgetown, and Julia Russolillo of Boxford. He was the loving grandfather of John David Russolillo and his wife Manuella of Australia, and Stefania, Jacqueline, Nina, Julia, Ali and Josephine Russolillo. John was the dear brother of the late Josephine Russolillo, Antoinette DiCenso and Michele Russolillo. He was the brother-in-law of the late Michele Lauretti and his surviving wife Carmella, Antoinetta Russolillo, and uncle of Nicola Russolillo, Pasquale Russolillo, Anthony "Toto" Russolillo, John Merenda, Julia Wertz, Raffella Martignetti, and Donatella Pizziferri and her late husband Vito. John is also survived by his dear friend Linda Sirignano, and many more friends and relatives in the U.S. and Italy.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, August 7th from 9 through 11 AM in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Ann Church, 399 Medford St., Somerville, at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in John's name to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development/Jimmy Fund, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.