Louis F. Vendice Jr., 87, of Medford, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, February 14. He is survived by his loving wife and companion of 45 years, Janet Vendice (Nixon). He leaves behind two daughters, Robin Doherty and her companion Daniel Meade, and Kelly McGovern and her husband Bernie Jr., both of Medford. He was the cherished grandfather, known as “Daddy Lou," to Krista Bonetti and her husband Andrew of Westborough, Jaime McGovern and her fiancé Peter of New York City, Bernie McGovern III, Michael Doherty, and Jake McGovern all of Medford. Louis was also blessed with one great-granddaughter, Mila Bonetti, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law and friend, Annie Nixon of Canton, and many nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud. Louis is predeceased by his parents Louis and Eleonora Vendice, brother Vincent Vendice, and sister Marie Padenski.
Born in 1934 in Medford, Louie was a life-long New Englander, maintaining residences in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. An avid sports fan, Louie was once a season ticket holder for the Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics and never missed a Red Sox game. In fact, he had side-by-side TVs to ensure he could accommodate overlapping game schedules. Known for teaching the value of hard work and responsibility, Louie was the proud manager of First National grocery chain and later the owner/operator with his wife Jan of Kelly’s Convenience in Medford where many family and friends were given their first job. In retirement, Louie could be found greeting customers and entertaining friends at a table in Dom’s Sausage Co. in Malden where his wife has worked for more than three decades.
His other interests became a hallmark of the Louie we know and love; glamorous cars, scratch tickets, sweets, and collecting baseball caps – but his favorite part was sharing these things with others. Far and wide Louie is remembered by his generosity and benevolence. This gained him a following of loyal friends who he treated as family no matter their circumstance or background. His impact was felt not only in the Medford area, but at his second home in Ossipee, New Hampshire where he spent much of his time lakeside at Westward Shores. Louie will be sorely missed by his immediate family, the members of the Nixon and Vendice families, and the many individuals he positively influenced throughout his fascinating and meaningful life.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD, on Sunday, February 20th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Monday morning at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., MALDEN at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. To honor Louie’s love for animals and service as an Army dog trainer, in lieu of flowers a gift can be made to Baypath Humane Society where his granddaughter is an active volunteer. Visit https://www.baypathhumane.org/donate or mail checks, payable to Baypath Humane Society, to 500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Please include Louis Vendice in the tribute name online or memo line in check.