Stella N. (Dello Iacono) Tenaglia passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday night. She was 91. Born and raised in Roslindale, she was the daughter of the late Ciriaco and Mary (Ruggiero) DelloIacono.
A Medford resident for over 63 years, Stella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She studied in business school after graduating high school and also studied hair dressing. For many years she operated Stella’s Beauty Salon on Fulton St. in Medford. Putting her business studies to work, Stella served for over 30 years in the Auditor’s Office for the City of Medford. She retired at age 84 and was known for her strong work ethic and her tireless devotion as a good steward for the people of Medford.
Stella had a very fun side too. She was born on Christmas Eve, hence the name Stella. She honored the feast of Christmas by preparing the traditional seven fish for her beloved family and whoever else stopped by for the holiday. Stella was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and participated in many parish activities and social events, especially the dances. She founded and organized the St. Anthony Feast which was a popular event for the parish and community. She also enjoyed getting together with friends or family, taking a ride to Connecticut, and trying their luck at the casino. Most of all, Stella was happiest sharing her love with family and friends and they were the lucky ones to have that shining star in their lives.
The beloved wife of the late Valfrido R. “Val” Tenaglia, Stella was a devoted mother to Paul Tenaglia and his wife Robin of Stoneham, Stephen Tenaglia and his wife Amy of Medford, Rosanne Meroski and her husband Richard of Medford and the late Laraine Drohan and her surviving husband James of Stoneham. Stella was a loving grandmother to Erienne McIntyre and her husband David, Courtney Tenaglia, Cassandra Sessa, Jennifer and John Drohan. She was the sister of the late Carmen DelloIacono and Mary Cantelli and is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews and friends.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Tuesday, April 25th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family, Monday, 4 - 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Stella’s name to the Buddy Coholan Ctr., 121 Washington St., Medford, https://www.communityfamily.org/make-a-donation/.