Raffaele Verderese of Somerville passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 7th. He was 88. Born and raised in Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy, he was the cherished son of the late Giovanni and Concetta (Cherubino) Verderese.
Raffaele was a skilled carpenter. He spent many years in Germany, Rome and America, creating his one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Raffaele was always in his workshop working on his next project. He made hope chests for his daughters and desks for his grandchildren. Raffaele was always making something for someone. When he was not in his workshop he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, reading a good book and watching soccer on TV. Raffaele will be missed by all.
Raffaele was the beloved husband of 59 years to Mafalda (Vricella) Verderese. He was the devoted father of Ennio Verderese and his wife Lina, Tina Pennacchio and her husband John, and Susan Nucci and her husband Lawrence. He was the loving Nonno of Victoria and Christian Verderese, Justyne and Cristofer Pennacchio, and Alanna and Gianna Nucci. He was the dear brother of Gregorio Verderese and his wife Uliana, Maria Ricci and her late husband Domenico, Rosa DeSio and her late husband Bruno, and the late Domenico Verderese and his wife Gina and the late Caterina Pepe and her late husband Pasquale. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Raffaele’s family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Saturday, May 13th from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Raffaele’s name to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701.