Don DiFiore was a Skycap employed by American Airlines who passed away at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on June 5 following an extended illness fought with great courage. He had reached the age of 50. A native of Chelsea, Don was the son of Domenic and Edna (DeGurski) DiFiore, both deceased. His education included attendance at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Chelsea and graduation from Malden Catholic High School, Class of 1979. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Bunker Hill Community College. For 29 years, Don worked at Logan International Airport as a Skycap with American Airlines, where he welcomed and assisted travelers. Prior to settling in Wilmington three years ago, he lived in Derry, NH. Don possessed considerable musical talent, playing piano, violin and drums. An outdoor enthusiast, he loved camping with his children, enjoyed motorcycling, and was skilled at drawing. His interests also encompassed hockey, Martial Arts and Jujitsu. Don leaves behind four children: Ashley DiFiore, Domenic DiFiore and his fiancée Hanna Bowes, Jared and Joseph DiFiore, all residing in Derry, NH. His sister Darlene Prakop is deceased. He is survived by his companion Janice Belanger, his closest friend Dave Dwyer, and his beloved pet Roxy DiFiore. A Funeral Service will take place at Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday, June 10 at 10 a.m., with Rev. Vincent J. Gianni presiding. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Visiting hours are scheduled for today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Welsh Funeral Home. The funeral home is fully handicap accessible with ample parking available across the street. Visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com for directions or to offer condolences.
Madeline Gravellese, a Chelsea resident, passed away on June 4 at age 82. Known for her love of singing, dancing and Italian music, she was a homemaker throughout her life. Madeline was the widow of Angelo Gravellese. She is survived by seven children: Michael and his wife Patricia of Florida, Linda Wertz and her husband Bill of Brighton, Angelo and his wife Donna of Hansen, Mary Cahill and her husband Tom of Canton, John and his wife Diane of Georgia, James and his wife Susan of Revere, and Madeline Favaloro and her husband Michael of Winthrop. Seven siblings of Madeline are deceased. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held today, Thursday, June 9 at 8 a.m. at Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 9 a.m. Burial will take place in Cambridge City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105-1905.
Amelia Grela was a member of several organizations.