Life Story for Benedetto J. Iannarelli
Benedetto J. Iannarelli, 85, of Maynard, died peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by family and friends at his home January 16, 2016. He was born in Maynard, MA, attended the Maynard Public Schools and was a graduate of Maynard High School in 1948. He was the son of the late Benedetto and Matilda (Barilone) Iannarelli. Benedetto was the beloved husband of his dearly beloved predeceased wife, Ethel (Morse) Iannarelli for over 60 years.
A longtime Maynard resident, during the Korean War he joined the Air Force, and traveled with his wife Ethel throughout his years of service. In the late 1950s Ethel and Ben settled in Maynard to raise their family. Through the 1960s he was employed at East Coast Aero Tech as an instructor, and served as President of the Maynard Lions Club. In the 70s he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Fitchburg State University. He became a teacher at the Minuteman Vocational High Schools in the early 70s and was on the Assabet Vocational High School Board.
In the 1980s he earned his Masters of Education, and was a member of the American Legion Post # 235 in Maynard. During his retirement he became an active member of the Minuteman Senior Services, the Maynard Senior Citizens, and the Maynard Council on Aging. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play football, baseball, basketball and softball. He always enjoyed special events, traveling across the country, spending time at his Florida home during the winter months, and visiting and going on trips with the Maynard Senior Citizens group. Most of all he loved being surrounded by his family and friends, and Ben’s world revolved around his family and friends. He treasured his role as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He has touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who know his generosity, strength and thoughtfulness. He was always there when you needed him the most.
He is survived by four children: Susan Iannarelli and husband Christopher Devoll, Lynda Latta and husband Walter, Bernard Iannarelli and wife Leann, and Dennis Iannarelli, all of Maynard; a sister Loretta Valihouli of Stratham, NH; and many nieces and nephews. Ben was predeceased by his brother, Pasquale “Pat” Iannarelli.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, January 21st, 2016 from 4:00-8:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 22nd at 9:00am in St. Bridget’s Church, 1 Percival Street, Maynard, with burial following in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Great Road (Rte 117) Maynard. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either the Maynard Firefighters Relief Association, 1 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754, or to the Maynard Council on Aging Gift Fund, 50 Brown St., Maynard, MA 01754. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com
A longtime Maynard resident, during the Korean War he joined the Air Force, and traveled with his wife Ethel throughout his years of service. In the late 1950s Ethel and Ben settled in Maynard to raise their family. Through the 1960s he was employed at East Coast Aero Tech as an instructor, and served as President of the Maynard Lions Club. In the 70s he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Fitchburg State University. He became a teacher at the Minuteman Vocational High Schools in the early 70s and was on the Assabet Vocational High School Board.
In the 1980s he earned his Masters of Education, and was a member of the American Legion Post # 235 in Maynard. During his retirement he became an active member of the Minuteman Senior Services, the Maynard Senior Citizens, and the Maynard Council on Aging. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play football, baseball, basketball and softball. He always enjoyed special events, traveling across the country, spending time at his Florida home during the winter months, and visiting and going on trips with the Maynard Senior Citizens group. Most of all he loved being surrounded by his family and friends, and Ben’s world revolved around his family and friends. He treasured his role as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He has touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who know his generosity, strength and thoughtfulness. He was always there when you needed him the most.
He is survived by four children: Susan Iannarelli and husband Christopher Devoll, Lynda Latta and husband Walter, Bernard Iannarelli and wife Leann, and Dennis Iannarelli, all of Maynard; a sister Loretta Valihouli of Stratham, NH; and many nieces and nephews. Ben was predeceased by his brother, Pasquale “Pat” Iannarelli.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, January 21st, 2016 from 4:00-8:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 22nd at 9:00am in St. Bridget’s Church, 1 Percival Street, Maynard, with burial following in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Great Road (Rte 117) Maynard. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either the Maynard Firefighters Relief Association, 1 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754, or to the Maynard Council on Aging Gift Fund, 50 Brown St., Maynard, MA 01754. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com