Rosario J. Spagnolo

   Retired Revere Firefighter Rosario “Joe” Spagnolo passed away on April 3, 2023, at the age of 78.  A proud soldier in the United States Army, Mr. Spagnolo ended his fearless battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma stemming from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.

   Mr. Spagnolo was the long-time commander of the Italian American War Veterans (I.T.A.M) Post 17 on Lucia Avenue in Revere, Massachusetts.  Mr. Spagnolo also founded, built, and owned, along with JAK Realty, the property at 750 Washington Ave currently containing Nick’s Deli and Nonni’s Pizza.  In 1982 Joe was one of 100 soldiers—two chosen from each state—to attend the White House in Washington D.C. with his wife Dorothy, for a dinner reception held by President Jimmy Carter to officially open the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.  Joe loved being around people and was an intelligent humorist who always kept everyone guessing on the seat of their pants from his love of trivia and witty sayings.   Never without a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in his hand, Joe was a great father who taught both of his sons to play baseball and the correct way to be gentlemen, and he will be dearly missed.

   Born in Revere on March 24, 1945, to the late Joseph and Teresa Spagnolo.  Beloved father of Joseph Spagnolo and his wife Jessica of FL, and Brian Spagnolo and his wife Gabriella of Revere.  Dear brother of Anthony Spagnolo of Revere, Vincent “Jimmy” Spagnolo and his wife Donna of Saugus, Katherine Tiro and her late husband Ralph of Malden formerly of Revere, Connie Riley of Saugus, Elizabeth Arone of Revere, and the late Mary Flammia, and Domenic Spagnolo.  Cherished grandfather of Joseph and Ellie Spagnolo, and Jackson Spagnolo.  Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

   A Visitation was held at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home 128 Revere St, Revere on Thursday, April 6, 2023 followed by a Prayer Service. Interment with Military Honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Joe’s name to DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250-0301 or at www.dav.org.