Obituary of Carmella C. DiMastrantonio

Carmella Caroline (Gricci-Vasta) Di Mastrantonio, a retired secretary, passed away at her home with her family at her bedside after an extended illness on Saturday morning, November 21, 2020. She was 86 years old. Carmella was born in Everett. She was one of four children born to Grazio and Anna Gricci. She grew up and was educated in Everett. In 1956 she married Salvatore Vasta and they made their home in Everett and started a family. She worked at Domino’s Sugar in Charlestown for over 25 years as a secretary. Sadly, in 1966 Sal passed at the age of 42 . Years went by, and she was blessed to meet Santino “Sam” Di Mastrantonio who was also a widower. They had so much in common and both understood the challenges of being single parents. So, they married in 1978 and instantly they combined seven children into a blended family.

Carmella was the outgoing one in this pair. She would talk to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. She would strike up a conversation with a stranger in line at a supermarket, on a beach, or on the steps of the Acropolis in Greece and, the next thing you knew she had another friend. She was simply a joy. She loved when her home was filled with their children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would be in the kitchen cooking her family’s favorite dishes; often her meatballs which was always requested by her grandchildren. There was nothing more important to her than family. She had countless friends. One group of friends called themselves “The Original Four” and when they got together a good time was always had. Carmella loved to workout at Curves followed by lunch with her friends.

Carmella and Sam loved to travel. She was a bit of a sun worshipper. So, most trips were to warm weather destinations. They visited Italy several times, Europe, Greece, the Caribbean, and took many cruises. They spent six weeks every year for the past twenty years at the Coral Reef Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Carmella loved music, especially Tony Bennett, Engelbert Humperdink and her niece Donna Richardson Wood. She never went out the house without being well dressed with perfect hair, make up, and nails. She will be fondly remembered for all the love, kindness, and fun she shared with her family and her many friends. There was only one “Carmella” and she will never be forgotten.

Carmella was the beloved wife of Santino “Sam” Di Mastrantonio and the late Salvatore Vasta. She was the loving mother of Cheryl Terino & her husband Edward of Windham, NH, Frank Vasta & his wife Susan of Burlington, Donato “Danny” Di Mastrantonio & his wife Lisa of Burlington, Debora Sennott & her husband Stephen of Westford, Donna McMorris & her husband Peter of Putnam, CT, Maria Wirwicz & her husband Derek of Merrimac, and Deanna Di Mastrantonio of Ayer and her partner Nick Mancini. She was predeceased by her siblings; Rose Goodrich, John, and Anthony Gricci. She was the sister-in-law of Antoinette & Timothy Brennan of Duxbury and Nicola & Assunta Di Mastrantonio of Italy. Longtime friend of Lucille Noel of Jamaica Plain and Margaret Labedz of Winchester. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish, 99 Bedford St., Burlington on Tuesday, November 24 at 10am. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 84 Bedford Street, Burlington, In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carmella’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or www.cancer.org  For directions and on-line guestbook see www.stveronicama.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net