Obituary of Gaetano Faretra

Gaetano “Guy” Faretra, a decorated Veteran, passed away at his home with his family at his side after a long illness on Saturday afternoon, October 1, 2011. He was 86 years old. Guy was born in Boston, the son of Italian immigrants, the late Virginio and Mary Faretra. He grew up and was educated in East Boston and Medford. He enlisted in the Army we he turned 18 years old. On June 3, 1944 on the Anzio Beachhead in Italy, he was shot in his hand and chest. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in ground combat against the armed enemy during WW II in the European-African Middle Eastern Theater of Operation. He returned home and was discharged from Walter Reed Medical Center after recovering from his wounds. Guy was an extremely hard working man. He was an iron worker and a member of Local 7. He worked with structural steel and was a crane operator. He owned his own business, Guy Faretra Company on Wheeler Road, in Burlington from 1960 to 1977. He owned several cranes which he operated and rented. It was during those years, that he taught his sons the trade and business. With Guy’s guidance, his sons went onto own and operate their own company. Guy enjoyed life, his activities, and the time spent with his family. Time spent with Guy was always an adventure. He was an avid boater who had his own Captain’s License. Aboard his 38 foot boat, “The Temptress”, he and his family and friends shared countless adventures. He was a talented seaman and could navigate anywhere. He wouldn’t hesitate pack his boat up for the winter and cruise to Florida. In later years, the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee were he would boat and fish. He enjoyed skiing and often filled his Bonneville with his children and their friends for days of skiing. He leaves his family and friends with countless memories and stories and a guide how to live life without trepidation, fear, or regret. Guy was the former husband of Shirley L. (Koontz). He was the loving father of Diane of Woburn, Craig of Danvers, Paul of Burlington, Guy of Westford, the late Gary and Thomas. He was the brother of Elsie Lanni of Woburn, the late Vincent Faretro and Grace Carpenito. He was also survived by 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Memorials in Guy’s name may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 1 Bulfinch Place, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02114 or www.massri.wish.org.