Obituary of Norma Lucia Alfano

Norma Lucia (Ciccio) Alfano, age 94, passed away at Lahey Hospital on Wednesday, November 6^th following a brief illness.  She was the beloved wife of the late Edward Alfano, with whom she had shared over 66 wonderful years of marriage prior to his passing in 2021.

Born in Boston, MA on October 21, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Giulia (Rinaldi) Ciccio.  Following her high school education, Norma attended The Mary Brooks School to become trained as a medical lab technician.  Soon afterward, she started her career at New England Medical Center.  Norma was extremely hard-working, intelligent and determined and achieved the position of Clinical Coordinator of the Allergy Division, a role she held until her retirement.  Before starting her career, Norma met the love of her life, Edward, at a New Year’s Eve party.  They fell in love quickly, and were married on June 6, 1954, and eventually settled down in Burlington in 1960 where they bought their forever home. Norma’s fierce independence and strong capability allowed her to stay in their family home right up until her passing.  The family home was a place filled with love where all were welcome, and Norma took pride in hosting many events and gatherings over the years.    Norma also loved to vacation every summer in Stowe, VT, her “happy place,” with her entire family and many friends.  This tradition started over 40 years ago and continues today.   

Having a big Italian family was something Norma was particularly proud of.  She was incredibly family-oriented, and loved to have everyone over to her home so she could cook for them.  Entertaining her children, grandchildren, and anyone who could make it was something she always looked forward to.  Going to Norma’s house always meant getting treated to homemade sauce, delicious food and freshly made baked goods.  When Norma wasn’t gathering her loved ones around her, she could be found tending to her beautiful garden, making oriental rugs, reading a great book or keeping a watchful eye on the daily news—she always wanted to stay informed.  Through her life and into retirement Norma remained an active member of her community and was involved with St. Margaret’s CCD, Garden Club, Board of Health and various other committees.  Norma’s strong sense of community carried over to her neighbors who she loved to chat with and check in on to make sure everyone was happy and well.  More than anything though, Norma loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She took great care to make lasting memories with each of them, and left a deep imprint of love and devotion on them all.

Surviving Norma are her children, Deborah Perriello and her husband Alfred of Burlington, Edward “Ted” Alfano and his wife Lisa of Essex, and Julie Caterino and her husband Ronald of N. Andover; her grandchildren, Gioia Perriello, Christopher Perriello, Jonathan Perriello, Anne Marie Alfano, Eric LaPointe, Lauren Costello (LaPointe), Nicole LaPointe, Matthew Caterino, and Emily Caterino; her great-grandchildren, Corey Perriello, Liliana Perriello, Violet Perriello, Lucia Perriello, Griffin Perriello, Liza Perriello, and one on the way, as well as many other dear relatives and friends.

Norma was the loving sister of the late Joseph and his wife Mary Ann Ciccio.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12^th from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington.  Her Funeral will begin at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 13^th at 9 am, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 am at St. Margaret Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington.  Burial will immediately follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Norma’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or to a charity close to their heart.