Obituary of Judy M. Aiello

Judy M. (Grall) Aiello, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 25, 2025, after a brief illness. She was 88 years old, surrounded by the love of her family—just the way she would have wanted.

Judy was born in the small town of Antigo, Wisconsin, one of six children of Aloysius and Dorothy Grall. She grew up in a close-knit community where everyone knew your name—and probably all your family’s too. Judy graduated from Antigo High School.  She worked part time as a waitress with one of her girlfriends during her high school years.  It was a fun job and all the patrons knew her by name.  Sometimes, one small decision can change your life. For Judy, it started with a dare. Some of her regular customers at the diner dared she and her friend join the military, and Judy, never one to shy away from a challenge and not particularly interested in college, said “why not?” That decision led her to enlist in the U.S. Army and join the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). She was stationed at Fort Eustis in Virginia, where fate stepped in once again—she met a fellow soldier, John Aiello. Sparks flew, and they married on March 31, 1959, while still in uniform. If she didn’t take that dare, she would never have met John, had her three children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. 

After their service, Judy and John began their civilian life together in Brighton, MA, eventually settling on Woodside Lane in Burlington in 1965. Judy devoted herself to raising their three children and building a warm, welcoming home. Her kitchen was the heart of the neighborhood—coffee brewing, laughter ringing, and friends always dropping in. Even the mailman knew he was welcome to sit for a cup. That was Judy: open-hearted, down-to-earth, and always ready to connect.

Once her children were school-aged, Judy returned to work at the Marshall’s warehouse in Woburn, where she spent 30 years doing merchandising. But the job wasn’t what kept her going—it was the people. She often would show up hours early just to sip coffee and chat with coworkers. When she retired, she seamlessly transitioned to the early-morning crew at Dunkin’ Donuts. Mostly men, mostly retirees—it didn’t matter. Judy fit right in. From 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., she held court over coffee and conversation, rain or shine. Even during COVID, they brought lawn chairs and kept the tradition alive outside the shop.

Judy’s greatest joy was her family. She was a fiercely loving and protective mother, the first to patch up a scraped knee or offer wise advice. Though she didn’t grow up with Italian food, when she married into an Italian family, she embraced it wholeheartedly—soon becoming famous for her pasta, meatballs, and calzones. Dinner was at 5:00 p.m. sharp, no excuses.

As a grandmother—“Gamma” or “Gabba” depending on who was talking—she shone even brighter. She babysat for date nights and weekend getaways, and she never missed a recital, game, performance, or graduation. If her family was gathered, Judy was happy. Her presence was the glue that held everyone close.

Judy lived life her way—"carefree, fancy free”. She never needed to impress anyone and loved people exactly as they were. She will be remembered for her quick wit, her warmth, her unmatched coffee chats, and most of all, the love she gave so generously to everyone lucky enough to be in her life.

She passed just as she lived—with grace, on her own terms, and surrounded by the people she loved most.

Judy was the beloved wife of the late John J. Aiello.  She was the loving and caring mother to John Aiello & his wife Tina of Moncks Corner, SC, Diane D’Innocenzo & her husband Frank of Groton, and Michael Aiello & his wife Nancy of Billerica.  She was the proud grandmother of Kristen McDonough, Ashley MacLean, Adam Aiello, Cameron Aiello, Joe Aiello. And DJ. Covert.  She was the great grandmother of Adylinn Covert, Spencer Covert, Ayden Aiello. Maisie MacLean, Sofia McDonough, and soon to be born baby girl.  Judy was the sister of Nancy Hayes of Merril, WI, Tom Grall of Antigo, WI, the late Al Grall, Joe Grall, and Jerry Grall.  She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to Noon.  A funeral service will begin at noon at the funeral home.  Services will conclude with an interment in Pine Haven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory may be made to People Helping People at www.peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org or by mail to P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803. Or, in true Judy fashion, honor her memory by sharing a cup of Dunkin’ coffee and good conversation with a friend.

 For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net .