Obituary of Thomas E. Albertelli

Thomas E. Albertelli, beloved husband, father, and retired owner of Alspar Home Remodeling and Construction Company, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 4, 2025, at the age of 80.

Tom was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the beloved son of Louis and Florence Albertelli. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Cambridge and went on to become a Golden Gloves boxer, competing in the lightweight division for several years. While attending Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, Tom also began his career in construction and carpentry, laying the foundation for the remarkable life he would go on to build.

A talented mechanic with a deep passion for cars, Tom could build engines from the ground up. He loved souping up cars and racing them through the streets of Cambridge, with some of his favorite memories—and stories—centered around his Nash Rambler and '58 Chevy convertible.

During his high school years, Tom met his future wife—and the love of his life—Mary Spartichino, who was working as a waitress at the Big Burger, one of the area’s first roller-skating carhops. It was there that Tom fell in love. They married at just 17 years old and began a lifelong journey together.

The couple spent their first five years of marriage in Cambridge, where Tom worked as a carpenter, learning the trade and honing his craft. In 1971, they moved to Burlington, where they built their forever home and raised four children. The following year, Tom founded Alspar Home‘s Inc. with Mary by his side. As a general contractor specializing in residential remodeling and additions, Tom took tremendous pride in the quality of his workmanship—not just in building and remodeling, but as a truly gifted finish carpenter. His creativity shone through in every custom detail, from intricate woodwork to beautifully laid tile. Many homes still showcase his one-of-a-kind finishes, each a testament to both his skill and imagination. His work wasn’t just top quality—it was precise, efficient, and a sight to behold; it looked instinctive, like watching an artist at work. Over the years, Tom managed several crews and often oversaw three to five projects at once—always working hands-on alongside his crewmen. He ensured that those who worked for him were both talented and respectful—a reflection of the values he held dear.

One of Tom’s greatest joys was having each of his four children work for him at some point in their lives. They not only learned carpentry and the business from him, but also gained an appreciation for his work ethic, skill, and integrity. When Tom eventually passed the business to his son Dan, he remained a trusted advisor—always just a phone call away.

Family was at the heart of everything Tom did. He was devoted to being present in his children’s lives and cherished his 62-year marriage to Mary. Their relationship was built on love, commitment, and shared passions. They were inseparable companions, true kindred spirits.

Tom and Mary both loved music, and he proudly considered himself an old-school Rock & Roller. The two were known to clear a room to make a dance floor and share a spotlight with friends. Tom was also an avid fan of The Voice.

They purchased a condo in Lincoln, New Hampshire, near Loon Mountain, where they spent winters skiing and exploring other mountains across the state. Summers were spent by the sea in Maine, Salisbury, and Newburyport, where they loved the peace of the beach and the charm of the coastal communities. They treasured visiting their daughter’s farm in Salisbury, near the ocean and Newburyport, where many happy family moments were shared. The serene maritime scenery became a cherished backdrop for family gatherings.

Tom was a strong role model—his children saw a man who always put family first, followed his passions, and treated others with kindness and respect. He coached their Pop Warner football and youth hockey teams and shared his adventurous spirit with them. Whether skiing, boating on his cherished 20-foot Chris-Craft "Sea Bum" through the “Mouth” of the Merrimack River, or cruising down the road with Mary and radio blaring Elvis, classic rock ’n’ roll, and oldies, Tom lived life to the fullest and brought everyone along for the ride. The music was the soundtrack to many unforgettable memories.

Tom’s passing, just over a year after Mary’s, feels heartbreakingly poetic. They were truly meant to be together forever.

He will be remembered by family and friends for many things: his loyalty, intelligence, strong will, zest for life, quick wit, and most of all, the kindness and love he gave so freely to everyone who entered his life.

Tom was the beloved husband of the late Mary Elizabeth (Spartichino) Albertelli.  He was the proud father of Sheila Albertelli of Salisbury, Thomas Albertelli, Jr. of Burlington, Rocco “Dan” Albertelli & his wife Susanne of Medford, and Philip Albertelli of Burlington.  He was the brother of the late Francis “Sammy” Albertelli and late Carol McLaughlin & her late husband Edward and their children Eileen Wright, Patricia Cason, and the late Edward McLaughlin, Jr.  He was son-in-law of the late Mary “Masie” and Rocco Spartichino.  He was the brother-in-law of Daryl Farr of Olathe, KS and his late wife Theresa & their children, Tim, Aaron, and Jason Farr, John & Terry Spartichino of Las Vegas, NV and their son Scott Spartichino, and the late Alfred Spartichino.  Tom was also survived by many great nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to Noon.  A funeral service will begin at Noon at the funeral home.  Services will conclude with a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.  Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to the Dana Faber Cancer Institute, www.JimmyFund.org, 10 Brookline Place West, 5th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226.  

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