Obituary for Benedetta "Benita" Mele (Zinicola)
Benedetta "Benita" (Zinicola) Mele
Of Waltham, passed away early Sunday morning October 2nd, 2022 surrounded by her loving family in Lahey Clinic Medical Center & Hospital in Burlington at the age of 69.
Born on November 29, 1952 in Santa Maria Infante, Italy; daughter of the late Biagio Zinicola and Italina "Italia" (Pimpinella) Zinicola. Benedetta immigrated to the United States after she married the love of her life Tony in 1967.
They were married in Santa Maria Infante, Italy and returned to the United States to raise their family. Throughout Benita's life, family always remained the central focus of her life.
Benita attended school in Italy and had been employed as a Calibration Technician at Hewlett-Packard / Philips Healthcare for 36 years.
She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, tending to her garden and most importantly cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. She loved watching her grandchildren's dance recitals, soccer, lacrosse and football games. She loved cheering them on and supporting them.
She was so proud of her Italian heritage. She loved the culture. She's survived by numerous relatives and countless friends in her hometown of Santa Maria Infante.
Her vibrant personality affected everyone she met. Her infectious laugh made you smile. See touched so many lives in subtle ways. She did all the small but meaningful things. Her love of life and giving spirit is her legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched throughout her life.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years Antonio "Tony" Mele in 2014.
She is survived by her loving & devoted sons Waltham Police Officer Natalino "Nat" Mele and his wife Julia (O'Malley) Mele of Hudson; and Benedetto A. "Ben" Mele and his wife Hillary (Rooney) Mele of Wayland; her cherished and adored grandchildren, Antonio, Julia, Alex, Lily, Jillian, Aviana and Brooklyn Mele; and her dear sisters Laura Treglia of Waltham and Onorina Maloney and her husband Greg of Colorado. In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Benedetta and her family can do so at the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, Waltham on Thursday, October 6th from 4pm until 8pm. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Benedetta's life and remember the love and friendship she shared with others at a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday afternoon October 7th at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham at 12:00 PM. Committal Services will follow at Calvary Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum in Waltham.
Flowers are appreciated or expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Boston University School of Medicine, Amyloid Research Fund, 72 East Concord Street, K-503, Boston, MA 02218.
Of Waltham, passed away early Sunday morning October 2nd, 2022 surrounded by her loving family in Lahey Clinic Medical Center & Hospital in Burlington at the age of 69.
Born on November 29, 1952 in Santa Maria Infante, Italy; daughter of the late Biagio Zinicola and Italina "Italia" (Pimpinella) Zinicola. Benedetta immigrated to the United States after she married the love of her life Tony in 1967.
They were married in Santa Maria Infante, Italy and returned to the United States to raise their family. Throughout Benita's life, family always remained the central focus of her life.
Benita attended school in Italy and had been employed as a Calibration Technician at Hewlett-Packard / Philips Healthcare for 36 years.
She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, tending to her garden and most importantly cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. She loved watching her grandchildren's dance recitals, soccer, lacrosse and football games. She loved cheering them on and supporting them.
She was so proud of her Italian heritage. She loved the culture. She's survived by numerous relatives and countless friends in her hometown of Santa Maria Infante.
Her vibrant personality affected everyone she met. Her infectious laugh made you smile. See touched so many lives in subtle ways. She did all the small but meaningful things. Her love of life and giving spirit is her legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched throughout her life.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years Antonio "Tony" Mele in 2014.
She is survived by her loving & devoted sons Waltham Police Officer Natalino "Nat" Mele and his wife Julia (O'Malley) Mele of Hudson; and Benedetto A. "Ben" Mele and his wife Hillary (Rooney) Mele of Wayland; her cherished and adored grandchildren, Antonio, Julia, Alex, Lily, Jillian, Aviana and Brooklyn Mele; and her dear sisters Laura Treglia of Waltham and Onorina Maloney and her husband Greg of Colorado. In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Benedetta and her family can do so at the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, Waltham on Thursday, October 6th from 4pm until 8pm. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Benedetta's life and remember the love and friendship she shared with others at a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday afternoon October 7th at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham at 12:00 PM. Committal Services will follow at Calvary Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum in Waltham.
Flowers are appreciated or expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Boston University School of Medicine, Amyloid Research Fund, 72 East Concord Street, K-503, Boston, MA 02218.