Photo courtesy of George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville
Somerville, Massachusetts
Nov 29, 1923 – Apr 29, 2022
Vito Vaccaro of Somerville, quietly passed away on April 29, 2022, he was 98. Born in Boston, he was the son of Annie (Palmieri) and Filippo Vaccaro. Vito is survived by the love of his life and wife of 77 years, Josephine (Della Piana) Vaccaro and his sister Frances Marotta. His sister Rose Nazzaro predeceased him. He will be missed by his children Vivian Nelson and her husband Bill, Phil Vaccaro and his wife Dottye, Nick Vaccaro and his wife Tonna and Joanne Vaccaro and his devoted grandchildren, Eric Nelson and Marie Maffei, Scott and Rashmi Nelson, Karen and Tom Morrissey, Philip and Michele Vaccaro, Craig and Amber Vaccaro, Tara and Hal Gudmundsen, Tonna Vaccaro, Nicholas and Hope Vaccaro. Vito is survived by many loving great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Vito was devoted to his family. His goal was to live one day longer than his beloved Josephine, so that he could take care of her til the end. Sadly that is one goal he did not accomplish. He and Josephine were role models as parents, an opinion often shared by their nieces. Into their 90s, they were the best dancers on the floor, for all to admire. Vito created awesome, loving memories for his family, organizing camping trips, touring national sites and simply spending time at the ball park.
Vito worked many 2nd and 3rd jobs to provide for his young family and retired from General Electric after 45 years.
He proudly served his country and community. He was in the US Navy Submarine Service during World War II, stationed in Key West, FL. He served his community as a little league coach, Boy Scout leader and member of St. Polycarp's Men's Club.
Vito was elected to the Somerville School Committee, Board of Alderman and was appointed to the Liquor Licensing Board where he was an active participant until the age of 92. For all of his service and commitment, the corner of Fremont and Main Streets in Somerville is named Vito Vaccaro Square.
Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Square) Somerville on Monday, May 16th at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Catherine of Genoa Church, 185 Summer Street, Somerville at 10AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend.
Calling Hours in the funeral home, Sunday, May 15th from 3PM - 6PM.
Services will conclude with Military Honors and Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Vaccaro's name can be made to All Care Hospice, 210 Maple Street, Lynn, MA 01901 or to a charity of one's choice.
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Vito was one of a kind,not just my landlord I considered him family while I was there.
Phenominal man
Frank Randazzo
May 03, 2025 | Sandown, NH | Friend
Vito and Josephine were my landlords but I thought of them as family when I lived there as well as Vitos Mom. I loved that man and his family. Such a great man. Rest in peace my friend
Frank Randazzo
October 25, 2022 | Friend
I was very fortunate to grow up in Somerville and have had the great privilege to know Mr. Vaccaro from being friends and teammates with his son, Phil. Mr. Vaccaro was a tremendous role model for his family and for all us Somerville kids. He was such a kind and caring person and he will be sorely missed.
Bob Nasson
July 03, 2022 | Lexington, MA | Friend
Vito was a great Man with a Great Persona. As a public servant he represented all the people from Somerville with special sensitivity to providing a voice for the newly immigrants.
He was a role model for all immigrants and the Italian Community. He loved America, and his Italian Heritage. His love for America and the community was infectious to all that surrounded him.
My deepest condolences to the Vaccaro family. May Vito rest in peace, You were a beacon of light and hope to all...
Sebastiano Pagliocco
June 24, 2022 | Boxford, MA | Acquaintance
Dear Josephine, family and friends of Vito´s, On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Vito´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow "Bubblehead" departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS R-14 SS-91 and USS R-10 SS-87. To our "Brother-of-the-Phin" we say, "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas." Thank you for your service to our...
Jim Sandman
May 15, 2022 | Other
Vito and Jo were amazing neighbors, great family friends and he was completely devoted to Jo Vito and my dad shared their love of gardening and often shared gardening tips. I remember stopping by their house on my way home from work as Jo sat on the back porch while Vito was in the garden. We will all miss him. Rest in peace.
Larry Jones
May 15, 2022 | Somerville, MA | Friend
Vito Vaccaro was a fine man and gentleman; a true Son of Somerville. He did so much for so many people over the years. He was a great family man and a man of strong Christian Faith. I send my condolences to his family. We have lost a true friend and neighbor. I know he is in Paradise now with his Maker and that Paradise has received this truly wonderful person. Rest in peace, Vito.
Steve Keenan(Somerville Fire Department-retired).
Steve Keenan
May 14, 2022 | North Andover, MA | Acquaintance
Vito Vito Vito ,
everyday i was able to spend caring for you was always a great day even when you thought you were a Stunad i always thought you were such a great husband to Josephine a great Dad to all your kids and grandfather to all your grandchildren! I know your no longer in pain and dancing with the angels especially your number one angels your mom!! will miss your voice always rest in paradise my friend and to your family you know my prayers are with all of you!
Love
Joelle Pannesi
May 12, 2022 | Woburn, MA | Friend
Vito, was an dedicated family man, and outstand public servant. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing
John Buonomo
May 11, 2022 | Friend