ANTHONY MICHAEL GRAFFEO

GRAFFEO, Anthony Michael CEC, AAC, HOF Of Saugus, MA, died after a sudden illness, a painful death for a gentle man. He came from humble beginnings in the West End of Boston, and left us as a member of the prestigious American Culinary Hall of Fame. Not bad when he started his cooking career on Tremont Street in Boston, cooking Spaghetti in the window. A graduate of Boston Technical High School, class of 1957, where his nickname was "Curly," now he was a bald guy. He was a nationally-acclaimed chef, with many accomplishments and numerous culinary awards. Tony leaves an adoring wife, Denise S. Graffeo, CEC, AAC, HOF. The couple met through the Epicurean Club of Boston. Tony spent the last years of his life tirelessly raising money for culinary students. His illustrious career includes working at some of the finest locations in Massachusetts, such as Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, Victoria Dining Restaurant, the Wharf Restaurant, and Polcari's' Restaurant, in the days when the Boston Bruins hung out there. He taught at North Shore Community College after he retired. He served in the Army from 1961-1966, discharged as a Staff Sargent. Tony belonged to many organizations: Epicurean Club of Boston for 60 years, Member Les Amis d 'Escoffier Society, American Legion Saugus, Life Time Member Pleasant Park Yacht Club, Winthrop, MA, and Member United States Power Squadron. He was the son of Charles & Carmela Graffeo. He leaves two surviving sisters, Donna Solesky and Lucille Clark; and a brother, James Graffeo. Also predeceased by sister Anna Kintgen and Virginia Schierland; and brother Salvatore Graffeo. Numerous nieces and nephews: Mayann, Annette and their brother Michael, also Kenny Reposa, Lisa Pontbriead (Goddaughter), Cheryl Reposa, Kimablee Ryan, Michele Smith, Michael Solesky, Jr., Charles Graffeo, Anthony J. Graffeo and Sal Graffeo, Jr.; and a multitude of great-nieces and nephews. The community and the culinary profession will miss a gentle loving man. PLEASE, no flowers, Tony only liked tomato plant flowers. Donations can be made to: Anthony Graffeo Culinary Scholarship Fund (www.acfecb.com), a 501c (3) non profit. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., SAUGUS, on Friday, 4 - 8 p.m. Friends and family will gather at the funeral home on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. For directions & condolences, www.BisbeePorcella.com