Aaron R. Cerullo

AARON R. CERULLO, formerly of Westwood, passed peacefully at the age of 92 on October 7, 2025 after a long illness. Loving husband of Frances J. (Butler), father to sons Stephen J. Cerullo and his wife, Heidi (Sturgis) of Norton, MA, Richard J. Cerullo and his wife, Diane (Tibbert) of Walpole, MA, James F. Cerullo and his wife, Tammy (Warner) of Hammondsport, NY and Robert A. Cerullo and his wife, Marianne (Deluski) of Millis, MA. Born in the North End of Boston, he was the son of the late Eugenio and Rosa (Prisco) Cerullo formerly of Jamaica Plain, MA both pre-deceased, brother of Carmine, Eugene, Vincent, Anthony, Donald, David, Anna (Lucas), Louisa (Conley), Grace (Flynn) and Etta (Carney) Cerullo, all pre-deceased. “Ritchie,” to his friends, was a graduate of Boston English High School. He enlisted into the United States Army serving as a corporal with the 7th Infantry Division at Pork Chop Hill during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Boston where he met his future wife, Frances J. Butler, formerly of East Boston. He worked for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as a streetcar and bus driver for several years before accepting a position with the United States Postal Service as a mailman for the town of Westwood. He would go on to become the Postmaster of the Westwood Post Office in 1976. He would later move on to become the Postmaster of the Medway branch in 1981, serving in this capacity until his retirement after 37 years of service. Throughout his postal service career, he was an active member of the Westwood Rotary Club, serving as their President from 1996-1997. In 2017, he was recognized by the American Legion Post 320, Department of Massachusetts for 50 years of continuous membership in good standing.

Upon settling in Westwood with his wife, where he lived for 64 years, he built a basketball court in the backyard of their house for his children. This would eventually become the unofficial neighborhood playground for basketball, Wiffle ball, and street hockey games throughout the years. During the winter months, he would flood the court turning it into an ice rink for “pond” hockey. His wife – “Mrs. Cerullo” – would provide the neighborhood kids with her famous homemade “Whoopie pies” whenever there was a break in the action, regardless of the time of year. Once school got out for the summer, he would take his family camping throughout the White Mountains of New Hampshire or along the Cape Cod Canal at Bourne Scenic Park. Ritchie was an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors. He took pride in his tomato plants and, on many occasions, he would swap growing tips with his friend and fellow gardener, “Big” Nick Cappello. A friendly rivalry would ensue as to who could grow the biggest tomato. When not in his garden, he enjoyed swimming at the Westwood High School pool and listening to opera, especially Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, taking them to Red Sox, and Boston College football games. Opening day fishing excursions seemed to produce more tangled lines than fish, but this was soon forgotten once everyone went back to Gram and Grampy’s for breakfast. Ritchie was always willing to help someone in need – be it giving a neighbor who needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or helping a friend who needed help with a home improvement project. He had a strong, unflinching work ethic and lived his life with character and integrity. He leaves behind his loving wife of 66 years, Frances, granddaughters Emma Cerullo, Catherine Cerullo, Theresa Cerullo, Paige Ludtka, grandsons Luke Cerullo, Matthew Cerullo, Michael Cerullo and his wife, Kelsey (Marchetti), William Cerullo and his wife, Suzanne (Fils-Aime), Justin Tibbert and his wife, Shannon (Kilduff), great-grandchildren J.J. Tibbert, Ellie Ludtka and Liam Cerullo. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Saint Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood, MA 02090 at 10:00 a.m. Following the Mass, interment will be at New Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Francis House, P.O. Box 120499 Essex Station, Boston, MA 02112-0499 or stfrancishouse.com