James L. "Lenny" Cannatelli

James Leonard Cannatelli, lovingly known as Lenny, passed away peacefully at his home in Stoneham, MA, on November 17, 2024, with his beloved wife of 56 years, Georgina (Burns) Cannatelli, by his side.
Lenny was born on November 6, 1943, and raised in Everett, MA to Ida (Capachietti) and Antonio. He grew up surrounded by a large, loving family that included eight siblings. Lenny was known for his athleticism, lettering in baseball, basketball, football, and track. The football field is where he truly shined as a star running back, leading his Everett High School football team to a championship title. He continued playing football at SouthWest Mississippi College, where he earned a degree in arts.
Lenny met Georgina in the summer of 1965 and they married on July 7, 1968. They settled in Malden, MA where they raised their four children, he took immense pride in the family they built together. Lenny never shied away from helping others, and his love and compassion extended from his family to his friends and community. A longtime, dedicated, volunteer coach for Malden Youth Baseball, he became a respected mentor to many young athletes over the years. Lenny enjoyed a long career as an agent for Eastern Airlines, later working at Burlington Air Express. Lenny was a multiple stroke survivor, consistently demonstrating remarkable resilience despite his challenges. Above all, Lenny was a devoted husband, father, and papa. His family knew they could always count on him to provide his unwavering love and support. We will miss his quick wit, his laugh, his homemade pizza, the smell of his cigars, his reaction to all things onion flavored, and the sound of his signature whistle.
He is survived by his wife, Georgina, his children, Charlene Cannatelli and her partner, Kevin Kilcoyne; John and his wife, Cristine; Jenifer Gray and her husband, Jesse; James and his wife, Kaitlin; his cherished grandchildren: Isobel, Anthony, and Marc Giudice; Bianca Ellard, Justin, Christian, Maggey, Julianna, and Emma Cannatelli; Courtney and Madeline Gray; Isla, Leo, Elora, and Callum Cannatelli; his sister, Rose McPhee; brother Frank and wife, Sylvia; sister, Christine Burns; sister, Gloria Grasso and husband, Gerald; his sister-in-law, Jean Reid; brother-in-law, Robert Burns and his wife, Denise; brother-in-law, David Burns and his wife, Margaret; brother-in-law, John Burns, and his wife, Laura; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
His parents, Ida and Antonio; brother's David, Anthony, and Richard; and sister Joan White; preceded him in death.
We welcome all who knew Lenny to join in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose, MA, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A Funeral Service will begin in the Funeral Home at 12:00 PM. Interment will be private. Family & Friend's respectfully invited to attend..