A loving and supportive father, husband, brother and friend
STRAFFORD, N.H. — Edward “Leon” Rotondi, age 70, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021 at his lifelong summer home on Bow Lake, Strafford, NH surrounded by his loving family.
Son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Capone) Rotondi, he was born in Winchester on February 7, 1951 and raised in Melrose. Ed graduated Melrose High School in 1969 as a lifelong Red Raider and later pursued his Bachelor’s degree at Salem State University.
Born with a life-impacting heart condition, Ed lived his life to the fullest. His passion, drive and will to survive defined who he was and carried over to his personal life, work, family and friends.
Ed never gave up and was one of the hardest most resilient workers. He took pride in his life long career at Raytheon retiring after 42 years. Raytheon was his second home where he built relationships that would last him a lifetime including the love of his life, Jean Rotondi.
As career oriented as he was, he always put family first. His children’s fondest memories of him, are standing along the sidelines of every single high school and collegiate sports game. Not only did Ed enjoy watching his children, he knew any and everything about athletics both professional and collegiate. He was a walking Ed-sports-opedia.
Summers were spent with family at his favorite spot, Bow Lake. Here is where Ed felt happiest. You could always find him enjoying a boat ride listening to Deano (Dean Martin) with a cigar in one hand and Johnny Walker on the rocks in the other.
Ed will be most remembered for his charismatic personality and ability to light up an entire room. To say Ed will be missed is an understatement but his legacy will live on in us forever.
He was the most supportive, loving, caring, father, husband, brother, and friend. Ed leaves behind beloved wife of 34 years Jean-Marie (Sesona) Rotondi, son Robert E. Rotondi and daughter Karla M. Rotondi. Brother of Brenda Turner and Kevin of Chelmsford, Karen Yetten and Ned of Andover and Robert A. Rotondi and Kathleen of Melrose. Also survived by numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends.
Visitation was at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. A mass of Christian burial was be held at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Edward’s name to the Joseph A. Rotondi Hockey Scholarship Award, in care if MHS Permanent Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 760695, Melrose, MA 02176. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.