Cherished family matriarch
MELROSE — Teresa M. (DiCicco) Connelly, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025 at the age of 89, in Melrose. Born on July 4th, 1935, in Boston, Teresa was a beacon of joy and independence.Teresa was baptized at Sacred Heart Church in the North End of Boston.
The daughter of Rose (DeLeLuce) DiCiccio and Luigi DiCiccio, she was the sister of the late Adeline Ponzo and her husband the late Dominic Ponzo; the late Janice McCall and her late husband Bob McCall; the late Josephine (Rudy) Donato and her late husband Dominic Donato; the late Emma Francione; the late Louis DiCiccio and his late wife Gertrude DiCicco and the late Marie DiCicco, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond and countless cherished memories.
Teresa was the loving wife of John Connelly, and together they shared many years of happiness and adventure. As a mother, Teresa was a guiding light to her children, Tara Connelly of County Clare, Ireland, and Michael Connelly, who, along with his wife Dana (Patrick) Connelly, will carry on her legacy of kindness and strength.
Her grandchildren Adeline, Dorothy and Clancy, were the apple of her eye. Teresa’s role as an aunt was equally significant, offering love and wisdom to Joyce DiCicco of California; the late Geraldine McCall; Jayne MacLean and her husband the late Don MacLean of Georgetown, MA; Deborah Francione of Revere; Darylyn Francione of Revere; Don Donato; David Donato; Danny Francione; Louis DiCicco; the late Paul DiCicco; Michael DiCicco; Jeffrey DiCicco; and James DiCicco of North Carolina.
Though her physical presence will be greatly missed, Teresa’s spirit will forever be etched in the hearts of her loved ones. Her memory will be cherished, her stories retold, and her life celebrated as a beautiful example of a life well-lived. Teresa’s family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her late siblings, basking in the joy of their shared memories.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 11 a.m. Interment will be private.
Please leave a message or a special memory for the family on Teresa’s Tribute wall on her obituary.