MARRONE, Gaspar B., 89, died peacefully on April 2, 2014 at Marian Manor in South Boston. Born in Philadelphia, Gaspar spent most of his life in Boston. He is survived by his three brothers, Rudolph of Marlborough, Joseph of Lexington, Albert of Woburn and his sister, Cina Puntoni of Maynard. He was the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. His niece, Dale Gerard, has fond memories of the time Gaspar spent at Oak Knoll in Framingham where he made many friends. There, he spent his days in companionship with his sister-in-law, Mary Marrone.
Gaspar is also survived by his best friend of forty years, John Riley. John’s wife and children were like a second family to him, with his children, Emma and John, fondly calling him “Uncle Gus”. Emma took care of Gus when he became sick.
Gaspar was a Veteran of World War II, having joined the Army in 1943. He reenlisted in 1945 in Japan after seeing active combat. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1948 as a decorated Corporal. Among his honors he earned two Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal with a Japanese Clasp, the WWII Victory Medal and two overseas bars.
Gaspar’s combat action on the front lines changed him. When the war was over and he returned to the United States, he decided to spend his life helping others, particularly the poor. In the late 1950’s, he began working at the Spanish Apostolate (called the Spanish Center) in Boston. There he met John Riley, Leo Lew and the late Louis Moore. The four became instant friends, teaching and volunteering at the Center for many years. Gaspar was adept at fixing all kinds of things and could figure out how just about anything worked. A shop was built at the Spanish Center where Gaspar taught woodworking and other technical skills. He had a gift for reaching those tough kids who needed mentoring. He is fondly remembered by all those he helped over many years.
In his later years, he spent his time volunteering at The Church of the Holy Cross in Boston’s South End and a womens’ homeless shelter near-by. A generous and giving man, Gaspar was loved by all who came to know him. John Riley, Jr. recalled a Christmas Eve when Gus pulled up to his house in a big yellow school bus, filled with toys that Gus would deliver to families too poor to purchase Christmas gifts for their children. He is survived by many devoted friends who sorely miss him, among them Louie Bermudez, Mary McHale and Sheena Palerdo. Gaspar is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. May he rest in peace.