Quinto J. Bussolari, age 97, of Somerville, who made a difference in the lives of many with his big personality, his love of family and embodiment of the American dream, died on January 4, 2019. Born in Somerville, in 1921, son of the late Gaetano and Stella Bussolari, Quinto was the fifth son (thus Quinto) in a family of seven. Growing up his family faced the economic hardship of Italian immigrants and the Great Depression, as a result he was thrifty. He practiced energy conservation, recycling and repurposing long before they were trends.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in World War II rising to the rank of Staff Sargent and Tank Commander earning a Bronze Star and three battle stars. Although he was wounded in Germany in November of 1944, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart, his stories of his army service and war years were filled with travel to places he never expected to see, bad but plentiful food, sleeping under the stars and the company of good friends.
After the war, he worked as a truck driver for John Morrell and Co, where he met his wife of 68 years, Tena (DeVelis), who predeceased him in July 2015. Tena encouraged him to be ambitious and apply for a sales position. He excelled at sales due to his organizational skills, confident presence, love of making the deal, and providing for his family. He retired from John Morrell in 1985, after 45 years of service.
He enjoyed many years of retirement travelling the world with his wife, but at heart he was a homebody. He enjoyed a home cooked meal, caring for his home, being a good neighbor, teaching and influencing his grandchildren, celebrating family milestones and holidays, and the company of his brothers, sister, their spouses and families.
He was the revered father of four. As a parent, he was a provider, protector, teacher, disciplinarian, and friend. He readily shared his love, wit, and wisdom with his children and their spouses and felt such love, pride and joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He will be remembered for his commitment to family, pride in being an Italian American, proudly serving his country in General Patton’s Third Army in World War II, knowing the value of a buck, voting the straight Democratic ticket, and sense of humor.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Norma Mahoney and her husband Edward of North Chelmsford, James and his wife, Paula of Somerville, Michael and his wife, Lisa of Medfield, and Joanne Thomann of Saugus and his grandchildren, Mark and Michael Mahoney, Lindsay and Tyler Thomann, and Katie Clements and Matthew Jergens, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Resmini of Medford and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Armando, Angelo, Leo, Frank and Albert Bussolari and his son in law Bruce Thomann.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford Monday, January 14 at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner St., Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Visiting hours Sunday, January 13 from 4 through 8 PM.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations in Quinto’s memory be made to Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, 61 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02143 whose advice and support he valued and appreciated.