John D. “Dee Dee” Coviello, of Melrose, passed away surrounded by his loving family on November 18th. He was 79. He was the cherished son of the late John “Tut” and Geraldine (Sarno) Coviello.
John was born and raised in East Boston, and became a prestigious figure amongst the community. Coviello, mentored by local politician Mario Umana, got his start in politics in 1975 working under Mayor White for the City of Boston. Coviello became the precinct captain and ward coordinator following his appointment to the Mayor’s office. He would later work as a lobbyist for the BRA. Following a catastrophic earthquake in Italy in the 1980s, Coviello and the local community coordinated disaster relief and aid to support those impacted. Coviello helped create jobs for many looking to seek employment in the local government while leading campaigns for Mayor White and others. His favorite job however was being a grandfather, his many grandchildren would gather to listen to Dee Dee’s insight and stories. He was an avid poker player, and sports enthusiast. He enjoyed coffee, CC gingers, and pall malls. He passed surrounded by family and loved ones with a horse race playing in the background.
Dee Dee was the beloved husband of the late Alberta Josephine (Lombardi) Coviello. He was the devoted father of Stacie Coviello and her fiancé Michael Murphy, and Amelia Coviello and her fiancé Robert Monteiro. He was the loving Papa of Ronnie and Ryan Hickey, Dante Carrillo and his wife Jaclyn, Nicolas Carrillo, Mia Tecce, Mia Monteiro, Jason, Camryn, and Madison Carrillo, Carly Klatecki and her husband Andre, Eniko Masszi, and Kelly Stanton. He was the dear brother of the late Gracie Dello Russo. He was the father in-law of Ronald Hickey, Sr. He was the caring son in-law of Amelia (Faiella) Lombardi. He was the loving brother in-law of Linda (Lombardi) DelGaizo and her late husband Mike, and the late Marie Perillo and her husband Alphonse, Albert “Jr” Lombardi, and Vito “Butchie” Mastrangelo. Dee Dee is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Dee Dee’s family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Monday, November 27th from 2 to 6 PM. A celebration of Dee Dee’s life will be held at 5:30 PM.