Kathleen “Kay” Theresa (O’Connell) DiFazio, 91, died peacefully in her home in Medford on September 25th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and devoted husband, Joseph. She was born in Somerville, MA on October 14th, 1933, to James and Mary (Fitzgerald) O’Connell, originally from County Kerry, Ireland. Kay graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Somerville in 1951. She married Joseph DiFazio in 1957, and their loving marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them. They moved to Medford, MA in 1961, where they have lived ever since.
Kay was predeceased by siblings James O’ Connell of Carlsbad, California, Daniel O’Connell of Hollywood, Florida, and Mary (O’Connell) Ackerley of Somerville, MA. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph DiFazio, and children Joseph DiFazio, jr and his wife Anita of Wakefield, MA; Stephen DiFazio and his wife Catherine Whitworth of Morgantown, WV; and Kathleen Kenneally of Weymouth, MA. Kay also leaves behind many loving grandchildren, including Joseph, Julia, Jeffrey, Timothy, and Magdalena DiFazio, and Gerard and Una Kenneally, along with a large extended family who will miss her ready smile and sunny disposition.
Kay worked for New England Telephone before becoming a full-time homemaker. Later in life, Kay was a crucial cog at Sherman Engineering in Medford, where she made sure the books were balanced and debts were paid (or else). Kay was a lifelong bowling enthusiast, and also enjoyed playing volleyball with her many friends. Kay took up painting in retirement, and enjoyed puzzles and crosswords. She had a passion for music, and was the life of every party, always ready to grab the mic and enthusiastically belt out a golden oldie.
Kay had a big heart and was always ready with a joke and a kind word. She could also be feisty, and always ready to fight for what she thought was right. Kay’s interest in others could elicit a life story from perfect strangers. A devout Roman Catholic, she lived by the Golden Rule and touched many peoples’ lives. She was known for her special ability to connect with children as a CCD teacher at St. Joseph’s Church, and then as a dedicated nana bringing fun and joy to her grandchildren’s lives. Later in life, Kay was a vibrant presence among retirees in their apartment building on High Street. She left a legacy of laughter, and her corny jokes and birthday poems will be fondly remembered by many.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 3rd from 9 to 11 am in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford 11:30 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph Church in Medford: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/maryqueenofpeacemedford