Honorable Lawrence F. Bretta, age 78, of Medford formerly of Somerville, passed away September 2nd at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Joan E. (Benway) Bretta. Born in Somerville he was the son of the late Angelo and Benilde (Marvelli) Bretta.
Lawrence was raised and educated in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School. He continued his education at Babson College and received his masters degree in Business Administration from North Eastern University. Lawrence also served in the United States Coast Guard during WWII.
Lawrence served as the Mayor of Somerville from 1962 -1966. Prior to his service as the Mayor he also served on the School Committee and was a State Representative for the City of Somerville. Following his terms as Mayor, Lawrence woked for several years with the Federal Government General Services Administration. He eventually retired as the North East Regional Director. Over the years Lawrence was very active in numerous social and service clubs in Somerville.
In addition to his late parents, Lawrence is predeceased by his son Harry W. Roche, daughter Geraldine Roche, sisters Emma Pacheco and Josephine Gallagani, brothers Leo, Guido and Joseph Bretta. He is survived by his loving daughters Marilyn Roche of North Andover, Barbara Tronca and her husband Mario of Quincy. He was the adoring grandfather of Geri Thissell, Joan Andrade and Sheena Roche. He was also the adoring great grandfather of Nina and Juliana Andrade. Cherished uncle of Robert Pacheco of Winchester, Rita Agnes and Paula Atwood both of Stoneham. Father of Lawrence, James and Laurel Bretta.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Wednesday at 9 AM, followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to the American Diabetes Assoc. 330 Congress St. 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210 or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, sixth floor, Brookline, MA 02445-9924..