Albert L. “Big Al” Lanzilli, Jr., past Commander of Medford’s American Legion Post and founder of Lanzilli Groceria in Orient Heights, died Tuesday at the University of Virginia Hospital. He was 69.
Al was born and raised in East Boston, the son of the late Albert L. and the late Cornelia (Pessia) Lanzilli. Al served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Industrial and Quality Control Engineering. He worked for Polaroid for nearly 25 years as an engineer. As a successful entrepreneur, he invested in real estate and was also the proprietor of Lanzilli Groceria, a landmark in East Boston’s Orient Heights. Al loved the game of Golf and played often. He also enjoyed time at his lake house on Lake Winnipesauke. Al served as the Commander of Medford American Legion Post and also served as a District Officer. Above all, Al loved his family and cherished the time he could spend with family and friends.
He was the beloved husband of Shirley (Bedell) Lanzilli. He was a devoted father to Renee Serrano and her husband Anthony of North Andover, Albert L. Lanzilli, III and his wife Therese of Stoneham, Kenneth Lanzilli and his wife Donna of Medford. He was a loving grandfather to Ashleigh, A.J., Nick, Kristi, Alex, Victoria, Brittani, Cameron, Kayli, and Christopher. He was the brother of Larry, Tommy and the late Joseph Lanzilli.He also leaves his beloved Pug, Molly.
Relatives and friends may visit Sunday 4 thru 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, Monday at 10 AM with the Rev’d Robert Doherty, presiding. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
Contributions may be made in Al’s name to American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.