Mrs. Viola Rivela, 98 of Medford died on Monday in a local nursing home following a brief illness. Beloved wife of the late Vincent J. “Jim” Rivela.
Born in East Boston, daughter of the late Luigi and Immaculata (Cirrelli) Bucci, she worked with her husband as a hairdresser and co-owner of Rosemarie’s Beauty Salon on Salem Street in Medford for over 50 years. She will be remembered as an outstanding cook. She spent many hours watching cooking shows on television. Years ago, she and her husband were active in the Sons of Italy Lodge in Arlington.
A Medford resident for over 90 years, she leaves 2 sons, Vincent J. Rivela Jr. former Woburn High School Teacher, and his wife Sheila of Woburn and Arnold Rivela of Feeding Hills. Dear grandmother of James, Steven, Matthew and Jennifer Rivela. Devoted great grandmother of 9 lovely great grandchildren. Sister of the late Anthony, Carl, Henry, and Arnold Bucci. Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home 306 Main Street MEDFORD, Thursday at 9 am. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fellsway West, Medford at 10 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 pm. Services will conclude with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.