Michele Crugnale, age 87, of Medford formerly of Boston's North End, passed away March 28th at the Massachusetts General Hospital following a short illness. He was the beloved husband of Irma (Susi) Crugnale and together they shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Pettorano Sul Gizio, Italy, he was the son of the late Maria Susi and Domenico Crugnale.
Mr. Crugnale came to the United States in 1968 and settled in the North End of Boston for a number of years before moving to Medford where he has lived for the past 30 years. Before coming to the U.S. Mr. Crugnale worked with his brother Ugo, and together they owned and operated oil presses, making olive oil for many local farms and business in their region of Italy. Here in the United States Mr. Crugnale worked for many years as a bricklayer and was a member of the Bricklayers union local 3. Mostly devoted to his family, he enjoyed gardening and working around the house. He was very talented with his hands and enjoyed working with wood. His biggest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his beloved wife and brother, he is survived by his daughters, Maria DelMonaco and her husband Ezio of Medford, Luisa Todesca and her husband Alfonso of Medford. He was the loving grandfather of Irma Fountain of Saugus, Michelle Polston of Malden and loving great grandfather of Brianna and Isabella Fountain, Mia and Shayla Polston. He is also survived by his sisters, Olga Susi of Boston, Claudia Crugnale of Medford, Sestina Cardone of Italy. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, the late Panfilo Crugnale.
His funeral service will be conducted from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD, Wednesday, at 8 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden, at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 2 - 4 & 7 - 9. Services will conclude with entombment at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum, Everett.