Mary J. (Muldoon) Salvatelli

Mary Jean (Muldoon) Salvatelli, 94, of Leominster, entered peacefully into glory in the heart of her home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Mary was born on October 28, 1928, in West Roxbury, Mass. Greeting her this side of the womb was sweet mother Katherine (Riordan) Muldoon, father Sylvester “Vester” Muldoon, and brother Henry. Later to come was brother Joseph. Recalling her childhood season, “All my memories are that I was surrounded by love.” 

Love abiding. Through and through the sweet family of mother Katherine and children Henry, Joe, and Mary. Uncles (to the children) John and Jim Riordan were always around to heap on abundant love along with provision that was a Godsend even if a tad less abundant!

Upon graduation in 1936 from St. Bernard’s high school, Mary took the big “job” of her life: telephone switchboard operator. Her zest for life blazed in this season as she blossomed into womanhood. Mary loved to have fun. She had an eye for the boys, and loved dancing, cigarettes (marked in the day as "healthful" by doctors), fashion and movies (where else would she see the latest styles?! ). Mary recalled these years fondly.

She met the love of her life, Geno Francis Salvatelli, on a double date arranged by his best friend Sharkey Tiberio. A spark ignited in Mary. She said yes for a second date. They were to meet at the diner where Geno worked part-time while completing studies at Clark University. Geno relished telling his boys the story of how, on their second date, he withheld from Mary the detail that he was close to completing his college studies. He led her to believe that his ambitions led no further than the diner kitchen. At which point Mary made clear that their prospects as a couple were as limited as the prospects he`d described for a prosperous future!!  Thankfully and markedly, she changed her tune when learning this young, smart, charming and handsome, Italian American just might be able to offer her a good future after all. Mr. and Mrs. Geno F. Salvatelli were wed June 12, 1954, at St. Bernard’s church in Fitchburg. Sharkey Tiberio was ­best man.

In the next decade, Mary gave birth to five sons: Stephen, Richard, Ronald, David, and Tom. They bought a house at 128 Princeton St. in Leominster. For the next 30 years, she and Geno raised their boys through all the joys and challenges that arise over such an extended period in a family of seven. The only constant? Love. The love of Mary and Geno burned steadily. It continued to burn as sons became adults. And parents became seniors. How they cherished one another was apparent from the joy each derived through innumerable acts of love they rendered one to another.

Alas, Geno passed away all too soon at the age of 85 on October 26, 2011. At his memorial service she sat stoically ‘nary a tear to be shed. Years later, I had to ask. “It was to honor him.” … SO Irish. Mary carried in her heart the memory of her beloved husband every day of her final twelve years. No doubt she drew from the well of strength within forged through the great adversities of her long, sweet life.

Mary lived her last years at 128 Princeton St. in the house she called home for the last 65 years, ever among loving sons, attentive and affectionate daughters-in-law, and adoring grandsons and granddaughters. She breathed her last in the early hours of Thursday, March 30, 2023. She is loved. And missed.

Praise God for our blessing that is the life of Mary Jean (Muldoon) Salvatelli.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6th at 10am in Richardson Funeral Home 106 West St. Leominster. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Wednesday April 5th from 5-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please click here to make a donation to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, her favorite charity among the many she had supported for years and years.

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The Muldoon blood lines continues to flow and extend.

·         Son Richard Anthony Salvatelli

·         Son Ronald James Salvatelli

·         Son David Frederick Salvatelli & David’s wife Liliana (Mejia) Salvatelli

o   Grandson Gino Andres Salvatelli, Gino’s wife Fanna (Lin) Salvatelli

§  Great-granddaughter Eliana Grace Salvatelli

o   Grandson David Frederick Salvatelli, Jr., David’s wife Kristy (Peterson)Salvatelli

§  Great-grandson Tydus Scott Salvatelli

·         Son Thomas Patrick Salvatelli & Tom’s wife Lisa (Ferrara) Salvatelli

o   Grandson Cameron Salvatelli, Cam’s wife Samantha and their daughters Frankie Salvatelli and Camila Salvatelli

o   Granddaughter Sarah Salvatelli

o   Granddaughter Nina Salvatelli

o   Grandson Anthony Salvatelli

·         Granddaughter Talia Rose Moniz-Salvatelli

o   Great grandson Lukus Linus Moniz

o   Great grandson Eeden James McDevitt

o   Great grandson Uriah Steven McDevitt

o   Great granddaughter Mia Rose Salvatelli

Mary’s surviving relatives from brother Henry & wife Edith (Cosgrove) Muldoon.

Nieces and nephews

Patricia (Muldoon) Altieri, Michael Muldoon, William Muldoon, Henry Muldoon, Nancy (Muldoon) Sorbo, Christopher Muldoon.

Mary’s surviving relatives from brother Joseph J. & wife Elizabeth “Bette” Muldoon.

Nieces and nephews

Maria (Muldoon) Harbeson, Joseph “Casey” Muldoon, Mark Muldoon, Peter Muldoon, Timothy Muldoon, Julie (Muldoon) Murphy, Daniel Muldoon, Teri Muldoon, Katherine Muldoon (from Joe’s second wife Charlotte).

Grandnieces and grandnephews

Matthew, Patrick, & Elizabeth Harbeson, Joseph, Luke, & Madelyn Muldoon, Lena & Maura Muldoon, Emily, Delaney, & Mary Sheila Muldoon, Mary Theresa, McKinley, Timothy, Riordan, & Maggie Muldoon, Shaela & Colin Muldoon.

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