Cota Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service

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North Reading, MA
Cota Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Our family serving your family in a time of need. Since 1932, Cota Funeral Homes has serviced families representing many faiths.

We have become familiar with the varied traditions in burying a loved one. Traditional services with visitation and burial:
Includes: Services of the funeral director and staff; transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home; embalming, if desired; use of facilities for viewing; funeral service to be conducted at the funeral home or place of worship; and procession to the cemetery. Traditional services and burial, without visitation:
Includes: Services of the funeral director and staff; transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home; embalming, if desired; funeral service to be conducted at the funeral home or place of worship; and procession to the cemetery. Traditional services with cremation:
Includes: Same as above two selections, except services end with cremation. Direct cremation:
Includes: Transfer of the deceased from place of death to the funeral home; procuring of all necessary permits and authorizations; and transportation to the crematory. Immediate burial:
Includes: Transfer of the deceased from place of death to the funeral home; procuring of all necessary permits and authorizations; and transportation to the cemetery. Memorial services:
Includes: Transfer of the deceased from place of death to the funeral home; procuring of all necessary permits and authorizations; and transportation to the cemetery or crematory; memorial services in the funeral home or church after cremation or burial without the deceased present. Cremains may be present at the memorial services. We are always open
to tailor any of the above services
to your specifications. We are also available to assist with
insurance papers, veterans and social security
forms and benefits.

02/10/2026

Sullivan, Roland E. -Of Wilmington, Beloved husband of Rita (McCarthy). Loving father of Brandon A. Barnard- Sullivan of NH.

Roland held his wife Kathy and their son Brandon at the center of his world. Snow, sleet, or rain Roland woke up at 4:30am to bring coffee to them every morning. He became the secret behind Kathy’s fashionable wardrobe, and was the calming voice in Kathy's world. For his son Brandon, Roland was a steady anchor – a constant presence, a quiet strength, and a source of security. Whether tossing a ball together in the backyard or bringing Brandon to his first gym workout – a passion Brandon carries with him to this day. Roland’s guidance and love left a lasting mark on Brandon and Kathy, serving as a pillar of strength, stability, and unwavering presence in their lives. Roland loved being surrounded by family and friends, and he will be remembered by his smile. The type of smile that brightened every room he entered. His smile, and laughter not only brought warmth to everyone around him, but was a breath of fresh air. Roland's kindness knew no boundaries, which translated into making friends everywhere he went. Once you were welcomed into his life, you were a friend for life - his loyalty and warmth leaving a lasting mark on everyone he met. Roland maintained friendships throughout his life, from people that he met back in high school to people he met walking down the street, and once you were accepted in Roland’s life, you were friends with him for life.

Roland's kindness even translated into his work life, as he centered a career over helping the less fortunate. Kindness came naturally to him, expressed through a steady sincerity and a constant sense of calm, with the well placed occasional humorous or sarcastic comment. Roland’s favorite place was Martha’s Vineyard, where the world seemed to slow down and every moment felt simple and full. He took delight in walks down the street to the Dock Street Coffee Shop, enjoying the breeze and the soft hum of the harbor. Roland had a hidden talent of crocheting and a joy of reading James Patterson novels. However, he was more well known for his barbecue creations. Brandon even helped his father name his BBQ creations; Ro Ro Ribs. Roland’s brisket and iconic ribs won over any fancy catering. Roland's love of food, not only included eating it, but also cooking the food for others to enjoy.

Relatives and friends may visit at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte.28) NORTH READING, at Reading line on Saturday, Feb. 14th from 11am-2pm. At the request of the family interment will be private. Roland’s love for animals also knew no bounds, and he sought to help every animal he met, even the ones on TV so please In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nevin’s Farm in Salem, NH or Greater Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE). www.cotafuneral.com

02/10/2026

Pensavalli, Domenic Q. -Of Reading, Feb. 4th, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of 63 years to Nina (Chiarello). Father of Domenic Pensavalli and his wife Carolyn of N. Andover, Michael Pensavalli and his wife Margaret (Peggy) of Stoneham and Darren Pensavalli of Reading. Son of the late Ignazio and Edith Pensavalli. Grandfather of Sydney and Christopher. Brother of Frank Pensavalli of Malden and the late Honey Cravotta and Camille Simione. Domenic is also survived by man loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Domenic was born in Everett, MA and spent his childhood in the Village. He eventually moved his wife Nina and children to Reading, and went on to become a proud Reading resident of 54 years. Dom went on to find his passion in the scrap metal business, and spent 55+ years doing what he loved by buying and selling scrap, loading ships, and traveling to different scrap metal yards in New England.

Domenic was a caring and kind soul, who was known for always giving the shirt off his back for those he loved. His generosity was quiet, and he always had a way of making people feel looked after without ever looking for recognition in return.

As a former racehorse owner, Dom loved spending time at the racetrack. He also cherished time spent with his loved ones, whether it was watching his grandchildren, nieces’ and nephews’ sports games, Sundays with his big Italian family, or spending time with his sons. Dom also loved vacationing in Maine with his family and Aruba with his friends.

At his core, Dom was a simple man who found joy in the small and everyday moments. One of his happy places was sitting on his reclining chair, with a Diet Coke in hand watching football or golf. While Dom may not have been the loudest in the room, he had a quiet way of making everyone feel loved and supported.

Above all, Dom adored his wife of 63 years, Nina and his loving family. He will be remembered by his strength, kindness, and unconditional love for his family.

Relatives and friends are most respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading on Friday, Feb. 13th at10:30am. Please go directly to church. Visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) NORTH READING, at Reading line, on Thursday, Feb. 12th from 4-7pm. Interment Woodend Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Dom’s name to Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) P.O. Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042.
www.cotafuneral.com

02/02/2026

Petropoulos, Chris -Of North Reading, Jan. 29th. Beloved husband of Evangelia (Clessas). Loving father of Christina Petropoulos of Lowell, MA and Stephan Petropoulos and his wife Georgia of NH. Son of the late Stefanos and Georgia Petropoulos and brother of the late Gregory Petropoulos.

Chris was a generous soul with a kind heart and a listening ear, known for his loving, positive nature and his unwavering presence whenever someone needed him. A true family man, he found his greatest joy in family gatherings, traveling with family and friends, and sharing life as a devoted husband, dad, uncle, cousin, and friend. Deeply rooted to his faith, Chris was an active member of the Greek Church, proudly serving as President of GOYA and as a Sunday school teacher. He found joy in simple pleasures - poker nights with family and friends, golfing, cheering on his beloved Boston sports teams, listening to classic rock, and attending concerts. He loved playing sports, coaching with those he loved, and most of all watching his children play their sports. Above all, he will be remembered for the warmth he brought into every room—and for the familiar whistle he used to get people’s attention, a sound that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Mass will be held in Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave, Woburn on Thursday, Feb. 5th at 10:30am. Please go directly to Church. Relatives and friends may visit with Chris’ family in the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) North Reading, on Wednesday, Feb, 4th from 4-7pm. Interment West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’ name to the above-mentioned church. www.cotafuneral.com

01/27/2026

James E. Puzzo of Nashua, formerly of North Reading, MA, passed away peacefully on January 20th surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Estelle (Pelletier) Puzzo. He was the loving father of Susan Drew of Amherst, NH; Mark Puzzo of Bedford, NH; Dean Puzzo and his wife Teresa of Alton Bay, NH; and Paul Puzzo and his wife Lori of Merrimack, NH. He was the son of the late Anthony Puzzo and Eleanor (Limole) Haritos. He was the brother of Elaine Thomas of CA, Tom Puzzo and his wife Charlene of NH, and Robert Puzzo and his wife Suzanne of MA. He was the proud grandfather of ten and great grandfather of two.

He proudly served his country during WWII in the US Army. He was a successful accountant working for NASA during the height of the space program, and then for the Federal Department of Transportation until he retired. He was an avid fan of all four Boston sports teams. James was loved by so many of the people at his assisted living facility. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with James’ family on Friday, Jan. 30th from 9:30 thru 11am in the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) North Reading at Reading line. A funeral service will take place at 11am in the funeral home. Interment after the service in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.
www.cotafuneral.com

01/25/2026

Mitropoulos, Venetia (Stavrinos)

Of Reading, beloved wife of the late John N. Mitropoulos, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, January 21. Venetia was 94 years old, just one week shy of her 95th birthday.

Venetia was a devoted servant of her Orthodox faith and a longtime member of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn. She served as Philoptochos President multiple times and was both a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Administrator alongside her husband, John. Together, John and Venetia provided fellowship every Sunday for 40 years. Venetia also helped run the kitchen for the church’s annual festival, and many of her cherished recipes are still used for the dishes offered today.

Venetia retired after a remarkable 60-year career as a hairdresser.

She was the devoted mother of Theophilos J. Mitropoulos and his wife Linda (Banacos) of Reading, Nicholas J. Mitropoulos and his wife Maureen (McBride) of North Reading, Margaritta C. Grimes and her husband David of Wi******er, and the late Asemo Mitropoulos.

Venetia was the cherished grandmother (YiaYia) of John Theo Mitropoulos and his wife Amanda, Arianna Sophia Mitropoulos and her wife Tree Ferran, Alexander N. Mitropoulos and his wife Sabrina, Timothy N. Mitropoulos, James David Grimes, Venetia Yanna Rozanski and her husband Robert, and the late Christopher N. Mitropoulos. Most recently, she was blessed to become a great-grandmother to Austin A. Mitropoulos and John James Rozanski.

She was the beloved daughter of Theophilos and Asemo (Davos) Stavrinos, sister of Lydia Stavrinos, and the late Mary Francouer, John Stavrinos, Demetra Morakis, Sandra Flynn, and George Stavrinos, and the cherished daughter-in-law of the late Nicholas and Margarita Mitropoulos. Venetia is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to calling hours at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Avenue, Woburn, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. Funeral services will immediately follow. Interment will take place at Charles Lawn Cemetery in Reading.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Venetia’s memory may be made to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Avenue, Woburn. www.cotafuneral.com

01/22/2026

Interrante, Frank D. – Of Tewksbury, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully at the Sawtelle Hospice House on January 20th. Beloved husband of the late Marie (Marino) Interrante. Devoted father of Joseph Interrante and his wife Robin of Pompano, FL; Richard Interrante and his wife Ella of Brentwood, New Hampshire; Patti Casciani and her husband Carlo of Reading; and Frank Interrante and his husband James Groves of Boston. Frank was the longtime companion of Jane Shempa. He was the brother of Jenny Visconti, Vita Solomine, and the late Charles Interrante.
Cherished grandfather of Joseph and Michael Interrante; Peter, Mariella, and Andrew Casciani; Rene Lynch and Miranda DellaRusso; and J.D. Groves.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army, an experience that helped shape his strong sense of duty and dedication. After his service, he built a long and successful career rooted in craftsmanship and family business, co‑owning New England Drapery & Blind with his son Joe, where he spent over 40 years serving customers across the region.

A lifelong New England Patriots fan, Frank especially treasured the times he spent watching games with his grandchildren—moments that became cherished traditions and lasting memories for all of them.

Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on in every family gathering, every shared meal, and every lesson he passed on. He showed us the true meaning of family, and we are eternally grateful for the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.
The funeral will be held at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28), NORTH READING, at the Reading line, on Saturday, January 24th at 9 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading, at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home prior to the Mass from 9:00–10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Wood End Cemetery, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s name to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Waltham, MA 02451.
www.cotafuneral.com

01/09/2026

Gandolfi, Josephine M. (Zanti) -Of Reading, Jan. 8th. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Gandolfi. Devoted mother of Constance Voget and her husband Richard of WA, Jodi Gandolfi Mooney and her husband Walter of CA and Michael Gandolfi of Cambridge. Loving sister of Margaret Gandolfi of Wareham, Connie VanTassell of NJ, Helen Bramante of Reading and the late Jospeh and Frank Zanti. Devoted grandmother of the late Pamela Voget. At the request of the family, funeral services are being privately held. Arrangements by the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28), NORTH READING. www.cotafuneral.com

01/07/2026

Fitzgerald, Frances M. Sullivan -Of Somerville, formerly of North Reading. Beloved wife of the late Daniel Fitzgerald. Mother of Daniel Fitzgerald and his wife Barbara of Somerville. Grandmother of Casey and Daniel Fitzgerald Jr. Daughter of the late Frank J. and Susan G. (Reilly) Sullivan Sister of Kay Beaulieu of Waltham and the late Betty Parente and Agnes Moran. Loving aunt Frannie to many nieces and nephews.

Frances was a very caring and loving person. She had a great sense of family. She doted on Dan, Barbara and her beloved grandchildren, Casey and Danny. Technically grandmother to two, but known to all, especially the Mastascusa, D'Angelo, McQuaid and Redmond Ave families as Nana Fitz. Her sisters Kay, Agnes and Betty and their families were very dear to her as well. Her nieces and nephews always held a very special place in her heart. She was a very good friend to all who knew her. She was there to provide rides to the grocery store or appointments. The word "no" was not in her vocabulary if someone was in need of a ride. Her summers always included a week or two in her favorite vacation spot, Ogunquit Maine. Long summer days on the Footbridge beach are cherished memories for her family. Frances also loved to shop. Saturday schedules always included a trip to the mall for shopping and lunch. She will be missed by so many.

Funeral from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28), NORTH READING, at Reading Line, on Jan 12th, at 10am. Funeral Mass in St. Theresa's Church, 63 Winter St., (Rte. 62), North Reading at 10:30am. Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home prior to the mass from 9-10am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in Fran's name to a charity of your choice. www.cotafuneral.com

01/05/2026

Lippi, Joann Thelma -Of North Andover, Dec. 30th. Beloved wife of the late Henry Louis Lippi. Devoted mother of Michael Lippi and his wife Cheryl of Andover. Dear sister of Theresa Shalsi, Diane Culp, Marie Perry, Irma Pascarella and Janet Ringdahl Cherished grandmother of Michael Lippi Jr. and Christopher Lippi.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service in Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel, 302 Elm St., Everett on, Wednesday, Jan. 7th at 11am. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements by the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading. www.cotafuneral.com

12/29/2025

Roffi, Claire C. (Mancini) -Of Somerville. Beloved wife of the late Antonio Roffi. Mother of Michael Roffi and his partner Edgar Peraza or Somerville and the late Robert Roffi and his surviving wife Sherry of Somerville. Grandmother of Antonio Rocco, Jessica Ann and Stephen Michael Roffi. Claire is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Claire was married to her childhood sweetheart for 65 years. They danced their way over the moon every week until Tony’s death in 2014. While socializing they gathered amazing group of friends who they cherished greatly. Claire was inspirational, very generous and treated people with dignity. As a mother she was “one of a kind!” The level of constant love, respect, guidance and support was unmatched. She will be missed greatly!

At the request of the family all services for Claire at the moment are being privately held. A Funeral Mass will be announced in the near future and will be held in Medford. www.cotafuneral.com

12/26/2025

Sergio Tortora – Age 87, beloved husband of Cornelia Tortora (Petrosillo), died peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, December 20th at the Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

He was born in Bisceglie, Italy on December 18, 1938, a son of the late Francesco and Isabella (Pedone) Tortora and lived in Italy before moving to Cambridge, Ma at the age of 17 and later moved to Somerville. He resided in Medford, Reading and then retired in Miramar Florida. He completed service in the United States Army in 1964.

Sergio owned and operated the former Gino’s Market in Somerville along with his brother Mauro prior to his retirement.
Sergio loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching soccer, digging for clams at Little Bird Island and gardening in Wareham and Miramar. He enjoyed spending his summers at Swifts Beach, Wareham, MA and the rest of the year in Miramar, FL.
He is survived by his wife Cornelia, Sergio is also survived by his children, Frank Tortora and his wife CrisAnn, Gerry Tortora, Sergio Tortora Jr and his fiancé Terri West and Elizabeth Tortora; his brothers John Tortora; his sisters, Maria Pellegrini, Josephine Frisiello; his four grandchildren, Nicholas, Alyssa, Matthew and Isabella and his great grandson Nicholas. He was the brother of the late Guilio and Mauro Tortora.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, January 2nd at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park Street, (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) North Reading at Reading line from 4-7 pm. A prayer service and burial will be held Saturday January 3rd at 10am in Holy Cross Mausoleum, 175 Broadway, Malden, 02148. Please go directly to the Mausoleum. www.cotafuneral.com

12/24/2025

Chabot, George E. Jr. -Of North Reading, Dec.21st. Beloved husband of 63 years to Elaine (Briscoe). Father of Mark Chabot and his wife Kim of Andover, Michelle Mehr and her husband Seth of OR, Brian Chabot and his wife Ruth of Lynn and Kara DeGiovanni and her partner Luke Moore of OR. Grandfather of Nicolas, Mae, Amanda and Mazli. Brother of Ronald Chabot and his wife Helen of FL, Carol Bond of FL, and the late Elaine Watters. George is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

George was born and raised in Wi******er, MA and graduated from Wi******er High School in 1958. He got his BA from Harvard in 1961, Masters in Radiological Health from Harvard in 1968, and his PhD in Chemistry from University of Lowell in 1986. George served in the U.S. Public Health Service from 1963-1969 and worked for 30+ years at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) as a professor, teaching and carrying out research in the Physics and Radiological Sciences programs. Referred to as a "Quiet Giant" in the field, he was a 55-year member of the Health Physics Society (HPS) and was recipient of the Founders Award in 2017. George said his work never felt like work, and he continued to be active in the field until his passing.

One of George’s most beloved pastimes was playing the trumpet in the Reading and North Reading civic bands for over 50 years. He was a tinkerer at heart, and in his later years, enjoyed fixing and reselling vintage trumpets. At home, George was well known in the family for preparing a myriad of tasty dishes. George's parents were devout Catholics, and his mother instilled in him an unwavering faith in Christ that guided him throughout his life. He led a weekly bible study online and served as an usher at St. Theresa's Church, where he worshipped for 58 years.

George was known as a brilliant, humble, patient, and kind person. He leaves a legacy of love, one that will live on through all the lives he touched.

Visiting hours will be Saturday Dec 27th from 9-11am at Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (Rte. 28) NORTH READING, at Reading line. Funeral procession departs from the funeral home Saturday, Dec. 27th at 11:00am. Funeral Mass in St. Theresas Church, 63 Winter St. (Rte. 62), North Reading at 11:30am. Interment at Riverside Cemetery, North Reading. www.cotafuneral.com

Address

335 Park Street
North Reading, MA
01864

Telephone

+19786644340

Website

http://www.cotafuneral.com/

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Our Story

Since 1932, Cota Family Funeral Home has serviced families representing many faiths. We have become familiar with the varied traditions in burying a loved one and have learned that times change and services do as well. We are here to assist you in making the passing of a loved one as stress free as possible by listening to your ideas and catering a service that fits not only your wants but also your budget. Below is just a list of some of the services we offer. Contact us at anytime to answer any of your questions. We know the pain of loosing a loved one first hand and know there is no simple way to say goodbye. Traditional services with visitation and burial: Includes: Services of the funeral director and staff; transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home; embalming, if desired; use of facilities for viewing; funeral service to be conducted at the funeral home or place of worship; and procession to the cemetery. Adaptive services and burial, without visitation: Includes: Services of the funeral director and staff; transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home; embalming, if desired; funeral service to be conducted at the funeral home or place of worship; and procession to the cemetery. Traditional services with cremation: Includes: Same as above two selections, except services end with cremation. Modest cremation: Includes: Transfer of the deceased from place of death to the funeral home; procuring of all necessary permits and authorizations; and transportation to the crematory. Immediate burial: Includes: Transfer of the deceased from place of death to the funeral home; procuring of all necessary permits and authorizations; and transportation to the cemetery. Memorial Cremation services: Includes: Transfer of the deceased from place of death to the funeral home; procuring of all necessary permits and authorizations; and transportation to the crematory; memorial services in the funeral home or church after cremation without the deceased present. Cremains may be present at the memorial services. We are always open to tailor any of the above services to your specifications. We are also available to assist with insurance papers, veterans and social security forms and benefits.

Cota Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

02/02/2026

01/27/2026

01/25/2026

01/22/2026

01/09/2026

01/07/2026

01/05/2026

12/29/2025

12/26/2025

12/24/2025

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