Alfred Anthony Marsella

Alfred Anthony Marsella, 84, of Buttonwood Circle, North Attleboro, passed away at the Maples Rehabilitation Center on Friday, April 19, 2013. He was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen Marie ("Kay") (McHugh), who predeceased him on November 13, 2012, and with whom he was reunited in death six days before what would have been their forty-ninth wedding anniversary. Born in North Attleboro, on May 25, 1928, he was a son of the late Elutherio and Assunta (Rezza) Marsella. Al was self-employed as a contractor and spent many years shaping the local landscape, particularly as a residential real estate developer. He was also a principal in the Villa Capri, a restaurant located in Wrentham and operated by his family for more than thirty years. The home he built on Falls Pond provided many years of enjoyment with his wife, Kay, two children, relatives, and many friends. There, he famously whipped-up world class pizza and pasta e fagioli, and whenever friends stopped by, he could effortlessly throw together an entire Italian feast, including chicken cacciatore, macaroni, and his famous eggplant. He loved gardening and could always be found working in his yard. Every season he would share the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors. Al also worked part-time in the lawn maintenance business and, as the caring and dutiful dad, he ensured that his children's yards were well-maintained and could frequently be seen riding his lawn mower down Mt. Hope Street to their homes just across the water from his home. He enjoyed holding court at McDonald's with his "compadres" each afternoon to discuss the events of the day and to greet friends who passed through. Above all else, he loved spending time with his wife and children and making memories with his two granddaughters. Al will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, his witty sense of humor, his easygoing attitude, and his love of sharing stories. He was truly loved by all who knew him, especially the friends of his children, who were drawn by his gentle spirit and his knack for treating them as respected equals. His business partners returned to do business with him time and again, as Al was of the "old school": that is, a man whose word was his bond, with whom a handshake would seal a deal, and to whom collaboration was as innate as his humble leadership. In recent months, Al had found comfort at the Maples where his sense of humor endeared him to the staff, which quickly became like a second family and made him feel he had found a new home. Al proudly served his country in the United States Navy. In addition to his cherished late wife and parents, Al is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (Kathey) A, Marsella of North Attleboro, his son, Alfred T. Marsella and his wife Katherine (Koehler) Marsella of Hinesburg, Vermont; granddaughters Anna and Grace Marsella, his sister, Mary Gaboury of North Attleboro; his brother, Gustino ("Sonny") Marsella of South Attleboro, as well as several loving nieces and nephews. Al is predeceased by his brothers Gene Marsella, Justino Marsella, and sisters, Theresa Colletto, Carlena Lucchetti, and Anne Wallace. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Children's room available during visitation and while lining up the funeral cortege prior to the funeral Mass. Those in need of transportation to visitation may simply call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis local transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the funeral service on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 8:30 AM from the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 14 Park Street, North Attleboro with the Rev. David A. Costa, Pastor, officiating. A private burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, North Attleboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Al's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation, Inc., a registered 501 (c) 3 organization, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.