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Massimo Carrieri of Newton, MA, passed away at home in the loving arms of his wife, with his sons by his side, on February 16, 2023. Massimo remained strong, positive, and motivated throughout his five-month journey with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (bile-duct cancer). Despite his prognosis, his demeanor remained courageous, and his vitality for life inspired all who were physically and spiritually with him. Massimo, as only should have been expected, continued to be hilariously funny, fiercely loving, and somehow still placed other's needs before his own. Massimo has departed our physical world and is peacefully at eternal rest. Free of worry and in acknowledgment of the legendary man he was. Although Massimo's life seems too short for many of us, we all know there would never have been enough time or a right time to say goodbye. Massimo's life and now legacy genuinely encompassed the epitome that the quality of your existence far exceeds the quantity of time.
Massimo was born on August 2, 1968, in Naples, Italy. Massimo was the youngest of three children born to Vincenza (Calabrese) Carrieri and Armando Carrieri (both predeceased). The Carrieri family immigrated to the United States when Massimo was six years old, to the Village of Nonantum in Newton, MA, better known as "The Lake." Through The Boys club, his second home Massimo established friendships that would last a lifetime. Not many people can wholeheartedly say their childhood friends have honestly and literally stood beside them, for them, and with them through all of the chapters of their life, but that is what Massimo had. Massimo's children have been forever blessed and gifted by the knowledge and understanding of what true friendship, genuinely, authentically, and physically is. A forever gift from their father's friends that was not expected, intended but forever appreciated.
Massimo had a passion for motorcycles and thoroughly enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his boys. Whether they were visiting one another around town or out on their wild antics and adventures of their Thursday Night rides. Once he had Shazi on the back of his bike, he opened her world up to his passion for the wind on his face and the sun upon his shoulders. She called it her dream man bonus! They took every opportunity to enjoy the freedom and fun of riding together. Halloween and charitable runs with friends were endless for years. Spontaneous vacations to Lake George, Laconia, Daytona, and Sturgis Motorcycle rallies were just a few of their wild adventures. He then flew her along with his Mother and hers to Italy to untied their families abroad in Italy. Sharon introduced him to the magic of starry nights on Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. Her summer family and friends immediately became his. Massimo brought Sharon to Cape Cod, and he and his brother Lino shared beautiful sunsets on his boat with her. His nieces Alexa and Michaela bonded with her immediately as they played in the dunes of the Cape. However, sailing with his father-in-law Bill on his sailboat, "The Cabelaro," in the British Virgin Islands was where he, Sharon, and their boys Rocco and Massimo created their most treasured travel memories.
Massimo loved socializing and playing Bocci with his extended Family and friends at the Sons of Italy in Nonantum, MA. He was the king of all '70s and 80's trivia, never to be stumped, especially when it came to movies and sitcoms. Television game shows were his favorite quiet pass time. The Price is Right was his all-time favorite! When he received the call from his sister-in-law Denise, informing him of her three tickets for a chance to become the contestant to "Come on Down," there was no question he flew across the county! Massimo was the Italian Stallion of the dance floor; if there was not one there, he created it. His signature moves, rhythmic hips, and cartwheels may be more legendary than the man himself. It didn't matter if it was a cookout, a celebratory function, or a job site. You'd always leave with a story of something funny or crazy that Massimo did while you were with him. His love of life was contagious.
Massimo was a Master Licensed Electrician for over 30 years. The last 27 were his proudest as an employee of the City of Newton in the Building Department. He lit the city up both literally and figuratively. His coworkers were his confidants, his brothers, and his daytime Family. Massimo was hardworking, ethical, and meticulous at his trade. He took great pride in his work. Whether installing an outlet for a microwave in a teacher's lounge or ensuring our first responders had safely lit working facilities. He addressed each job with commitment and pride. For that is who Massimo was. No matter the weather, day, or time he always arrived with a smile and the words, "what do you need me to do"? Massimo made his rounds through the neighborhood streets of Newton daily. He was everyone's handyman, able and willing to help in any situation, and humbly and graciously accepted payments in the form of a few bananas, a t-shirt, or a bottle of wine!
Massimo's most meaningful, profound, and significant relationships were with his wife and sons. Their self-exclaimed mantra was; You can't make it up, as chaos, comedy, and crazy silliness filled their home with love! They rolled with the punches, always looked forward and ahead with positivity, and ensured one another had no regrets; they labeled it their "Italian Carrieri Law"!
Massimo and Sharon grew up together but apart in the 02458 neighborhood. They shared many of the same lifelong friends; through those friends, they fell in love and married on June 30, 2001. Massimo lovingly adored his wife Sharon, whom he called "His Shazi"! They were undeniable soul mates. Their home was always, has been, and always will be open to friends and Family to gather. Their Family grew when they welcomed their first son Rocco and their second, Massimo, thirteen months later. Life offered them their share of obstacles, but they kept their course. Massimo's positive energy never waivered; his passion for hard work provided, and his warm-heartedness and humorous wit always healed them. These traits, combined with Shazi's perseverance, commitment, and advocacy for their children's well-being, are now shining brighter than the star their father is. Massimo's little boys are now confident, caring, friendly, loving, and strong-hearted young men. They have been their parent's beacon of light through these difficult months. They will preserve through this fog, navigate with his help, and find their ports in time. Each of them carries their devoted father's spirit, light, and loving heart within them. Therefore, in a way, Massimo has not left us but has doubled in size.
Massimo was the cherished husband of Sharon (Fennell) Carrieri. Devoted and loving father of Rocco A. Carrieri and Massimo W. Carrieri, all of Newton, MA. The dearest baby brother of Maria Bruno and her husband Mimmo of Abruzzi, Italy, and Pasquale (Lino) Carrieri and his wife Tina Carrieri of Medfield, MA. Beloved son-in-law to Vera Fennell of Newton, MA, and brother-in-law to Denise and Richard Pasqualone of Los Angles, CA. Adored by his nieces and Nephews, Alexa Carrieri and her fiance Doug Nelson, of Miami, FL. Michaela Carrieri, of Brookline, MA. Lorena Bruno and her Husband Luca, Luigi Bruno and his wife Sonia, and Veronica Bruno of Abruzzi, Italy. Anthony Pasqualone, and Isabella Pasqualone of Los Angles, CA. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Armando Carrieri and Vincenza (Calabrese) Carrieri.
Ti vogliamo bene Massimo l'amore continua all'infinito!
Funeral from the MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home at 270 Main St. Watertown on Thursday February 23, 2023, at 9:30 AM, followed by Funeral Mass Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 573 Washington St. Newton at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8 PM. Interment Newton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to EACH of Massimo's sons for their college education.
Checks payable to:
Rocco Carrieri Rev. Trust
and
Massimo Carrieri Rev. Trust
Please mail checks to:
Middlesex Savings Bank c/o Michelle Caddell 50 Chestnut St. Needham, MA 02492
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Massimo Carrieri, please visit our floral store.