Porreca, Medford’s 1st Female Councilor, Mayor, Passes

The following obituary was published on the Dello Russo Funeral Service website for former Medford mayor Marilyn Porreca.

Marilyn Ann Catino Porreca
February 04, 2008

Adored wife and best friend of the late Gino F. Porreca. Daughter of the late Catherine (McGlynn) and the late State Representative Michael Catino. Mother of Nanci M. of Marshfield, Michael J. of Methuen, Ron P. and his wife Loretta of Melrose, Cathi Leonard and her husband Mark of Plymouth, Andrea Hurm and her husband Michael of Kingston, and the late Brian F. Porreca. “Grammy” and “Nonnie” to twelve wonderful grandchildren: Elizabeth and Michael Hurm, Gina and Mark Leonard, Anne Marie, Anthony, and Michael Porreca, Loren and Cameron Porreca, Brian, Brianna, and Krista Porreca and their mother Anne Marie. Sister of Nancy and her husband Anthony Pallotta of Arlington. Survived by her nieces and nephews Stacie Knight, Kevin Pallotta, Michael Pallotta, and Suzanne Klein. Also survived by many cousins but especially Claire Valente, Edward Catino, and Terri Scrima.

Marilyn attended Medford Public Schools as well as Boston University where she received a BS degree in Business Administration, Secretary of her Student Council and President of her Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She served as President of the BU Alumni Club of Everett, Malden, and Medford. Marilyn also served as the Secretary of the St. James Parish Council as well as the President of the Saint James Woman’s Guild. Being very active in the political arena her whole life. Marilyn was a proud Democrat serving as the Chair of the City Committee for 12 years, attending many State Conventions. In 1962, Marilyn proudly seconded the nomination for Senator Ted Kennedy. In 1980 Marilyn was a Delegate at the National Convention in NY.

Marilyn worked on many political campaigns. She was the Secretary to the Mayor for both Mayor Frederick N. Dello Russo and James K. Kurker. With great honor Marilyn served as the first woman elected to the Medford City Council, the first woman elected to serve as Deputy Mayor in Medford as well as the distinct honor to be elected the first woman Mayor of Medford.

Marilyn was a retired Hospital Administrator at the Middlesex County Hospital. Over the years, Marilyn received many awards including the South Medford Citizen of the Year, Martin Luther King Citizens’ Award and the Dante Alighieri Distinguished Italian Heritage Award.Marilyn touched many lives and will be missed by all. Marilyn will be remembered as FOREVER Red Sox Fan!!

Family and friends may visit Thursday from 2 thru 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. Procession will gather at the funeral home Friday at 10 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Couch Cemetery, Marshfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to American Lung Association of Massachusetts, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451.