When Barbara Cassesso passed away in her home in Somerville on October 18, 2022, the world lost a little bit of its tolerance; its compassion; and its will to stand up for those who are oppressed, abandoned, ignored and in need. Barbara passed away peacefully and without pain in the constant and loving care of her children.

Barbara loved the city of Somerville. It is the city where she was born and lived her entire life. She was for many years, the omni-present, knowledgeable, fair and always courteous and kind assistant election commissioner. For half a century, as a private citizen and community activist, she fought for environmental and social justice in Somerville and beyond.

 

Barbara was a loyal and fierce advocate of her family and friends. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Cecile and survived by her children, Michael and spouse Dottie, Ann and spouse Phil Ercolini, Mary and spouse Peter Miller, and Ronald and spouse Dayna. She also leaves her grandchildren Erica, who lived with “Grammy” for many years, Michael, Christopher, Ronny and Alex Cassesso, and Natalia Miller; she also leaves many great grandchildren as well, her loving siblings, Toni McCarthy, Rita Denietolis, Dolores LaPiana, Albert and Paul DeAngelis, their families and her pre-deceased sister Celia and parents, Vera and Albert DeAngelis.

 

The world was a better place when Barbara Cassesso was alive. And she will be remembered with love forever.

 

Calling Hours will be held on Friday October 21st at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq) from 3:00PM to 7:00PM. Words of remembrance will be held at 6:30PM. Interment will be held privately. Masks are required throughout the services. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara’s memory to a Somerville or global charity committed to social equity.