Mary Dagostino, 1924–2025, longtime Waltham resident

Mary C. (Parisi) Dagostino, of Waltham, died Sunday, Nov. 2 2025, in Care Dimension Hospice Residence after an illness. She was 101.

Mary was born Jan. 10 1924 in Cambridge, a daughter of the late Angelo and Gaetana (Lentini) Parisi. She was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. She married Samuel J. Dagostino on Dec. 29 1946 in Blessed Sacrament Church in Cambridge. Longtime Waltham residents, her husband of 78 years, Sam, died August 27, 2025.

In early years she worked as a collator for Riverside Press and it was a job in which she took much pride. After marriage she worked for a short time supporting Sam in his businesses, then stayed at home to raise their four children.

Mary was a fantastic cook and equally great baker. She could prepare virtually any meal from simply glancing at what might be in the refrigerator to feast-filled holiday dinners. Her desserts were much sought after including her signature apple pies. They enjoyed many winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and then later in Boca Raton.

Her family offers words of gratitude for the wonderful and loving care extended to both Mary and Sam during their stay at Care Dimensions Hospice Residence.

Mary was predeceased by her son, Richard C. Dagostino, and her siblings, Louis, Charles, Angelo ‘Buddy’, Joseph, and George Parisi, and Freda Maccaagnano.

She leaves her children, Vincent J. Dagostino (Janet) of Hobe Sound FL, Robert A. Dagostino (Sandra) and Frances M. Muzyka (Gene) both of Waltham; her daughter-in-law, Terrie Dagostino of Albuquerque, NM; her grandchildren, Samuel Dagostino (Tricia), Christine Dagostino, Jennifer Wiegmann (Michael), Dawn Dagostino, Amy Muzyka, and Mark Muzyka (Briana); her great-grandchildren, Aviana, Christian, Taylor, Reed, Isabella and Robert; and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Mary’s life on Wednesday, Nov. 5 in Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery. There are no calling hours.