Florence Marie Gentile, of Watertown, Massachusetts died on January 3rd, 2025 at RiverCourt Residences in Groton, Massachusetts. She was born on July 30th, 1926 in Newton, Massachusetts, the daughter of Domenica (Visco) and Donato Cetrone. On April 17th, 1948 Florence married Joseph Daniel Gentile in Newton, Massachusetts. The couple remained in Newton until moving to Watertown, Massachusetts in 1962 to raise their family.
Florence was a hard worker throughout her life. She enjoyed an early career as a hair stylist and had good instincts for property investments/management that provided income after her husband's early death. Florence was dedicated to giving her handicapped son, Scott, the best chance possible in life. When told by doctors that her son would never walk, Florence worked relentlessly to prove them wrong. This included traveling to “The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential” in Pennsylvania. It was here they developed a customized daily exercise routine to train Scott’s impaired brain to walk. With the incredible help of neighbors, family, and friends, coming in three times a day over years to perform “patterning therapy”; Scott was able to walk and live independently for a large portion of his life.
Florence was known to host and cook large Italian dinners for her family and friends. She and her close group of friends were able to go on many international trips and would meet weekly for lunches. Florence enjoyed shopping and was known to always be in style whether it was her clothes or holiday themed decorations and dishware. Summer time for Florence meant spending time on Cape Cod, enjoying the beach and bonfires.
She is survived by her children Patricia Duncan (Charles) of Littleton, Massachusetts, Joanne Park (Alexander) of Groton, Massachusetts and Scott Gentile of Bedford, Massachusetts; and granddaughters Jamie Park and Rebecca Park. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Gentile in 1982, her sister Geraldine Rossi in 1987, her brother Nazzareno Cetrone in 1997, and her sister Antoinette Ulm in 2012.
Her service will be held on Wednesday, January 8th, at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 573 Washington Street, Newton, Massachusetts. There will be a pre-service gathering in the rear of the church at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. There will be a graveside service after Mass at Newton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential - https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_34d9c589-4b5e-11ef-886a-065cb98c8979&WidgetId=176128