Armando M. Quartulli, 91, passed away March 13, 2016 following a brief illness. His beloved wife of 64 years, Olive (Maynard) passed away on May 6th, 2015. He leaves his children, Susan A. Benson, Nancy M. Philbrook and her husband Barry, Rex M. Quartulli and his wife Terri and daughter-in-law Paula Quartulli. He also leaves 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as, many nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law Marie-Helene Quartulli. He was predeceased by his daughter, Linda McGrath and son, Bruce Quartulli and his siblings, Alfredo and Orlando Quartulli, Madeline Bergmann, Yolanda Aglio and Florence McGowan.

Armando was born December 11, 1924 in Torrington, CT, son of the late Jennie Vincenza (Trerotola) and Joseph Quartulli. He grew up in the Bronx and spent his childhood years as a member of the YMCA swimming and fishing in the East River. He also enjoyed the amusements at Coney Island.

He knew at an early age he wanted to be a part of the Navy, so at 17 years old, with his Mother and Father's written consent he enlisted in the Service. He completed his basic training at The U.S. Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois on January 18th, 1943 and reported for duty in Norfolk Virginia. Armando's multiple Tours of Duty began with his deployment to the South Pacific during World War II onboard the USS Baker DE190 which was involved the invasion of Japan. His destroyer was an escort ship which provided support for the invasion of Okinawa. He served many other tours including the recovery of the astronauts on Apollo 7 mission aboard the USS Essex on October 22nd, 1968. His last assignment was onboard an Aircraft Carrier as personal secretary to the Admiral. He was honorably discharged on June 30th, 1973. The Navy was one of his lifelong passions where he served his country honorably for 31 years.
He met Olive in New York while she was serving in the WAVES and he in the Navy. Their roots and family were established in Grafton where they spent 64 happy years together.
Armand enjoyed having his large family around especially during the holidays where he would begin the celebration with a special prayer. His greatest joy was being a servant to his family and the community. He derived great pleasure from outdoor activities such as shoveling snow, cutting grass and raking leaves not only in his yard but the neighbors also.
Armando was a very strong swimmer but what he enjoyed most was running. He ran many races and marathons throughout New England but his greatest joy was competing in the Boston Marathon. His best time for the Boston Marathon was 3:13 minutes and 45 seconds. At the age of 56 he ran in the Maine marathon finishing with his personal best time of 3:08 minutes and 24 seconds.
Armand will be most remembered for his deep faith and commitment to family. He was a kind soul whose generosity extended to not only family and friends but also to complete strangers. He will be missed by all who knew him.
All are invited to gather with Armand's family and friends Thursday, March 17th, from 9:30am - 11:00am at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., N. Grafton, MA 01536. This will be followed by the celebration of his Funeral Mass at 11:30am at St. James Church, 89 Main St., South Grafton, MA 01560. He will then be laid to rest with military honors at Fairview Cemetery in South Grafton. Please visit an online guestbook to share a memory of Armando or message with his family at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com