Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Armando C. “Arnie” Aprile, age 93, a longtime resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026.
Born on November 20, 1932, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Arnie was the beloved son of the late Eduardo “Ed” and Eugenia (Laccetta) Aprile. He was raised and educated in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Pendergast.
In January of 1952, Arnie proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge on September 4, 1953, he returned home to begin the next chapter of his life.
On June 27, 1954, Arnie married his sweetheart, Betty, beginning a remarkable marriage that spanned 72 years. In 1963, they moved “up country” to Wilmington, where they lovingly raised their three sons, Tommy, Ronnie, and Bobby.
Arnie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was his family. He worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved, yet he was always present for his sons’ school activities, sporting events, and life’s important moments. As his family grew, Arnie cherished every opportunity to gather with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether celebrating holidays and special occasions at the family home in Wilmington or visiting his son’s home in Maine, he treasured the time spent together and never missed an important milestone.
Before his retirement, Arnie enjoyed a long and successful career as Plant Manager for Deran’s Confectionary Company. A dedicated and loyal employee, he was respected by his colleagues and formed many lasting friendships throughout his years there.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Arnie enjoyed playing softball with his friends in the Venice Café Softball League in Somerville, participated in several bowling leagues over the years, and was an avid tennis player. He also loved traveling with family and friends, creating cherished memories on trips to Hawaii and Italy, where he proudly reconnected with his family’s roots. Arnie also enjoyed spending time with his boys at Rockingham Park, trying his luck at the horse races, and occasionally making a fun trip to Wonderland Greyhound Park. Following retirement Arnie took up golfing and fell in love with the sport; he looked forward to playing golf with his sons, grandsons, and buddies.
Always generous with his time and talents, Arnie was an active member of the Sons of Italy Roncalli Lodge, where he volunteered for many years at numerous charitable fundraisers and community events.
Above all else, Arnie will be remembered for his unwavering love, kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family and friends. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and steadfast presence touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.
Arnie was the beloved husband of Elizabeth “Betty” (Pendergast) Aprile. He was the devoted father of the late Thomas Aprile, Ronnie Aprile of Wilmington, and Bobby Aprile and his wife, Patsy, of Maine. He was the loving “Grampa” of the late Jennifer Aprile, Thomas Aprile and his wife, Jessica, Jonathan Aprile and his wife, Marianne, Daniel Aprile and his wife, Kristen, and John Aprile and his wife, Leanne. He was the proud great-grandfather of Tayler, Emerson, Brodie, Brielle, Brandon, Brooklyn, Nolan, Teagan, and Isabella.
Arnie also shared a special bond with his former daughter-in-law, Jean Ferrara, her husband, Michael, and their children. He is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Theresa Trapani, Tina Amabello, Gus Aprile, Susan Rita, and Louie Aprile.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, on Sunday, July 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 6, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arnie’s name may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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