Luigi V. “Lou” Pasquale, age 96

of Braintree

Luigi V. “Lou” Pasquale, age 96

of Braintree

Luigi V. “Lou” Pasquale, age 96, of Braintree, formerly of Quincy, died peacefully, Sunday, June 18, 2023 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Lou was the son of the late Sabatino and Emma (Faiella) Pasquale. He was raised in Quincy where he lived for forty years. He later built his dream home for his family in Braintree where he lived for fifty-six years. As a teenager, he worked at the former Fore River Shipyard in Quincy before enlisting in the United States Army.

Lou was a proud veteran of World War II, serving as a Private First Class and machine gunner. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater in the battle of Okinawa. He was a lifetime member of the DAV and the Cyril P. Morrisette American Legion Post #294 in Quincy.

Upon return from his service, Lou established a masonry business which led to his involvement with the Phillips family properties in Dorchester. He enjoyed a sixty-five-year career with Strazzula and Samartino families overseeing operations of Boston Bowl, Phillips Candy House, Freeport Tavern, and the two hotels on the property. Lou had a great love of people and was a mentor for many of the local Dorchester teens. Lou was named Vice President of Community Relations, retiring at age ninety-three.

In 2019, Lou was honored when Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh named the intersection of Tenean and Freeport Streets “Lou Pasquale Square” in his honor. He also was honored as the Chief Marshall of the 2022 Dorchester Day Parade.

Lou was an avid fundraiser for the Disabled American Veterans. He was devoted to this cause.

Lou loved to dance and was well-known for his ballroom dancing with his wife, Terry. He was also very involved in local and national politics.

Most of all, Lou’s greatest joy was for his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, supporting all their many activities and accomplishments.

Beloved husband for seventy-four years of Theresa L. “Terry” (Valenti) Pasquale.

Devoted father of Diane Parlee and her husband Wayne of Pembroke, Donald Pasquale and his partner Debra Basler of Braintree.

Loving grandfather of Elaina Schlumper and her husband Eric, Lauren Lefebvre and her husband Ben.

Cherished great grandfather of Emma, Michael, Caroline, and Charlie.

The last of ten siblings, he was predeceased by Philomena Mancini, Mary A. Cerasoli, Agla “Cookie” Carullo, Irma “Betty” Ridge, Panfilio “Pamp” Pasquale, Willis Pasquale, Mario Pasquale, Q.F.D., Retired, Edward J. Pasquale, and Rudolph V. Pasquale.

Lou is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and their families.

Visiting hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Friday, June 23, from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, on Saturday, June 24, at 10 a.m. Interment, with military honors, to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

For those who wish, donations in Lou’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, State House, Room 546, Boston, MA 02133.

THE GUESTBOOK

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Patrick and Mary Ann Nagle wrote on June 20, 2023

Warmly recall the many years of working together. Louie opened his heart to everyone and will always be remembered.

Phil Strazzula wrote on June 20, 2023

Our families have shared a very special bond for so many years. Lou was such a wonderful friend to many. His memory will live on in those who knew and loved him.

Bella Kirrane wrote on June 20, 2023

I had the pleasure of knowing Louie and Theresa, he was always a pleasure to be around and we laughed, he loved to hear stories about my grandson who was doing ballroom dance and watching the videos. Hugs to his family .

Joanie Pimentel wrote on June 20, 2023

Uncle Punky was an incredible man who showed love and compassion to all he knew. My Pupa, Pamp Pasquale, passed when I was a child so Uncle Punky became somewhat of a surrogate grandfather to my siblings and I after that. I have so many wonderful memories of him to draw upon and am grateful to have had him in my life for this long. I will miss you Uncle Punky.

Jennifer Valenti- Eori wrote on June 20, 2023

Sending love and prayers to my Great Uncle Punky, always so warm & caring. Had hugs & stories for days, you will be remembered fondly & loved eternally.

Love,
“Jenni” & Family

Joe Sammartino wrote on June 20, 2023

Louie was my friend, mentor and honorary member of our family. It was magic watching Louie help so many people over the years and all he wanted in return was knowing that he was able to make a positive difference in their lives.

Joseph Linscott wrote on June 20, 2023

What a true honor to have met “Louie” over 20 yrs ago, when I started working for the “family” ..
He had a genuine smile that would light up a conversation, an entire room. I’ll never forget when my son came home on leave with the USMC. I took him to the POCH in his Marine Dress Blues,
Louie made an announcement to the entire place recognizing him, several patrons sent over drinks they bought my son. Louie bought my son the biggest steak the Tavern / Phillips Old Colony House Kitchen had on hand.
RIP “Louie” you earned it my friend.

Phil Pennacchio wrote on June 21, 2023

I am so saddened to hear of Louies passing he meant so much to me as a teen growing up in Dot. He was a great mentor to me as a young teen hanging at the Lanes.Lou would always say to me if you clean up and empty the ashtrays you can play pool for free but he was also always teaching me a lesson about life. I owe Lou I am in my position in life because of Lou I have used his advice to guide me thru life . I worked for Lou for many years at Boston Bowl and my greatest moments always were with Lou and Mario truly great men . I am proud to say that Lou was my friend and mentor .
My Condolences to the Pasquale Family
You will always be in my thoughts and Thank you Lou

Anne Morad wrote on June 21, 2023

It was my pleasure to have known and worked with Louie for so many years.

Dennis Devine wrote on June 22, 2023

Louie I am going to miss you. The talks we had were special to me.You were always a very special individual. What you did for the DAV community was so inspiring. You just had that gift. I know you will be joining so many Dorchester Heroes when St Peter welcomes you home. May God Bless You Always. Rest easy my friend you have done an amazing job. You was a big piece to The Greatest Generation. May you Always Have Fair WINDS And FOLLOWING SEAS.

Brian and Joanne McGloin wrote on June 22, 2023

A piece of our hearts go with Louie to heaven. You have taught us so much as kids into adulthood, you were and will always be an icon at Boston Bowl and Dorchester area. You always seen the best in people which many of us took that with us.
May your family find comfort in reading all the beautiful tributes god bless your Wife,children,grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rest in peace Louie you will never be forgotten 🙏

Clara wrote on June 22, 2023

I am so sorry to hear that Louie has passed. We worked together at The Phillips Group. Louie was one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever known. You will be missed.

Donald (Chuck) Pasquale wrote on June 22, 2023

It is with great sadness for the loss of cousin Lou
A wonderful person to know who would do anything for you
God bless your family and rest in peace
Sincerely
Chuck Cheryl Pasquale and family

Connie Holmes wrote on June 22, 2023

A gentleman no doubt, thank you Lou for your service. You were a presence for sure and will be missed by many. So many fond memories growing up seeing Lou at the bowling alley and later the restaurant holding court!! God rest your soul and bless your family Lou.

Elaine Reardon Long wrote on June 23, 2023

I lived in Dorchester for most of my life and I often went to Boston Bowl as a child my first time was in the 60s my big brother Leo took me there and taught me how to bowl I have seen Louie many times at the desk. So sorry to his wife and family on the death of Louie

Elaine Reardon Long wrote on June 23, 2023

Elaine Reardon Long

Bruce Tait wrote on June 23, 2023

Louie was a true gentleman, friendly and kind to everyone he met, regardless of their social status. I fondly remember our conversations when I worked at the Boston Bowl/Susse Chalets/Phillips Candy House in the 1980’s.

My sincere condolences to his extended family.

Michael B Mackan wrote on June 23, 2023

Gor over 50 plus years I valued my friendship and mentoring Louie shared. That is 90% of my life. From age 8 when I walked into Boston Bowl until now, Louie was there to help. He has done so much for so many.
Louie is a great man.

Tricia. and Diane wrote on June 23, 2023

Terry and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Lou was a very Special Person in our lives.
He will be greatly missed. You are all in our prayers and thoughts!
Take care,
Tricia and Diane
Friends from Milton

Lucyna Krol-Cobb-Curtis wrote on June 23, 2023

I had the honor and the great pleasure to know Luigi. He was my Mentor, my Teacher, my Friend, my Hero, my Family, here, in US. Thank You for being in my life Luigi. I have so many wonderful memories. U did so much for so many. U will live in our hearts for ever. I will keep You and Your Family in my prayers. R.I.P Dear Luigi. U will be missed!

Tom Gaughan III wrote on June 24, 2023

Louie was a great man. He always looked out for others. My memories of Louie come from my early teens into my adulthood, from when my dad worked at Bay Colony, to me working at Boston Bowl and later Bay Colony. I will never forget the warm reception I received when I came back from Iraq and how Louie walked me through the VA claims process. Rest in peace Louie. Thank you for everything.

Diane Parlee wrote on June 24, 2023

Well Dad….we just came from your funeral and altho we are sad…it was all of the pomp and circumstance that u loved and deserved. So many people told me over and over how much they loved u and how much u meant to them. U will be happy to know that Sweeney Brothers Did an amazing job!! It was everything u could have hoped for and over 600 people attended your wake.
Elaina and Lauren did beautful readings and Emma and Michael brought the gifts to the altar at church. They made u proud. We will miss u every day! Love U. Diane.

Evelyn Leber wrote on June 27, 2023

To Lou’s family,
I read this and my heart dropped. His kindness was my takeaway!
I was lucky to share a dance with him, at Phillips Old Colony House! Such a wonderful and proud life he lived, always a gentlemen, and oh so dapper! My condolences on your loss.

Mike Casey wrote on June 29, 2023

Mr. Pasquale,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific during World War II fighting the Japanese on Okinawa in 1945. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy..

Karen lothrop wrote on October 5, 2023

To Diane so sorry to hear of your dads passing
From your old yoga buddy Karen Lothrop

Jim DiStefano wrote on November 11, 2023

Shocking found out about Louie’s passing. Eternal friend of me and my Dad, Louie bonded with us for years. Leaned to bowl under his direction and loved every minute. I’m so sorry for Terry and the family. God love him!😢

Robert Angelo Cerasoli wrote on April 23, 2025

June 23, 2023
St. John’s Church, Quincy, MA
Eulogy for Luigi Vincenzo Pasquale given by his nephew Robert Angelo Cerasoli.
Luigi Vincenzo Pasquale otherwise known as Lou, Louie, or Punky Pasquale. When you live to be three weeks shy of 97 years of age, many who would have been here in body have already passed over, and like my uncle Lou are now with us only in spirit.
It is a privilege and honor for me to have been picked by my family to give this eulogy. It is in the end all about family; the experiences we shared, the moments we’ve loved and the memories that remain. My uncle was born on July 9, 1926, at 5 Squantum Street in Milton, Massachusetts. Now a vacant lot. He was delivered by Roscoe Hanigan MD. of 446 Washington Street, Quincy Point (446 Washington Street is now the present site of Quincy Point Congregational Church). His mother Emma Faiella Pasquale was 37 years of age, and his father Sabatino Pasquale was 41 years of age. Their occupations were listed as Mason and Housekeeper. Lou would be one of ten children born to these Italian immigrants, and he would be the last to die. There would be a procession of residences in Lou’s life. 5 Squantum Street, in Milton; and in Quincy Point 121 Main Street; 40 Baxter Street; 21 Newcomb Place (which would become 73 Edwards Street); 66 Ruggles Street; 12 Sumner Street; 73 Edwards Street again; 21 Edinboro Road; 75 Edwards Street; and finally, Lou would come to rest in the beautiful home he would create out of his own imagination and build with his own hands at 227 Lisle Street in Braintree where he passed last Sunday.
Just because it is 2023, we cannot forget the context in which Lou lived. One of 10 children, all of whom were expected to go out and work, and if there was a commitment to country pending, men would join the service of their country and serve in a War as Lou did. In today’s world, it is easy to forget that we are all the children of immigrants. Lou Pasquale did not pursue formal schooling and in his own words left school before the tenth grade, although later in life he would be awarded his Quincy High School Diploma of which he was very proud.
He would go out and work with his hands, while his parents thought he was attending school. He went to work in the Fore River Shipyard were many of our relatives were already working. However, Lou’s life was interrupted by World War II. He was too young to join, but he pushed the envelope.
Lou Pasquale enlisted at Fort Banks in Boston on the 27th of November, 1944 and arrived on the South Pacific Island of Okinawa on April 1, 1945. On that day the 7th Infantry Division landed on Okinawa along with the 96th Infantry Division, and the 1st, and 6th Marine Divisions. The Japanese had removed their armor and artillery off the beach and set up defenses in the hills and caves of Shuri. Lou was with the soldiers who destroyed these forces after 51 days of battle over harsh terrain and inconsiderate weather. After 39 more days of combat, the 7th Infantry Hourglass Division (Lou’s Division) was moved into reserve after having suffered heavy casualties. Lou’s Division was soon moved back into the line and fought until the end of the Battle of Okinawa on June 21, 1945. The 7th Infantry Division had experienced 89 days of combat on Okinawa and lost 1,116 killed in action and approximately 6,000 wounded.
On May 8, 1945 Lou Pasquale was positioned on the outskirts of Naha with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 184th Infantry, XXIV Corps, 7th division of the 10th Army. At full staffing Company H would have between 200 to 250 men. But at this point in the campaign rifle companies were losing 30 to 50 men per day. There were only three survivors from Lou’s original Company H at the end of the war. There was no one to write the narrative, since history is only written by the survivors. I have read the battlefield narratives of Companies G and K, which were positioned on the right and left of the line adjacent to Lou’s company and it makes for grim reading.
By the end of the war Lou would wake up severely wounded in a hospital in Korea near the Han River. His family would not know about his situation until he was sent to a hospital in the States. Lou Pasquale had made a promise to himself as he lay injured and dying that if he survived, he would try to help one person a day, every day, for the rest of his life. And many of us, who knew Lou well, believe he kept that promise.
Lou would survive the war and live to marry the beautiful Theresa Libra Valenti of Quincy (herself one of seven children). His wife, now of 71 years. They would have two beautiful children. My cousins Diane Pasquale and Donald Pasquale. Diane would marry Wayne Parlee of Braintree and give Lou two beautiful grandchildren Elaina and Lauren. Elaina would marry Eric Schlumperer and give Lou two great grandchildren Emma and Michael. Lauren would marry Ben LaFavre and give Lou two great grandchildren Charlie and Caroline.
Lou was trained by his father as a master mason and he started his own construction business and constructed many of the original Nike Missile defense sites on our coast in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He contracted with the Strazzula and Sammartino families beginning in the 1950’s and constructed the Phillips properties. starting with the Boston Bowl, Phillips Candy House, Phillips Old Colony House restaurant, and their two hotels.
He was so talented that they asked him to stay on as a general manager and he was progressively promoted and given more responsibility over his 65 years of service to the company.
Lou served on the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Board. He was an icon in the Dorchester Community and guided a lot of teenagers and children out of trouble. Many of these children would go on to become state troopers, bankers, police chiefs, fire chiefs, state representatives, speaker of the house, and the mayor of the City of Boston.
Lou was very proud of the chocolate bar he helped create at Phillip’s Candy House, the one that pays for vans that will get veterans to their doctor’s appointments. It was all part of his promise to help a person a day. Lou would eventually receive one of the greatest honors that the Dorchester Community could bestow upon one of its own. Grand Marshall of the Dorchester day parade. Ultimately, Mayor Walsh even named a street after Lou.
Lou never stopped helping disabled veterans like himself and stayed active in that community until his death.
Lou was a dedicated husband, a conscientious and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. A loyal and intelligent businessman.
Lou lacked formal education, but his intelligence was natural, and his intellectual capacity allowed him to compete in any philosophical or political discussion with the most educated people. He was friendly, lively and energetic. He exuded warmth and love. In his work he did not allow prevailing trends to deceive him. Lou believed that kindness and goodwill are the only assets your competition cannot undersell or destroy. Truly, this was Lou at his best. Lou was truly an icon.
For my uncle Lou, his soul has risen now, his body remains to be interred in the ground here today. Every Christian in order to attain life everlasting, must worship God as his first beginning and his final end. This worship must be rendered by faith, hope, and charity. I believe my uncle Lou rendered these to those around him. His life was full of charitable acts which exemplified uncommon bravery, love, goodwill, and courage.
Peyton March once said, “There is a wonderful law of nature: that the three things we crave most in life…happiness, freedom, and peace of mind, are only attained by giving them to someone else.” I truly believe that Lou attained this goal.
Hebrews Chapter 4 Verses 12-13: tell us that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword…until it divides the soul from the spirit, joints from the marrow. God judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart and before Him no creature is hidden…all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the One to whom we must render an account.”
Uncle Lou, your account has been rendered, and I believe your account is paid in full.
We honor you here today for possessing the goodness we all aspire to. We know your spirit will rest peacefully and you will be a beacon of hope and inspiration to all those who remain here on earth in these troubled times, and we leave you in the hands of God.
I was not there for Lou’s last words when he passed. But I have contemplated on what he would want me to say, and I think these last words would meet with his wishes. They can best be expressed by the Apostle Paul to his protégé Timothy in 66 AD. I believe Lou would want me to tell you all: “The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me on this day.” Rest in peace Uncle. I will love you forever.