A true Lynner is laid to rest

LYNN – Scores of dignitaries, friends and relatives turned out at Holy Family Parish Thursday for the funeral of former state Sen. Walter J. Boverini who died Nov. 29.Boverini, 84, of Lynn, was celebrated for his devotion to family, loyalty to his constituents, and passion for life.Monsignor Paul Garrity, one of four priests officiating at the Mass, described Boverini as a man genuinely concerned for the welfare of others, especially children and teenagers. “He was an effective teacher and an effective coach. He helped young people achieve their potential,” Garrity said.The monsignor recalled Boverini’s wartime experience that included flying 35 combat missions over Europe. Many of Boverini’s fellow airmen didn’t survive.”God spared Walter,” said Garrity, inferring Boverini’s purpose was to return home and devote his life to private and public good. “When Walter came back from World War II he had a different way of looking at life.”William Bulger, former president of the Massachusetts State Senate, said his colleague was a no-nonsense person, virtuous, loyal and brave. He recited a story often told by Boverini whose father, like many Italian immigrants, was sent to work rather than to school in order to help support the family.”It was customary in those days that the first child would go to work, but Walter said that was not going to happen in the Boverini family,” said Bulger, explaining that the senator was determined that both of his daughters – Luisa and Maria – would have equal educational opportunity.Bulger, too, focused on Boverini’s military record, the harrowing missions as tail gunner in a B-17 bomber, the medals received, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the remorse the young airman felt upon learning that the cathedral city of Bologne was among the bombardier’s targets. After all, Boverini was passionate about art and opera, food and family, gardening and woodworking.Bulger also recalled that Boverini was born in 1924 and therefore only a teenager during those bombing runs – a boy forced to fight in a man’s war.”Walter Boverini loved the city of Lynn,” said Bulger, adding that Boverini – a former high school teacher and coach – refused to drink alcohol in public, fearing it might set a bad example for his students or other youth. By the time Boverini retired from politics in 1994 he was Senate Majority Leader, the eldest member of the Senate, and a respected figure often sought out for advice and counsel. His 22-year career included a term as state representative from 1970-72 prior to his election to the Senate.In addition to his daughters, Boverini leaves his wife, Christine, to whom he was married for 40 years, a brother, a sister, a son-in-law, a grandson and several nieces and nephews.Monsignor Garrity was assisted during the Mass by the Rev. Gregory Mercurio, pastor of Holy Family Parish, Deacon John Bresnahan, and the Rev. Joseph Rossi, pastor of St. Pius V Parish in Lynn.State and Lynn police cruisers escorted the funeral procession to St. Joseph’s Cemetery where additional honors were bestowed at Boverini’s final resting place.