Massimina "Massey" Vignone

Massimina “Massey” (Calise) Vignone, 94, of Franklin passed away on June, 24, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony “Zeke” Vignone, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

She was born in Providence RI on October 16, 1931 and was a Franklin resident for the past 70 years. She was the daughter of the late Tranquillo and Maria Teresa (Monti) Calise. In her youth she worked along with her siblings at the family grocery store, Calise’s Market on Federal Hill. Massey graduated from Central High School in 1949, where she was voted Most Athletic, excelling in basketball and softball. On the recommendation of a friend, she applied and was accepted to Milford Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1953. During this time she met her future husband Zeke and upon graduation, she became a registered nurse. She married Zeke, moved to Franklin and raised a family of six children. Eventually she returned to nursing and worked for many years in the maternity wards of Milford Hospital and Fatima Hospital in Providence.

Massey enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, baking and preparing holiday meals for her extended family. Her Italian heritage was a source of pride to her. Her devotion to the New York Yankees was a source of irritation to her family. Additionally, Massey loved her summers in Newport with her husband.

She is survived by her children, Anthony, Gloria, Joseph (Jo-Ann), Janet, John (Constance) Vignone, Maria (Gregory) King, her grandchildren Nicholas (Lindsay), Michael (Alyssa), Jack, Joseph, Gina Vignone, her great grandchildren, Nico, Vincent, Mia and Elle Vignone as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Domenic, Rose and Tranquillino Calise, Mary Valletta, Ida Liberati, Gloria Benedetti and Teresa Berardi.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Wednesday, July 1, commencing from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St., Franklin at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral mass at St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Sq., Franklin at 10:00 AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org 

Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Calling hours are Tuesday, June 30, from 4-8 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Franklin Food Pantry, P.O. Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038. franklinfoodpantry.org 

Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com