On Nov. 4, the Methuen Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge No. 902 gathered to not only compete, but to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who brought warmth, laughter and camaraderie to every game.
Ron Demers wasn’t just a teammate or a competitor; he was the heart of the bocce community, according to SOI leaders. Demers – a beloved bocce player and referee – died in October
“We dedicated this tournament to Ron’s memory to the way he played, the way he lived, and the way he made us all feel like family,” the SOI Vice President and event chairperson Gina Neve. “May every roll of our balls echo his laughter and may we carry forward his passion for the people who play it.”
Over 64 women signed up with 18 teams. Armand Buonanno was once again the score master by getting the teams on their courts and giving out the slips to each captain for the scores. Top finishers were Maureen Famolare, Cathy Burke, Maureen Calderone and Connie Duncan in first place, and Rosalie Treadwell, Rosale Carsanaro, Jane Sullivan and Jeanne Moriarty in second.
Neve made sure the breakfast of juices, tea, coffee and all types of pastries started the tournament, and the feasting continued with a homemade lunch of baked haddock, Chicken Marcese, pasta and salad plus homemade desserts. Referees Jim Famolare, Russ Lahaise, Lenny Christopher, George Mancini and Dan Zappala were right on the mark. Bunny Zappala won the 50/50 raffle, and the winner of the Best Line Ball Contact was Sally Tomarcchio.
Players and referees agree: Ron will always be missed.
Bocce ref Ron Demers brought warmth, laughter to the Sons.
