Alfred John Viselli

SALEM – Mr. Alfred John Viselli, 85, of Salem, beloved husband of Nancy (Kiely) Viselli, died peacefully November 19^th, 2022 at the Pilgrim Nursing Home in Peabody.

Born in Salem, one of 15 children of the late Antonio and Carmela (Zarella) Viselli. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1954. He continued his education at Salem State College earning his Bachelors Degree as a member of the Class of 1959. He also earned his Masters Degree in Guidance from Salem Teachers College.

He served his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard.

Mr. Viselli was a dedicated educator and well-respected administrator for many years. He began his teaching career with the Deerfield and Danvers Public Schools Systems. He matriculated to the City of Salem School Department and would have a long, illustrious career educating students. He taught at the former Phillips School and the Saltonstall Elementary School, and moved to Salem High School. He joined the Guidance Department at Salem High and became House Master of the ‘Orange Floor’ of the high school until the time of his retirement from education in 1981. He left a true lasting impression on many of the Salem youth through his caring guidance. While Al was a teacher at heart and touched many people’s lives, not one of his children went to school to become educators, yet all of them have made their way to the education field. As it was truly a part of who Al was and he instilled this dynamic of guidance and care for future generations in his own family.

Upon retirement, Al became the Human Resource Director at E.G. & G. for many years. He continued to teach as an Adjunct Professor at Marion Court College. He also gave of his talents to the political leadership of the City of Salem and was Chief Administrative Aide to Mayor Stanley Usovicz.

Athletics were a large part of his life. He was the varsity tennis coach at Salem High for many years. He was a co-founder of Salem Youth Soccer and took great pride in being able to see children achieve confidence through sport. He was a competitive tennis player himself having competed in many leagues and played into his 70’s. He also knew the value of the arts and was the producer and director of the many minstrel shows at Salem High School.

Active socially and civically, Al was a communicant of the former St. Mary’s Italian Church and Ste. Anne’s Church both of Salem, where he was a Lector for many years. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and President of the Salem State Alumni Association for several years. A member of ‘The 13’, Al gave of his time and talents to any and all organizations that needed help. He and his beloved wife spent many vacations in Naples, Florida and took numerous trips around New England, cruises to the Caribbean, Ireland, and Italy making new friends along the way.

A caring and devoted husband, father and grandfather (Papa), family always came first for Al. He never missed a life event and was always there to support those he treasured in life’s great moments, with a camera around his neck. He captured these moments for his family to cherish forever. Al was a great role model. Giving, kind and loving, he positively impacted many none more than his own family. His deep Catholic faith, his love of family, and his commitment to the children of Salem will be his true perpetual hallmarks.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nancy (Kiely) Viselli of Salem, his daughter, Kathleen Boucher and her husband, David of Salem, his sons, Peter J. Viselli and his wife, Joann of Salem, Andrew Viselli and his wife, Jill of Nantucket, his grandchildren, Patrick, Christopher, Jack, Ally and Marley, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was the brother of the late Guido, Armando, Louise (Guy), infant (deceased at birth), Esther (Bertini), Ida (Furnari), Vincent, Rinaldo, Antonio Jr., Jean, Eleanor, Carmelindo, Ernest (deceased in 1930), and Ernest (II).

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Saturday, Nov. 26^th at 9:30 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Atlantic Ave., Marblehead at 10:30 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours Friday Nov. 25^th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Al’s memory to the Salem Education Foundation, P.O. Box 8184, Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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