Edward Francis Cetto

BAREFOOT BAY - Edward Cetto, longtime resident of Athol, died peacefully and with dignity near his home in Barefoot Bay, Florida, after bearing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease for some years, with grace.   A graduate of Athol High School, Class of ’44, he played football, and was a member of the 1942 State Championship Hockey Team for which he was inducted into the AHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.  He was also an avid golfer, skier and curler.  He left high school early to join the Navy and served during WWII.  A well-known Athol businessman, Ed served the community for over fifty years as owner of Cetto Insurance and Cetto Real Estate, and co-owner of King-Cetto Ski Shop. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Little League and other local clubs.  He was also a Grand Exalted Ruler in the Benevolent Order of Elks, and a member in the Knights of Columbus.    Married for nearly 57 years, Ed is survived by his wife Eleanor (Ryder) Cetto of Barefoot Bay; two children, Lorri of Easthampton, MA and Ted of Stockton, California; his sister, Margaret of Cromwell, Connecticut; three brothers, Robert and James of Athol, and Richard of Oviedo, Florida; and two grandchildren, Eliana and Giulio of Stockton, California.   Ed was an avid singer of old-time songs, which has inspired this tribute from his son: “The great Carolina moon has set; the mares and doe no longer want their oats, nor little lambs their ivy; the heart of my heart can’t bring back those memories.  And the voice, that gave rise to ours, is still.  His audition for the chorus of heavenly angels awaits.” Edward F. Cetto, Sr. (March 24, 1926-February 10, 2012) RIP   A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Immaculate Church, Athol, followed by the burial at Silver Lake Cemetery and a reception at the Athol/Orange Elks Club.   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Chuck Stone Little League, P.O. Box 625, Athol, MA 01331 or the Athol/Orange Elks Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 384, Athol, MA 01331 $(document).ready(function(){ });