Evelyn Ann (Fiore) D'Ampolo, 81, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. Born in East Boston to Angela (D'Amelio) and Carmine Fiore, Evelyn took great pride in her East Boston roots. She was the beloved eldest of three siblings: her sister Janette (who passed along with her husband, Joseph), her brother Anthony, and her sister Faith Ann.

Evelyn grew up with the love and closeness of a large extended family, as a proud D'Amelio. Her grandparents, Rosina and Genaro, had a very big family, which meant Evelyn was blessed with many cherished cousins, whom she loved deeply.

In her early life, Evelyn worked as a telephone operator for New England Telephone, a role she adored and is filled with lively stories. After meeting Fortunato D'Ampolo at a basement party in East Boston—while on a first date with someone else—Evelyn returned home and told her mother, "Tonight, I met the man I'm going to marry." Her prediction proved true, and after their marriage, Evelyn focused on raising her family with Fortunato, whom she lost in 1997.

The D'Ampolos moved from East Boston to Melrose in the early 1970s, planting roots where they raised their five children. Evelyn found joy in Friday night card games with her girlfriends, family, and cousins, creating treasured memories filled with laughter and love.

Evelyn is survived by her son Michael, of Wakefield, and his partner Lisa, and their children Alycia (husband Michael and child Vito), Alexa, and Antoni; her son Louis, of Tewksbury, and his children Fortunato and Valentina; her daughter Angela, of Nashua, NH, and her partner Charles, and her children Gino, Antonio, and Giovanni; her son Anthony, of Tewksbury, and his wife Tracy, and their children Anthony, Joseph, and Gianna; her daughter Maria, of Billerica, and her children Christian and Isabella.

Evelyn was a beautiful soul—fun-loving, outspoken, intelligent, caring, and tenaciously devoted to her husband, children, and family. She adored music, dancing, and always had a firm but affectionate way of guiding her children, often saying, "It's my way or the highway." Evelyn was also a resilient woman; one of the first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1980s, she faced her condition with courage and grace.

Today, Evelyn is at peace, remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who leaves a legacy of strength, love and laughter. She is forever free, watching over her family with the same protective devotion that defined her life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Funeral Service will be held in the Gately Funeral Home at 12:00 PM. Interment will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Family & Friends respectfully invited to attend.