By William Tauro

Ed Ciampa passed away early Tuesday morning surrounded by family at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford.

He was a true gentleman and community leader.
He was honored last October at the weekly Somerville Board of Alderman Meeting at city hall.

Friends, family and elected officials including Ed’s nephew, former Somerville Aldermen/State Representative Vinnie Ciampa as well as late former Alderman Tom Taylor were in attendance at the honoring.

Late Former Alderman Tom Taylor began the efforts to recognize Ed Ciampa last year with these honors with the assistance of Alderman Rob McWatters who helped spearhead the ceremony.

Ed was honored in recognition of his decades of service to the community.

Ciampa, was a life long Somervillian who served as a school commitee member in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

He was the City of Somerville Assessor in the 1960’s and 1970’s, City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes in the 1970’s and founding member of the Historic Preservation Commission in the 1980’s.

A Korean War Veteran, Ed also took on leadership roles in many local charities, including the Somerville Lions Club in his Illustrious career.

Ed Ciampa’s Biography:

Edward A. Ciampa was born April 22, 1927, in Somerville, Massachusetts. He was the 8th child of 9 born to Italian immigrants Maria and David Ciampa. He grew up on Pearl Street and attended the Prescott School, Southworth School, Northeaster Junior High School and Somerville High School, graduating in 1945. After high school Mr. Ciampa attended Bentley College, graduating in 1947 with a degree in Accounting.

​After graduating College, Mr. Ciampa went to work with his brother Ottavio and his wife Florence at Supreme Paint and Wallpaper in Ball Square Somerville, a business he ran for 50 years until his retirement in 1998.

​Mr. Ciampa was proud of his public service to the City of Somerville. In 1953 he was elected to the Somerville School Board to represent Ward 1. He assumed the office in January, 1954. In May, 1954 his term was interrupted when he was drafted to the United States Army during the Korean War. He was discharge in April 1957 with a commendation for his service.

​Upon returning to Somerville, Mr. Ciampa again ran for the Somerville School Committee, was elected and served 2 more terms. He was elected Vice Chairman of the School Committee in 1959 and Chairman in 1960. In 1962 he was appointed to be an Assessor in Somerville. He was re-elected to the position in 1963 and again in 1969. In 1974 he retired from public office but stayed active in Somerville Politics for many years to follow.

​In 1978, Mr. Ciampa was called back to public service by Mayor Elect Thomas August. He was appointed to serve as City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes and served in this capacity for over a year.

​His dedication to the City of Somerville and the community did not end with his retirement from public office. Edward was appointed as the 1st Board members to the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, He was one of 2 members living in and owning a historic home in Somerville.

​Mr. Ciampa has devoted many hours to different charities in the City of Somerville in his lifetime and since his retirement. He was an active member of the Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation, securing numerous donations.

Mr. Ciampa was active with the Lions Club having served in different offices in the Somerville Lions Club, including King Lion, and on the district levels and helping clubs improve and support their charities. Lions Club International is a worldwide organization helping people who are suffering hardships and physical eye problems. Mr. Ciampa, with the Lions Club, tirelessly raised money for eye research.

Edward served 12 years on the State Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund. This board helps research hospitals such as Mass Eye and Ear, who help many individuals with eye problems retain their sight. During this time he still maintained a role in local needs, spreading the purpose of helping those less fortunate to better lives.

The Lions Club awarded Mr. Ciampa the Melvin Jones Fellow award in 1992, the highest award bestowed on a Lions Club Member, as the result of his dedication to growing the Lions Club in Somerville and Massachusetts and his fundraising activities on behalf of the Lions and Eye Research.

Mr. Ciampa served as a Director of CASPAR for many years. CASPAR was founded in 1970 to help those with drug and alcohol addictions. It services Cambridge and Somerville.

In addition to the Lions, International, Life Member of the Somerville Lions Club, Mr. Ciampa was a Life Member of the ELKS (USA), Bentley College Alumni, Life Member Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus who also recognized his dedication and service, and a Life Member of Disabled American Veteran.

​In 1997, Mr. Ciampa was awarded the Somerville Pride Award.

​Most recently in October 2014, the Somerville Board of Alderman recognized Mr. Ciampa for his dedication to the City of Somerville. He was awarded a Citation for decades of service to the City of Somerville.

​Mr. Ciampa is survived by his wife Grace, his son Mark and his wife Toni of Medford, Michael and his wife Elisa of Wilmington, grandchildren Tanya Rose and her husband Ted of North Reading, Nannette Hayes and her husband Will of Wakefield, Angelyn and Dean of Wilmington. He had three great grandchildren Zakk, Nolan and Gerrick of North Reading. He is also survived by many loving nephew and nieces,

Ed Ciampa will be sadly missed by many here in Somerville.

Ed Ciampa was 88 years old.

Ed Ciampa’s Funeral Arrangements:

DiVitio Funeral Home
1145 Mass Ave.
Arlington, MA
Wake: Thursday 4pm – 8pm
Funeral Mass: Friday 11:30 am
St. Clements Church
Warner St. @ Boston Ave.
Somerville, MA

Donations are going to be sent to Lions Mass Eye Research C/o
Somerville Lions Club