Lawrence “Larry” Iamello – Of Arlington, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He was 74 years old.
Larry Iamello (Mr I, I-man, Lars) spent his professional career in the Somerville Public schools. From 1975 until 2002 he prided himself on impressing on his students their ability to succeed through strict discipline mixed with humor and compassion. Later, when he became department head of Math and Science in 2002-2008, he brought that same belief to “his kids” in grades k-12. He carried so many stories of his time in Somerville education that he loved to share. His mentor Mary Scolles taught him how to “jump over five desk, grab a kid by the collar, without breaking any buttons” Oh how things have changed since the 1970’s.
He met his spouse Tom Flynn at Buddy’s, a disco club in Boston in 1983. It was the fourth of July and the place was packed. He came up to Tom and stated “your standing in my spot.” Tom knew a good line when he heard it and they went home and stayed together for 42 years.
Larry’s love for all things Italian led him on a search to uncover his genealogy. Enlisting his young niece Dana Bannon with a sweet sixteen ticket to Rome they traveled south to his grandparents hometown of Calabria. Here they met his long lost relatives while breaking bread with them (and soppressata) where they gained an familial bond that is eternal.
His attention to detail was also on display in the way he dressed. He prided himself on looking and smelling fantastic. On his travels to Rome and Milan he dragged his spouse Tom into every high-end store looking for bargains and deals and learning the art of negotiating in Italian. Many prized items were added to his overflowing suitcase which never seem big enough to carry home all his purchases.
He was a master cook and baker and no cuisine seemed too difficult to create. He threw dinner parties for his many friends and they would marvel at his expertise. Using ingredients from his and Tom’s backyard garden he would create the most delicious home-made eggplant parmesan. Chicken satay with peanut sauce was also one of the many dishes he served his guests. Larry would bake Italian Christmas cookies from late October up until the holiday to gift to his family and friends. Half the effort went into packing them in bright and colorful displays that looked as if he bought them in a specialty shop.
As an avid bicyclist he would rise with the sun so he could have time before work to ride on the Minuteman Bikeway. He took a lot of pleasure from that and claimed that it was his meditation. He also loved weight lifting and would meet his gym buddies and spend hours perfecting their practice of endurance and technique. Larry carried such a strong dynamic from investing unlimited will power in everything he put his mind to, what do you expect from a math and science professor.
As it is said “you can take the man out of New Jersey but you can’t take the NJ out of the man”. This was so true with Larry. He told high tales of his childhood adventures with his neighborhood friends who he referred to as his own version of the little rascals. Stories of exploring the woods and visiting the recluse Mr Nim who lived in a little shack and kept goats and sheep they loved to pet. He also climbed apple trees playing tag in the broken branches after a hurricane had blew the trees to the ground. After moving to Boston to attend Boston University and graduating in 1973 he still kept up correspondences with many of his early childhood friends such as Lauretta, Jeanine, Vivian and the twin Bo’s just to name a few.
He is predeceased by his folks Rocco and Rose (Olivadoti) Iamello. He is survived by his spouse Thomas Flynn and sister Judy. His aunt Mary and cousin Barbara Sacco; brother Robert and Diane Iamello, sister Tammy and Skip Edwards; cousins Gary Iamello, Guy and Kitty Sacco, Gail and Dennis Deninger and a much larger loving extended family all of whom he cherished.
Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) on Sunday, April 19th from 11:00AM to 2:00PM. Words of remembrance will be held at 1:30PM.
At the conclusion of the services for Larry, the family would like to extend the invitation for everyone to continue to celebrate his life at Anthony’s of Malden, 105 Canal St., Malden starting at 2:30PM.
In lieu of flowers plus donate to your favorite charity in Larry’s name.