Obituary of Dolores Ann Buonomo

Obituary for Dolores Ann (Haney) Buonomo

Dolores Ann (Haney) Buonomo, 89, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025.

Born on November 3, 1936, in Boston, MA, she grew up on Bunker Hill Street in Charlestown—a proud “Townie” whose street smarts, grit, and unmistakable strength were matched only by her kind soul and heart of gold.

On June 26, 1955, Dolores married the love of her life, John “Jackie” Buonomo, at St. Francis DeSales Church in Charlestown. Together they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, and adventure. They made their home first in Somerville, where all five of their children were born, and later relocated to Malden and North Billerica, eventually, after Jack’s passing in 2015, Dolores settled in Hudson, NH.

Dolores was a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she showed her love in countless ways—through her generosity, her thoughtfulness, and her unwavering presence. She never forgot a birthday, holiday, or milestone, always sending cards, gifts, and heartfelt notes that made her loved ones feel cherished. Dolores was so proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to attend the many activities they participated in.

Over the years, Dolores worked for several companies, including Shrafft’s Candy Company in Charlestown, Lechmere Sales in Cambridge, and the Boston & Maine Railroad in Billerica as a key punch operator. She later joined the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in Boston as a payroll accountant, where she remained until her retirement.

A woman of many passions, Dolores loved plants, gardening, and reading—especially crime, mystery, thriller, and romance novels. She was also a talented crocheter, creating baby clothes, scarves, hats, tablecloths, and countless other handmade gifts that she shared generously with family and friends. Her creativity and giving spirit touched everyone around her.

Dolores and Jack shared a lifelong love for animals, rescuing and caring for many dogs, cats, birds, and other furry and feathered companions over the years. They also adored decorating their home for every holiday, filling each season with color, joy, and celebration. They loved dressing up in costumes for Halloween as well!

Some of their happiest memories were made while camping —starting in pop-up campers, eventually moving up to a 45 foot RV. Along the way, they formed many lasting friendships and collected stories that became treasured family lore. Dolores even participated (reluctantly!) in several variety shows at the campgrounds, always with Jackie’s encouragement and humor nudging her along. She was his “Lady in Red”! They moved as one when they danced! Together they also enjoyed cruises and other trips, embracing life’s adventures side by side. Their love and devotion to each other remained strong throughout every challenge and triumph they faced. When Jackie passed away, a piece of Dolores left with him.

Dolores is survived by her five children: Karen and her husband Donald Gammon of Sanford, ME; Charlene and her late husband Phillip Dres of Somerville, MA; Mary and her husband Wayne Perry of

Hudson, NH; John and his wife Francine of North Billerica, MA; and Donna and her partner Arthur Hamilton of Lebanon, ME.

She leaves behind three grandchildren: Stephanie Dres and her husband Steffen Perico of Dallas, TX; John Dres and his partner Charlene Milheirao of North Tewksbury, MA; and Nick Anthony Marino of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Alana Rose Dres and John (JJ) Armando Dres, Jr., who brought her immense joy.

Dolores was predeceased by her beloved husband John (Jackie) Buonomo, her mother Helen (Clark) Haney, her father Joseph Haney of Charlestown, MA, brothers Joseph and Charles, and survived by her brother John and sister Mary, and many nieces and nephews.

Dolores will always be remembered for her warmth, compassion, generosity, and her fierce love for her family and friends. She would truly give you the shirt off her back, and her legacy of kindness will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Visiting Hours, Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the Burns Funeral Home, 354 Boston Rd., (Rt. 3A), followed by a Celebration of Life memorial service at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Kitty Angels, P.O. Box 638, Tyngsboro, MA 01879 in memory of Dolores Buonomo.