Irene Giuffrida

Irene Giuffrida passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 9, 1927, in Boston and raised in Revere, she made Lynnfield, Massachusetts, her cherished home since 1974.

Irene was a woman of remarkable resilience, grace, and devotion. A practicing Catholic throughout her life, she attended Mass daily, grounding herself in faith and prayer. She was an iconic woman with class and substance always dignified, always true to herself.

In her early years, Irene worked as a talented window display decorator at R.H. Stern in downtown Boston. With her keen eye for fashion and design, she styled mannequins and created elegant displays that reflected her innate sense of style a talent that remained part of her identity throughout her life.

It was through her beloved brother, Angelo “Chuck” Sozio, that Irene met the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner, Frank Giuffrida. After just six months of courtship, Frank proposed, and the couple embarked on a six-week honeymoon through Europe. It was during that journey that Frank was struck with the inspiration to one day open a restaurant a vision that would later become the legendary Hilltop Steak House. With Irene’s steadfast love and support, a dynasty was born.

Irene worked as a Hostess and Manager at Hilltop, where her grace and hospitality helped define the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere. Her organizational talent and people skills left a lasting impression on colleagues and guests alike.

At home, Irene was a true matriarch elegant, generous, and deeply devoted to her family. She found joy in shopping for the perfect outfit, hosting gatherings that turned into treasured family traditions, and being present for every important moment in her children and grandchildren’s lives.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Santina (Giuffrida) Primavera, and Gina Giuffrida and her former husband, the late Robert Noto, all of Lynnfield; and her beloved grandchildren: Francesca and her husband Greig, Robert, Caterina, Evelyn, and Gemma.

Irene was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank Giuffrida; her parents, Luigi Sozio and Michelina (Imperato) Sozio; and her siblings: Angelo “Chuck” Sozio, Mary Kelley, and Anthony Sozio.

On National Gorgeous Grandma Day, our radiant mother and grandmother Irene took her final bow as gracefully as she lived.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Friends and family are invited to share their stories and photos on Irene’s memorial page—a tribute to her enduring spirit and the profound impact she had on all who were fortunate to know her.

Visiting Hours will be held Monday, July 28, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Paul Buonfiglio & Sons Funeral Home, 128 Revere Street, Revere.

Funeral Service Tuesday, July 29, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Church in Revere. Entombment will follow in the family mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, whose compassionate care brought peace and dignity to her final days: Kaplan Family Hospice Donation Page