The Felicia M. DeLorenzo Scholarship Foundation represents the fulfillment of Felicia’s dream of using her resources — amassed over a half century of work — to provide deserving students from Arlington with meaningful financial assistance as they pursue post-secondary education.

Felicia was born on April 18, 1920, in Montemurro, Italy. She was the oldest child of Aurelia and Joseph DeLorenzo, Italian immigrants who came to America in November 1920 through Ellis Island and settled in Massachusetts. The family, which grew to include four children — Felicia, her brother Joseph and sisters Rose and Angela — first lived in Cambridge. Felicia graduated from Cambridge Latin High School, now known as Cambridge Rindge & Latin School. In the early 1940’s the family moved to Arlington, where Felicia continued to live until her death on July 4, 2001, at age 81.

The Foundation is made possible through Felicia’s remarkable business acumen — she was, in so many ways, a woman ahead of her time. Felicia started acquiring properties in Arlington in the 1950’s and she expanded her real estate holdings, both residential and commercial, to other communities. At the same time, Felicia operated her own beauty salon in Arlington and developed a loyal clientele over the years, with many of her customers becoming dear friends.

Felicia was a very kind, caring person who had a quiet, unassuming manner. She loved and was committed to her family, friends, and her community. Felicia’s parents instilled in their family the value of hard work and the importance of education. Her long and successful career as a small business and property owner is a testament to those principles. By establishing the Foundation on her death, Felicia left a legacy that will benefit the young people of Arlington for generations to come. The Felicia M. DeLorenzo Scholarships are awarded by the Foundation to high school graduates who have demonstrated Felicia’s qualities through their academic achievements and extracurricular activities.