Whitman – Joseph Ravesi 92, died unexpectedly Tuesday September 2. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Rose (Santamaria) Ravesi and his sister Angela Iannuzzo.
Born in Waltham he was the son of the late Francesco and Josephine (Natoli) Ravesi.
As a child Joe moved to Italy with his family where he completed his education, later returning to the United States.
Joe was a proud Veteran of World War II, having served in the US Army from 1942-1945 and receiving a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars among others for his service.
Joseph had been a resident of Whitman for 48 years and had served in the town’s Auxiliary Police Force for many years.
Prior to his retirement, he had been a longtime employee of the Tip Top Bread Company and a proud member of the Teamsters Union. For several years he along with his wife Rose had been the owners and operators of a local grocery store in Hanson. Joe had also been a familiar face working as a janitor for the Whitman-Hanson School system.
He was an avid Red Sox fan, had loved to travel and had enjoyed “tinkering” around his house and yard. He had also enjoyed woodworking and gadgets of all sorts as well as the challenge of a good crossword puzzle. In later years, Joe was known for creating his own greeting cards from his home computer.
He is survived by his children Cheryl Ravesi and her husband John Milmore of Milford, Joanne Moses and her husband Tim of CA and Frank Ravesi of FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Shaun, Christopher, Jaclyn, Anthony, Nicole, and Joseph and his great grandchildren Kayleigh, Colin and Harper as well as many nieces and nephews. Joe also leaves behind his dear friends and neighbors the Channell family and the Simpson family.
His funeral service will be held Monday September 8 at 11 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will follow at 1:30 PM in the MA National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held Sunday September 7 from 2-5 PM.
In keeping with his generous nature, in lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.