TAUNTON – Joseph Aranjo, Jr., died unexpectedly at his Taunton home on Feb. 11, 2015.
He was 73.
Born, raised, and educated in Taunton, he was the son of the late Joseph and Balbina “Bella” (Francis) Aranjo.
A lifelong resident of Taunton and 1958 graduate of Taunton High School, he later, proudly served as an infantryman with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.
Joseph also served and retired from the Commonwealth, as Director of Recreation at the Paul A. Dever State School for the Department of Developmental Services (formerly known as DMR).
Beyond his retirement, he continued servicing adults with developmental disabilities at Road to Responsibility, Inc. until 2014.
He leaves his fiancé Maggie Santos of Lakeville; a son, Joseph Aranjo, III of San Diego; a daughter, Laurie-Anne Jackson of Raynham; a brother, Barry Aranjo of Taunton; two sisters, Diane Aranjo Reckard and Joanne Aranjo Ricketts, both of Taunton; four grandchildren, Dylan Patrick Aranjo and Ruby Belle Aranjo of San Diego, and Ayla Reilly Jackson and Jemma Grey Jackson of Raynham; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also the brother of the late Barry Ricketts.
Calling Hours will be held at the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Monday, Feb. 16th from 5 to 8 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, Feb. 17th at 10:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Memorial donations can be made to: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.
Project Healing Waters is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fishing and associated activities.
Memorial Donations can be made online at www.projecthealingwaters.org or to: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. PO Box 695, La Plata, MD 20646.
Funeral Home website: silvafunerelhome.com.