Joseph “Tiger” Settemio
(Longtime City Employee and Devoted Papa)
Joseph Nicholas Settemio of Malden passed away peacefully on April 6th at the Woburn Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was 88 years old.
Although his health had been declining in recent months, he was a fighter and was courageous up until the very end. Joe certainly lived up to his nickname of Tiger!
Joe was the beloved husband of Dorothy L. (Crowley) Settemio of Malden, his wife of 57 years. He was the father of Brian Dorn of Malden, the late Phillip Dorn of California and Joanne Settemio of Melrose. He also leaves behind his cherished grandson Christian Joseph Figueroa of Melrose who was the apple of Tiger’s eye! He loved being a papa and was so proud of his grandson. Joe also leaves his son-in-law Henry Figueroa of Melrose.
Joseph was the son of the late Theresa and Nicholas Settemio of Malden. He was the dear brother of the late Marie DeGloria, Phyllis Rufo, Celia Picardi, Louise Walters, Anna Miller, Domenic Settemio and Alfredo Ciardi.
Tiger was the last one left of this large, wonderful Italian family who called “Edgeworth” home for many years. Joe loved Edgeworth and was born across the street from where he lived most of his life. Joe was a WWII Veteran, enlisting in the U.S. Army at a very young age to help his family. He worked for the City of Malden at the D.P.W. for over 35 years, retiring as a Supervising Foreman in the Parks and Forestry Department. Joe was a huge Patriot’s fan and loved watching them with his Dottie on TV. He also liked to tease his daughter about him being a Yankees fan. Joe was also a proud member of the Italian American Citizens Club, serving on the Board of Directors, as well as a Vice President. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 69 in Malden and a life-long member of the V.F.W. in Malden. Tiger loved going to the clubs and having coffee with his buddies and shooting pool or playing bocce. He also enjoyed marching in parades with the I.A.C.C. club. Tiger leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as many long-time friends.
The funeral will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Tuesday April 12th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 11th from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.