Joseph A. (Joe) DeCarolis, Sr., 81, of Londonderry, NH, died Sunday June 11, 2017 in Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH. He was born in Chelsea, MA on June 12, 1935, a son of Armando and Veneranda (Napolitano) DeCarolis. He had been a resident of Londonderry since 1990, formerly living in Pelham, NH, where he started “Teens Encounter Christianity” a youth group for local youth regardless of their religious views, to help them be seen and heard and feel part of the larger community. Joe was a long- time builder and developer and was the builder of the Londonderry Fire Station on Mammoth Rd. He was a parishioner and active member of St. Mark's Church in Londonderry and was involved in the building of the church. Joe also was the founder of the “Loaves and Fishes”, Catholic charity fund, for feeding the less fortunate. He was an avid fly fisherman and cherished his yearly fishing trips to Canada with his family.
Although he had many achievements, he felt his greatest accomplishment and life’s work was his family. Joe will forever be remembered for his devotion to his family and the true love of his life, his wife Nancy.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Nancy (Ramalho) DeCarolis of Londonderry; three sons, Joseph A. DeCarolis, Jr. and his wife Donna of Londonderry, Mark F. DeCarolis and wife Carol of Londonderry, Stephen R. DeCarolis of Londonderry, NH; two daughters, Cathy L.Pedrick and husband Jack of Londonderry and Dianne M. DeCarolis of Londonderry; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; five brothers, Armando, Jr., Mario, Robert, Philip and John DeCarolis. Two sisters, Rosemarie Morris and Regina Sargent, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Maryann DeCarolis in 1968 and by two brothers, Rocco (Rocky) and James DeCarolis.
A calling hour were held Thursday June 15, 2017 from 10 to 11 am, at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 1 South Road in Londonderry, a Mass of Christian burial followed at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Loaves and Fishes Fund, C/O St. Marks Church, 1 South Road Londonderry, NH 03053, or Elliot Hospice Program, 1 Elliot Way, Manchester, NH 03109. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements. To send a condolence or for more information, please visit, www.peabodyfuneralhome.com