Joseph J. Pignatiello, 86, of Uxbridge, and formerly a longtime Natick resident, passed away on January 24, 2013. He was the beloved husband of Susan P. (Strickland) Pignatiello with whom he shared 62 years of marriage and father of the late Michael Pignatiello of New Mexico.
Born in Natick, son of the late Michele and Maria Anna (Miscia) Pignatiello, Joe was educated in the Natick Public Schools and a graduate of Natick High School. He enlisted in the United States Army on December 12, 1944 at Fort Banks, MA and served with the Armed Training Center at Fort Knox, KY until being honorably discharged in 1946 after receiving the American Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon returning from military service Joe began his career at the famous H. Harwood & Sons baseball factory in Natick. He then went on to dedicate himself to hard work at the Dana Hall School in Wellesley and for the Sisters of St. Joseph at the Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham. Most important to Joe was the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also thrilled to see his beloved Boston Red Sox win 2 World Series championships and also greatly enjoyed flea marketing for many years.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by 2 devoted sons, Joseph J., Jr. and his wife Christine of Dayton, OH and James and his wife Susanna of Uxbridge. He was the cherished grandfather of James, Jr. and his wife Lisa of Westfield, Lauren of Jacksonville, FL, Atty. Michel of Brooklyn, NY, Nicholas of Jacksonville, FL, Suzie and Angela of Uxbridge; his great-grandchildren Joshua and Catherine of Westfield; his sister Lucy Morrow and her husband Ted of Natick; and his late son’s significant other Tracy Short of New Mexico. He was also the brother of the late Angelina Rehill and her husband Joe of Natick.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joe’s funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) Natick on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 9:00 AM to be followed by his Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central St. Natick at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow with military honors at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Natick. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 3-7 PM.
Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.everettfuneral.com