DANVERS: Joshua R. “Josh” Picariello, 26, died Thursday, December 5, 2013 peacefully after a brief illness at his home. He is survived by his loving parents, James and Judy (Chase) Picariello and the “love of his life” Jennifer Pennell.
Born in Beverly on March 12, 1987, he was a lifelong resident of Danvers. He attended Danvers public schools and was a graduate of the North Shore Technical High School. He also attended the University Technical Institute of Automotive and Mechanic Repair in Florida, where he completed a course as an automotive technician specialist for BMW, specializing in repairing Mini Coopers.
His passion for cars began at a young age and continued to grow year after year. Josh had a bright future ahead of him as a master mechanic and was in the process of further establishing his career in the local area. While in high school, he worked at Stutz Volvo in Salem and was employed by several other well known automotive repair shops in the Beverly area and at raceways in Seekonk and Epping, NH as a master mechanic. Josh was known for his extensive knowledge and talent in repairing and building motors as well as routine maintenance. If it had wheels, he knew how to make it work to its best capacity and performance. Josh had numerous articles published in the Modified Mustang Magazine and was sought out for his expert advice on the Summit Innovative Technical Forum for Cars Blog that was a resource for other car enthusiasts. He built his own custom Mustang race car and would take it to car shows. He enjoyed racing his “Stang” and his best time was 10.1 seconds and his goal for this year was to be in the nine second range. He was the proud owner of a unique white monster truck with unicorn stax and was known for towing his “Stang” around.
Josh loved boating, skiing, four wheeling and enjoyed remote controlled cars, airplanes and playing Keno. He also liked to eat out and was happy when he found a good hamburger or pizza to eat. He was an avid Johnny Cash fan. The time he spent with his girlfriend and family were the times he cherished the most. The trips to Las Vegas, spending time in New Hampshire, tinkering in his garage or just hanging out at home were the things that made him the “homebody” that he was. He brought much joy to all who knew him and will be sorely missed.
In addition to his parents and girlfriend, he is survived by his two sisters, Jacquelyn E. Picariello and her son’s father, Beau J. Boudreau both of Beverly and Jessica J. Picariello and her love, Derek Barrangan both of Boston; paternal grandmother, Theresa “Tre” Picariello of Beverly; adoring nephew, Beau J. Boudreau, Jr., of Beverly; aunts and uncles, James Chase of Beverly, Michael Chase of Haverhill, Alison Morin and her husband, Joseph of Georgetown, Joseph Chase and his wife, Rachel of Derry, NH., Frank Picariello and his wife, Patricia Barton of Georgetown, Michael Picariello and his partner, James Laniefsky of Mesa, AZ; Thomas Picariello and his wife, Sonya of Rockport and Linda Riley and her husband, Christopher of Brunswick, ME; his girlfriend’s parents, Michael and Susan Pennell of Salem; his girlfriend’s grandparents, Thomas and Ruthie Walsh of Salem and many loving cousins. He was also predeceased by his infant brother, Justin Picariello, maternal grandparents, James and Charlotte (Ross) Chase and his aunt, Annette Chase.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot Street, Beverly at 11 a.m.. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday in the Grondin Funeral Home, 376 Cabot Street, Beverly from 4 – 8 p.m.. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be held in the North Beverly Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the “Joshua Picariello Scholarship Fund” c/o Eastern Bank, 33 Enon St., Beverly, MA 01915. For more information and to send online condolences, please visit, www.grondinfuneralservices.com.