Lifelong Somerset resident Joseph C. Suspiro, Jr., 85, passed away on January 14, 2008. Mr. Suspiro was the husband of the late Charlotte (Benevides) Suspiro. Born October 10, 1922, and raised on his family’s farm in the north end of town, Mr. Suspiro was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Suspiro.
Before retiring in 1990, Mr. Suspiro worked as an astute local entrepreneur. He helped operate Greenfront grocery store, located on Main Street in the Village, with his brothers, the late Frank and Edward “Eddie” Suspiro. Additionally, Mr. Suspiro owned and operated Suspiro Bros. Service Station on Rt. 6, with his brother, the late Oliverino “Ollie” Suspiro. For nearly four decades, the two offered personalized service that helped keep the town running year-round.
Most notably, Mr. Suspiro was co-owner of Suspiro’s Country Club, formerly located on County Street in the northern section of Somerset. Together with his ambitious team of brothers, he built the nine-hole course from ground up using an innovative Scottish-style approach featuring rolling hills and uniquely elevated greens. From 1966 to 1983, the club was a recreational haven for townspeople, the Somerset High Golf Team and Even a few pros like Brad Faxon.
Mr. Suspiro earned his associate’s degree in accounting from Hill College (now Salem State College). He graduated from Salem High School, after being recruited to play football following his sophomore year at Somerset High School. Recognized for his outstanding athletic abilities, he proudly became the first ever Somerset student to be recruited to attend another high school on a football scholarship.
Deemed “Zip” during his early years for his exceptional speed and agility, he also played for the Blackstone Valley Baseball League & Boxed competitively at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Later in life, he enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and hunting with friends.
Though recruited by the University of Miami football team upon graduating from high school, Mr. Suspiro proudly opted to enlist in the war effort alongside his three older brothers. He spent four years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Quartermaster on the USS General W.P. Richardson, assisting with the transport of troops to and from major battlefronts in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Mr. Suspiro is survived by two daughters: Charlene A. Berube and Nancy J. Suspiro, both of Somerset; three grandchildren: Joseph L. Berube of Swansea, Robert J. Suspiro of Somerset and Susan L. Berube of Quebec City, Canada; and two great-grandchildren: Kelsey Pacheco and Hailey Ann Berube of Swansea. He leaves several nieces and nephews.
He was a brother of the late Manuel, Oliverino, Edward, and Frank Suspiro and Dorothy Suspiro Dean, all of Somerset.
Contributions may be made in Mr. Suspiro’s memory to the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation c/o Somerset High School, of which his brother Edward was one of the founding members; or to the Faxon Animal Rescue League of Fall River.
His funeral will take place from the MANUEL ROGERS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River, MA. FRIDAY with private visitation for family & close friends from 7:30 to 8:30 AM followed by a mass in St. Patrick Church, Somerset at 9:00 AM. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Somerset.