Mr. Joseph Presti, age 95, of Burlington formerly of Medford, died August 17th at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital following a short illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances (Lentine). Born in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Giovanina (Alebrandi) and Placido Presti.
Mr. Presti lived in Philadelphia as a young boy and returned with his mother to live Italy for a number of years. He returned to the United States at the age of fifteen and shortly after he began working as a barber, a trade he learned while living in Italy. At the age of seventeen he owned and operated his own barber shop. "Presti's Barber Shop" was originally located on Green St. in Boston and later moved to Causeway St. in Boston. As families moved out of Boston, Joe decided move his business to Medford where he had a shop on Salem St. and then Main St for many years. Joseph also lived for many years in Florida. He was a founding member and past president of the Pasco Italian - American Civic Club of Hudson Florida, an organization that he was very proud to be a part of. Mostly devoted to his family, Joe enjoyed being with friends and family. During his life he was an avid bowler and was also known to enjoy the occasional friendly, but always competitive card game.
In addition to his wife and parents, Joseph is predeceased by his brother the late Frank Presti. He is survived by his children, P. Joseph and his wife Camille of Burlington, Joann Ingrassia and her husband William of Port Richey, FL, Peter and his wife Annette of Billerica, John and his wife Cheryl of Trinity, FL, Harry and his wife Lucille of New Port Richey, FL. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Mellina Cosenza of Sicily, Italy.
His funeral will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St. Woburn, Thursday, August 21st, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Margaret Church 109 Winn St. Burlington, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday, August 20th, 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to the American heart Assoc. 20 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701.