Joseph P. “Joe Mag” Magliaro, of Boston’s North End, former owner of La Contessa Pastries in Somerville, died Thursday, February 11th. He was 87.
Born and raised in Boston’s North End, Joe was the son of the late Pasquale and the late Mariuccia (Giannelli) Magliaro. From the age of nine, Joe worked as a baker and pastry chef beginning his apprenticeship at the bakeries on Little Prince St. He continued working in the North End for many years learning and honing his skills until he took over LaContessa Pastries in Somerville’s Davis Square in 1961. There he earned an impeccable reputation and strong following. Known for his Italian specialties such as canoli and zeppoli, Joe also prepared many other wonderful sweets. His baking was featured in the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe and on Channel Five’s Chronicle. A favorite among the community at Tufts University, parents from out of town would often call Joe to deliver cakes to their children on birthdays and other special events. On holidays people would line up at the shops doors and travel from distant towns for their orders. Joe was often a guest on Tufts University Radio. Often urged to expand his operation, Joe insisted on staying put, preferring quality and freshness to profit. He retired when he was 78.
He was a dear brother of Alfonso and the late Anthony, Celia, Alfredo, Maria Magliaro and Lucia Casali. He was a devoted uncle to John Casali, whom he helped raise and loved as a son, and his wife Connie. Also survived by Maria Ulloa, her husband Alexander and their son Alexander Joseph, Dana, Traci and Janna Casali who were cherished as grandchildren by their Papa.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford Monday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.