Joe C. Canastra, 84, of Dartmouth passed away on Monday May 31, 2010. He was the husband of the late Claire (Guyette) Canastra.
Born in New Bedford on January 9, 1926 to the late John and Hermina Canastra, he was a lifelong resident of New Bedford living the last several years with his son in Dartmouth. He was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church.
Mr. Canastra was a disabled veteran, having received wounds while serving as a gunner aboard the U.S.S. Gleaves during World War II . He worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and later at St. Luke's Hospital until his retirement.
He was a former member of the American Legion Post One. He was a sports enthusiast, especially baseball, and enjoyed going to the ball field and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play.
He is survived by his sons, Donald of Fairhaven and Rick and his wife Agnes of Dartmouth.; three grandchildren, Kelly Pelletier and her husband Keith of Westport, Kristy Canastra and Neal Canastra, both of Dartmouth; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was the brother of Minnie Souza of Mattapoisett, Beatrice Ouellette of Dartmouth and Zara Pantana of Cape Cod, and the late Manuel Canastra, John Canastra, Virginia Fortes, Rose Motta, and Mary Mocco.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at St. Julie Billiart Church. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery will be private. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.