Joseph C. Gravina

Joseph C. Gravina, 82, a long time resident of Walpole, and formerly of Roxbury, MA died on Dec 2nd, 2011 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Joseph and Antoinette Gravina of Boston.

Beloved husband of 55 years of Marion (Patriarca) Gravina. Loving father of Joseph (Jay) Gravina and his wife Carolee of Allendale, NJ, Thomas Gravina and his wife Nancy of Fair Haven, NJ, and Gary Gravina and his wife Denise of Madison, CT. Cherished grandfather of Jack, Marlise, Ally, Charlie, Cameron and Clare Gravina. Joe is also survived by his brother Anthony, and his wife Lee of Chesapeake, Virginia. He was predeceased by his sister, Lillian Gravina Bowes and his brother, Samuel J. Gravina.

Joe grew up in Roxbury, MA and attended St. Patrick's Grammar School in Roxbury, MA. He went on to attend Boston English High School and then Bentley College. Joe proudly served in the Coast Guard during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged. In professional life, Joe worked for the Massachusetts Division of Employment Security for 32 years and retired in 1992. Joe also spent many years working at the Foxboro Harness Raceway in Foxboro, MA.

During Joe's retirement years, he most enjoyed vacationing, and traveling with his family and wintering in Naples, FL. It was the time Joe spent with his family that was always most important to him.

Joe spent many years singing in the Choir at Blessed Sacrament Church and was an active participant in its life and ministry. Joe was also a 50 plus year member of The Knights of Columbus.

Funeral arrangements have been made by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, MA. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life will the held at the Blessed Sacrament Church, East Street (Route 27) at Diamond Street Walpole, MA on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10am. Interment immediately following the service at the Saint Francis Cemetery in South Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Gravina Family Foundation-Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 5 Walpole, MA 02081-0005. The Gravina Family Foundation-Scholarship Fund is given annually at graduation to a deserving Walpole High School Senior planning to further his/her education in college.