Joseph Anthony Simonelli

Joseph Anthony Simonelli age 83 years died in the Harrington House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Walpole, Massachusetts on Sunday, September 4, 2011. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on February 20, 1928; he was the son of the late Nicholas and Mary (Turco) Simonelli. He graduated from Walpole High School with the class of 1945. Mr. Simonelli proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He has been a life long resident of Walpole, Massachusetts.

Mr. Simonelli worked as a custodian for the Walpole Public School system for 36 years and retired in 1991.. He worked in both the East Junior High School (Bird Middle School) and the West Junior High School (Johnson Middle School. In addition he worked as a bus driver for Michael J. Connelly and Sons.

He was a member of the American Legion in Norwood, the Walpole VFW Post 5188, the Knights of Columbus, and the Italian American Club in Walpole.

Mr. Simonelli enjoyed bowling, gardening, woodworking, playing cards, cooking, and playing bocce. He was an avid Red Sox fan.

Beloved husband of the late Florence V. (Carlson) Simonelli. Loving father of Linda M. Coyne and her husband Martin of Naperville, IL, Carol A. Sojka and her husband Joseph of Derby, CT, and Joseph A. Simonelli, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Franklin. Cherished grandfather of 6 and great grandfather of 3. Brother of Louise Sperdigliozzi of Walpole, Eleanor DeRose of Walpole, and the late Anthony Simonelli. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church East Street (Route 27) at Diamond Street Walpole on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 11:30 AM. Visiting hours are Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole. Interment will be in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. Memorial donations may be made to: Walpole VFW 33 Robbins Road Walpole, Massachusetts 02081 or Compassionate Care Hospice 800 West Cummings Park, Suite 3400 Woburn, Massachusetts 01801.