Joseph Paul Lanzillotta, of Pembroke, in his 103rd year, joined his wife Rose (Costello), in eternal peace on Monday morning, January 23, 2012. They had been separated by her death in 1997 after 56 years of marriage.
He graduated from Northeastern University in 1932 with the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration, only to return to work on the family farm because there were not many business jobs because of the depression. He was in the U.S. Army during World War II, then returned home to run P. Lanzillotta & Sons Construction Company with his father, Paul and brother, Frank. Their biggest construction project was the building of the Pembroke Country Club which they operated from 1971 thru 1983.
He retired to his home on Dwelley Street in Pembroke, where he continued to work on his lawn and vegetable garden until the age of 95. There wasn't anything he planted that wouldn't grow. His one main interest other than work and gardening, was the Pembroke Kiwanis Club, where he was a charter member.
He was the son of the late Paul & Elena (Marsaglia) Lanzillotta and the brother of the late Assanta, Helen, Antoinettte, Mary, Frances, Michael, Alfred and Frank.
He is survived by his sister, Ida Turner; his children, Joseph, Jr. of Pembroke, Rosemary Berry of Pembroke, Paula Simson & her husband John of Florida and Ronald & his wife Stephanie of California; his grandchildren, Erica, Walter, Jill, Eric, Sara and Tiffany; and his great-grandchildren, Holly, Bella, Noelle, Ava, Joseph and Tanith.
Calling hours at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 7 Mattakeesett Street, (Route 14), Pembroke, on Thursday, January 26, from 4:00-8:00 PM.
His funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph the Worker Church, 1 Maquan Street, Hanson, on Friday, January 27 at 10:00 AM.
Interment will follow at the Holy Family Cemetery, Centre Avenue, Rockland.
Because Joseph was so passionate about the Kiwanis Club, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Pembroke Kiwanis Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 76, Pembroke, MA 02359, in lieu of flowers.