GLOUCESTER: Capt. Joseph J. Agrusso, 84, died early Sunday morning, April 28, 2013 at the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rose M. (Zanelli) Agrusso.
Born in Gloucester on October 26, 1928, he was the son of the late Joseph “Jack” and Josephine (Scola) Agrusso. He was a lifelong resident and attended Gloucester public schools.
Joe was the owner and captain of the F/V Lady Rose, and had a long career as a commercial fisherman, having gone fishing with his father as a boy. He loved to tell the story of how he fell overboard at age 12 but lived to laugh about it. He retired in 1993.
Joe and Rose Agrusso owned and operated the Lady Rose Fish Market on Stacy Boulevard for five years where Capt. Joe’s fish was featured.
Those with long memories will recall that Joe was quite a famous greasy pole walker in his day, having been the one to grab the flag on several occasions. Those who played cribbage with him will remember the deadpan expression that made him a winner.
Joe was quite a dancer, which was what first drew Rose in his direction. As a sign in front of the Agrussos’ Western Avenue home explains: Here lives an old fisherman with the best catch of his life.
He was a member of the Acacia Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Gloucester, the Aleppo Shrine and the St. Peter’s Club.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, John J. Agrusso and 13 nieces and nephews scattered around the country. He was predeceased by his sisters, Vincie Travis, Grace Agrusso and Rosalie Robishaw and his aunt, Madeline Ventimiglia.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral services. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114. Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester.