Joseph F. Cannata, of Wilmington passed away peacefully August 25, 2018 at the Sawtelle family Hospice Home in Reading, following a short illness. He was 102. Joseph was the beloved husband of the late Frances (Catalano) Cannata. Born in Boston he was the son of the late Frank J. and Vincenza (Restivo) Cannata.
Joseph was raised and educated in Boston and attended the Mechanic Arts High School where he was a member of the class of 1934. In 1936 he enlisted into the United States Navy. He proudly and honorably served during both WWII and the Korean War until his retirement in 1966. He was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor where he was serving as a Chief Petty Officer 1st Class aboard the USS Curtiss AV-4 which was a Seaplane Tender in the Pacific Fleet. Following his retirement from the Navy, Joseph worked for many years in the Aerospace Industry.
Joseph was a talented handy man and could fix or build just about anything. He was always ready to lend a hand; whether it was helping his children build their homes, repair an automobile or offer his knowledge and support. Joseph was mostly devoted to his wife and family and was happiest when he could help out in anyway. In his leisure time when not working around the house or helping his children, Joseph enjoyed ballroom dancing with his late wife for many years.
He is survived by his children; Joseph F. Cannata Jr. and his wife Laurie of Hudson, NH, Frank J. Cannata and his wife Danielle of Littleton, Steven J. Cannata and his wife Denise of Wilmington. He was the loving grandfather of Julie Collura, Joseph Cannata III, Holly Gallacher, Nicholas, Colby, Brittani, Michael, Sophia, Jessica, Stephanie, Steven Cannata Jr. and the late Rene Cannata. He is further survived by five loving great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 374 Main St., Wilmington, Friday, August 31st, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Massachusetts Disabled American Veterans, State House, Room 546, Boston, MA 02133.