LUCCHESE, Joseph C. Longtime resident of Needham, November 25, 2023. Beloved husband of Antoinette (Turco) Lucchese. Devoted father of Carmen Lucchese and his wife Marie of Woburn, Jo-Ann Lucchese of Rockport, and the late Linda Lucchese. Grandfather of Joseph and his wife Ashley, Matthew and his wife Danielle, Tayla, and the late Justin. Great-grandfather of Connor and Jack. Brother of Al Lucchese of Florida and the late James Lucchese. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Joseph was born August 10,1928 in the family home at Oak Street in Waltham, Ma to Carmello and Emily Lucchese, who immigrated from Aragona, Sicily, in 1920. He was raised in Waltham, the first born of American/Italian descent. He was followed 7 years later by his brother Alphonse, age 88 (Joyce) and then his baby brother James, (Judy) age 79 at the time of his passing in December 2022. The family moved to Dix Street in Waltham where Joe played sports and made many lifetime friends. On December 14, 1950, Joe enlisted in the army and served for two years with the 3rd Battalion, 18th & 553rd Field Artillery at Fort Sill Oklahoma until his honorable discharge, with the rank of Corporal, on December 13, 1952. While working at Carters in Needham, Joe met his future wife, Antoinette Turco. They were married on April 12, 1953, and moved to Pine Grove Street in Needham, where Joe lived until his passing. This past April 12th Joe and Antoinette celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary surrounded by family. It was a true love story. Joe went to work for the Raytheon Company in both Waltham and then Bedford Ma in 1956 until his retirement in October 1993. Joseph was a devoted family man who loved his children, grandchildren, and great grand kids. There were a few things about Joseph. First, he never forgot anyone’s birthday, be it family or friends. If he had your phone number, you would receive a call and be greeted with a rousing, off-key rendition of Happy Birthday, which included never quite making that high note at the end. Secondly, up until the day before his passing, he continued a routine that took him through the town for shopping, errands, and an occasional quick visit to see his nephew. Yes, he went to the Registry of Motor Vehicles just prior to his 95th birthday, and got his license renewed!!! He and Antoinette went from being the youngest on the block to being the senior couple. They were blessed with a wonderful and supportive group of neighbors who watched out for them (and for that his family is eternally grateful). It was said that Joe could tell you the floor plan for every new home on Pine Grove Street, (and there were many), as he would take his nightly walk which included checking out how the construction was going. He will be missed by his family and the many friends that he made over his lifetime.
A private family service will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., Needham on Tuesday, Dec. 5 followed by a private interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to Justin’s Voice, 2 Abbott St., P.O. Box 561, Woburn, MA 01801.