Joseph L. Melisi (Joe), 92, of Whitman died peacefully on April 20, 2024, after a brief illness with his family by his side. Joe is survived by his wife, Elaine, to whom he was married for 63 years.
Joe was born in New Jersey, and moved to Methuen, MA, with his mother, father, and sister in his teens. Joe met Elaine on a blind date, and they were married on July 2, 1960. They settled in Whitman and raised four children. Joe was a cook for many years at restaurants such as The Alamo, Condon’s, D’Angelo’s Pub, Fitzgerald’s and The Fireside Grill. In addition, Joe made the decision in his 60s to return to school taking college courses at Massasoit Community College.
As a parishioner at Holy Ghost Parish, Joe served the church in many capacities. He was a beloved member of the choir, singing at weekly mass. For many years, he sang a solo of “What Child Is This?” at Christmas Eve midnight masses. In addition to singing in the choir, Joe wrote and composed his own liturgical songs, many of which were sung by the choir at Holy Ghost masses. Joe was also an altar server, a member of St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Parish Council, and the Knights of Columbus.
Joe devoted his time over the years as a volunteer for the Whitman Food Pantry, as well as serving on the Whitman Friends of the Library board. In 2018, the Whitman Library dedicated their large print collection to Joe for his many years of dedicated service.
Joe’s greatest love was for his family, especially the love of his life Elaine. He loved spending Sunday mornings at church and then reading the Sunday paper alongside Elaine at the kitchen table. Joe and Elaine spent many years together enjoying the symphony, and trips to Maine and Tanglewood. They were blessed to have visited Italy with other Holy Ghost parishioners. He was enormously proud of his children’s accomplishments and being “Papa Joe” to his grandchildren gave him great pleasure. He always enjoyed spending time with and laughing with friends, and going out to breakfast with the other ROMEOs. He had a passion for gardening and spent many hours in his gardens over the years.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his four children and their spouses—Joseph and Leah Melisi of West Bridgewater, Michael and Susan Melisi of Natick, Stephen and Judith Melisi of Halifax, and Jean and Brian Dean of Hanson. Joe was also blessed with 6 grandchildren whom he loved dearly—Zachary, Bradley, Samuel, Nicholas, Erik, and Olivia. Joe also leaves behind his sister, Carmel Gram of Haverhill, his wife’s family, and several nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Lorenzo and Esther Melisi, and his mother-in-law, Mary Campbell.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday, April, 25th from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary), Whitman. A funeral
Mass will be celebrated at Holy Ghost Church, 518 Washington Street, Whitman on Friday, April 26th at 10:30AM. A burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery, Whitman.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 518 Washington Street, Whitman, MA 02382 or the Whitman Food Pantry, also at PO Box 560, Whitman, MA 02382.