Joseph Cesario, Jr. of Malden passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in the presence of his friend and partner John Tramondozzi. Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Ann (Verrengia) Cesario and the brother of Ronald Cesario of Tennessee. He also leaves a number of Cesario and Verrengia cousins.
Joe loved singing and made it a large part of his life. He was the Choir Director at St. Peter’s Church in Malden and cantor at St. John’s Ukranian Catholic Church in Salem. He sang in a number of choruses in Brookline, Melrose and Malden including the Bicentennial Powderhorn Choir and the annual Christmas Festival at the First Baptist Church in Malden. He also had a number of memorable operatic performances.
He was a member of the Malden Historical Commission and the Malden Historical Society, co-chairing over 30 annual antique shows from its inception. An avid antiquer and collector, he was partner in GianniSeppe Antiques for over 50 years. He and John gave frequent talks to many groups and clubs. The attendees always had an educational and entertaining experience, with profound materials presented in a memorable, casual, bantering manner.
Always outgoing and willing to help where needed, he worked with the Historical Society preparing special exhibitions culminating in his own show of Russian icons (Mother Russia).
He loved to travel, taking annual trips to Italy and Aruba with his family, trips to visit his brother in Tennessee, and other trips to Hawaii and Canada with John.
Thanks to all the wonderful people who helped during his last illness. All the medical personnel made his final days comfortable. Joe was able to “listen” to Verdi’s opera Aida when he passed.
His was a life well lived and enjoyed. Say a prayer and then celebrate – Joe would want you to.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral Mass celebrating Joe’s life at Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 124 Bridge Street, Salem, MA on Wednesday May 15th at 10:00am. Please go directly to church. Visiting hours will be held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Tuesday May 14th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Malden Historical Society, 36 Salem St, Malden, MA 02148 or St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 124 Bridge St., Salem, MA 01970