Joseph Tortora a long-time Medford resident passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family at Care Dimensions Hospice House of Lincoln on Friday, June 28th. He was 77. Born in Naples, Italy, He was the son of the late Luigi and Eva (Ciervo) Tortora. He came to the United States as a young boy and lived most of his life in Medford.
After high school and college, Joseph enjoyed a long career with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the information technology department, working there until his retirement. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He provided his family a beautiful life and as a prolific photographer he caught it all on film. He enjoyed travelling with his beloved wife of 56 years, Diane, and enjoyed time on cruises and visiting islands in the Caribbean and Pacific. Never afraid of a challenge, Joseph ran the Boston Marathon three times. What brought the greatest happiness and sense of pride was sharing life and love with his family. He looked forward to meals, holidays and vacations together. He especially took great pride in his eight grandsons and watching them grow into fine men.
The beloved husband of Diane M. (Grund) Tortora, Joseph was a loving father to Robin Tortora and her partner Robert Tillson of Barnstead, NH, Debra Bradanese and her husband Marc of Billerica, and Kerri Tortora and her husband Johnathan Tortora of Medford. He was a devoted and proud grandfather to Eric Bradanese and his wife Libby, Nicholas Bradanese, Patrick Bradanese and his partner Ciara McKissick, Josh Bradanese, Tyler Bradanese, Anthony Tortora, Andrew Tortora and Aaron Tortora. He was a loving great-grandfather to two great-granddaughters Ava and Lucy. Joseph was the dear brother of Virginia Chirco and her husband Salvatore, Carmine Tortora and the late Nancy Hannigan. He also leaves many dear nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Sunday, July 7th from 3 – 6 PM. A funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home on Tuesday, July 9th at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to the PAN Foundation@ panfoundation.org.