Joseph F. Puopolo passed away peacefully accompanied by the love of his family on Monday, September 30, 2024. He was 80. Raised in Malden he was the son of the late Vincent and Angie (Mistretta) Puopolo. Joseph enjoyed a long and successful career as a buyer and purchasing agent. In his earlier years he worked with retail giants such as Kennedy’s, Filenes and TJ Max.
He later worked for the City of Somerville, where he lived and raised his family. Joe completed his career as a purchasing agent for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Joe’s greatest joy was his family, and he reflected that in every aspect of his life. He was a great sportsman who loved baseball. From playing in the Little League World Series as a child, to watching the Sox at Fenway Park, to being a fixture on the field at his grandchildren’s games. Joe lived for baseball and treasured the chance to share it with his family. He was also a great golfer and played regularly throughout the years.
For many years Joe had a summer home near Sebago Lake which served as a center of activity for his family and friends. Many memories were created there including activities, good food and a cold beer or two. Joanne and Joe enjoyed travelling to Florida, Europe, the Caribbean, Myrtle Beach and many trips to California. In retirement, Joe and Joanne moved to Attleboro to be closer to his grandchildren with whom he had a special bond. Joe was a wonderful and caring person and never wavered throughout his illness, always showing gratitude to his nurses and caregivers with a simple kiss on the hand. He will be remembered as a kind and generous person full of warmth and compassion.
The beloved husband of Joanne C. (Viola) Puopolo, Joe was the devoted father of Maria Wilson and her husband David of Mansfield, and David Puopolo of Casco, Maine. He was the loving “Pop Pop” of Jake and Brooke Wilson, and the brother of the late Camile Spencer and Anthony Puopolo. Joe was the dear brother-in-law of Linda Viola with whom he shared a special bond, and the late Anthony Viola and Marie Astle. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. on Wednesday, October 9th from 4 – 8 PM and to a funeral service celebrated in the funeral home on Thursday morning, October 10th at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105-9959 or to the Jimmy Fund, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.