Joseph Valentine Amara, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, after a long battle with diabetes. He was 78 years old.
Born Giuseppe Valentino Amara on Valentine’s Day 1946 in Augusta, Sicily, Italy, Joseph's life was one of movement and adventure. In 1961, he immigrated to the United States, where lived a life filled with hard work, dedication and an amazing sense of humor appreciated by family, friends and colleagues.
Joseph graduated from Hyde Park High School and then went on to attend Quincy College and Cambridge College. He spent many years working for Alitalia Airlines, fostering connections between his homeland and his adopted country. Later, he dedicated himself to the Boston Public Schools, contributing to the education and well-being of the city's youth. A passionate admirer of the Italian Navy, he helped create the Boston branch of AMNI, L'Associazione Nazionale Marinai d'Italia (the National Association of Italian Sailors), where he encouraged his father Angelo to become the Boston ANMI president and then granted knighthood by the Republic of Italy. He was also a respected and beloved member of the Augusta Boston Club.
Joseph's favorite hobby was masterfully carving and painting miniature wooden ships of the Italian Navy. He was also an avid follower of Italian and World Cup soccer, never missing a chance to cheer for his teams. He was extremely proud to be the goaltender for Alitalia Airlines' Boston soccer team that competed against the teams of the other international carriers stationed at Logan Airport.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Angelina Amara. He is survived by his loving siblings, Vincent Amara (and wife Anna), Rosa Maria Amara and Anthony Amara (and wife Suzanne). He also leaves behind seven cherished nieces and nephews, as well as seven grand-nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him with love and admiration. Many of his surviving cousins and their families in Italy will also miss him.
Joseph’s kindness, intellect, sense of humor, joy for life and deep devotion to his family and heritage will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the lessons he imparted, the love and the laughter he gave to us so freely.
Family and friends are invited to attend the service to honor Joseph’s life on Thursday February 6, 2025 from 6-8 PM in the Joseph Russo Funeral Home, 814 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, MA. For those attending the Interment we will meet at the front gate on Monday February 10, 2025 in Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm Street, Everett, MA. 02149 at 12 PM