Joseph L. Vendetti Sr. 90, of Wareham and a former resident of Bellingham and Franklin, died Monday April 2, 2007 at the Newton & Wellesley Alzheimer Center in Wellesley, following a long illness. He was the husband of the late Mary F. “Mickey” (Grzyboska) Vendetti, who died in 2004.
Born on Cottage St. in Franklin March 11, 1917 a son of the late Angelo and Concetta (Mucciarone) Vendetti, he was raised and educated in Franklin and lived in Franklin for most of his life.
Mr. Vendetti established an automobile dealership in Franklin in 1963. Originally started as an American Motors dealership it is now Vendetti Motors on Rt. 140 in Franklin and is one of the largest General Motors Dealerships in the area selling Buick & Pontiac & GMC automobiles. He also established Vendetti Bus Company in 1967. Vendetti Bus Company serves the school districts of Bellingham, Milford, Uxbridge and Northbridge.
He was a life member and longest serving member of the Franklin Lions Club. His other interests included gardening and golf.
He is survived by a son Joseph L. Vendetti Jr. and his wife Cindy of Wareham, 4 daughters Louise F. Areano and her husband John of Wellesley, Nancy V. McDonald and Her husband Cliff of Franklin, Dottie J. Leoncavallo and her husband Gino of Bellingham, Jean M. Vendetti of Mendon, a brother Aldo Vendetti of Franklin, 13 grandchildren Marie Ritt, John Areano Jr., Robert Areano, Chip Moulson, Sharon Moulson, Paul Leoncavallo, Carrie Wernig, Michael Leoncavallo, Julie Lomberto, Gina Lampasona, Jill Vendetti, Jennifer Vendetti and Joseph Vendetti. Also surviving are 12 great grandchildren.
He was also the brother of the late Anthony Vendetti and Edmund Vendetti.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Thursday April 5, 2007 at 10AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. (www.franklinfuneral.com) followed by a Solemn Blessing at St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Sq. Franklin at 10:30AM. Interment will follow in the family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Wednesday April 4, 2007 from 4-8PM at the funeral home.
If desired donations in his memory sent to Alzheimer’s Association 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472 would be appreciated.