Mr. Joseph P. Zamparelli, R.Ph., M.Ed.. beloved and devoted husband of the late Margaret T. “Peggy” (Boehler) Zamparelli and lifelong resident of Medford, died Friday, April 27, 2007, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, with his family by his side. He was 87 years old.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1920, he was a beloved son of the late Mario and Grace (Zuccaro) Zamparelli. Shortly thereafter he moved with his family to their new residence in Medford at 376 Fellsway West, next to the park near Fulton St. Mr. Zamparelli was a graduate of Medford High School, class of 1939, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, class of 1943. Mr. Zamparelli was a WWII Army Veteran, enlisting at Boston on November 12, 1943 and receiving his honorable discharge at Fort Devens on March 25, 1946. During his military career, Mr. Zamparelli was the Chief Pharmacist on the Francis Y. Slanger, the largest hospital ship in WWII and earned the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal for his outstanding service. He also served aboard the Queen Mary. He was a Medical Service Representative for the S.E. Massengill Co. from 1947 thru 1966. On September 6th 1948, he married Margaret T. “Peggy” Boehler. He owned Smith & Zamparelli Pharmacy of Stoneham from 1954 through 1967. In 1956 he was a candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives from the Commonwealth’s 26th Middlesex District. He graduated from Calvin Coolidge College, class of 1959, with a Masters of Education. In 1963 he became father to his son, Joseph, Jr. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts State Pharmaceutical Association from 1963 thru 1965. . He was named the Medford Man of the Moment, Medford Mercury, June 22, 1966. He was Hospital Administrator of the Billerica House of Correction and Cambridge City Jail under the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department from 1967 to 1972. He worked for many years at the Liggett/Rexall Pharmacy in Malden Center. He was a member of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, a charter member of The Century Club, The National Sheriffs’ Association, The National Jail Association, Inc., Democratic Ward & City Committee Delegate, former Senior Vice Commander of Italian-American Veterans and was a life member of the VFW, Post 1012. He served on the Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Association from 1961 to 1969. In 1972 he became Management Coordinator for the newly formed Massachusetts State Lottery Commission where he remained until his retirement in 1986. He served on the advisory board of former EssexBank, for the Medford branch, from 1980 to 1984. He was a member of the Lowell Pharmaceutical Association. He never worked less than two jobs at a time to be sure he provided for his wife and son. He loved his entire family. His support of his family in the political arena was limitless.
After his so called retirement, he began the greatest career of his life; the full and devoted care of his beloved wife, Peggy, through the process of her Alzheimer's disease. For thirty years he showed his dedication to his marriage vows and his love and commitment to her. He rarely left her side until she passed last year, at home, in her bed, with him next to her. His favorite hobby was puttering around the house he loved, tinkering mechanically. He loved baseball and the Boston Red Sox and wanted to play professionally in his youth..
Mr. Zamparelli was the loving father of Joseph P. Zamparelli, Jr. of Medford, cherished brother of the Honorable John F. and his wife Betty Zamparelli of Medford, Mary B. Held of Medford, Rose Quattrocchi of Medford and the late Andrew “Hawk” Zamparelli, Margaret “Mickey” Sacco, Francis M. Zamparelli and Eleanor Cataldo. Dear brother-in-law of Jean and her husband Jim Kostka of Florida. A loving uncle. A dear friend to many. His funeral was from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home 29 Governors Avenue, MEDFORD, Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at 8 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 9 AM. Many relatives and friends respectfully attended. Visiting hours were Tuesday, May 1, 2007, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment was in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. In lieu of flowers donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, MA 02155. For additional information, please visit www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.