Joseph M. Verna 88, of Franklin, died Monday December 3, 2007 at Milford Regional Medical Center, where he had been admitted on Sunday. He was the husband of the late Anna S. (Calitri) Verna who died in 1980.
Born in Franklin, January 24, 1919 a son of the late Giovani and Vincenzina (Tomasi) Verna, he was a lifelong town resident. He was educated in Franklin public schools, and was a retired union plumber having worked for many years for Boston Local #12.
He served in the United States Army during WW11. Stationed in central Europe, he participated in battles and campaigns in Northern France and Rhineland. He was awarded the European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze service stars, the Meritorious Unit Award, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in October 1945.
He was a life member and past commander of the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post in Franklin. He was also a member of Scared Heart Council Knights of Columbus in Franklin, the Franklin Senior Citizens and the American Association of Retired Persons and was a lifetime communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin.
He is survived by a son Joseph J. Verna of Franklin, a daughter Mary Kaufman of Port Charlotte, Florida and a grandchild.
He was the brother of the late Mario Verna, Elizabeth “Lee” Prioriello and Antoinette Wenclawik.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors Friday December 7, 2007 at 8:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. FRANKLIN (www.franklinfuneral.com) with a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Sq. at 9AM. Interment will follow in the family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Thursday December 6, 2007 from 4-8PM at the funeral home.
If desired donations in his memory sent to the Italian Home for Children 1125 Centre St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 would be appreciated.