Joseph S. Santapaola
November 28, 2009
GLOUCESTER — Joseph S. Santapaola, 95, husband of Kathleen (Fancy)
Santapaola, died on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 at the Den Mar Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his family.
He was born in East Gloucester on Sept. 5, 1914, son of the late
Salvatore A. and Mary Jennie (King) Santapaola. He spent his entire life
in East Gloucester until moving to Den Mar two years ago. He spent his
life on or near the water, as a lobsterman and fisherman, including the
first trap off Kettle Island for many years. He also worked at Rocky
Neck Marine Railways and later as steward of Sandy Bay Yacht Club.
In his later years, he was asked to recall old memories of events
along the waterfront, which have been referenced in several books. He
was on the board of the Fisherman's Loan Fund and a charter member of
the Cape Ann Ship Modelers Guild. Joe and Kay recently celebrated their
70th Wedding Anniversary on Nov. 12, 2009. Joe was a kind and gentle man
who will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife Kay, Joe is survived by his children,
Marilyn, wife of John W. Thompson of Rockport, Carol, wife of James T.
Burke of Crossville, Tenn., Nancy Bader of Pepperell, Mary Jo, wife of
James Spofford of Raymond, N.H., Joseph N. and wife Nancy of Georgetown,
James and wife Pauline of Gloucester; grandchildren, Karen, wife of Paul
Aquipel, Elizabeth Thompson, Kimberly, wife of Matthew Anderson, James
Jr. and wife Dawn, Amanda Santapaola, Andy Santapaola, Christopher
Santapaola, all of Gloucester, Sharon, wife of David Mucci, Mary Ann
Burke, wife of Jeff Wager, Susan, wife of Mark D'Entremont, Barbara
Burke, Brian Twomey and fiancee Sadie, Michael Twomey and wife Shannon,
Jim Spofford Jr., Christine, wife of Steve Clark, Valerie, wife of
Trevor Tulley, Joseph J. Santapaola, Jason Santapaola and wife Danielle,
Stacey, wife of Eric Raffi, Brian McCarthy and wife Rebecca, Julie, wife
of Chuck Vasques; 26 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rose Tart. He
was predeceased by his sisters, Anna Lane, Jennie "Tina" Spates, Mary
Joyce; his brother, Emery Santa Paul; and son-in-law, Donald Bader.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from the Greely Funeral
Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester, on Friday, Dec. 4, at 10:15 a.m.,
followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joachim's Church, Rockport, on Friday
at 11 a.m. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Visiting
hours will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The
burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family
request donations to the Gloucester Adventure Inc., P.O. Box 1306,
Gloucester, MA 01930; or to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may
be sent online to
www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
