Joseph J DiPietro, Sr

 Joseph J. DiPietro, Sr., 90, a long-time resident of Leicester and town business owner, passed away surrounded by the ones he loved, Monday, June 12th, 2023.

Joe was born in Worcester, the son of the late Carmine and Louise (Coviello) DiPietro.  At the age of 12 he got a job at a local pharmacy, Rossetti's, on Shrewsbury Street. He would work there up through and after college. As a youth growing up in Worcester, he fell in love with music and the trumpet.  As a teen he started his own band, the Swing Kings, and played at events around Worcester.

He graduated from Commerce High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston. Joseph then joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany as a pharmacist.  While stationed in Germany, he earned a certificate in Political Science at the University of Heidelberg.  After discharge and returning home, he married the love of his life Mary E. Walsh. They then began a 66-year life of love, family, faith, and devotion, in Auburn and later in Leicester.

Joe and Mary opened their own business, Leicester Pharmacy, on Main Street in Leicester.  For the next 26 years he would work at the job he loved serving the community he loved.  He sold the business and missed it so much that he joined CVS as a floating pharmacist, filling in at stores throughout the county.

Joe is survived by his love Mary; his three devoted children, Diane Vermiglio and her husband Rocco of Narragansett, RI, Karen Reagan and her husband Daniel of Sutton, Joseph J. DiPietro, Jr. and his wife Kerri of Worcester; six grandchildren he adored, Nicole, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Daniel, Joseph III, and Sophia; two great grandchildren, Harper, and Vincent; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, two sisters, Alice Dagostino and Joanne Librandi predeceased him.

Joseph was a member of St Pius X Roman Catholic church. He enjoyed listening to music: jazz standards, big band, and other hits of his era were his favorites.   He enjoyed summers in Wells Maine, the Red Sox, the Celtics, golf, and helping his customers daily at the pharmacy. Most of all he adored his wife, children, and grandchildren, who were his world. Nothing made Joe happier than having his family around him. The holidays, special celebrations, and family gatherings were his favorite moments.

Joe’s funeral will be held Monday, June 19th with a period of calling hours held from 9:30 am to 10:45 am in St Pius X, 1161 Main Street, Leicester. His Celebration of Christian burial Mass will follow at 11:00 am.  Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers a tribute donation in his name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.