Joseph P. Genduso, Jr.

Joseph P. Genduso, Jr. of Worcester, a retired Worcester Police Detective, and highly decorated U.S. Marine Veteran passed away with loved ones gathered at his side, on his 95th birthday November 26, 2023, after a period of declining health.  He is welcomed into heaven by his wife, Eileen who passed away in 2015, his son Joseph P. Genduso, III who passed away in 2018, and daughter in law Sandi and son in law, Edward Levasseur both who passed away in 2022.    

Joe was born in Worcester, on November 26, 1928, the son of Italian Immigrants Joseph P. Genduso, Sr., and Dorothea (Sanfratello) Genduso,  He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood of Worcester on Locust Ave and graduated from Commerce high school.  Joe then joined the U.S. Marines corps, serving his country proudly during the Korean War, earning a bronze star and purple heart for his actions in battle.  Upon return to Worcester, Joe was appointed to the Worcester Police Department, as a patrol officer, he then became a member of the Detective Bureau before retiring after more than 30 years.   

Joseph’s wife of 60 years Eileen (Johnson) Genduso passed away in 2015,  He is survived by his four children,  Linda Levasseur of Dudley, Tina Medenis and her husband Stephen of Palm City, Florida, Steven Genduso of Worcester, Thomas Genduso, and his partner Robert Lee of Millbury;  eleven grandchildren; numerous Great Grandchildren; his longtime companion and friend, Jeanette Levesque; nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Joe was devoted to his family, community, city of Worcester Police department, its credit union and relief association for over 50 years, and the military organizations in the city.  Joe notably was a founding member and principal co-organizer of the Worcester Korean War memorial and took great pride in making sure it flourished.  He was also a life member of many military organizations in the city, member and past commander of the Greendale Post 319, the VFW Southwark’s post, the Marine Corps League, Purple Heart region 1, commander and as Massachusetts State Veterans Commander in 1973, traveling the country to national and other state conventions.  Joe donated a monument to the Town of Auburn, to commemorate veterans and named “Genduso Square” memorial.  He was a member of the Elks,  first in Worcester and then combined with Auburn.  Joe was an athlete in his younger days.  He played semi professional baseball, coached Post 319 legion baseball for 7 years and umpired baseball.     Joe left a Legacy of devotion to his Italian heritage, his faith, family, and his community.  His memory will live on for everything he did.  

Your invited to calling hours Thursday, November 30, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Friday, December 1, from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where his funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am.  Burial with U.S. Marine honors will be in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to the  Central Massachusetts, Korean War Memorial, 54 Foster Street, Worcester, 01608,