Joseph J Zecco, Jr.

Joseph J. Zecco, Jr. 89, a (67)-year resident of Shrewsbury, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away surrounded by loved ones Friday, March 31, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Joe was born in Worcester, May 14, 1933, one of two sons of Joseph J. Zecco, Sr. and Helen D. (Agbay) Zecco.   He grew up in Worcester, graduated from Commerce High School, joined the U.S. Navy serving aboard the U.S. Aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, during the Korean War.  Joe was notably aboard the Oriskany when it became the first U.S. Aircraft carrier to sail around Cape Horn.  Upon discharge and return to Worcester, Joe married the “Love of his Life” Janet V. Johnson, earned a mechanical engineering degree from Worcester Junior College and his bachelor’s degree in industrial management from WPI.   Joe and Janet built a home in Shrewsbury in 1955, and have lived here ever since. 

Joe worked for over 40 years in several positions in manufacturing, research, development, engineering, and management for the Wyman Gordon Company in Grafton.   Joe notably collaborated on many special military projects for the U.S. Military including the SR71, Boeing 747, and F22 aircraft.  He also co-authored a patent for developing a special die forging concept that remains in distinction today.   After retirement with a deep catholic faith, Joe dedicated his time to his church St Anne’s.  He served as parish administrator, chairman of the finance committee, parish council, a choir member, eucharistic minister, and church funeral assistant.  The parishioners and priests of St Anne’s will always be dedicated to his memory for his dedication to St Anne’s. 

Joe is survived by his wife and life’s love of 68 years Janet; his four children, William J. Zecco and his husband Wayne of Mesa, AZ, Cynthia L. Cassandra and her husband Mark of Cumming, GA, Glenn D. Zecco and his partner Rocco in Manhattan, NY, and Mark A. Zecco and his partner Steve of East Lyme, CT; twelve grandchildren, Lauren, Daniel, Emily, Joseph, Leanne, Christi, Michael, Margaret, John, Elaine, Marie, and Matthew; thirteen great grandchildren, Anthony, Dominick, Chloe, Avery, Theo, Kinsley, Jaxson, Jordan, Lily, Liam, Valerie, Charlotte and Rosemarie; a brother and sister in law, Jack and BettyAnne Baldino; many nieces, nephews and extended family members.  A brother, Raymond Zecco predeceased him.  

Joe was a member of the Adelphi Council Knights of Columbus, the USS Oriskany CV/CVA-34 association, Korean War Veterans of Massachusetts, American Legion, the Greendale retired men’s club, Shrewsbury Friends, Shrewsbury town meeting member since 1969 and chairman of the Shrewsbury town sewer commission.  In his spare time Joe enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing and traveling with Janet.  

A period of calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 5^th from  10:30 am to 12 noon followed by his celebration of Christian burial Mass at 12 noon in St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. Shrewsbury.  Burial with Military honors will follow in Mt View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in Joe’s name can be made to St Anne’s Church Human services, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. Shrewsbury.   The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.