Joseph J. Giangregorio

Joseph J. Giangregorio, 89, of Paxton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 28, 2021 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born and raised in Worcester, a son of an Italian immigrant, Giovanni, and Mary (D’Elia) Giangregorio. He graduated from Commerce High School in 3 ½ years. Joseph furthered his education at Boston University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music and later received a Master’s in Education from Worcester State University. While at Boston University he was a member of the Kappa Gamma PSI Fraternity. He taught for 42 years as a music teacher, 32 of which were in the Worcester Public Schools, retiring in 1996. He was recognized for being a role model and advocate to the children he taught, instilling a love for music in his students. Joseph served his country proudly during the Korean War in the United States Naval Reserve, honorably discharged in February 1959.

Joseph enjoyed traveling anywhere with his wife Anne, but particularly savored his trips to Italy with his family. He cherished being at his home in Chatham, meticulously caring for his yard and entertaining family and friends. He is fondly known for throwing annual Fourth of July cookouts where he served his homemade clam chowder! He was a member of St Columba Parish in Paxton and Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham. He could be found at the Sunday 10:00 masses passing the basket. He enjoyed watching vintage movies. He selflessly made himself available to help his children whenever there was a need.

He was an accomplished musician. He was a lifetime member of the Worcester Musician’s Association. He was a musical director for the Entre Actors Guild and he was a musical conductor for the Worcester County Light Opera Club. He entertained locals and celebrities in his musical ventures, as a member of The Johnny Kapp Trio and more recently The Royal Brass Choir. For 10 years he gave many amateur musicians an opportunity to perform in a Big Band through Worcester’s Night Life Program. He performed for First Night’s New Year's Eve in Chatham for many years. He passed on his musical talents and love of music to his only son, Joey. They had many occasions to perform together playing trumpet duets and shared a mutual admiration for each other.

Joseph’s beloved wife of 56 years, Anne M. (Early) Giangregorio, passed away on February 6, 2016. He leaves four loving children: a son, Joseph Jr., his wife Karen and their children Anna and Joseph III of Tolland, CT.; three daughters, Marianne and her sons, Dominic and Benjamin Librandi of Paxton; Paula, her husband Kevin Dowd and their son James, of Paxton, and their daughter Kathryn and her husband Christopher Tinsley of Worcester; Susan, her husband Gary Jones and their children Dylan, Callum, and Liam and Liam’s wife Reagan, all of Haverhill; a great grandson, Edmond Joseph Tinsley; a brother, Ignatius (Snizzy) Giangregorio of Worcester; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by two brothers, Ralph and Angelo Giangregorio and a sister, Carmella Capozzo.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 4-7 pm at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrate Joseph’s life on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10 am at St. Columba Church, 10 Richards Ave., Paxton, MA. Burial will follow at Moreland Cemetery in Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joseph’s name to: Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA. 01605 or The Salvation Army, 72 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA. 01603

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