Joseph J. Pignone, Sr.

BURLINGTON – Joseph J. Pignone, Sr., 95, of Ethan Allen Residence and a former Beckley Hill Road resident, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2019 at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.

Born June 25, 1924 in East Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of Anthony and Angela (Marrotta) Pignone.

Joseph attended local elementary and high schools. On January 2, 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy/Coast Guard in East Boston, MA and served as a Private in World War II before he was honorably discharged on February 27, 1946 in Boston, MA.

On November 24, 1946 he married Loretta Henry, following their marriage they first made their home in Framingham, MA before moving to South Barre, VT upon his retirement from the Framingham Fire Department.  Loretta passed away in 2006.

Joseph was a firefighter for his entire working career with the Framingham, Massachusetts Fire Department.

His memberships include the Disabled American Veterans Organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #790 and American Legion Post #10, both of Barre.

In his younger years, Joseph loved to go fishing and mushrooming. In his later years, he enjoyed going for coffee at McDonald’s and time spent with his granddaughter Brenda and great-grandson Samuel.

Survivors include his daughters Diana Fernandez and her husband, Stephen of Northfield; Brandi Symthe of Barre; his granddaughters Brenda Massie and her husband, Todd and their son, Samuel of Colchester; and Belinda Smith of Port Orange, FL; as well as his brother Stanley and his sister Carol.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Loretta, his son Joseph, and his twin brother Ralph, as well as his brothers Anthony, Steve and Sonny and his sisters Lorraine, Ruth and Irene.

The Mass of Christian to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre. Entombment will be in the Hooker and Whitcomb Vault to await later interment in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society – Vermont Chapter, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.