Joseph P. Lento, Jr. “Joe” age 76, of Wilmington, formerly of Somerville, died peacefully at home on Monday, October 24, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
Joe was born on March 25, 1940, in Boston, MA; he was the cherished son of the late Joseph P., Sr. and Carmella (D’Ambrosio) Lento. Joe was raised in the North End of Boston and was a graduate of Charlestown High School.
Joe married his “sweetheart” Martha LoBuono on June 10, 1961; the couple moved to Somerville in 1962 where they lived for 42 years. Joe and Martha shared many wonderful years together; they raised two beautiful children and cherished their role as grandparents. Joe and Martha always had an open-door policy at their home, they loved to entertain and everyone was welcomed. As their family grew and moved out, Joe and Martha sold their home in Somerville and moved to Wilmington in 2003 just to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Joe was a man of great faith and while living in Somerville he was an active communicant of St. Polycarps Parish. Joe was a Eucharistic Minister, he taught Pre-Cana classes, was part of the St. Ploycarps men’s club, and was very involved in the Somerville CYO. Joe was also very active in the Somerville community and served on the board for the Somerville Housing Authority for several years.
When Joe moved to Wilmington he continued as an active parishioner at St. Dorothy’s Church and became a member of the Knights of Columbus. Always a giver; Joe was also active in his new community of Wilmington and was always willing to give a hand to others.
Joe was a hard worker; for many years, he was the general manager and then a sales broker for several Candy and Fine Food Distribution Companies throughout New England. Joe’s personality and hard work ethic made him quite successful in his field.
Joe was known to be just a “fun all around good guy”; he loved to sing, dance, and have great parties. Joe was a world traveler both here in the U.S. and abroad; he enjoyed traveling with family and friends, everyone had a great time with Joe.
Family was always Joe’s number one priority; his unconditional love and support for them was unwavering. Joe was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons; he loved to attend their countless school activities and sporting events throughout the years and was always their number one fan.
Joe will be fondly remembered for his endearing personality, kindness and his willingness to help anyone in need. He was truly a gentleman and he will forever be in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Joe was the beloved husband of the late Martha P. (LoBuono) Lento, devoted father of Joseph V. Lento & his wife Rosemarie of Hampton, NH and Claudia A. Gillis & her husband Timothy of North Reading, loving grandfather of Amanda Flowers, Marisa Cormier, Stephanie Lento, Danielle Gillis, Jessica Gillis, and great-grandsons Joseph and Anthony, cherished son of the late Joseph P., Sr. and Carmella (D’Ambrosio) Lento, dear brother of Emily Piccolo & husband Charlie of the North End, Angela Forte & husband Ken of Wilmington, and the late Elizabeth Tiso. Brother-in-law of Frank Tiso of Quincy and Joseph LoBuono & wife Diane of Pepperell. Joe was the special companion of Carol Costello of Wilmington and is survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Friday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 12:00 noon. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, October 27th from 3-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations in Joseph’s name may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.