A man with a big heart, perpetual smile and sense of humor
PEABODY — Joseph Ingemi, Sr., 85, resident of Peabody, and formerly of Melrose, passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.
Born in Salem on March 19, 1936, Joe was one of two children of the late Carlo and Concetta (Puleo) Ingemi. He grew up in Salem and graduated from Salem High School. He joined the Navy at 17 years old and served his country during the Korean War. He studied hard and earned the rating of radioman third class. He was exceptionally proud of his service. After his return stateside, he met and married his beloved Nancy on September 20, 1958 and started a family.
Joe had a great technical mind which served him well in the Navy and provided a natural path into his post-service roles at Raytheon and Metcom. His interest in technology provided the motivation to attend night school and graduate with an Engineering Degree from Franklin Technical Institute and later attend Northeastern University.
Joe had a strong work ethic, developed in his early days as a paperboy, helping his grandfather at his barbershop, working in the leather factory, and later as a laborer on construction sites.
Armed with those qualities, Joe, together with Nancy, established CerTech in Salem, later changing names to Ceramic-to-Metal Seals, Inc., which his son Stephen still owns and operates into its 50th year. Joe loved his work and was proud to be able to provide for his family.
When not at work, Joe happily volunteered at the hospital, at the Melrose YMCA, and served terms as Presidents of the Christopher Columbus Club of Salem and later of Bellevue Golf Club of Melrose.
Family and friends were the most important things in Joe’s life. His roots were in Salem, and he maintained those close friendships throughout his life. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and was very active in the lives of all his family.
Joe would often be seen riding around in any of his many convertibles over the years, top down, on his way to work, then to the course for a round of golf, followed by a swing by the beach for a quick swim, a slice of pizza and a chocolate ice cream cone.
Joe loved traveling with Nancy, especially to Italy, to numerous Patriots road games, on countless golf trips or to visit family. They were passionate about sports, holding season tickets for the Plunkett-era Patriots, the Bird-led Celtics, the Pedro-Papi-era Red Sox, and attended every game, match, and recital for their five sons and their 12 grandchildren.
Joe had an early passion for jazz which he later shared with Nancy and their boys. He also was a serious movie buff and always left an open seat for anyone willing to join him in watching any of his many favorite “flicks.”
Joe’s big heart, perpetual smile, and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
Joe was the beloved husband of the late Nancy A. (Corvino) Ingemi with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Devoted father of Joseph Ingemi and his wife, Mary, of Malden; Robert F. Ingemi and Amy Lima of Saugus; Stephen Ingemi and his wife, Kathleen, of Hamilton; Peter J. Ingemi and his wife, Lori, of Prospect, KY; and David R. Ingemi and his wife, Abby, of Melrose. Dear brother of the late Joanne VanDell. Cherished grandfather of Troy, Lucas, Autumn, Lucia, Ruby, Tyler, Peter John, Nicholas, Joseph, Olivia, Sophia, and Nicholas, and great grandfather of Mia and Cecilia. Also survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor of Joseph’s life during visiting hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Jan. 4 from 3-8 p.m. (masks required), and again on Wednesday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose for his funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. (masks required). Interment with Honors by the U.S. Navy in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Joe’s memory. For online tribute or directions visit www.robinsonfuneralhome.com. 
