Published in the February 2, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Joseph “Joe” Louis Ippolito Jr., 89, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018 surrounded by his family at his home for the past 53 years in Melrose.
Joseph is predeceased by his younger sister Jane Ippolito. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Rita Porzio Ippolito, two children, his daughter, Jane Murray and her husband John, and his son, Joseph Ippolito and his wife Mary. Joe has five granddaughters or “beavers” as he liked to call them, Jenna Murray, Jessica Ippolito, Gina Ippolito, Joanna Murray, and Jacquelyn Murray.
Joseph Louis Ippolito Jr. was born on March 30, 1928 in Medford. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served during World War II. After his time in the Navy, Joe attended Boston College. He graduated from BC in 1952 and was a proud alumnus. After graduating, getting married, and starting a family, Joe was an educator in the Boston Public Schools for 40 years. He retired from the Boston Public Schools in 1993 with the title Headmaster Emeritus. He was a lover of cooking, reading, sports (especially baseball), and history. However, his first and most important love was his family and friends. Joe was the dictionary definition of a “family man.” Being surrounded by family, friends, and food was Joe’s nirvana. It is what he lived for. He will be greatly missed.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home was on Thursday, Feb. 1, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial with military honors at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Mary’s of the Annunciation School, 4 Myrtle Street Melrose, MA 02176. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.
