Architect who helped hundreds design and build their dream homes
ATHOL — Joseph Saia, Jr., 93 of Athol, formerly of North Reading, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at The Highlands in Fitchburg.
Joseph, born November 30, 1930 in Arlington to Joseph Sr. of Parma, Italy and Olive (Hopkins) of Goose Green,Vermont, was the oldest of six children. He grew up in Hanover, N.H. and attended Hanover High School (Class of 1949) where he met the love of his life, Winnifred Mae Delmege.
After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Joseph came home to marry Winnie in August of 1953 and they then moved to Malden. They worked together to build their new life…Winnie working full time as Joseph attended Boston Architectural Center while working for Springhall Architectural Company. And eventually, with the mentorship of Mr. Springhall, Joseph received his architectural license and put out his own shingle as a self-employed architect.
He worked for 60 years operating Joseph Saia Architect, helping hundreds of families design and build their dream homes. He also worked with numerous local contractors, commercial builders, and even consulted on the engineering design for a custom home that was a replica of Monticello which earned him a write up in Boston Magazine.
In North Reading, he was a member of the North Reading Lions Club, ran for town selectman, and supported his wife in her work with the North Reading Historical Society. In Athol, he became a member of the American Legion Post #102.
Joseph’s favorite hobbies were creating miniature replica buildings and landscapes for his model trains, reading old time western novels, and fishing with his grandson.
Joseph was what is currently known as a “girl daddy” and his love for “his Winnie,” his two daughters, and his grandson are the accomplishments he would most want to be remembered for.
Joseph is survived by those daughters, Paula Materas and her husband Kevin of Athol and Pamela Palm and her husband John of Otis, and his grandson, Benjamin Roberts and his wife Maria Luisa of Rockville, Maryland, as well as several nieces and nephews.
During his wife’s illness and his own later life medical needs, Joe had many wonderful people helping along the way that he would like to acknowledge and thank very much. There are far too many to name here but they all know who they are.
To honor Joseph’s memory we invite all who knew him to share their memories and photos on his memorial page.
Services will be simple and private just like Winnie and Joe. But take comfort in knowing that they are at last together again forever.
Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, Orange, is assisting with Joseph’s arrangements. Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com/obituaries.
