An outgoing, family-oriented man who brought life and laughter everywhere he went
WILMINGTON — D. Joseph Unni, 57, of Wilmington and formerly of North Reading, died unexpectedly of a sudden cardiac event, on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
He is survived by his wife Cindy (LaPorte) Unni of Wilmington; his daughters, Hannah and Isabella, his step-son Brian; his brothers, Father John Unni of Saint Cecilia Parish in Boston and Paul Unni and his wife Diane of Pennsylvania, his step-sister Natalie Todaro-Blake of Maine; his niece Paige, and his former wife Patty Unni of Methuen, along with his in-laws Joe and Donna LaPorte, Wendy LaPorte, Richard LaPorte and his wife Judy, Bob LaPorte and his partner Veronica, and Michelle Wronski and her husband Ron. Joe has many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents Frank and Estelle (Plante) Unni.
Joe brought light and laughter everywhere he went. He had an outgoing personality and knew how to talk with people. He was generous with his words, actions and love. He felt deeply connected to people and would do anything he could for someone in need. Joe loved woodworking and was very talented. He loved looking at the wood and seeing what it wanted to be. His custom furniture, bowls and snowmen are his gifts to all that have a piece of them.
His greatest joys were his daughters. They loved looking through old pictures, watching music videos, and sharing memories. He would always dance to Michael Jacksons “Beat It” for Hannah and he would “make the face” anytime Isabella asked him to. He loved them more than anything in the world and they now have a guardian angel watching over them.
Joe shared the last 11 years with his wife Cindy. They shared a great love of music, cooking together, spontaneous dancing in the kitchen, camping, sitting by the fire, and eating out. They were one together.
Joe was a graduate of North Reading High School Class of 1982. He was looking forward to their reunion in November.
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he proudly served at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany. “Lil Joe,” as he was fondly known, made lifelong friends who continued to stay in touch over the years.
We will miss him every day. Sleep with angels.
His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, November 4 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Home Base, 1 Constitution Road, Charlestown, MA 02129, www.homebase.org. To send an online message of condolence please visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com. 
