WESTFIELD – Joseph Francis Pescitelli, Jr., a long-time resident of Westfield MA, passed away on November 28th, 2023. He was born in Springfield MA on May 11th, 1952. After graduating from Westfield High School in 1970, he earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College in Winooski VT in 1974. He taught history at Westfield, Agawam, and Southwick High Schools before working for many years at Westfield City Hall in the Community Development Department.
Joe always had a great passion for basketball and after playing for Westfield in his younger days, he went on to coach the freshmen boys’ basketball team at Westfield High for many years. Joe continued his love for basketball as a prestigious NCAA Basketball Division I official, even refereeing the Sweet 16 Kentucky vs. St. Bonaventure game in 2000, one of his most notable achievements.
After his retirement, Joe moved to New York City where he decided to teach once again. Joe loved the City of New York and had a tradition of going to the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and sharing it with his sons and grandchildren. He loved celebrating his Italian heritage and frequently entertained family and friends singing his favorite Frank Sinatra songs.
Joe is survived by his three sons, Andrew (Larisa) of South Carolina and Joseph (Becca) and Matthew of Westfield; his former wife, Jeannie Fallon Pescitelli of Westfield; and three grandchildren, Colleen, Jaxson and Harper Pescitelli, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his twin brother, Francis, his sister Juanita, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Sadly, Joe was predeceased by his beloved son, Nicholas, and his parents, Joseph and Teresa Pescitelli.
Joe will be remembered and celebrated on Thursday, December 7th in Westfield. Visitation hours will be held from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Home on Broad Street, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12:00 at St. Mary’s Church on East Bartlett Street with burial services immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Southampton Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Joseph F. Pescitelli, Jr. to CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 382, Westfield, MA 01086 or online at csfwestfield.dollarsforscholars.org. Firtionadams.com
