WESTFIELD: Joseph L. Conti, 99 (1916-2015) of Westfield died peacefully Sunday June 14th at Noble Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on March 28, 1916 in Springfield, MA to the late Louis B. and Maria (Fasoli) Conti who immigrated to Springfield from Italy. He graduated from the High School of Commerce and Bay Path Jr. College. Joe served his country with the United States Army during World War II. He worked at Gilbarco for 30 years as an Executive Secretary and served as Union Secretary. He then went to work for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Employment Security, retiring after 11 years of service as Head Interviewer. He was a member of the American Legion Post 124 of Westfield and past member of the West Springfield Chapter of UNICO. He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Westfield and served the City of Westfield as a Water Commissioner. Known as Nonno, he was a devoted grandfather that took pride in his grandsons’ accomplishments. Joe enjoyed vacationing at Hampton Beach, weekend excursions to Hinsdale Racetrack and cooking for his family and friends. He was an avid reader and a lifelong New York Yankee fan. In his later years he enjoyed watching game shows and actively participated as a contestant from his recliner. Joe was married to the late Dorothea N. (Courtney) for 52 years, showing her much love and devotion especially during her later years when she struggled with Alzheimer’s. He leaves his two loving daughters, Mary A. Conti of Weymouth and Joanne M. Fouche and husband Timothy of Westfield. His grandsons, Timothy Fouche and fiancé Linda Rodgers of Boston, Nicholas, Alec and Evan Fouche of Westfield. He also leaves his nephew Felix Conti of Carlisle, and his nieces Brenda Dicken of Rochester, MN and Eloise Laino of Longmeadow along with many of his wife’s nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law Anne Courtney. Joe was pre-deceased by his brother Felix J. Conti and his sister Louise Laino. Joe lived his life guided by the principals of Catholic faith, devoted to his family. He loved and cared for many family members throughout his life especially his brother-in-law Edward Courtney whom he loved like a brother. In turn, the kindness he showed to others came back to him as his daughters, along with home services provided by Aging At Home of Westfield, allowed him to remain in the comfort of his home.
Funeral services will be on Friday June 19, 2015 at 9:30 am from the Robert E Cusack Funeral Home, 94 Main St. A mass of christian burial will be at 10:30 am in St Mary’s Church, Bartlett St. Burial will follow in St Mary’s Cemetery, all in Westfield. Visiting hours are Thursday from 5-8 pm.
Donations in memory of Joseph can be made to The Holyoke Soldiers Home 110 Cherry St. Holyoke MA 01040 or to The Sisters of St. Joseph 577 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104
