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Joseph Cremo Obituary
PORTLAND -- Joseph R. Cremo, 89, went home to Jesus with his wife by his side from the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on April 24, 2011.
He was born in Portland, the son of Antonio and Santa Ciccomancini Cremonese and attended Portland schools, graduating in 1940.
Mr. Cremo was a Marine Corp. Veteran serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict. He married his sweetheart, Lillian Katherine Mulkern in 1946, the same year they were both discharged from the military. Lillian served two years in the Navy.
Joe began serving the people of Portland as a member of the Portland Fire Department in 1950. He was the youngest fire fighter ever to become captain. He became Chief of the Fire Department in 1965, again being one of the youngest who came through the ranks from fire fighter, retiring in 1975. He was also President of the New England Fire Fighters Association.
Joseph was a communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic Church with a large, strong fellowship in their church family. Lillian is very appreciative of all the kindnesses expressed through prayer and support.
Joseph had a passion for music, teaching himself to play guitar, ukulele, banjo, and a little piano too! He loved boating, having spent several summers on his boat, 'Rocme.' Whenever there were family or social gatherings, he always brought one of his instruments for a wonderful Sing-A-Long.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, David. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lillian; his sister, Mrs. Mary Earley; several nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the chapel at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday followed by a 12 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com.
Lillian and her family would like to thank Hospice of Southern Maine for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations are suggested for:
Hospice of Southern Maine
180 Route 1
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Joseph R. Cremo
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Cremo
Jeannine C Pendleton
April 21, 2023
Joe, I hope you found Kenny. I know the two of you have plenty of memories to share. Enjoy your memories together Miss you both very much.
Jeannine Pendleton
April 20, 2022
Hi,Lillian. I often think of you and Joe and all the good times we had. I'm sure that Joe and Kenny came from the same pea pod.Always joking, laughing and loving. On May 16th, it will be 13 years since I lost Kenny. I miss him so very much. Hope you are doing well, as for, me, holding my own. Take care, be safe. Love and Friendship, Jeannine
Jeannine Pendleton
April 20, 2020
My husband Kenneth was a great firefighter friend of Joe. Always had just so much fun at our statewide meetings. My fondest memory of Joe was whenever I walked in a room he would play the song, Jeannine, I Dream of Summer Time on his ukulele; Sadly missed ball.
Phil McGouldrick
April 20, 2019
I'm sure Joe is up in heaven on his piano pounding out Danny boy.
Connie McHale
May 7, 2011
Dear Aunt Lil, I am so very sorry for your loss. Mere words cannot express my sorrow. Love, Connie
Chris & Joe Butor
April 29, 2011
Aunt Lil, you know you are in our prayers, thought the miles are long between us, we are only a call away. Once your ready we will be there.
Love Chris & Joe, Virginia
April 29, 2011
Mac and I have so many wonderful memories of our times with Joe and Lil. Even though I was born in Portland Maine, I saw most of it because Joe took us everywhere when we visited from Va. He will be forever missed. Stay strong Lil, love you, your sister Jan.
p jeffery
April 27, 2011
our deepest sympathy
fred barbara jeffery
portland maine
Mr Bagel
April 27, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to you Lillian! All of us enjoyed getting to know Joe here at Mr bagel. we will miss him so much! let us know if you need anything!
Julie, Shelley, Teri and Patricia
Mike Metcalf
April 27, 2011
Joe was a man's man, and highly respected by all who served under him. I admired him, from the first day in the Portland Fire Dept.
Jennifer Earley Hemingway
April 26, 2011
Aunt Lil
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Joe was such a pleasure to be around and will be missed so much. Love you & see you soon.
Love
Jenn Bud Peter
April 26, 2011
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Portland FF's
April 26, 2011
Lil,
So sorry to read about Joe, we are in Florida. We'll never forget the great times we had at Chiefs meetings with you and Joe and my parents. Joe was always leading us in song or anchoring the cribbage table.We will sorely miss Joe.
Phil and Carole McGouldrick
Albert (Sonny) & Alta (Minervino) Aceto
April 26, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about Joe. His mother & my mother Maria Aceto were great friends that visited each other at least 3 or 4 times a week. She was great company for my Mother later in life, for she was house bound in a wheel chair. They would get great joy out of talking about old time, and bragging about their kids, and their accomplishments. Our sincere sympathy to your family. Sonny & Alta Aceto
April 26, 2011
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Joe. He was loved by all and will be sadly missed. In Love and Friendship, Jeannine(KENNY) Pendleton
Sheila and Christopher Coughlin
April 26, 2011
We will miss your smile and your beautiful spirit Uncle Joe. Aunt Lil, we are right her for you always. Much love Christopher and Sheila
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