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161 Commonwealth Avenue
North Attleboro, Massachusetts
Joseph Del Sesto Obituary
Born in Providence on July 21, 1935, he was a son of the late Joseph P. and Lelia (Jackvony) Del Sesto. He resided in Providence and Cranston before moving to South Attleboro in 1967.
He attended URI and Johnson & Wales College. He starred in baseball and basketball for St. Bartholomew in the Providence CYO League in the early '50s. He went on to play varsity baseball for Classical and Mount Pleasant High Schools and played freshman baseball while at URI.
He was a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
Col. Del Sesto was a self-employed structural steel detailer, estimator and consultant. He previously worked as a project manager, chief draftsman and estimator for several local steel fabricators and steel erection firms.
He served in the R.I. National Guard and active Army for 39 years, serving in several assignments as company commander, battalion commander on three occasions, deputy brigade commander of the 43rd Military Police Brigade and Inspector General of the R.I. National Guard. Col. Del Sesto was the commander of the 115th Military Police Company that was mobilized in 1968 as a result of the famous 'Pueblo Incident' involving North Korea. The unit was sent to West Point for 19 months. Col. Del Sesto, along with several other members of the unit, volunteered for duty in the Republic of Vietnam and spent most of 1969 in that country.
Among his many awards and decorations were the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Rhode Island Star on two occasions, the Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals.
He was a member of the R.I. Military Academy Hall of Fame, the MP Regimental Order of St. George, the Artillery Order of St. Barbara, the South Attleboro Lions, the South Attleboro American Legion, the Somerset Amvets and the Providence Marine Corps of Artillery.
Col. Del Sesto was the past President of the R.I. National Guard Association.
In addition to his wife of 39 years, he leaves five sons: Joseph A. of Cranston; Gino J. of London, England; Rico E. of Los Alamos, NM; Deno F. of Lexington; and Julio G. of Keene, NH; two daughters: Lori of Cranston and Robin Farceau of Cranston; seven grandchildren, including Ashley Del Sesto of Cranston and two new ones this year - Emiliana of Lexington and Lilia of Keene, NH.
Visitation with Veteran's Honors on Thursday from 4:00-8:00 PM in the 'Memorial Chapel' of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), North Attleboro.
Funeral with Veteran's Honors on Friday at 8:30 AM from the 'Memorial Chapel' of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, Baltic Street, South.
Burial with full military honors will follow in Newell Burying Ground, South Attleboro.
Memorial donations may be made to the Early Intervention Program at the Kennedy-Donovan Center, 25 Forest Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Del Sesto
Nancie LeBlanc
September 30, 2008
Joe My heart is with you at this difficult time.
Andrew Mitchell
September 26, 2008
To the DelSesto family:
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. DelSesto. I wish you all peace and comfort in this difficult time. Mr. DelSesto (as I always called him) was a legendary character and I will always have great memories of him and his generous spirit. He was the life of those superbowl parties.
Be well.
Your friend,
Eric Prive
September 25, 2008
Best wishes to the entire family during this trying time. Just wanted you to know that we're thinking of you here at DiPrete Engineering. All the best.
Bill & Janis Corsair
September 24, 2008
Tough when he had to be, decisive and informed as a leader, fearless as a warrior, generous as a friend and always a patriot. Caring Son, Husband and Father and an inspiration to all who knew him. When a substantial percentage of his Company, the activated 115th MP Company (RING), were given orders to Vietnam, from their base assignment at the United States Military Academy, West Point, and were assigned all over that war torn country, to different celebrated combat Divisions, he volunteered, along with several other Officers and NCO's to serve in the RVN also. He felt it was the right thing to do; to be with his men. And so he joined with them and voluntarily “marched toward the sound of the guns”.
We'll not see his like again and the state of Rhode Island and this Country can ill afford the loss of such men.
It was an honor to know him, serve with him and, above all, call him friend. He is another of the unsung heroes of the Vietnam War, from that small band of brothers, The 115th MP Company, who has passed on to a long awaited "Welcome Home". When the last of us is gone, who will speak the truth of our victory on the ground, in South East Asia, to academia, Hollywood and their fellow travelers?
Our condolences to his sons and daughters, grandchildren and our dear friend, Maddie.
Always in our hearts and prayers,
Bill & Janis Corsair (McGroarty) NYC
September 22, 2008
Julio and Family -
I am still shocked and saddened at your Dad's passing. I did not know how accomplished he was in the military or in his career. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts at this time.
Gloria Lodge, Keene State
Bill & Janis Corsair
September 22, 2008
Tough when he had to be, decisive and informed as a leader, fearless as a warrior, generous as a friend and always a patriot. Caring Son, Husband and Father and an inspiration to all who knew him. When a substantial percentage of his Company, the activated 115th MP Company (RING), were given orders to Vietnam, from their base assignment at the United States Military Academy, West Point, and were assigned all over that war torn country, to different celebrated combat Divisions, he volunteered, along with several other Officers and NCO's to serve in the RVN also. He felt it was the right thing to do; to be with his men. And so he joined with them and voluntarily “marched toward the sound of the guns”.
We'll not see his like again and the state of Rhode Island and this Country can ill afford the loss of such men.
It was an honor to know him, serve with him and, above all, call him friend. He is another of the unsung heroes of the Vietnam War, from that small band of brothers, The 115th MP Company, who has passed on to a long awaited "Welcome Home". When the last of us is gone, who will speak the truth of our victory on the ground, in South East Asia, to academia, Hollywood and their fellow travelers?
Our condolences to his sons and daughters, grandchildren and our dear friend, Maddie.
Always in our hearts and prayers,
Bill & Janis Corsair (McGroarty) NYC
1SG (Ret) Raymond & Signe (Moreau) Cooper
September 19, 2008
Dear Mad & Family, Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Joe was Ray's CO at West Point. His "Take No Prisoner" attitude was
legendary. May Peace Be With All of You.
David Grist
September 19, 2008
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you, Maddie, and the whole family.
God Bless you all.
A former schoolmate from Providence.
Nicholi Ibello
September 19, 2008
To Madeline and the boys,
Joe will very much be missed. Its amazing how the years pass by and during that time you don't realize how much people really do mean to you.
It was so beautiful to find out what a devotion Joe had to our Blessed Mother. I will pray each day to our Blessed Mother for her intercession during this difficult time for all of you that Our Lady may bring comfort to you now that Joe is safely home.
Love, Nicholi
Jeff Dee
September 19, 2008
Deno and Family - I am sorry to hear about your father. My sincere condolensces to you and your entire family. Your father was a great person and someone I will always remember with fondness. In reading his obituary, he had a full life of accomplishments that you and your family can be proud of.
Of course, I'll also never forget his famous need for a sausage sub from the St. A's Pub! I will miss him. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Jeff
Kimberly Conroy Borans
September 18, 2008
Dear Gino and Family,
Your dad will be missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
mahy and charlie
September 18, 2008
Dear Deno and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Charlie Knowles
September 18, 2008
When I ponder the 30+ years I spent in uniform, I know that it provided me with my own personal pantheon of heroes – those who exemplify the true concepts of duty, honor and integrity. Colonel Joe DelSesto is, was, and remains one of those men.
I never understood why his numerous subordinates so often sang his praises until I finally served under him. In less than one day, I was totally captured by his gruff honesty and genuine concern for his troops. I shall miss the raspy growl of his voice and the kind heart he tried so unsuccessfully to camouflage. He was a true leader and we shall seldom see his like again. To have known him was a blessing to both his family and friends. His passing shall leave a void which shall not be filled.
Domenic & Linda Giorgianni
September 18, 2008
Dear Maddie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing.He was a true and loyal friend to our family.May God bless and comfort you.
John Gledhill
September 18, 2008
Gino and family-
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your dad was truly a great man.
Joe Giorgianni and Family
September 17, 2008
Dear Maddie and Family,
We are sorry to hear of Joe's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of a Great American.
Peter and Christina Giorgianni
September 17, 2008
Dear Maddie and family,
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Anthony and Gina
September 17, 2008
Dear Maddie and family,
We are so sorry to hear the news of Joe passing away. Since we are away we are not able to be there for you. Our hearts are very sad, we lost a great friend. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Love and peace,
Dawn Marie Hefron
September 17, 2008
Dear Deno,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
LTC (R) David Rothman
September 17, 2008
Maddie and the Del Sesto Family,
Joe was a unique individual. As a member of his command at West Point he led, inspired, motivated and educated all his military family to do their best at all times. He was my mentor and I so appreciated his guidance and kindness. He will be missed by me and many others. May God rest his soul.
matthew freeman
September 17, 2008
Gino:
Joe was a special guy, and I am sorry for your loss. He always had nice things to say to me, and was always a truly proud, supportive, and loyal man. I enjoyed the times spent talking with him and reminiscing about his and our 'good old days'.
September 17, 2008
TO MADDY & FAMILY. SO SORRY TO READ ABOUT JOE. HAVE MANY GOOD MEMORIES OF WORKING WITH JOE AT PROVIDENCE STEEL. GOD BLESS LEE LOFFLER, BAREFOOT BAY, FL.
CSM (Ret) Peter HM Todd
September 17, 2008
To Maddy and Family,
Col Joe was a great guy, true soldier and good friend. I always treasure the many good times and warm memories of him. My prayers are with you and the family.
Ann Bouley
September 17, 2008
As sick as Joe was, I thought sure he'd always be there to attempt to rip my face off. That was one of his favorite things to say to me no matter if we were on duty or off duty. I will miss him.
Bob Antonelli
September 17, 2008
Dear Maddie,
I don't believe we have met, but I have known the Colonel for many years. The NG should have had officers like Joe, he was one of a kind. Joe will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
MSG,(Ret)
Debbie D'Andrea
September 17, 2008
Dear Deno,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Matt Grew
September 17, 2008
Deno and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick Snell
September 17, 2008
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Our sympathy to all your family. Dick & Betty Snell
MSG (Ret) Debra Groves
Debbie Groves
September 17, 2008
Maddie & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Joe was such a good friend of ours. We will miss him dearly. We will keep you, your family and especially Joe in our daily prayers.
Stephen Kelley
September 17, 2008
Joe,
Your military career exemplified the attributes of loyalty, integrity and tenacity. Your love of and sincere concern for soldiers was demonstrated consistently as you executed the responsibilities of a Commander and Inspector General. You inspired many of us who had the privilege to serve with you. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Maddie, Barbara and I offer our sincere sympathy at the passing of Joe. The personal courage that you have exhibited in the face adversity is inspiring and a manifestation of your love for Joe and your sons.
LTC Leo McCloskey
September 17, 2008
COL Del Sesto was a great soldier and always a good advisor. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Ronad and Lynn Mathieu
September 17, 2008
Our hearts are breaking with sadness as the loss of such a wonderful man, mentor and friend.
The Staff of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home & Cremation Services
September 17, 2008
Our thoughts remain with you and your family at this time. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
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