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BORN
1932
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Sorrentino Obituary
He was born in Pittsfield on July 30, 1932, the son of Alphonso and Santa Messina Sorrentino. He was a 1952 graduate of Lee High School where he was a standout basketball and baseball athlete, being a part of championship teams.
Joe started his cooking career during High School, where he was a cook at the former Rossi's Restaurant in Lee. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was first cook, achieving the rank of Corporal. In 1955, after he left the Army, he bought a diner in Lee, renamed it Joe's Diner, which he owned and operated as a family business until retiring in 2000. On July 14th, 1956 he married his hometown sweetheart, Theresa Roy. He was a member of the Lee Chamber of Commerce (where a scholarship is named in his honor), Sons of Italy, Greenock Country Club, and the American Legion. He enjoyed going on cruises and traveled to Italy to meet some of his family. Joe enjoyed watching the Yankees, Patriots and Celtics. A special joy was spending time with his family and friends at their cottage on Greenwater Pond. Pride was taken in mowing his lawn, which he did until the end.
Joe is survived by his wife, Theresa of 64 years; one daughter and six sons: Deborah Long and her husband George of Stratham New Hampshire, Joseph Sorrentino Jr. and his wife Becky of Stockbridge, Michael Sorrentino and his wife Fran of Lenox, Frank Sorrentino and his wife Alda of Lee, Robert Sorrentino of NYC, Samuel Sorrentino and his wife Mary of Lee, and Peter Sorrentino and his partner Jodi of Lee; 10 grandchildren: Tess, Anne and her husband Tim, Ellen and her husband Anthony, Michael Jr, Ben and his partner Sarah, Jenny and her husband Alex, Zach and his wife Samantha, Joseph, Magdalena, Emma; four great grandchildren: TJ, Kaylee, Patrick and Grace, as well as one more on the way; his nephew Raymond Millard of Pittsfield; and many fond extended family.
He is predeceased by his parents Alphonso and Santa; a sister, Virginia Millard and her husband Raymond.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Oct 2nd, at St. Mary's Church in Lee. Due to seating limitations, the family welcomes you to the burial service at St. Mary's Cemetery at 11 AM. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-6 PM at the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee.
Face masks and social distancing will be required for the Visiting Hours. We ask that people enter through the Main Street entrance in the front of the building and exit through our parking lot door.
Friends wishing to make donations in Joe's memory can do so to Hospice Care in the Berkshires or to St. Mary's Church in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home 3 Main Street Lee, MA 01238.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Sorrentino
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Clark Pyewell
October 25, 2020
I drive a Charter Bus, and I used to get up that way once a year with a group. Joe always got a kick out of the fact that I got my bus backed into his little parking area across the street. When I walked in and found a seat at the counter, he came over to say Hi and asked if I wanted the usual. He remembered my order every year perfectly! So sorry for your loss.
RoAnn
October 5, 2020
Dear Rob and the entire family,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May you find some comfort in the many wonderful memories you all share. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this time. RoAnn Vecchia-Wendling
Paul and Nancy Porter
October 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeff Stevenson
October 3, 2020
Mike and Joe,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Lots of fun times in his diner. He will surely be missed by many. I know Crosby loved playing Sr. golf with him over the years.
Blessing to you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff Stevenson '77
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The Warrington’s
October 3, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Joe’s Diner had the best breakfast and lunch in South County.
Mill Worker
October 2, 2020
Nothing but good thoughts when thinking about Joe, and a western on Vienna. Certainly a man a family could and can be proud of. Will always smile when thinking of Joe.
Missy and Phil Celentano
October 2, 2020
Joe was always so friendly to my wife and I from the day we first met him 26 years ago. He even gave our young nephew a summer job when he would come up from Long Island and taught him the value of hard work which he carries with him to this day.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Bill & Sheila Delsoldato
October 2, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joanne Thompson
October 1, 2020
Joe was my mentor. He taught me so much about business and always had my back.
He believed in me,my family , and our business endeavors and was a huge support. And he was that way to an entire community. A beautiful human being.
Richard A. DeFazio
October 1, 2020
Looking into a persons eyes, tells you a lot!
A persons eyes tells you what's in their soul.
Upon first meeting Joe, you couldn't help but like him.
He always had time to look you in the eye and listen to you, no matter how busy he was.
He leaves a great family and a great legacy.
The world needs more Joe Sorrentino's!!!
Andy Hutchinson
October 1, 2020
Condolences to Joe's family and friends. The diner was part of many of our growing up. Joe, his family, and the diner were centerpieces of the community, for both Lee and Lenox. Thank you for all the great food, conversations and laughter.
Al Gomes
October 1, 2020
Met Joe many times over the years usually while I was with my uncle Tony Bona. Always had some good laughs together. Joe always use to say before parting ways, say hello to your mom and dad for me. Then my uncle would proceed to tell me his favorite stories about the two of them growing up together, lots of laughs. The last time we spoke was at my moms funeral and the look in his eyes said it all. My prayers are with your family Joe, God Bless
Lenox Police Department
October 1, 2020
Please accept our condolences.
Jason E Morrison
September 30, 2020
It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to Joe. Much love to the Sorrentino family. You will be missed very much.
Jeffrey N Cohen
September 30, 2020
What a wonderful, accomplished man, one of Lee's historic icons ! I will miss him...and his stories.
Terry Gaherty
September 30, 2020
Dear Sorrentino Family: So sorry to learn of Joe's passing. What a terrible loss for all of you and all who knew him. Sympathy and prayers for all, Terry Gaherty
Gary Lagarce
September 30, 2020
Dear Sorrentino Family, so very sorry for your loss. Everyone knew and loved Joe. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark Bruno
September 30, 2020
Sorrentino family,
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Joe was a great guy, and Joe’s Diner was a Lee landmark. I worked at Schweitzer’s for 10 years, and lived in Lee for a few years, and I had a charge account at Joe’s Diner. I ate there almost everyday, and the ham on Vienna bread, on Saturday’s was the best sandwich around.
Joe was generous, kind, and just a great guy.
You will be missed, but never forgotten, for all you’ve done, for so many people, and your hometown of Lee.
He greeted everyone at the diner as if they were family, and so many became forever customers because of Joe’s personality and great food at a great price.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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