Joseph P. DeSisto

WALTHAM — Joseph Philip DeSisto, of Waltham, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 7, 2007, at St. Patrick's Manor in Framingham, after a brief illness. He was 83.

Born on Dec. 1, 1923, in Sayre, Pa., he was the son of the late Pasquale and Nora (Benotti) DeSisto. He attended Waltham Trade School and had been a lifelong Waltham resident and a longtime Dennis homeowner.

Mr. DeSisto was retired from heavy equipment repair. He and his late friend, Pat Geralamo, had operated All-Bright Welding in Brighton for many years and had been employed with Lewis Sheppard Folk Lift Co. in Watertown, then the Lewis Boyle Co. in Waltham and Budweiser Distribution in Medford.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. DeSisto served as a metalsmith second class aboard a Navy destroyer, participating in the South Pacific battles of Bougainville, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. He received a citation from Admiral Nimitz the Commander of the Pacific Fleet, a Navy Commendation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with seven bronze stars, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal.

An active communicant of Sacred Heart Parish in Waltham, he had served the church in many capacities, including as a Eucharistic minister, member of the Holy Name Society and other church guilds.

Mr. DeSisto was well regarded for his craftsmanship in the trades and along with the help of friends built three homes and two boats.

He was predeceased by his son, Joseph P. DeSisto, and his sister, Marianne Muscato.

Mr. DeSisto is survived by his wife of 63 years, Christine (Cusano) DeSisto; a daughter, Claire Anne DeSisto and her husband, Jon Lundquest, of East Dennis; a son, John P. and his wife, Julie Ann DeSisto, of Stow; a sister, Alice Morreale Marlborough; and two brothers, Maurice DeSisto of North Carolina and Albert DeSisto of California. He is also survived by his six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Services will be held on Saturday morning, at 9 a.m., from the Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody St., Waltham, with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Waltham. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Friday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe's memory to the Sacred Heart Parish, 311 River St., Waltham, MA 02453.