Dr. Joseph Bartholomew Addante

Dr. Joseph B. Addante; 90

FITCHBURG -- Dr. Joseph Bartholomew Addante, 90, died peacefully in the company of his family at HealthAlliance Leominster Hospital on March 6.

He was born in Fitchburg on August 25, 1926, son of Giuseppe and Annantonia (Berardi) Addante. He was the proud son of Italian immigrants, forever a home town boy and an ambassador for his profession. A true-blue Bernardian, he credited the Sisters of the Presentation with instilling in him the discipline and development of fundamental skills required for academic pursuits. This and his enduring curiosity enriched his long life. The following merely highlight some of the many things he did in his 90 years.

He served the US Army Air Corps Army of Occupation in Peiping, China in 1945. Grateful for the G.I. Bill and forever extolling its value for having provided the opportunity for education for a whole generation, he resumed his education at Fitchburg State and Temple University where he graduated from Chiropody School in 1953.

He returned to Fitchburg to practice and delighted in knowing networks of families and caring for patients across several generations. He was instrumental in the evolution of the profession of podiatry both politically and educationally. He was president of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society, a member of the board of trustees of the American Podiatry Association, a member of the Council on Podiatry Education (the accrediting body for podiatry colleges) and a member of the board of trustees of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He encouraged, trained, challenged and inspired many students, externs, and residents.

Joe was a lifelong member of the parish of St. Anthony of Padua and was engaged in many social and cultural institutions and events. Always ready for a party he was a member of the Fay Club for 50 years. He enjoyed many exhibitions and supported the Fitchburg Art Museum by membership. He joined the Exchange Club then Rotary Club, serving the community, recruiting members, and having fun! He served on the Fitchburg Board of Health for many terms. In recent years, he served on the board for the Center for Italian Culture where he was the unofficial local historian. Most recently, he volunteered at the Fitchburg Historical Society sharing local historical facts and colorful stories.

He enjoyed a wide range of interests, was a self-proclaimed news junkie, and held an opinion on virtually everything and was willing to share it. His life was fascinating and pleasurable with the company of an extraordinary group of people and cherished friendships. He missed many he loved but he often recounted the relationships, experiences and adventures of the past with gratitude.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Annelisa Addante and her husband, Rick Brown of Bolton; his grandson and namesake, Joseph B. Addante, III and his wife, Lauren of Quincy; his grandson, Ensign Maxwell Brown of Honolulu, HI; his loving sister, Rosaria Taft of Fairfield, CT; and his former daughters-in-law, Sylvia Banville of Westminster, and Anita Genco of NYC. There is also a small, but cherished circle of cousins, nieces, and nephews living here and in Italy.

He was predeceased by his wife and sweetheart, Alice (Baldarelli) Addante in 2015 after 63 years of marriage, and his beloved sons, Bart and Jay in 1997, and his supportive and inspirational sister, Mary in 1986.

The family wishes to thank the folks at The Gables for all of their assistance and the staff at Leominster Hospital for care of extraordinary compassion and kindness.

ADDANTE -- A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 11 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 84 Salem St., Fitchburg. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 10 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli and Fitchburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 243 Water St., Fitchburg, 978-345-4151. Contributions in Joe's memory may be made to: The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 99 Church St., Leominster, MA 01453 or may be left at the funeral home.

See www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net for further information. John F. Masciarelli and Walter C. Taylor, Funeral Directors.