Joseph Ammaturo

Joseph Ammaturo obituary, Philadelphia, PA

Joseph Ammaturo

Joseph Ammaturo Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Louis C. Galzerano Funeral Home, Inc. - Philadelphia on Feb. 5, 2025.

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph Ammaturo, a devoted father and beloved Nonno. Born on October 5, 1942, in Gioia del Colle, a picturesque town in the City of Bari, Southern Italy, he was the cherished son of the late Francesco and Concetta. At just 12 years old, he embarked on a new journey, immigrating to America with his family in pursuit of the American Dream-a dream he embraced with resilience and hard work.
Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army, defending his country during the Vietnam War. He carried out his duties with unwavering pride, loyalty, and courage, demonstrating a deep commitment to both his fellow soldiers and his nation. His service stands as a testament to his strength of character, selflessness, and dedication to the greater good.
In 1968, alongside his late brother Paul, they opened Paul Joseph Hairstyling. Through unwavering dedication and an unmatched work ethic, the barbershop flourished for nearly 50 years. For Joe, being a barber was never just a job-it was about forging life long friendships. He cherished every moment spent with his customers, always making them feel like family.
Joe's greatest passion outside of work was gardening. An award-winning gardener, he poured his heart into his meticulously maintained terraced garden, growing vibrant flowers and a bountiful vegetable harvest each summer. His green thumb and deep love for nature were reflected in every plant he nurtured, creating a beautiful, flourishing space that brought him immense joy.
For 54 years, Joe was married to the love of his life, Gina. Their love was evident in every kind gesture for each other, but it truly came alive on the dance floor, where Joe's talent and joy for dancing shone brightly. Together, they created a beautiful family, raising three wonderful children: Frank (Lawren), Marc (Luciana), and Laura (Paul), and were blessed with six beloved grandchildren: Antonio (15), Gianluca (14), Eliana (11), Gianna (6), Joseph (4), and Luca (1). Their home was filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family, and Joe's heart was always full when surrounded by those he held most dear. He is also survived by his sister, Marie (John), brother, Tony, sister-in-law, Letizia, and nephew and nieces.
Joe was truly the best father and the most amazing Nonno. His grandchildren brought him endless joy, and nothing brightened their day more than seeing Nonno walk through the door. The love, wisdom, and warmth he gave them will forever be a cherished blessing, a bond that will live on in their hearts forever.
Joe will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in all who were fortunate to know him.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Monday, February 10th from 9:15 to 10:15am at St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. His Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am. Entombment Forest Hills Cemetery.

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March 15, 2025

RONALD BRUCE MOSKOVITZ posted to the memorial.

February 22, 2025

Eric H posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2025

Jay B. posted to the memorial.

RONALD BRUCE MOSKOVITZ

March 15, 2025

Joe was a true gentleman and a Master of his craft. I knew Joe since his days of working with Dave the Barber. He always made sure I looked good when I left the shop . Joe is now in heaven with Frank and his brother Paul. Joe used to cut my father and grandfathers hair. I looked forward to my visits to his shop. A tremendous loss for all Joe's friends and family. Joe started to cut my hair in the late 60's .May he truly RIP

Eric H

February 22, 2025

Joe cut my hair for over 45 years. I considered him a good friend. It was like going to visit a buddy because the conversation always revolved around family and good jokes. He actually came to my house to cut my hair the morning of my bar mitzvah so I would look good for my service. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. God rest his soul.

Jay B.

February 21, 2025

My father and I started at Paul Jospeh in 1968. My father´s appointment was pre written in the book every other Wednesday at 8:30 AM till he passed in 2000. I keep the family tradition until a year ago or so. Joe was a gentleman and a friend. Funny story: So father always said don´t tip the owner as he keeps all the money. So when Joe moved his chair to the beauty shop, I said : Joe I never tipped you because of what my father said, don´t tip the owner and now I need to tip. Joes response; " Your Dad always tipped me and I just thought you were cheap and you owed me thousands! "

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Keith and Vivi Sadel

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Fernando Cavallo

February 9, 2025

Mr. Ammaturo will forever be the quintessential figure of Italian honor and pride for me. My memories of Mr. Ammaturo are intertwined throughout my life story when I was 5 years old as a father to my childhood friend, Frank, and also as a close family friend to my parents, aunt, and uncles. But, as my path with his son Frank parted beyond the corridors of St. Albert the Great School, I continued to see Mr. Ammaturo for regular haircuts during high school, college, graduate school, and into my married life and beyond. It was during those times that Mr. Ammaturo blessed me with sage advice and compassion for my life journey as a young man. He truly embodied the "gentle" in the term gentleman and carried himself with such class that I aspired to be an Italian-American much in his image: soft-spoken, kind, humble, and inspirational. Mr. Ammaturo even blessed me with a book he had written which was full of life-long lessons from the barber's chair, now a posthumous gem. In a somewhat spiritual and blessed phenomenon, I moved down the street from his other son, Mark and his beautiful wife Lucianna, about 13 years ago and was blessed to once again have the Ammaturo family intertwined in my new life with my wife and daughter: a true gift and extension of lifelong friendship and cultural sustenance emanating from a great man- Mr. Ammaturo. It is with great sadness that I must say goodbye to Mr. Ammaturo, who, perhaps without even knowing or trying, served as a GIANT fixture in my lifelong journey from childhood through adulthood on this earth. May he rest in spiritual and heavenly peace and may his family be consoled and uplifted every day by the many lives Mr. Ammaturo touched and inspired.

Anthony Ricciardi

February 7, 2025

Our deepest Sympathy to the Ammaturo family.
Tony and Silvana Ricciardi

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Alex Gurvich

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Elliott Frank

February 7, 2025

I had the honor of knowing Joe for many years. Initially as my barber but shortly thereafter as a dear friend. I have a difficult time writing about him in the past tense. He was one of the most compassionate and loving people I have known. His love of family and work ethic were exemplary and his ability to make you feel comfortable was an invitation for friendship. I will miss our conversations the most. Joe was warm and caring and so proud of his family. He took great pride when speaking about his grandchildren. His life is a Norman Rockwell portrait of the American dream. I am so honored to call Joe Ammaturo a friend. Your legacy does you proud. Rest in peace. Elliott Frank

Dr Michael Meshkov

February 6, 2025

I was a client of Paul and Joe for 40 years, since I was a freshman at Temple Dental School. I always looked at Joe as my friend. At the end of my career, Joe encouraged me to retire and told me all the reasons why I should. I listened to what he said and followed his advice. I am very happy I did. I will miss seeing Joe and talking to him. Condolences to the family.
Dr Michael Meshkov

Single Memorial Tree

Christopher Sacco

Planted Trees

Laura Varano

February 6, 2025

My memory of Joe is that of a very amiable person who enjoyed being and sharing with friends. He also had a love for God which he demonstrated by serving communion every Sunday at Mass. We will miss him. Our love and support to all the family.
Laura and Marianna Varano

Teresa Anoia

February 5, 2025

My deepest sympathies to thé family,
From Térèsa Anoia and family.

Laura Varano

February 5, 2025

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Louis C. Galzerano Funeral Home, Inc. - Philadelphia

9304 Old Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115

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March 15, 2025

RONALD BRUCE MOSKOVITZ posted to the memorial.

February 22, 2025

Eric H posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2025

Jay B. posted to the memorial.