Joseph DiPrima Obituary
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Cataudella Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.
Joseph R. DiPrima, age 92, passed away peacefully in the loving comfort of his home. Born on January 5, 1933, in Lawrence, MA, to a devoted Italian family, he was the son of the late Giovanni and Angelina (Barbagello) DiPrima.
Joe earned his GED through the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Miller (DD-535) in the 1950s, receiving a National Defense Service Medal. After his service, he returned home to begin the chapter he treasured most, building a family with the love of his life, Mary. Together, they raised four children and shared 67 beautiful years of marriage. After Mary's passing in 2023, Joe filled his days and nights with music, especially the love songs they cherished together. Those melodies became his way of keeping her close, a tender soundtrack to a lifetime of devotion.
Joe went on to build a distinguished career with John Hancock, where he worked for 35 years, earning the Golden Handshake Award at age 56 and later being inducted into the John Hancock Hall of Fame, accomplishments he remained deeply proud of. He later founded his own successful financial advisory business, which he ran until his retirement.
A true sportsman at heart, Joe found joy in every game he played. He cherished the laughter and friendly competition of golf, pool, and horseshoes with family and friends, and he embraced running as his own personal passion. He was a dedicated runner well into his later years, and when he could no longer run, he became an enthusiastic speed walker, whether at home or in the homes of his children. One of his proudest athletic achievements was completing the Boston Marathon at age 49. Joe also had a special fondness for card games, especially SCAT, and treasured the many moments spent playing with his sister Aggie, family, and friends. He was also a lifelong member of the Sons of Italy, a community that reflected his heritage and meant so much to him.
In his retirement, Joe found his greatest joy in the time spent with his friends, sister, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories they will forever hold close.
He is predeceased by his devoted and beloved wife, Mary (Incropera) DiPrima, who passed away in 2023. Joe leaves behind his son, John DiPrima of Salem, NH; his daughter Jeanna Getchell and her partner, Ricky Bennett, of Salem, NH; and his daughter Pamela Alexandrou of Portsmouth, NH. He was also predeceased by his son, Joseph DiPrima. He is survived by his sister, Agnes (Aggie) Cerullo, and his sister-in-law, Angie, and her husband, Duane Lasley. He was also predeceased by his brother,
Dominic DiPrima, and his wife, Rose; his sister, Millie, and her husband, Sylvio Buco; and his brother-in-law, Frank Incropera, and his wife, Barbara.
He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Greg Getchell and his fiancée, Morgan Kelley, of Salem, NH; Stephen Getchell of Windham, NH; Brennan Getchell and his wife, Kristina, of Hudson, NH; Peter Alexandrou and his wife, Laura, of Salem, NH; Nicole Alexandrou of Hampton, NH; and Joseph Alexandrou of Salem, NH, who is currently serving in the Navy. He also leaves behind his precious great-grandchildren: Nash, Landon, Mia, Tripp, Alex, Luca, Kai, and Wes. Joe is additionally survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Granite United Church, 1 Sand Hill Road, Salem, NH. Doors will open at 2:30 PM for those who wish to arrive early to pay their respects.
Graveside burial will be held privately at a later date.