Joseph P. Iosue Sr.

Joseph P. Iosue Sr., "Joe", age 99, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Joe was born on August 22, 1925, in Monacilioni, a small town in Southern Italy. He was the cherished son of the late Louis and Clemintina (Pesce) Iosue. Joe spent his early years in Italy with his mom while his dad returned to America to work and make them a home. In 1929, at the age of four, Joe and his mother boarded the SS Conte Grande in Naples, Italy, and headed to America to join his father. Joe's family settled in Cambridge, MA, where he was raised and educated.
Right out of High School Joe was inducted into the United States Army on February 26, 1944, during World War II. Joe was stationed with the 442nd Ord Heavy Automotive Maintenance Company and sent to serve in Northern France and the Rhineland. Joe served overseas for more than two years as a Staff Sergeant; he had German prisoners working for him and was part of the first armed division which is the oldest and most well-known armed division in the history of the U. S. Army. Joe received several commendations for his service including the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in May of 1946 and returned home to his family in Cambridge.
Joe was a hard worker throughout his life, upon returning home from the war he went to work with his father for the Carpenter's Union Local #51. Joe honed his skills as a carpenter throughout the years and his talent became quite evident. Joe did many projects including the finish work in many churches and cathedrals throughout Boston and was instrumental in laying the parquet floors at the Boston Garden which he was very proud of.
In 1950, Joe's world changed when he met "his sweetheart" Ellie Lynch at a dance; they hit it off and married in 1953. The couple lived in Somerville and Medford for a couple of years before they moved to Wilmington in 1955. Joe again used his talents and skills as he was instrumental in building their family home and then putting on an addition and garage in the following years. Joe also took pride in the outside of his home; he had a green thumb when it came to gardening and his lawn was always meticulous.
Joe and Ellie welcomed two wonderful children Joe Jr. and Sharon; his family was always his priority, and they shared many great times together throughout the years. Joe welcomed his "in-laws" Mary and Phil into the family and was thrilled to become "Grampy" or "Grumpy" to his four grandchildren and his great-grandchildren; they were his pride and joy. Joe's door was always open to family and friends; he loved having everyone together.
Joe also enjoyed traveling with Ellie; the couple enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new people. Some of their more memorable trips included Europe, Italy, Hawaii, but his favorite was Niagra Falls where they celebrated their honeymoon.
Joe will be fondly remembered as a "great guy", a wonderful family man, a good friend and neighbor. He was a hard worker, a proud Veteran, and a man of great faith. Joe would do anything to help anyone and never expected anything in return. He loved his family unconditionally and will forever live on in their hearts.
Joe was the beloved husband of Eleanor L. "Ellie" Iosue (Lynch), devoted father of Joseph P. Iosue Jr. and his wife Mary and Sharon Enos and her husband Phil all of Wilmington. He was the loving "Grampy" of Sara Lane and her husband Joseph of Wilmington, Corey McAuley and her husband Andrew of Tewksbury, Philip Enos Jr. and his wife Kara of Wilmington, Nikki Iosue of Wilmington, and his great-grandchildren Joseph Lane Jr., Emily Lane, Andrew McAuley Jr. "AJ", James McAuley, and Baby Enos. He was the dear brother of the late Louise Iosue.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, January 23rd from 8:30-10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com