Joseph E. Lunetta

Joseph E. Lunetta, "Joe", age 101, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025.
Joe was born in Malden, MA, on October 30, 1923; he was the cherished son of the late Joseph and Antonina (Cannizzaro) Lunetta. Joe was raised and educated in Medford, MA and a graduate of Medford High School with Honors.
Joe enlisted in the United States Army on March 19, 1943, during World War II. He served overseas with the 236th Sign. Service Battalion and was awarded several citations including the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct medal, and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. Joe was honorably discharged on April 24, 1946, and returned home to his family.
Joe married his sweetheart Mary Rose Cavaretta on September 6, 1948; the couple lived in Medford before making their home in Wilmington in 1960. Joe and Mary shared over 67 years together, raised a beautiful family, enjoyed being grandparents, and made countless memories together to be shared for generations to come.
Joe worked hard to provide for his family; prior to retiring he was the Art Director for the Raytheon Company for over 30 years.
Joe will be fondly remembered as a good guy who would do anything for family and friends; he will forever live on in their hearts.
Joe was the beloved husband of the late Mary R. Lunetta (Cavaretta), devoted father of Linda Bandoni and husband Jack of Gloucester, Joseph Lunetta and wife Cathy of Derry, NH, and Richard Lunetta and wife Shirley of Burlington. Loving "Grampy" of Kristina Bandoni, the late Ryan Menize, Jesse Menize, Joseph Lunetta, Sally Lunetta, and Richard Lunetta, dear brother of Frances MacGilvray and her late husband Harold of Medford, the late Carmella Arzilli and her late husband Burt, and the late Waldo Lunetta and his wife Anna formerly of Florida. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, for Visiting Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 4:00-7:00. All are welcome to gather at the Funeral Home on Friday, March 14th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 10:30 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the North Andover VFW, 32 Park St., North Andover, MA 01845.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com