Joseph Vito Titone Jr.

SEABROOK BEACH - The nation lost another patriot from its greatest generation when Ret. Army Major Joseph Vito Titone, Jr., 100, of Seabrook, N.H. formerly of Lawrence, Mass., and St. Petersburg, Fla., passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 4, 2018.

Born on September 5, 1917 in Lawrence, Mass., to the late Joseph and Nunzia (Larosa) Titone, he started his lifelong military career in 1943 serving in World War II in the 106th Infantry Division rising to the ranks of Major before his retirement from the Army Reserve. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, two battle stars, European Theatre and American Defense Ribbons, and the Occupational Medal. He was very proud of his service to his country and was even once invited to be the Grand Marshall in the Lawrence, Mass., Memorial Day Parade.

Joe married Olga (Savinelli) Titone in 1941 and began 70 years of marriage together until her death in 2012. They enjoyed traveling the world, Caribbean cruises and especially visiting family in Italy.

Family was everything to Joe and there was nothing he loved more than having his family around him. The Italian feasts his wife Olga cooked were legendary and the house was often overflowing with family and friends. There were always competitive card games of 45's after dinner and Joe could still beat everyone at the table, even at 100 years old. He tended to an amazing vegetable garden every year that always had abundant results, no matter the weather. He enjoyed keeping up with politics and was active in local Lawrence politics and community affairs.

Thoroughbred horse racing was a passion for Joe throughout his life; he was an owner of several race horses through the years, racing the New England circuit as well as Tampa Bay Downs. Saratoga Springs during the summer racing meet was a favorite destination.

On the occasion of his 100th birthday, his family surprised him with a party attended by many friends and family. It was a great celebration filled with laughter and shared memories. The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice Care and Amedisys VNA in particular Tracy, Tonya and Tanya for their compassion and care of Joe in his final days.

He is survived by his children, Joseph Titone and his wife Julie, Francis Titone, James Titone and his partner Jane Winn, and Marie Titone; daughter-in-law Gloria Titone; his eight grandchildren, Tammy Foster and her husband Robert, Jo-Ann Bellavance, Joseph Titone, Michael Titone, Angela Scanlon and her husband Jason, Jeffrey Titone, Tania Philbrook and her husband John, and Jonathan Titone and his wife Emily, as well as his 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Dominic Titone and daughters-in-law, Charlene Titone and Maryan Sullivan.

SERVICES: All arrangements will be private at Joseph's request. Donations in Joe's memory may be made to the Veterans Legacy Initiative, 331 High St., Newburyport, MA 01950. www.veteranslegacyinitiative.org.