Joseph Panetta

Springfield – Joseph P. Panetta, 89, passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center. Joseph was born in Springfield, son of the late Michael and Katherine (Raschilla) Panetta. Joseph worked many years for the City of Springfield Parks Department before his retirement. Joseph was well known for playing his acoustic guitar and singing side-by-side with his brother Frank Panetta or his friends Jay Contrino or Joe Lucerino. They played many events and private parties; serenading by table side, engaging the crowd. Joe’s smile was infectious. In addition to acoustic guitar he also played the banjo. He appeared on television with a banjo band. Joseph was a disabled veteran from the Korean War. Joseph also enjoyed spending time in the past at the trailer in Westerly, Rhode Island for New England summers and his condo in Boca Raton, Florida for his New England winters.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife Ann E. (Gorgoglione) Panetta in 2018. Joseph leaves a daughter Mary Kay Vear and her husband Robert of Springfield, granddaughters Christina Walter and Kara Lemay; three great-grandchildren, Jayden Walter, Alivia Lemay, ad Matthew Lemay; his sister Florence Rondonelli of East Longmeadow, his brother Frank Panetta of Hampden, sisters-in-law Connie Garcia and Toni Garreffi both of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed very much by niece Michele.

Services for Joseph are Thursday, September 16, 2021 beginning with visiting hours from 8:00am-9:00am at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation on 220 N. Main Street in East Longmeadow; with a funeral procession to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for 10:00am Liturgy of Christian Burial, and burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Camel Church 123 William St, Springfield MA 01105 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. To leave an online message for the family or for more information, please visit www.forastiere.com.