Joseph Destadio

Joseph, known to all as “Joe” or “Joe D” proudly hailed as Italian descent, 87 years of age, passed away from a long term illness in his home as per his expressed wishes, lovingly cared for by his niece, Debra Letellier Auvinen, and Care Central VNA & Hospice.

He resided at 15 – 3 Jays Road in Ashburnham, MA since 1975. He was born and raised in Brooklyn New York by his Mother Lena (Balzano) DeStadio-Teroni, an immigrant of Naples, Italy. Joe’s father, Giorgio (George) DeStadio, who was a tailor, passed away unexpectedly at an early age.

Joe, was predeceased by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Doris “Dottie” – Girouard after a brief illness (11/19/2019); a son, Stevie DeStadio (7/15/2003), his beloved mama Lena (3/28/1969), his brothers and sisters: August (Auggie), Nicholina (Nicky) Calone, George, Julia (DeMarco), Dominique, Jennie (Foster) and Theresa (Melascaglia).

Joe is survived by his three children, Joseph J DeStadio Jr., of Winchendon, (Wife Kathy and their two sons); Scott J. DeStadio of Athol, Shelly Wilson (DeStadio) of Winchendon, her husband Charles Wilson, a Daughter In-Law Donna (Maxfield) DeStadio and two grandchildren Tyler and Chad DeStadio all of Lakeland Florida. He has several nieces and nephews whom he adored, from both near and far (Massachusetts, Arizona, New York, Michigan and Florida)

Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran.7/13/1954 – 6/12/1956.

Joe was an accomplished drummer, singer and entertainer throughout his entire life. Most notedly with “The Sundowners”, receiving a prestigious Massachusetts Country Music Association “Hall of Fame” award in 2011.

Joe performed throughout Brooklyn New York at many venues. At an early age he even performed at Carnegie Hall for a talent show, with hopes to bring home the first prize of $300, to help his “Mamma” with expenses in raising her children after being twice widowed. Of course, Joe did win first prize, which he relinquished to a 12 year old female tap dancer, since the prize was for $300 worth of “singing lessons”. Joe fought the organization who refused to pay a monetary prize, but gladly exchanged the singing lessons for tap dancing lessons! Joe later expressed what a great honor it was to meet with, have his photo taken and then hear the “great drummer” Gene Krupa perform in New York City.

Joe had many hobbies, such as dancing, fixing anything electronic (mostly VCRs), loved to be on the computer and download Western Films. He could name every western star and even their horses. He was an avid fan of John Wayne. His tastes in movies was extensive from Greta Garbo, Marlena Dietrich to Abbot and Costello, The Three Stooges and the Marx Brothers. He loved Mobster movies and could recall each an every Mobster, the date of their death, how they died and even where they were buried. His taste in music was just as extensive, from rock and roll, to “The Rat Pack” to crooners, such as Al Martino, Bing Crosby and Perry Como, but his favorites were Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin whom he loved to impersonate. He enjoyed telling stories and jokes to whomever would listen. His greatest love was his wife Dottie.

Joe was also an accomplished auto technician, and there was not an auto he couldn’t fix, or at least try, although he hated fords…he did his best. He held various positions over his lifetime, beginning with “Matthieu Motor Company” in Fitchburg as Assistant Manager; “Gannon Motors” as Assistant Manager; “English Chevrolet” as the Manager; “Troki Chevrolet” as Service and Parts Manager; “Crocker Technical Paper” as a paper Manufacturer/Inspector; “United Co-Operative Farmers” as a Grain Truck Loader, and most notably, the “Institute of Professional Practice” as a life instructor for mentally and physically disabled/handicapped adults in a residential setting. His entire life was dedicated to caring for his family, friends, the infirm, music and although working full time, he would perform nights and week-ends with

The Sundowners and Trail Riders as a singer/drummer to ensure his wife and children were cared for.

A funeral mass will be held on February 23, 2023, 10:00 A.M. at St. Denis Church, 85 Main Street, Ashburnham MA. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.