Joseph P. Randazza, 80, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2014, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, after living with pancreatic cancer for more than six years. He was surrounded by the love of his son, daughter and wife. Joe was the husband of H. Jacqueline “Jackie” Randazza, who shared her love of life with Joe and lovingly cared for him during his declining years. Jackie would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Merrimack Valley Hospice home care providers. Their professionalism and respect was evident.
Joe was born on October 17, 1933, in Gloucester, Mass., and was the son of the late Benedetto and Margaret (Favazza) Randazza. Joe graduated from Gloucester High School in 1951. He continued his education at Brown University, graduating with his AB in 1956. Joe then served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Berlin before his honorable discharge.
Joe enjoyed a long and successful career in the insurance business. He spent the majority of that time working at Fred C. Church Insurance in Lowell, retiring in 2006 as senior vice president. Joe was deeply committed to the Greater Lowell community and contributed his time to numerous charitable and civic organizations. Joe served on the Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Board of Directors until the time of his death. He also served on the boards of D’Youville Senior Care, Saints Memorial Medical Center, Northern Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, Greater Lowell United Fund, Merrimack Valley United Fund, Greater Lowell Family YMCA, Greater Lowell Red Cross, Lowell Association for the Blind, Family Service of Greater Lowell, and the Lowell City Library. Joe was also a member of the Lowell Rotary Club
Joe was an avid athlete, from the 1949 State Champion Gloucester High football team to golf and tennis with his friends at Vesper and Abenaqui Country Clubs. He was proud to have been named a lifetime member at Vesper. Joe valued the camaraderie he shared with his Gloucester friends throughout his life.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his daughter, Margaret “Meg” Randazza DVM of Andover, Mass.; his son, J. Peter Randazza Jr. and his wife, Patricia J. Randazza of Newfields, N.H.; his granddaughter, Juliette Randazza of Andover; his sisters, Nina Millefolie, Mary Ann Valasquez, Margaret Boudreau, and Julie O’Dea; Jackie’s sons, D. Michael Fennelly and wife, Deirdre, James P. Fennelly and wife, Janice, Jeremy D. Fennelly and wife, Hiba, and Jackie’s six grandchildren. Joe is also survived by Mickey Randazza of Boston, the mother of his children. Joe was predeceased by his son-in-law, Wayne Middleton; his brother, John Randazza; and sister, Grace Murdock.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, July 17, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Merrimack Valley Hospice Development Office, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843. Condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com.