Amandio James “A.J.” DeCoito, 82, of Groveland and formerly of Haverhill, passed away unexpectedly July 5, at Lahey Clinic, Burlington.
He was born in Peabody July 29, 1934, son of the late Amandio and Mary (Semis) DeCoito. He was educated in Bradford, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18. He served on the Aircraft Carrier USS Oriskany during the Korean War. DeCoito was self employed in the construction industry for most of his career. He enjoyed reading and spending time passing a joke or two with family.
He was the former husband of Mildred Goutier and leaves three children, James A. of Groveland, Diane M. of Groveland and Annette J. Putnam of Bristol N.H as well as Catherine Conway of Bethpage, Tenn., and Joanne Termini of Amesbury; siblings Frank and Joseph of Mississippi, Daniel of Haverhill, Richard of Freemont N.H. and Eileen Angers of Atkinson, N.H.; grandchildren, Breyanne Yuszkus, Derek Forte, Elaina and Joseph Putnam; two great grandchildren Gavin and Grayson Forte; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Tom, Robert, William, Isabell Mills and Elaine Mortel; grandfather of the late Amandio J., James A. DeCoito and Jennifer Yuszkus.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Monday July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., at H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. A graveside service with naval honors gtakes place Tuesday, July 11, at 11 a.m., in Riverview Cemetery, Groveland. Contributions in his memory may be made to your local veteran’s organization.