Joseph W. "Joe D" Dambrosio

Joseph W. Dambrosio, fondly known as "Joe D" to his family and friends, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 7, 2023, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and Dementia.  He was 84 years old.

Joe was born on April 12, 1939, in Somerville, MA; he was the cherished only son of the late Andrew and Alice (Ryan) Dambrosio.  Joe was raised in Cambridge, MA, he attended Catholic Schools in his younger years and was a graduate of Cambridge Ringe and Latin High School, where he made several life-long friends.

Joe had a great work ethic throughout his life; he was a truck driver for Teamsters Local #25 in Charlestown for nearly 40 years.  Joe was proud to be a Teamster, he loved his job, driving his truck, and he got along well with his many co-workers throughout the years.  Joe retired 24 years ago following many years of dedicated service to his profession.

Joe married "his sweetheart" Arlene DeMarco in 1966; the couple lived in Malden for several years before moving to their home on Marcia Road in Wilmington in 1973 where they raised three beautiful daughters.  Joe and Arlene had an "open door" policy at their home; they enjoyed hosting family and friends as well as their daughter's many friends who were always welcome.  

Joe's family was everything to him; there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his wife, daughters and his grandchildren.  Joe treasured his role as "Papa", he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandsons at their basketball and baseball games and he loved to watch his granddaughters at their many dance recitals and special dance performances. Joe looked forward to the family’s summer vacations to the White Mountains or Vermont; their annual Canobie Lake trip and their most memorable family trip to Disney World in Florida; he loved to see everyone have fun and make countless memories to be shared for years to come.

In his spare time, Joe enjoyed reading, following all of the Boston Sports teams, and taking his daily walks all over town.  He always made it a point to get together with his old buddies from Cambridge and Belmont as often as they could throughout the years.

Joe will be fondly remembered as a "great guy" who would go out of his way to help anyone.  He had a quiet demeanor and a heart of gold.  Joe showered his family with unconditional love and devotion and he will forever be missed.

Joe was the beloved husband of 57 years to Arlene A. Dambrosio (DeMarco), devoted father of Lisa Cataldo and her husband Jim of Dracut, Laura Osgood and her husband Adam of Wilmington, and Maria Trouville and her husband Frank of Dracut.  Loving "Papa" of Kelsye, Kirstin, Joey, Carlena, JP, and Mollie, dear brother of Catherine Nicholas, Mary Koerber, Alice Itrato, and the late Louise Donahue.  Brother-in-law of Nancy Szymanski and her husband Walter and the late Eddie DeMarco and his wife Dottie DeMarco.  Joe is further survived by his many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, November 13th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, at 10:00 a.m.  Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.  Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday, November 12th from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's memory may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, PO box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com