Obituary of Joseph D. Agneta, Jr.

Joseph D. Agneta, Jr. PEABODY – Joseph D. Agneta, Jr. 80, beloved husband of Carol Ann (Turco) Agneta, died peacefully on Thursday afternoon January 14, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, while in the comforting presence of his family. Born in Malden, he was the son of the late Joseph D. & Josephine (Capone) Agneta, Sr. He grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School, Class of 1953. While in school he was a member of the St. Joseph’s Church CYO Band in Medford, and played saxophone as their band played during Inaugural Events for President Harry Truman. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for his patriotic duty during the Korean War. After serving in Korea, he was also stationed near Mt. Fuji in Japan, and at Camp Pendleton in California. During his tour of duty he earned the National Defense Medal, the Korean President Unit Citation, and the U.S. President Unit Citation. He later graduated from Suffolk University, then earned his Masters Degree in Business from Northeastern University. Mr. Agneta worked for the U.S. Post Office, then as an accountant with Raytheon, then later at Soldier Systems at Natick Labs, which developed Kevlar and other military and defense technologies introduced during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Joe was passionate about family, country and faith. After he married the love of his life, Carol in 1961, they moved to Peabody where he was among the founding parishioners of St. Adelaide’s Church. He was active in the Couple’s Club, also coaching some of the church’s athletic programs, along with participation in many other parish events and activities. He supported local youth programs and sports, especially coaching his sons and other children in Peabody Little League, and in softball—as well as coaching a girl’s basketball team. He also actively participated in the Boy Scouts with his sons, Troop 106. He enjoyed an active life outside, particularly jogging, often participating in many local 5 K & 10 K runs, gardening, and beekeeping. He will be sadly missed by many. He is survived by his wife Carol Ann (Turco) Agneta of Peabody, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage; two sons Mark Agneta of Boston, and Michael Agneta & his wife Rochelle (Rowley) Agneta of Peabody; two grandchildren, Stephanie Agneta and Tyler Agneta of Peabody; brother-in-law of Frank & Marilyn Riccio of Georgetown, Gail & Gene DiNisco of Methuen, Albert & Linda Turco of Belmont, Sharon (Ezell) Turco of Medford; cousin to Brenda Keen of Stoneham, Karen & James “Tank” Agnetta, Carol (Agnetta) Kaelin, and he also leaves numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Wednesday January 20, 2016 at 9:30 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 – 7 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to either the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to any Wounded Soldier or Disabled Veterans organization.