Heath, MA – Joseph Mario DelRosso, age 89, of Heath MA, and formerly of Braintree, MA, passed away on April 20, 2026.
Son of Michael and Lucy DelRosso, Joseph was born and raised in Abruzzi, Italy. Coming to the United States at age 10, he learned to speak English from his childhood friends in Quincy, MA. He enjoyed telling stories of his father making wine in the family cellar and the wonderful meals his mother cooked for the family. He praised his father for having taught him how to be handy and take care of his house.
Joe was a meat cutter for most of his life and loved making the ladies smile by providing them with the best cuts of meat. He served in the National Guard and loved to hunt and work on his property. Even at 88, he was still cutting down trees. In his short stay at Charlene Manor Nursing Home, he won over many of the nurses with his smile and gratitude, telling each, “I told Jesus how grateful I am that he gave me such a wonderful nurse to take care of me.”
His greatest love was his Catholic faith. He helped build and spent many hours of prayer in Our Lady of the Rosary Marian Shrine in Heath, the town where he spent the last 35 years of his life.
Predeceased by his loving wife of 36 years, Maryjean, and his siblings Phil and Lucia (DelRosso) Blaser, his surviving siblings are Columbia (DelRosso) Wojciecowski, Lena (DelRosso) Young and Michael DelRosso.
Joseph also leaves behind his children, Kristin, Lisa, Jennifer and bonus children Colleen, Jack and Maryjean.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, April 27 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, Monroe Ave., Shelburne Falls. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery in Heath.
There are no calling hours.
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