Joseph Salemme

Joseph M. Salemme, Retired Lt. Somerville Firefighter, Age 70. Of Wilmington formerly of Melrose died on Thursday, March 17.

Joe was born in Somerville on April 5, 1950, he was the son of the late Salvatore Salemme and Thelma (Haley) Salemme.

Joe was raised and educated in Somerville and was a graduate of St. Clements High School, Class of 1968. He retired from the Somerville Firefighter Department in 2006 and was the owner of Matton Security Systems. Joe enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and watching his grandchildren grow up.

Joe was the loving father of Kristin Aborn and her husband Jeff of Reading and Jeffrey Salemme and his wife Mariana of Pompano Beach, FL. He was the devoted companion of Carol Philbrick of Wilmington and her children; Meagan Nichols and husband Matt of CA and Daniel Philbrick of Stoneham. Joe was the cherished grandfather "Meme" of Haley, Jack, Sarah, Will, Sam, Liam and Faye. He was the brother of Thomas Salemme and his wife Nancy of North Reading, Joan Stinson and her husband Mark of Wakefield, John Salemme and his companion Terry of Stoneham, Philip Salemme and his wife Nicole of Winchester and the late Patricia Walker.

Funeral Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or to the A Living Tribute, 500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400 Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.