Joseph G. Spezzafero

Joseph G. Spezzafero, age 89, of Stoneham, passed away on February 24, 2026.

He was born in Cambridge, MA on February 22, 1937, and was the proud son of the late Dante and Helen (DeStefano) Spezzafero.

Joe was raised in Malden and was a graduate of Malden High School. Following high school, he worked nights loading and driving trucks for A&P and First National Supermarkets while he attended and graduated from Northeastern University and Mass College of Pharmacy by day. He was the proud co-owner of Wilmington Plaza Drug for 10 years after which he retired from the Shriners Burn Hospital of Boston after spending 25 years as the Director of Pharmacy. Joe was also a proud Air Force Veteran, a member of the Arlington Men’s Club, and a lifelong avid Red Sox fan.

First and foremost, Joe was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He loved being around family and friends, was always available to help when needed and took joy in seeing his friends and loved ones laughing and happy. Joe’s wife and sons were most important to him. Whether it was going to Disneyworld (his favorite place) or taking day trips or just going out to restaurants for a meal, he always wanted to be with his family. Joe volunteered his time to coach his sons in little league, youth hockey and attend every candlepin bowling competition they participated in. As his sons got older, He, along with his wife, attended every baseball, basketball, hockey, and tennis game as well as bowling league they played in no matter the time or the place. Many times Joe would attend practices also just to watch and support his sons. He made many friends along the way and was always willing to lend a hand.

Joe’s life had another great joy with the addition of his daughter-in-law Nora (he loved her cooking) and granddaughter Amalia. They brought him great happiness, love, and laughter. Even as he got older and his back pain worsened and walking became more difficult, the same pattern of never missing events of his family continued as he attended every grandparent day, dance recital and lacrosse game. One of his favorite activities was picking up Amalia from school and going out to eat with her and his wife at the local Friendly’s or North Ave Diner.

Joe was the beloved husband of 61 years to Anna M. (Accardi) Spezzafero. He was the loving father of Mark J. Spezzafero and his wife Nora of Stoneham and Gary S. Spezzafero of Stoneham. He was the brother of Daniel Spezzafero and his wife Val of New Hampshire and Helen Spezzafero of Winchester. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Amalia Flores-Chow.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham on Wednesday, March 4 at 10am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan-Anderson Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Tuesday, March 3 from 4-7pm. Interment, Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Office of Philanthropy, Shriners Children's Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.