Cover photo for Joseph R. Novelli's Obituary
Joseph R. Novelli Profile Photo
1938 Joe 2024

Joseph R. Novelli

March 25, 1938 — April 25, 2024

Fitchburg,MA

Joseph (Joe) R. Novelli, 86, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 in his home with his children by his side.

Joe was born on March 25, 1938 in Leominster, the son of the late Augustine and Angelina (Scopelliti) Novelli.

Joe is survived by his daughter Brenda Reynolds and her husband Nathan of Fitchburg, his son Robert Novelli and his wife Lisa of Lunenburg, his son Joseph Novelli of Fitchburg, his sisters Angela Novelli of Leominster and Rena Ingalls of Leominster.  In addition, Joe has 7 grandchildren: Sara, Vanessa, Laura, Anthony, Dominic, Joseph and Owen, as well as 5 great grandchildren: Maya, Lana, Gigi, Colton and Maxwell, all who utterly adore him.

Joe was predeceased by his lovely wife of 61 years Barbara, as well as his sister Vickie and brother Ralph.

Joe attended St Bernard’s Central Catholic High School, and then enlisted in the U.S Navy, where he served on the USS Leary. Joe then returned to his favorite city of Leominster, where he met his wife Barbara, and started their family together.

Joe worked at several companies during his long work career, including Marine Plastics, Bowmar, Raytheon and Data General, and even started and ran his own company for several years afterwards.

Joe spent many hours in his amazing vegetable garden. Joe was also a talented craftsman who enjoyed working on the family homestead as well as the homes of his friends and children.  Joe loved playing cards with his buddies, playing Bocce at the Foggia Italian Club in Leominster, as well as the occasional trip to a casino (where he would remarkably always “break about even”).  Not sure how he did it, but Joe (and Barbara) always made it to all their grandchildren’s’ school concerts, baseball, soccer, basketball, street hockey and football games.  Besides being with his family, Joe’s second favorite enjoyment was traveling to, and talking about Italy.  Joe took several trips there with different family members and loved recounting the great places, experiences, and beauty of Italy.

The family would like to thank all of the nurses and truly all of the staff at Dana-Farber that ever touched his life with their caring.

Joe’s children could never be more appreciative for all of the caring, strength and kindness that his doctor, Dr. Natalie Sinclair gave to him in the years they were together. The added love, compassion and support that she personally showed each of his children “will always be remembered.”

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center , C/O Milford Regional Medical Center, 20 Prospect Street, Milford, MA  01757.  Please state in the memo, “Milford Satellite Discretionary Fund in memory of Joseph Novelli”

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Joe for a period of visitation on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Brandon Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00am at the St. Anna's Parish, 199 Lancaster St. Leominster, MA. Burial will take place at St. Leo Cemetery following mass, 360 Lancaster St, Leominster, MA.

Arrangements are under the care of Brandon Funeral Home. 
Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph R. Novelli, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Mass

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Burial

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

12:30 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

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