Obituary of Joseph P. Massella

January 20, 1937 - December 24, 2023

Joseph P. Massella.  Age 86 of Lincoln Park.

Beloved husband of Karen Massella. Loving father of Marc (Danielle) and Jeffery (Amy). Dearest grandfather of Morgan, Maria and Sarah. Dear brother-in-law of Jerry Pierfederici. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Cesare and Domenica Massella.

~Family Tribute~

Joe graduated Lincoln Park High School in 1955, and went on to become a loyal employee of Ford Motor Company, from which he retired after 30+ years.  Joe made a large impact on his family's lives and was very active in the community in many ways. He coached his boys and their friends at baseball, football, and bowling, showing his dedication as a father. Joe had a great passion for cars, bowling, and golf, having driven some very cool cars, earning two rings for bowling a perfect 300 score, and shooting a hole in one at Southgate Golf Course. Joe was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization that he was very proud to serve for decades. He and Karen were devoted to the Catholic Church, having attended Mass weekly and they were heavily involved in Good Shepherd, where both of their sons, Marc and Jeff attended school. 

The world has lost one of the gentlest people that all who knew him will be forever blessed. Joe touched many lives with his kindness and warm smile and great sense of humor. He was so proud of his sons and granddaughters, and told them often, encouraging them to their full potential. He treated his daughters in law, Danielle and Amy, as if they were his own children, and showed nothing but love and respect. Grandpa, Dad, husband, Joe Massella will be deeply missed, but he now resides with Our Lord in peace, and for that the family is grateful. He will always be there when he is needed. 

Granddaughter Maria had a beautiful thought on the night Grandpa passed away. She said, "Now Grandpa doesn't have to worry. He doesn't have to worry if he'll be out [of rehab/hospital] when there's an event he wouldn't want to miss,  because now he'll be there no matter what, and in no pain." 

We are all so grateful to have known Joseph Massella, and he will live forever in our hearts and minds.