Joseph L. DiLorenzo

Mr. Joseph L. DiLorenzo, of Waltham, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 30, 2017. He was 78.

Born on January 8, 1939 in Waltham he was a son of the late Michael and Teresa (Puma) DiLorenzo. He graduated from Waltham High School and honorably served his country in the Vietnam War. A devoted son he took exceptional care of his parents up until their deaths. He worked as a clothing cutter for many years in Wellington Circle.

He was married to Florence F. Purvis until her death November 16, 2007.

For the last 16 years he worked with his nephew, Stephen Scaffidi at his store in Belmont, Pet Supply Outlet. He was a friendly and dependable face who knew most customers and what would be bringing them back to the store. Standing at 6'4 he was a strong guy who insisted on carrying many of the items to the cars of its loyal customers. His green thumb extended beyond the yard at his home in Waltham. He created a small area at the store in Belmont where he'd plant his vegetables to give to family, friends and customers.

In addition to his wife, Florence he is predeceased by his brothers, Ernest and Bernard DiLorenzo and his step-grandson, Jeffrey LeBlanc.

He leaves his step-daughter, Lori A. Pierce of Waltham, his step-son, Scott R. Dunlop of Watertown; he was the much adored 'Papa' to Kelly Pierce; his step-grandson, Jason LeBlanc and step-great-grandson, Addison; his sisters, Susan M. Scaffidi of Wakefield and Eleanor Johnson, and her husband, Dan, of Hawthorne, New York; many nieces,nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joe's life by gathering to visit on Thursday, June 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St. (Rte. 20), Waltham before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.