Joseph P. Presti

Mr. Joseph Patrick Presti, of Waltham, died Monday, February 17, 2025 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 83. 

Joe was born in Waltham on July 14, 1941, a son of the late Nancy (Lupo) and Benedetto Presti. Joe joined the Air Force looking to see the world. While stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado and on a night off at the USO lounge, he met his soulmate and soon to be wife, Alice Witt, also a Colorado transplant from Gorham, Kansas. Joe also discovered one of the first of his many callings in photography as an Airman, taking aerial photographs of bases and military schools. Joe and Alice married in Denver, Colorado and lived there for one year before moving back to Waltham and having their beloved only son, Gerald S. Presti. 

Joe had worked as a master welder for BTU Engineering in Billerica for many years before his retirement. He had a multitude of interests and hobbies. 

Joe found great peace and solace in his garden where he loved growing his delicious tomatoes and many other vegetables. He never was one to turn down a round of golf or a game of bowling and was so proud when he earned the title of third-degree black belt in Gōjū-ryū. As a sensei he enjoyed the art of karate and wanted to pass his skills and knowledge to the next generation. 

His photography skills carried over into his civilian life and he never lost interest in capturing moments from behind the lens. In addition to his artistry in the field of photography, he was a talented comic book style artist and impressed friends and family with welded sculptures. He loved animals and had many pets. He also loved horseback riding, traveling and culture (especially of Europe), gun club, board games and bocci ball, and long bike ride adventures with his two grandchildren. 

Of all the things that kept his hands and mind busy, no hobby came close to his love, devotion, and affection for his family. He loved them more than anything in the world. Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed by those who loved him. 

He leaves his wife, Alice (Witt) Presti of Waltham; his son, Gerald Presti of Waltham; his grandchildren, Shayla Presti of Waltham and Derek Presti (Isamar) of Rialto, California; his great-grandchildren, Benedetto Presti and Sofia Mazzella; his sister-in-law, Betty Presti of Lehigh Acres, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. 

Joe was the brother of the late Jean Brouillard (late Rene), Joanne Bibbo (late Donald) and Ronald Presti. 

Family and friends will honor in remember Joe’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, March 3rd from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving and procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School St., Waltham where his funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. 

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.