Shrewsbury – Joseph J. Cariglia, of Shrewsbury, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 after a short illness. He was 78.
Joseph was born in Worcester on September 17, 1934, a son of Italian immigrants Francesco and Ortenzia (Padavano) Cariglia. He was raised in Worcester's Italian neighborhood, Shrewsbury Street, and graduated from the former Commerce High School. He then earned his Bachelor's degree from Clark University and his Juris Doctorate from Boston University. He also served in the National Guard. He lived many years in Boylston before moving to Shrewsbury the early 1990's to a property and homes he so loved.
Joe was admitted to the bar in 1961. In 1977, he served as assistant to the Attorney General, the late Francis X. Bellotti, and was admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. He practiced law for over 50 years as a self-employed attorney in his practice, Joseph J. Cariglia P.C. in Worcester, along with his daughter, Cherele, who now runs the practice. A man with a strong work ethic, he was working even shortly before his death. He built a practice and a reputation as a well know personal injury lawyer throughout the county and state.
Joe was a fair and reasonable man who was able to see the good in everyone. He always gave everyone a fair chance and opportunity. “Those who judge don’t matter?.those that matter don’t judge!” (author unknown.) It's how Joe lived his life. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren.
When he wasn’t in his office or the courtroom Joe loved a good round of golf with friends or time at his cape homes in New Seabury. He enjoyed memberships at The International, Pocasset Golf Club, Willowbend, New Seabury and Pleasant Valley. He loved all things Italian?.good food and music including the opera and the good company of family and friends. Some of his professional memberships included the Massachusetts and Worcester County Bar Associations in which he was recently awarded an honor for 50 years of service and practice. Lastly, he adored his dogs, Shadow and Cirus.
His brother Frank “Pucky” Cariglia and his sister, Santa Ciccarelli predeceased him.
Joe leaves his wife, Dianne M. (Hakenson) Cariglia; his daughters, Laurie L. D’Errico and her husband, Matthew, Kimberly A. Gentile, Cherele L. Gentile, and Kristie L. Bates and her husband, Robert, all of Shrewsbury; he was the much loved “Papa” of Gianna, Nicola, Mikayla, Emilee, Sarah, Molly, Jack, Giselle, and Dimitri; his siblings, Peter Cariglia of Worcester and Nancy Spagnola of Putnam, Connecticut; and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Joe's life by gathering Monday, Feb. 18, in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Private burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
Honor Joe's memory with a contribution to the Worcester Firefighters Relief Association, 141 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.
