Of Waltham, passed away suddenly Tuesday morning August 16th, 2016 in his home at the age of 78.
Born on April 12, 1938 in Aragona, Sicily; beloved son of the late Frank Amelia and Rose (Diana) Amelia, Joe immigrated to the United States from Italy as a young boy at the age of 15 and has resided in Waltham for over 62 years.
Joe was a self-employed Upholsterer throughout his life. He owned and operated “Amelia Upholstering Shop” which began on Lexington Street and moved to 333 Moody Street in Waltham after purchasing the building and occupying the space for over 45 years. He was hardworking, dedicated and passionate about his work.
In his spare time he enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, dancing, fishing, playing the Banjo & mandolin, playing cards but most especially tending to his garden. He found happiness and peace being right at home. He lived life to the fullest; he was the life of every party and would often tell many of his Italian jokes.
He was a member of the Italian Benevolent Society of Newton.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Phyllis “Fifi” (Buscemi) Amelia, his devoted & loving children R. Linda Amelia Boutot of Goffstown, NH, Nancy Amelia of Waltham, Brenda Amelia MacLean of Waltham and Frank Amelia of Arlington, his cherished grandchildren Edward and Garrett Payson, Tiffani Ohnemus, Joseph and Lindsay MacLean, his son's in law Jeffrey MacLean and Stephen Amelia, his dear siblings Josephine Gaziano of Norwell, Ralph Amelia of Waltham, Louis Amelia of Sudbury & West Yarmouth, Mary Riley of Bronxsville, NY & Plymouth, MA and Edward “Eddie” Amelia of Bellingham. In addition he is survived by many dear & devoted brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins and close friends.
Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend Funeral Services from the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Saturday morning Aug. 20th at 8:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Joseph’s Life at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 920 Trapelo Road, Waltham at 9:00 a.m. Visiting Hours will be held in the Mary Catherine Chapel on Friday Aug. 19th from 4 – 8 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe’s memory to the Spina Bifida Association, 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22209 or the American Heart Assoc, 300 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451.
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