Of Watertown, died suddenly early Wednesday morning August 19th, 2009 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge. He was 71.

Born on April 15, 1938 in Aragona, Sicily, son of the late Rocco and Claire (Scichalone) Cottone, Joe immigrated to the United States as a young man after serving with the Italian Army, and resided in Waltham and Newton for many years before moving to Watertown 40 years ago.

Joe owned and operated “Joe’s Barber Shop” at the corner of River Street & Auburndale Avenue in the Auburndale section of Newton before moving his business to the current location on Walnut Street in Newtonville. He was dedicated to his profession serving proudly generations of families in the Newton area and surrounding communities for years. He will truly be missed by those who he served and knew him as “Joe the Barber” and by those who had the opportunity to call him a friend.

He was proud of his heritage but even more proud to be an American. He truly lived the “American Dream”. He devoted his life to raising his family and provide for them the best living possible. In his spare time he enjoyed taking care of his yard, gardening, fishing, and traveling, but most especially spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. In these past years he spent time relaxing at the family’s home in Sagamore Beach. Joe was a member of the Sicilian Association of Quincy and the Knights of Columbus Newton Chapter.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years Francesca (Mula) Cottone, his loving children Rocco Cottone and his wife Joanie of Watertown, Claire Caloiero and her husband Frank of Winchester, and Maria Puglielli and her husband Steven of Reading, his dear sisters Lina Lupparello and Angelina Carubba both of Italy, and his cherished grandchildren Julia, Francesco, Mario, Leah, Joey, Joseph, Carolina and Bridget. In addition he is survived by many nieces & nephews.

Brother of the late Sal Cottone.

Funeral Services will be held from the Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM, (BrascoFuneralHome.com) on Tuesday morning Aug. 25th at 9:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Joe’s Life at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visiting Hours will be held in the funeral home on Monday Aug. 24th from 4 �" 8 p.m. Relatives and friend are respectfully invited to attend. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe’s memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, Suite #201,Boston, MA 02114 or the charity of one’s choice.