Joseph Santo Giacalone Obituary
Captain Joseph S. Giacalone, 91, of Gloucester, husband of Marie G. (Pallazola) Giacalone, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Gloucester on January 10, 1934, he was the son of the late Vito and Jennie (Militello) Giacalone.
A proud graduate of Gloucester High School's Class of 1951—where he held the rank of First Lieutenant in ROTC and participated in the school band—Joe began his lifelong vocation as a commercial fisherman. Following in the footsteps of his childhood friends, his father, and his brothers-in-law, he served in various roles from deckhand to mate and hold man aboard the offshore trawlers of New England's booming fishing industry in the late 1950s and 1960s. This was during the height of Gloucester's prominence as New England's dominant groundfish fleet, working the productive fishing grounds of the Gulf of Maine, Georges and Browns Banks, and the Bay of Fundy. Much of his early seafaring was spent on the fishing vessel Holy Family under Captain Carlo Moceri, as well as on the Joseph and Lucia II, the Grace & Salvatore, and the Sacred Heart.
As family life flourished, Joe transitioned to captaining vessels with shorter voyages—piloting the Lady Esther, the Natalie III, and the Francis D in the early 1970s along routes from the Gulf of Maine to Cape May, NJ—to spend more time at home.
In 1975, along with his lifelong friend Sebastian ("Bikie") Scola, he became the co-owner of the fishing vessel Saint Peter, an Essex-built boat from 1927. Together, they pursued a successful business, fishing for whiting, red hake, and other groundfish destined for New York's Fulton Fish Market. Joe cherished those twelve years of partnership with Bikie, and in 1987, they made the heartfelt decision to retire the beloved vessel.
After a fulfilling fishing career, Joe spent several years in construction with his sons and later served as a maintenance coordinator with Unicco, maintaining plant facilities at Axcelis in Beverly until just one month before his 80th birthday.
A veteran who honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1957, stationed in Korea during the post-armistice period, and a lifelong member of the St. Peter's Club, Joe's long career was marked by his dedicated work ethic and love of service.
In his later years, Joe's daily routine reflected the warmth and dedication that defined his life. Every morning, without fail, he met with his friends at the McDonald's coffee club—a cherished ritual that spoke to his deep commitment to friendship and community. His boundless love for his wife, Marie, was evident to all; he stood by her through her toughest battles and did anything in his power to make her feel cherished. An avid fan of the Red Sox, Joe was often found reclining in his favorite chair, watching the games with Marie by his side.
Joe treasured his family above all else. He was like a father to many, relishing time spent with his grandchildren, who loved him as dearly as he loved them. Known for his infectious smile and his gift for storytelling, he was one of the most genuine and kindhearted men—a man whose warmth and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
Joe is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marie; his daughter, Joanne Anderton and her husband Mike; his sons, Vito, along with his wife Jenny; Anthony, with his wife Francesca; and Joseph, with his wife Melanie; as well as his sisters, Pearl Ciluffo (wife of the late Tom Ciluffo) and Gracie Cianciolo (wife of the late Al Cianciolo); his brothers-in-law, Paul Galante and Tony Pallazola; his sisters-in-law, Josie Pallazola and Anne Nichols;13 grandchildren, Anthony, Chris, Vito, Nick, Marc, Vincent, Joey A. and Joey P. Giacalone, Joey Anderton, Jessica Doyle, Ashley Sanfilippo, Marie Porper and Tessa Giacalone. Joe also has 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vito and Jennie Giacalone; his sisters, Lena Aiello (wife of the late John Aiello), Antonia Piscitello (wife of the late Gus Piscitello), Rosita (Sister of Mercy) Giacalone, Mary Favalora (wife of the late Sophie Favalora), and Katie Fontana (wife of the late Michael Fontana); and by his father- and mother-in-law, Anthony and Anne Pallazola, along with his sister-in-law, Josephine Galante and brother-in-law Joe Pallazola.
Joe's enduring legacy of hard work, unwavering family love, and commitment to community will forever be remembered.
Visiting hours will be held at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Tuesday, April 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish on Wednesday, April 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester.
Contributions may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101.
