Joseph F. Banafato

Joseph F. Banafato, 81, Formerly of Sudbury and Concord, MA passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 18, 2024. Joe was raised in Matawan, NJ by his parents Sarapheno (“Sam”) Banafato and Loretta (Miccio) Banafato, who predeceased him.

Born in South Amboy, NJ, Joe moved to Matawan as a child where he learned to appreciate living in a small-town with a ‘real main street’ and with his immediate and extended families in close proximity. His father was a tailor who gave him impeccable fashion sense which he prided himself on. Throughout his life, Joe was recognized by his outfits which were always color-coordinated from top to bottom.

During his school days in Matawan, Joe was recognized as never having missed a single day of school from kindergarten through high school, where he also played the drum in the marching band. It was during this time that Joe developed his love of classic cars and doo wop music. He owned many classic cars throughout his life but he was proudest of his 1932 Deuce Coupe adorned with “16 coats of candy-apple red paint". Joe could name the title and singer(s) of any song from the 50’s and he even made a couple of appearances on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.

After graduating from Matawan HS, he attended Monmouth College in West Long Branch NJ (class of 1964) and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. While at Monmouth College, he met the love of his life and future wife, Edna Mae (Partridge) whom he married in 1965. Their wedding reception was held at the American Legion as it was the only place that could accommodate their guest list of 600 people!

Joe began his career in finance in New Jersey and quickly took positions of ever-increasing responsibility. A job at Worthington Biochemical, was based in Freehold, NJ where he would eventually move and grow his family. When Worthington was acquired by Millipore Corporation, Joe was offered a position at their corporate headquarters in Massachusetts and he relocated his family to Sudbury. After Millipore, he worked as Chief Financial Officer for 3 companies where he planned and executed the divestiture of each.

After surviving brain cancer in 1991 and losing his wife, Edna, to cancer in 1996, Joe decided to retire early and embrace the life of a snowbird, traveling between Concord, MA and Naples, FL; always seeking the best weather for lowering his golf handicap. He was a member of Nashawtuc Country Club for more than 30 years and, in addition to his outfits, he was known for getting his first ever hole-in-one one day and his second ace the very next day! In 2007, Joe met his longtime companion, Barbara O’Keefe, who passed away in 2017.

Joe was a kind and generous soul who will be remembered for his devotion to and support of his family and friends, as well as for his contagious laugh. His signature "chuckle" brought a smile to faces of all who heard it.

Joe is survived by his devoted children, daughter, Traci of Watertown, MA and sons, Todd of Clinton, MA, and Brian and his wife, Patricia of Durham, NH, as well as his grand-children, Jessica, Melanie, Talia and Brendan. He also leaves behind his loving brother, James of Harrisonville, NJ and many other family members and lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family asks that you consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in his name.