Capt. Joseph Charles Macchi

'>Capt. Joseph Charles Macchi, 76, of East Hartford, loving husband for 53 years of Dorothy (Nese) Macchi, peacefully passed away on Friday (November 4, 2005) with his loving family surrounding him at Hartford Hospital. He was the devoted father of Frank Macchi and his wife Gayle, of South Windsor, Ted Macchi and his wife, Cathi, of Southington, Joe Macchi Jr. and his companion, Carol St. Germain, of Vernon, and John Macchi and his wife, Linda, of Northborough, MA. He was the proud and treasured grandfather of Frankie Joell, Michelle, Paul, Alana, Matthew, Kyle, Benjamin, and Connor Macchi who he loved every moment of his life. Joe is also survived by his brother, Francis Macchi and his wife, Peggy, of East Hartford; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. Joe was born on March 6, 1929, a son of the late Jeanette (Cipolla) and Frank Macchi, in his East Hartford homestead. He lived in East Hartford his entire life as well as spending summers on Cape Cod. One of Joe's greatest joys in life was the beach, and watching his family enjoy Cape Cod. He graduated from East Hartford High School, Class of 1947 where he was the Class Vice-President and Class Comedian. He started his working career at Macchi Shoe Service helping his father on Main Street, East Hartford. On October 23, 1952 he began his career with the East Hartford Fire Department and after 36 years, he retired as a Captain. Joe was President and Secretary of the Joe Serignese Bowling League (at Holiday Lanes in Manchester) for 50 years, and his famous ""Bowling with Joe"" articles appeared in local newspapers. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #3901, East Hartford; starred in the musical minstrels at St. Mary's Church, East Hartford for 30 years; and was President of the Johnny Egan Fan Club. One of his proudest moments was being named the 1998 Irishman of the Year, not a small feat for an Italian. Joe received several appreciation and recognition citations from the State of Connecticut General Assembly for dedicating his life as a Fireman and helping others. He also enjoyed following the Providence Friars Basketball team as well as the NBA. His smile would warm your heart, his sense of humor was legendary, and those blue eyes would sparkle at you. All who knew him will truly miss Captain Mac. Funeral service will be Friday, November 11, at 8:45 a.m. from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 33 Church Street, East Hartford. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, November 9 and Thursday, November 10 from 3-7 p.m., both evenings. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Captain Joe's name, may be made to the East Hartford Fire Department Paramedics, c/o Public Safety Complex, 31 School Street, East Hartford, 06108 or to a favorite charity of the donor's choice. Joe's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the East Hartford Paramedics and the doctors and entire staff at Hartford Hospital for their professionalism, compassion, and wonderful care given to Joe and all of them. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.