Joseph Francis Lauretti

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 25, 1956, Joe was the son of Paul and Mary (King) Lauretti. He grew up in Somerville, MA, and graduated from Somerville High School in 1974. Joe attended East Coast Aero Tech, where he earned his certification in 1978. He was hired straight out of school and began his long career at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut, where he stayed for the next 43 years. He worked his way up through the ranks of Manager of Quality Assurance, a position he held for 18 years, and earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and friends. Joe retired in 2021 as a Quality Assurance Supervisor.

While working at Sikorsky, Joe met the love of his life, Maryann (Tecci) Lauretti. After just two short months of dating, the two were married in June 1979 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and together shared 46 wonderful years of marriage. They raised two daughters, Gina and Sarah, who were the pride and joy of Joe’s life.

Joe and Maryann fell in love with New Hampshire while vacationing there and fulfilled their dream of settling in Richmond in 2018. After retiring in 2021, Joe embraced every moment of his life, enjoying tag sales, camping trips, walking on the beach with his dog Parker, and spending time with his family, especially his grandsons, Evan and Justin Sartirana. He took great pride in all of their accomplishments.

A dedicated community member, Joe served as a volunteer firefighter for 10 years in the Winsted Fire Department in Winsted, Connecticut, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Firefighting was a true family affair, as Maryann, his daughters, and his son-in-laws all joined Joe in the volunteer fire service. Joe enjoyed the camaraderie of the fire department and the memories made fighting fires alongside family and friends. He cherished his time in fire school with his son-in-law, Pete. Fighting fires with his daughter, Sarah, and son-in-laws Pete and Steve, and working alongside his wife Maryann and daughter, Gina, in the fire police were some of his most treasured memories.

A lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Patriots, Joe was a man of many talents, including being a licensed auctioneer, running a small family antique auction business, and enjoying the connections it brought. He loved history, reading, and outer space. He will be remembered for his warm smile that lit up the room, sense of humor, and kind heart that drew people to him wherever he went.

In retirement, Joe pursued his lifelong passion for woodworking through his beloved Papa Bear’s Woodshop. A talented and self-taught craftsman, he created everything from Adirondack chairs to commissioned wooden products such as the Little Free Library at Case Pond in Richmond, NH. Joe took great pride in his craftsmanship, ensuring that every piece he made was built to last, and he often shared his skills with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maryann Lauretti of Richmond, NH; his daughters Gina (Steven) Sartirana of Colebrook, CT, and Sarah (Peter) Toomey of Barkhamsted, CT; and his cherished grandsons, Evan and Justin Sartirana. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Joe was predeceased by several family members, and his loyal dog, Parker.

Joe’s life was defined by love, laughter, craftsmanship, and family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.