17 January, 2014
Joe P. Tassia passed away peacefully on January 15, 2014 in the company of his son and daughter.
Joe, a resident of Punta Gorda, Florida in the winter and Hopkinton, MA in the summer, was born in Baltimore, MD on November 15, 1931. He spent his early years in York, PA working in the family produce business alongside his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, brother, two sisters, and cousins. As a teen, one of Joe’s fondest memories was working behind the soda fountain at the Valencia Ballroom, also owned and operated by the Tassia family, while listening to some of the greatest musicians of the time – like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. These childhood experiences instilled in Joe a lifelong love of music and ballroom dance.
After serving his country in the Korean War, Joe received his degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University, followed by his Masters in Engineering Management. He spent ten years working as an engineer before switching to real estate, a career he truly enjoyed. He bought Able Realty Associates in the early 70’s and worked 40 years, until just two months ago, selling real estate in Southborough and the surrounding communities. A resident of Hopkinton for over 50 years, Joe enjoyed spending his free time on Lake Maspenock - fishing, swimming, and bird-watching. During these years, he was blessed with two children, David and Diane, and three grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
When the winter cold became too much to bear, Joe headed down to Florida, to enjoy the warmth. Over the past ten years, he formed many wonderful friendships there while playing tennis, kayaking, and fishing. And of course, he was a regular presence on the dance floor, in both Punta Gorda and the Boston suburbs, where he was fortunate to form some of his most loyal friendships. He also was grateful for his wonderful neighbors in both Punta Gorda and Hopkinton who were so much more than the person next door; they were among his closest and most trusted friends. He will be missed.
Celebrations of Joe’s life will take place in Punta Gorda, FL as well as Hopkinton, MA at dates to be determined. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to The American Cancer Society. Please email dtcoopozi@gmail.com for further details.
