Joseph Sacco, 82, of Safety Harbor, FL received his angel wings November 30, 2016. Joseph was born in Pittsfield, MA to Raffaelle and Marianna Sacco immigrants from Italy. He was born during the depression and was the youngest of nine children.

He attended Pittsfield High School. He enjoyed traveling to his class reunions every few years with his amazing classmates. They remained steadfast friends their whole lives.

After his time in the Army, Joseph moved to Florida to attend college. Using the GI Bill he graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College and then Florida State University. While working as a bartender in New York City, he met the love of his life on a blind date. Jackie "Elmore" and Joseph were married and started their life together. Soon after, they decided that life in the cold was not for them and moved to Florida.They had 3 wonderful children together, Marc, Michael, and Michele and settled down in Safety Harbor, FL in 1968. They had an amazing life together antiquing, going to garage sales, fixing up their house and raising a family.

Joseph was a life long volunteer. He was always finding ways to serve the community of Safety Harbor and his church, Espiritu Santo Catholic Church.He worked with the Girls Clubs of America, the Cub Scouts as a pack leader, PTA president at Safety Harbor Elementary, the Safety Harbor Little League, Countryside High School Golden Cougar Marching Band Booster president…Bingo!. The Safety Harbor Museum, the Bloom and Chalk Fest and the numerous festivals here in Safety Harbor.One of his most favorite activities was joining in the annual Christmas parade as "AnJoe" the angel as part of the O'Gosh gang. He had so much fun waving to the crowds!

Joseph was a faithful member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church for over 40 years. In that time, he tirelessly volunteered for the church in many ways. He served as an usher, he was on the Church Council, he planned numerous parties, dances, church events and became known as the "Minister of Merriment."He put together a number of church shows like, "Rock of Ages" in which he was featured in, " Don't Worry, Be Happy."He was a founding member of P.A.G.E.S.He enjoyed playing "Gabriel" each year during the Living Nativity. He was a vital part of building the church and the church community. Joseph was a member of the Knights of Columbus Barney Gonyea Council #7109. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He continued volunteering for many of the Knights of Columbus events.

Friends were always an important part of both Joseph and Jackie's life. Their sorority friends had such creative adventures together. Costume parties, road trips, and crazy themed parties.In addition to all the fun they had together they were a strong support for them both.Joseph also had great fun with his "Harbor Peeps."Pub Crawls, football parties, Bunco games, and lunch dates. He really relished these times. Everyone is going to miss his fabulous desserts and soups he would bring to the parties!

Over and above anything else Joseph was a family man. He loved his brothers and sisters, his nieces and nephews, his wife, who sadly preceded him in death, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was involved in every activity his children chose to do. He would do anything for his grandchildren including suffering through animated movies, attending poetry nights, playing board games(if he couldn't get out of it), or just sitting with them to catch up.He loved making cookies and banana bread with them every year at Christmas. Babbo lived to see his grandchildren as often as he could. Joseph was adopted by his beloved and faithful dog Pooh Bear. She took care of her Babbo everyday and never left his side. She gave him joy as he figured out what she wanted everyday.

Our father lived a fun-filled loving life. He managed to live his best life despite any problems. He missed our mother terribly,but now they are finally together again dancing and partying in heaven! We're all going to miss him terribly. We love you, Dad!

Joseph is survived by his sister Virginia Sacco of Pittsfield, MA; his children Marc (Pat), Michael (Lisa), Michele (Rob); 6 grandchildren- Stacy, Hannah, Griffin, Katelin, Jacquelyn, Joey & 2 great-grandchildren- Isabella, Madyson. He was a wonderful brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends Friday, December 9th in the Parish Center at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 from 5:30 -7 PM. There will also be a visitation on Saturday, December 10th from 11 AM until the funeral Mass at 12 Noon at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church. Reception to follow in the Parish Center.


"ENTRUSTED TO OUR CARE"
MacDonald Funeral Home