AGAWAM - Joseph Conte Sr., 90, passed away peacefully Friday at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke. During the past 2 years of his life Joe was a member of several committees at the Soldiers' Home and was a positive voice for the veterans that live there. He was born on October 19, 1922 to the late Luigi Conte and Carmella (Prati). Joe was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and earned the rank of the youngest ever Platoon Sergeant. Joe served his country proudly during WWII from 1942-1945 as a Tank Squadron leader. Joe saved the lives of several men in the San Francisco Bay after their tanks sunk and by his actions was given the right to attend Pilot School at Holy Cross, but choose to go overseas. Joe served in the South Pacific where he was involved in the initial landing of Okinawa, Guadalcanal and was one of the first Americans to set foot on the shores of Japan. He was a lifelong resident of Agawam. Joe attended the Agawam public schools and earned a degree from the University of Miami. He served as the Town Building Inspector for over 20 years. During those years he also filled in as Town Manager and Town Treasurer when needed. Joe had a passion and love for the Town of Agawam and was very instrumental in developing many of the building codes and Zoning by-laws for the town and the Commonwealth of Mass. Joe was a member of The Victor Emmanuel Club, The Italian Sporting Club, UNICO and American Legion Post 185. Joe was instrumental in creating the Building Officials of Western Mass. He was predeceased by his two sisters Rose Lettelier and Madeline Gibson. He leaves his loving wife of 66 years Rita (Letendre) Conte, his three sons Joseph Conte Jr. and wife Bernadette, Louis Conte, John Conte and his wife Sharon all of Feeding Hills. Joe's greatest joy in life was visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was Nono to his 9 grandchildren, Mary, Joy Ann, Amber, Nicole, Louis Jr., Caitlyn, Andrea, Keeley, and Karla and also 7 great grandchildren. Service dates and times will be announced in Monday's paper. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA, 01040.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from February 2 to February 3, 2013]

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AGAWAM - Joseph Conte Sr., 90, passed away peacefully Friday at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke. Family and friends are invited to meet for calling hours on Wednesday February 6th from 4 - 8 PM at the Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main St., Agawam. Joe's Funeral Home Ceremony will be held on Thursday February 7th at 9:00 AM at the funeral home followed by Committal Services with Military Honors at 10: 00 AM in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA, 01040.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from February 3 to February 4, 2013]