Joseph R. Prattico

Joseph “Big Joe” Rocco Prattico, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 25, 2021 with members of his loving family at his side. He was born in Manhattan, New York City to the late Santo and Maria (Santoro) Prattico. A Korean War Veteran and a resident of Holyoke for 52 years, he is survived by his sister, Gloria Augliera of Staten Island, NY; his three children: Joe Prattico and his wife Gail, Bob Prattico and his wife Lisa, and Missy Prattico Gaulin and her husband Larry - all of Holyoke; his grandchildren: Robby, Steven, Michael Prattico; Joey Prattico and his fiancé Bree-Ann Flanagan; Karen Prattico Lynch and her husband Andy; Melissa Prattico Francis and her husband Brooks; Elizabeth Gaulin; Sam Gaulin and his wife Amanda; his great-grandchildren: Bryson, Jordan, Gianna, Anthony, and Cody, and several nieces and nephews. Together, the names listed above make up the loving, loyal family for which Joseph was most proud. Like a true Italian, family, tradition, and food came first. Every New Year's Day, Joseph took the entire family to a nice dinner so they could enjoy the first meal of the year together. Retiree from Digital Equipment Corporation, Joseph had an incredible work ethic and worked very hard all his life to provide for his family. Both always being there first to support his family and their varied interests, and his eager willingness, without hesitation, to give a man the shirt off his back; demonstrated Joseph's selflessness, a virtue for which he will sure to be remembered. Joseph also had quite the sense of humor, telling witty pun jokes that couldn't help but make you smile. Joseph wanted everyone to laugh and smile, and he brought that light to so many in his life. Above all, unmatched by any words here, Joseph loved and adored his wife Louise (Ferrara) Prattico, who predeceased him in 2013, and now both rest peacefully together. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 30th at 7:30 am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 8:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, both in Holyoke. Committal with military honors will follow in the chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 29th from 4 to 7 pm. Please note that masks and social distancing are required for all services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 or to Make-A-Wish America, Gift Processing Center, 1702 E. Highland Avenue, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

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