1941 - 2025
Joe will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and wide-ranging interests. Born and raised in Milford, he was the son of the late Joseph “Peppi” Moro and Rose (Testa) Moro and a proud graduate of Milford High School, Class of 1959.
As a young boy, Joe worked at the former Hixon’s Ice Cream Shop, a first job he fondly recalled throughout his life. He went on to attend UMass Amherst, graduating in 1963 with a degree in Political Science. During college he played lacrosse, a sport he loved deeply and supported throughout his life. He began his professional journey by student teaching in the Milford schools before discovering his true calling in banking and mortgage finance.
Joe built a long and distinguished career in the industry. He worked for Homeowners Federal Bank, then Manhattan Financial in Dedham, later continued in the field with Marathon Mortgage, and eventually owned and operated Easton Mortgage. He retired from Bay State Savings Bank following decades of respected service.
A proud veteran, Joe served six years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
During his college years, Joe became a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, forming friendships he cherished for life. He served as a longtime member and past president of both the Worcester Chapter of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association and the Worcester Executives Club. Deeply committed to community, he volunteered as a Big Brother and remained connected to his Italian roots as a proud member of the “Mangia-Mangia” Club.
Joe embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. A lifelong lacrosse fan and devoted UMass supporter, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on the program. He was an avid traveler whose journeys took him to Spain—where he took part in the famous running of the bulls—as well as Morocco, Sicily, and many other destinations. He especially treasured traveling to Italy with Pam, friends, and family, and felt blessed to experience the country with two of his children on separate trips.
A car enthusiast, Joe shared his passion for Formula 1 racing with his children and owned several sports cars over the years. In later life, few things brought him more joy than driving his convertible through the hills of Worcester with the top down and a cigar in hand.
Joe was also an avid reader, particularly enjoying the works of Ernest Hemingway and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known for his outgoing personality, he made friends wherever he went, always ready to strike up a conversation. He took great pride in showing photos of his wine cellar and gifting bottles of his homemade dessert balsamic vinegar—something he shared generously with everyone he knew.
Joe is survived by his three children: Brian M. Moro and his wife Linda of Brockton; Joseph R. Moro and his wife Jessica of Rochester, NH; and Victoria E. Gillespie and her husband John of Duxbury. He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Christian, Olivia, Cameron, Fiona, Aiden, James, and Violet.
He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Moro Nesi of Michigan; his brother, Robert Moro and his wife Catherine of Fort Myers, FL; several nieces and nephews; his loving longtime partner, Pamela Rozanski of Upton; and her daughter, Lisa Anzede, her husband J.P., and their sons, Max and Sam, with whom he shared a special bond. He is also survived by his former wife, Elena (Victoria) Moro.
In accordance with Joe’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford, MA, on a day and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of one’s choice in Joe’s memory.
