Joseph Garofalo, 83, of 660 Franklin St., an authority in the manufacturing of wooden racing rowing boats, died Thursday, Jan. 30, in UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus after a brief illness.
His wife of 47 years, Janet L. (Bourke) Garofalo, died in 2000. He leaves a brother, Anthony Garofalo of Maryland; a sister, Josephine Guerra of Worcester; nieces and nephews. A brother, Gary Garofalo, and a sister, Maryann Popillo, predeceased him. He was born in Worcester, son of Giuseppe and Concetta (Lamoli) Garofalo. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as an air crewman.
Mr. Garofalo owned and operated Worcester Oar and Paddle Co. for more than 56 years and was still working at the time of his death. He was one of two companies in the world that manufactured wooden racing rowing boats. In 2003, the Worcester High School Regatta named the trophy the "Joseph A. Garofalo trophy" in recognition of his work. Also, the Mystic Seaport Rowing Museum recently constructed a full-life size display of his workshop. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
The funeral will be held Monday, Feb. 3, from Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester, MA 01604. 30