Joseph A. Ierardi, 89, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on March 16, 1936, in Boston, MA, the son of the late Dominic and Anna Ierardi.

Joe grew up in Roxbury in a lively two-family home shared with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, brother and sister. Surrounded by family, laughter, and the rich traditions of his Italian-American heritage, he developed the deep love of family, food, faith, and togetherness that defined his life.

In 1959, Joe married the love of his life, Patricia (Chisholm) Ierardi. Together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage built on devotion, humor, and unwavering partnership. They made their home in Norwood, Massachusetts, where they lovingly raised their five children and built a life centered around family.

Joe attended Wentworth and got his associate's degree in mechanical engineering. He started working full time, raising a family of five, serving in the Massachusetts National Guard and attended night school at Northeastern University. In 1971 he earned his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and went on to have a long and respected career as a mechanical engineer and engineering manager with RCA, Raytheon, Augat/Pylon, and General Dynamics. His mechanical talent extended far beyond his professional life-there wasn't an engine, machine, or home project he couldn't figure out and fix.

Joe had a deep love for Boston sports and could always be found cheering for the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He enjoyed spending time fishing, playing horseshoes, racquetball, bocce, or rollerblading along the canal and bowling, always happiest when surrounded by friends and family.

Perhaps nothing brought Joe more joy than food and the traditions that came with it. The flavors and recipes of his Southern Italian upbringing filled his home, especially during holidays and family gatherings. He proudly carried on the centuries-old tradition of making homemade Italian sausage and was widely revered as "The Sausage King."

Joe was a lifelong and devoted Catholic. After moving to North Attleboro, he found great joy singing in the choirs at St. Mark's and St. Mary's in Norton. His faith guided his life, but above all, his greatest love was his family-especially his beloved wife Patti.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife Patricia; his brother Dominic Ierardi and Marian Ierardi of Florida; and was predeceased by his sister Rose Marie and his grandson Camden.

He was the proud and loving father of Joseph J. Ierardi of Medford, MA; David Ierardi and Kate McNutt Ierardi of Dunstable, MA; James Ierardi and Ann Sullivan Ierardi of Braintree, MA; Jude Ierardi and Suzanne Jones of Somerville, MA; and Christine and Carlos Jalowayski of Plainville, MA.

He was the cherished grandfather of Hannah, Daniel, Alec, Michael, Tess, Thomas, Emma, Joseph, Erin, Tyler, Andrew, and Carolyn, and the loving great-grandfather of Jacoby and Finn. He also leaves many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews who will remember him with great affection.

Joe will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, quick wit, and the deep love he had for his family. Nothing made him happier than having everyone together-sharing stories, laughter, and a meal around the table. His recipes, his stories, and the joy he brought to every family gathering will live on for generations.

At the center of his life was his beloved wife Patti, his partner of 66 years and the heart of the family they built together.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever present in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Public visitation has been respectfully omitted.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the St. Mark Church, Stanley Street, North Attleboro, MA on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joseph's name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of the DYER-LAKE FUNERAL HOME, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02763. (508) 695-0200