Sturbridge: Giuseppe L. "Joe" Lombardi, 79, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26th, 2024 after bravely battling a brief illness.

Joe was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Ann Marie (Romano) Lombardi, who passed away in 2017.  He leaves his two sons, Joseph Lombardi and his fiancé Jillian McCarthy of Holland and Jeffrey Lombardi of Sturbridge; his sister, Domenica "Mamie" LeBlanc of Southbridge and his two grandsons, David Lombardi and Nathan Lombardi as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joe was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts to Domenico and Antoinetta (Lanza) Lombardi, building lifelong friendships with neighbors and classmates at a young age that he stayed connected to his entire life. Joe served honorably for six years in the US Army National Guard and worked alongside his father at American Optical before becoming a tradesman.

From 1969 up until his recent hospitalization, Joe worked full time as a Lineman for National Grid (formerly Massachusetts Electric) where his coworkers became an extended family. Devoted to his work for Fifty-five years there were many pleas for him to slow down and enjoy retirement. But to Joe, enjoying retirement was simply going to work at a job he loved, alongside people he loved, to provide for the family he loved. Apart from his family, nothing made him smile more than putting his boots on and heading out to a trouble call.

Joe was an avid baseball fan, rarely missing an opportunity to watch the New York Yankees win a ballgame. He shared this passion with his sons by taking them to games and coaching their teams throughout childhood.  Joe was a devout catholic and member of St. Anne-St. Patrick Parish in Sturbridge. He was also active at several other parishes in the area including Mary Queen of the Rosary Church in Spencer.

Above all Joe was devoted to his family, a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

A funeral Mass for Joe will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 247 Hamilton St., Southbridge, Massachusetts.  Burial in St. Anne's Cemetery, Sturbridge, will be private. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Giuseppe L. Lombardi Memorial Fund, c/o Cornerstone Bank, 200 Charlton Rd., Sturbridge, MA 01566.  This fund is set up to support families of linemen in need.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.