Joseph V. Salonis

Joseph V. Salonis 86 of Belmont passed away on August 2, 2017 amongst beloved friends at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

He is preceeded in death by his parents John & Mary (Maczowicz) Salonis and sister Alice Tomoboro of Revere, Felix, John, Nellie, Albert, William and Mary Salonis. Also survived by his great nephew, Dante Tomboro of Revere.

Joseph was born in Worcester MA.  In his early years, he lived at The Fernald School in Waltham.  At 16, Joe moved to Templeton MA where he worked and lived on the farm at Templeton Colony.  Joe had a variety of jobs at the farm, but his favorite was working with his own team of horses.  Joe and his team hauled heavy loads and logs.  Every September the farm had a fair where Joe participated with his horses and won many competitions.  Those were some of Joe's happiest memories.  Years after Joe moved away from the farm, he still attended this fair yearly until its last in 2013. 

In 1985 Joe moved to a house in Watertown supported by Perkins School for The Blind and began working at Gateway Arts.  

Joe was very proud to be an artist.  He was a prolific loom weaver making scarves, table cloths, blankets, table runners, and much more.  Joe also worked with clay making beautiful bowls and whimsical sculptures.  Joe worked full time at Gateway until his late 70s when he switched to parttime.  Joe continued to work parttime and then from home until his passing.   

Later in life Joe moved with his housemates from Watertown, whom he lived with for close to 30 years, to a house in Belmont supported by Vinfen.  Joe had many great memories there. He especially enjoyed backyard cookouts and going to amusement parks. 

Joe had many interests.  He loved country music, wrestling, fairs, concerts, movies, and traveling.  In recent years he enjoyed going to NH and the Cape. Joe also loved having dinner, attending parties, and celebrating holidays with friends.  

Joe was a huge Bruins and baseball fan.  He was a Yankees fan and many people in his life would lovingly give him a hard time about that.  However, we also knew he was a secret Red Sox fan.  He listened to the games on his radio and never missed one.   Joe had a beautiful connection with his sister, Alice and his great nephew, Dante. He loved visiting them and talking about old times and memories with Alice. Joe also loved animals especially horses and dogs.  When Joe moved to Watertown, he got a puppy named Runaway. Joe had her for 19 years.  

Joe had a very outgoing personality and loved his family and friends.  He made connections with people that were lifelong and bonding.  He will be missed always.  

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main St., Watertown on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 9:00 AM  Relatives and friends kindly invited.

In Lieu of Flowers Donations can be made in Joe's name to the MSPCA.org/Nevins Farm

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