Joseph P. Spanoghe (81) entered eternal rest on the evening of Monday March 26, 2018 with his loved ones by his side.

Joseph was born and raised in Chelsea, MA by his parents Frank and Jennie Spanoghe as an only child. He grew up attending public schools where he was a star basketball player for the Chelsea High School Red Devils.

After graduation, he went onto enlist in the U.S. Army as a Pvt. 1 ^st Class from the summer in 1958 to 1960. After his service, he went onto work for American Airlines as a ground serviceman for over 45 years.

During that time, he met the love of his life Diane "Dailey" Spanoghe. Joseph went onto marry Diane in 1962 in Rockport, MA for nearly 56 years. Joseph later became the father to two lovely children Carol Ann Mercier and Mark Joseph Spanoghe.

Outside of his family, Joseph was an avid historian and sports fanatic as he shared his passion for Boston sports with all he knew, especially the Boston Celtics. He coached Salem Youth Sports while his children were growing up in both softball and basketball. He always made time to spend with his family as they made frequent trips to the beach and spent time outdoors together.

Joseph also shared his time gardening with his beloved wife and traveling around the country from Bermuda to California. They took annual cruise trips with their close friends around the country to continue their passion for traveling. Above all, Joseph will be remembered for being a loving husband, an outstanding father, and a close friend to all he encountered.

Joseph is survived by; his loving wife of nearly 56 years Diane "Dailey" Spanoghe; his daughter Carol Ann Mercier and her husband Laurent with their children Marc, Alex and Sarah of Amesbury; his son Mark Joseph Spanoghe and his wife Donna with their children Joey, Andrew, and Grace of Amesbury; many nieces and nephews; and many close friends he had throughout his life.

ARRANGMENTS: Visiting hours will be held on Monday April 2, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal St. Salem. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday April 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle, located at 1 Margin St, Peabody. Interment will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery following the funeral services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Salem Hospital, the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.