Joseph Edward Singleton, Sr., 91, a resident of Marion, passed away on Wednesday June 24, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford after a brief illness.
Joe was born in New Bedford on June 21, 1929. He was the son of the late Christopher C. and Mary Ann (Veary) Singleton. Joe, also known as Dingy on the New Bedford waterfront, started working in the fish industry as a young teenager. He retired in 1982 at the age of 52 as a partner in D-Fillet, Co. Inc.
He was the widower of Irene Parker Singleton, who was the love of his life. He is survived by his children: Patricia A. DeCosta and her husband, Thomas, of Marion; Joseph E. Singleton, Jr. and his wife, JoAnne, of Marion; Linda Dessert and her husband, David, of West Wareham; Cynthia M. Visotski and her husband, Joseph, of Mattapoisett; and his daughters-in-law, Ruth Cote, of Gloucester and Carla Cote of Cherryfield, ME. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren: Dawn Heanue, Sarah Jaimes, Dennis Cote, Stephen Cote, Becky DeCosta, Joel DeCosta, Joseph E. Singleton, III, Matthew Dessert, Joshua Dessert, Meredith Dessert and Corey Visotski; twelve great-grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; his companion of ten years, Joan Manchester, of Mattapoisett; many beloved nieces and nephews with whom he shared a loving relationship; and his life-long friend, Richard (Jesse) Pragana and his wife, Olivia, of Acushnet.
He was the father of the late Stephen W. Cote and Dennis A. Cote. He was the brother of the late William Singleton, Beatrice Clark, John Singleton and Mary Daniels. He was also the brother-in-law of the late Walter E. (Buddy) Parker, Sr. of Fairhaven, who was his best friend.
Joe was all about family. He was a beloved Dad and Papa to his children and their friends. He was always there whenever anyone needed him. His home was always open to everyone and he hosted many family parties. He was known for his corny jokes that will forever bring smiles to the faces of his family. He was strong-willed, independent and liked to do things his way! He will forever be an inspiration to all who loved him. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered!
Joe was a proud Veteran of the Korean War. He was honored to attend the Fire Chiefs of New England’s Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to view our country’s war memorials. He was thrilled that Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony served as his chaperone. It was an experience that he cherished!
He enjoyed boating, traveling, gambling in Las Vegas, bowling, swimming, playing poker and hi-lo jack, and watching the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends at the Fairhaven Senior Center. He was a founding member of the Marion Social Club serving as its President for many years.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 28th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday June 29th at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Marion Social Club, P. O. Box 763, Marion, MA 02738. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
