Joseph C. Mercieri Sr.

Joseph “Joe” Charles Mercieri, Sr., 93, beloved husband of Lucrezia “Dolly” (Rossi) Mercieri, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 16, 1932, in New Britain, Connecticut, Joe was the son of Carlo Charles Mercieri and Vita Lucia (Bellantuono) Mercieri. When he was a young boy, the family moved to Bristol, Connecticut - a move that would ultimately shape the rest of his life.

On September 17, 1955, he married his childhood sweetheart, Dolly. Their love story spanned more than eight decades, and together they built a life full of laughter, devotion, and adventures - traveling often and sharing countless memories along the way.

A decorated veteran, Joe served with honor as a United States Army Corporal in the 7th Division, 32nd Infantry Regiment, during the Korean War. He bravely served from January 6, 1953, until his honorable discharge on October 20, 1954. During his military service he received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (with Bronze Service Star), United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Joe spent the early part of his career as a machinist at Pratt & Whitney before joining the City of Bristol in 1968. Over the next 25 years, he rose through the ranks from assistant lab technician to Superintendent of the Water Pollution Control Division/ Wastewater Treatment Plant. As the Superintendent, he oversaw the city’s two municipal wastewater treatment plants, a role he held with pride until his retirement in 1993.

Joe lived life with joy and quiet confidence. A skilled bowler and enthusiastic golfer, he could often be found in local leagues alongside his wife or longtime friends. In 2005, he proudly joined the Top Flite Hole-in-One Club after acing the 18th hole at Hawk’s Landing Golf Course. It was a 155-yard shot he was always ready to talk about.

He was a dedicated member of the Bristol Elks Lodge 1010 and the Bristol Palos Council 35 Knights of Columbus, but perhaps his favorite tradition of all was the weekly setback and poker games he hosted at his home filled with good friends and family, plenty of laughs, and just the right amount of competition.

Joe was also a passionate sports fan who rarely missed a game. He was a loyal supporter of the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and, above all, UConn Women’s Basketball. He and Dolly watched every game together. Win or lose, they were always all in.

He is survived by his sons, Joe Mercieri, Jr. and his wife, Janice; David Mercieri and his wife, Lorraine; his brother, John Mercieri and his wife, Shirley; his sister, Rose (Mercieri) Guarda and her husband, Vincent; six cherished grandchildren; eight adored great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by both his parents and his beloved wife, Dolly, who passed just 40 days before him. Joe and Dolly would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this September.

The family would like to thank his wonderful neighbors, family members, and long-time friends for their help and devotion, allowing both Joe and his wife Dolly to remain in their home for as long as possible. Your help, caring, and love will never be forgotten.

A graveside service honoring both Joseph and Lucrezia will be held on Thursday, August 21 at 11:00 AM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03303. Joseph will receive full military honors. A reception will follow the burial beginning at noon at the Common Man in Concord, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to: North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency- 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH 03561.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, volunteers, and staff of North Country Home Health & Hospice for their compassion and support during this most heartbreaking of times.