Joseph E. Scionti

Joseph Scionti, 87, a longtime resident of Salem, NH, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Lawrence, MA, the son of the late Rocco and Christine (Longo) and husband of the late Marilyn (Gagne) Scionti.

Raised in Lawrence, MA, Joseph was a graduate of Lawrence High School, class of 1954, and went on to enlist in the Army and was stationed overseas in Turkey. Soon after his discharge from the Army he met and married his sweetheart, Marilyn. They moved to North Andover, MA, and eventually settled on Arlington Pond in Salem, NH, for almost 50 years. 

Music was always an important part of Joseph’s life. As a young man, he proudly participated in a local drum and bugle corp. and was also a member of the Garrett Player of Lawrence, a Merrimack Valley drama group. He was also a very active member of the choir at churches in NH and Florida.

Joseph's faith and service to others was a major part of Joseph’s life. He attended Mary Queen of Peace Church in Salem, as well as Immaculate Conception in Melbourne, FL. Joseph was so proud to be a part of the choir at both of these churches. He scheduled his days around the televised rosaries, setting alarms to ensure his didn’t miss any. He created an online hymnal database to provide churches with a selection of hymns that corresponded with daily readings. He and Marilyn spent many hours volunteering at the Lazarus House in Lawrence and he also supported many religious charities.

While Joseph had many jobs over his lifetime, he retired from Raytheon after 35 years as an engineer in the missile division and began his second career by opening a tax accounting business. He had many clients from the Merrimack Valley area and loved being busy during tax season. 

Making friends all over Salem and Melbourne was almost a past time as Joseph connected with his fellow townies at the Town Hall, the North Salem Post Office, Howie’s on Arlington Pond, Kev’s County Store, Walgreens, and the Renninger’s Flea and Farmers Market.

Growing up, Joseph’s children, Jeff and Lisa, would describe him as strict and serious. That all changed the moment he became a grandfather and great-grandfather. It was hard to tell who was sillier, the grandchildren or Papa. Joseph loved spending time with his family. Sunday dinners and playing cards, especially 45s was a favorite family pastime.

Joseph will be dearly missed and is survived by his loving children, Jeffrey Scionti and his wife Joan, and Lisa Keller and her husband James. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Kate, Anna, Allison, and Nathan; one great-grandson, Rowan; and Joseph’s brother, Anthony Scionti.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Rte. 113, Methuen, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 10:30 am in Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH. Burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.