Retired Medford Firefighter Joseph Cantalupa Dies

MEDFORD, MA — Retired Medford firefighter and union leader Joseph Cantalupa passed away Monday, Oct. 4. He was 87 years old.

Cantalupa joined the Medford Fire Department in 1970, quickly rising through the union ranks and becoming president of Medford Local 1032. He led the union for 22 years and served as the historian of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) until his retirement in 1999, according to his obituary.

In 2015, the PFFM established the Joseph J Cantalupa Lifetime Service award, naming him its first recipient. Three years later, the Medford Fire Department dedicated its annual leadership award in his name.

Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home. A funeral will be held Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at the St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, at 11:30 a.m.

Read the full obituary for Joseph Cantalupa here.