News

Joseph Finocchio, 1907-2007

Sign pioneer passes away at 100 years old.

Published

17 years ago

May 18, 2007

Jacob Rieskamp Signs of the Times May 2007 Issue

Joseph Finocchio, whose signs were fixtures along roadways in New England, died May 12, 2007 in Topsfield, MA.

Born on Jan. 29, 1907 in Catignano, Italy, Joseph’s family came to the United States when he was 5 years old. He attended the Wagner School of Art and Sign Painting in Boston after graduating from Essex Agricultural School.

In 1935, he acquired the Salem Sign Company, which created, among others, Howard Johnson signs for local highways. Salem’s signs are now collectors’ items. The company grew to be the largest north of Boston.

An avid gardener, bowler, and tennis player during his retirement, Mr. Finocchio participated in the USTA Super Seniors Tournaments at Longwood Tennis Club and the Essex County Club Tennis Nationals at the age of 85 and numerous seniors (over 90) tournaments, including the Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, FL, where he won second prize.

He is survived by his wife Rosamond; his children Paul and Marilyn, plus step-children Bruce, Dana and Kathryn; 12 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Introducing the Sign Industry Podcast

The Sign Industry Podcast is a platform for every sign person out there — from the old-timers who bent neon and hand-lettered boats to those venturing into new technologies — we want to get their stories out for everyone to hear. Come join us and listen to stories, learn tricks or techniques, and get insights of what’s to come. We are the world’s second oldest profession. The folks who started the world’s oldest profession needed a sign.