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.