Giaconio Sposato
Voluntown — Giaconio “John” Sposato, 95, of Pendleton Hill Road, Voluntown, formerly of Westerly, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at the Royal Westerly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He was the husband of the late Mary Louise (Baker) Sposato and together they had shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Westerly, on April 30, 1923, he was the son of the late Angelo and Maria (Minice) Sposato.
It was a different time when John was growing up in Westerly. He did what everyone did back then, raised pigs, made soupy, wine, cider and cured hams. Then came World War II and he left home to join the Army in January of 1943 traveling from Providence to Fort Devens, Mass., for training and finally off to the Pacific. John served his country proudly in the front row of the 31st Coast Artillery Battalion during the campaign on New Guinea and in the Lingayen Gulf of Luzon. His primary discipline was in carpentry and quickly achieved the rank of sergeant. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, Victory, Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon and a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Service Star, all of which he has displayed neatly in a shadow box.
After the war, he came back home and began “courting,” as was the custom during those times, the woman that caught his attention, Mary Louise Baker, as she was selling eggs on the side of the road. In 1952, John and Mary bought a historical home in Voluntown, known as the “Rose Cottage.” They would have their dates together restoring the place which took around two years. They were married on Sept. 30, 1954, Mary’s birthday and made the Rose Cottage their lifetime home, raising and celebrating five generations of family living there. It was more than just a home, but a place to share in their love of all animals, gardening and canning. Most notably, his passion of gardening was known all around Westerly as he would travel about town with the abundance of his crop along with freshly gathered mushrooms visiting friends and relatives to barter and trade for soupy and wine. He exhibited his award winning vegetables and Italian “cucuzza” squashes at numerous local fairs including his favorite, the Washington County Fair. John also enjoyed spending time at local auctions and flea markets.
John continued his love of carpentry working for Engineered Builders until his retirement. He was talented at working with his hands and built numerous homes in Westerly along with the Brant Point Replica Lighthouse at Mystic Seaport. He was an active lifelong member of numerous organizations to include the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the Carpenters Local 24, the American Legion post 15 in Jewett City, the Calabrese Society, the USO (United Service Organizations) along with the American Quarter Horse Association.
There really wasn’t much that he hadn’t done. He accomplished so much in his life and will be dearly remembered by his family that he leaves behind.
John will be missed by his children, Michael Sposato, James Peter Sposato and Debra Sposato. He was the loving grandfather of Debra Marie Sposato; and great-grandfather of Ava Olivia Marsh; along with several nieces and nephews.
He will also be dearly missed by all the people of Westerly and Voluntown whose lives he touched. Especially by his extended family at the Royal Westerly, there isn’t a big enough thank you for their care and loving support during his time in their care.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary; his brothers, Patsy, Santo and Peter Sposato; along with his sister, Helen DeGregorio.
One of the first things that John did every morning was read the obituaries from his favorite three local newspapers. He would comment on them to his family and share the information about friends and acquaintances he had lost. Now his story is being shared with all who see his.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly. Funeral services and burial in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery will be private.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.