Joseph R. Cremo

PORTLAND - Joseph R. Cremo, 89, went home to Jesus with his wife by his side from the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on April 24, 2011. He was born in Portland, a son of Antonio and Santa Ciccomancini Cremonese and attended Portland schools, graduating in 1940. Mr. Cremo was a Marine Corp Veteran serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict. He married his sweetheart, Lillian Katherine Mulkern in 1946, the same year they were both discharged from the military. Lillian served two years in the Navy. Joe began serving the people of Portland as a member of the Portland Fire Department in 1950. He was the youngest fire fighter ever to become captain. He became Chief of the Fire Department in 1965, again being one of the youngest who came through the ranks from fire fighter, retiring in 1975. He was also President of the New England Fire Fighters Association. Joseph was a communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic Church with a large, strong fellowship in their church family. Lillian is very appreciative of all the kindnesses expressed through prayer and support. Joseph had a passion for music, teaching himself to play guitar, ukulele, banjo, and a little piano too! He loved boating, having spent several summers on his boat, "Rocme". Whenever there were family or social gatherings, he always brought one of his instruments for a wonderful Sing-A-Long. Joseph is predeceased by his parents and his brother, David. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lillian; his sister, Mrs. Mary Earley; several nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, from 4 to 7 pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Chapel at 11:15 a.m. Thursday followed by a 12:00 noon Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress Street, Portland, Maine. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.Lillian and her family would like to thank Hospice of Southern Maine for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.Online Condolences for Joseph Cremo