Joseph Barracato, Sr.

Joseph “Joe” Barracato, of Catonsville, MD, died on Friday, August 12, 2016, of cancer. Joe was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 19th, 1933, to Italian immigrants Domenico and Francesca Barracato. He served in the US Army on active duty from 1953 to 1955, and in the Army Reserve from 1955 to 1961. Joe was very proud of his military service, and he enjoyed sharing stories of his experiences traveling in Europe while serving his country.

Joe worked for A&P Grocery Store and Wilkins Rogers Mill in Ellicott City before retiring in 1995. He enjoyed following horse racing as a hobby. He cherished his Italian heritage, and never lost his love of Italian food.

Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Santa Bressler, Josie Belletti, Marie Gapsis, John Barracato, Andrew Barracato, and Salvatore Barracato. He was married for 43 years to Carol (Bass) Barracato; they were divorced in 2000. Together they had five children, who are all surviving:  Anetra Badwak of Pasadena, MD; Lisa Drinks of Annapolis, MD; Joseph Barracato of Glen Burnie, MD; Michael Barracato of Bel Air, MD; and Frank Barracato of Lusby, MD. He is also survived by four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.

Interment will be on August 24th, 2016, in the Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD, followed by a private memorial service. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.