D. Joseph Unni

obituary

D. Joseph Unni – 57, of Wilmington and formerly of North Reading, died unexpectedly of a sudden cardiac event, on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
He is survived by his wife Cindy (LaPorte) Unni of Wilmington; his daughters, Hannah and Isabella, his step-son Brian; his brothers, Father John Unni of Saint Cecilia Parish in Boston and Paul Unni and his wife Diane of Pennsylvania, his step-sister Natalie Todaro-Blake of Maine; his niece Paige and his former wife Patty Unni of Methuen, along with his in-laws Joe and Donna LaPorte, Wendy LaPorte, Richard LaPorte and his wife Judy, Bob LaPorte and his partner Veronica, and Michelle Wronski and her husband Ron. Joe has many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents Frank and Estelle (Plante) Unni.

Joe brought light and laughter everywhere he went. He had an outgoing personality and knew how to talk with people. He was generous with his words, actions and love. He felt deeply connected to people and would do anything he could for someone in need. Joe loved woodworking and was very talented. He loved looking at the wood and seeing what it wanted to be. His custom furniture, bowls and snowmen are his gifts to all that have a piece of them.

His greatest joys were his daughters. They loved looking through old pictures, watching music videos, and sharing memories. He would always dance to Michael Jacksons “Beat It” for Hannah and he would “make the face” anytime Isabella asked him to. He loved them more than anything in the world and they now have guardian angel watching over them.

Joe shared the last eleven years with his wife Cindy. They shared a great love of music, cooking together, spontaneous dancing in the kitchen, camping, sitting by the fire, and eating out. They were one together.

Joe was a graduate of North Reading High School Class of 1982. He was looking forward to their reunion in November.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he proudly served at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany. “Lil Joe,” as he was fondly known, made lifelong friends who continued to stay in touch over the years.

We will miss him every day. Sleep with angels.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, November 4 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Home Base, 1 Constitution Road, Charlestown, MA 02129. www.homebase.org   www.croswellfuneralhome.com

41 thoughts on “D. Joseph Unni”

  1. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I hope you can find some peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Laura Nephew
    (Classmate of Father Unni)

    1. Father John,
      Kevin and I are have thought of you this past week with the loss of your brother Joe. We have kept you in our prayers along with the rest of your family…God bless you all.
      Love,
      Cyndi and Kevin Conway

  4. I am so thankful to get to know Joe, he was one of a kind. I loved the nickname the other people gave him in Cabo, “Radar”. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him

  5. Love and sympathy to the family of dear Joe Unni – a super person – I remember him when he and my son Steven Orben skated together – Jooe was so fast – he wasn’t a very big guy, but he made up for it in his speed – he was amazing to watch – always kind – RIP in peace – you were taken way too soon. Plessings to you dear wife and your brothers. Sincerely, Anne O. Correia

  6. I’ll always remember babysitting for the “Unni boys” when they lived on Southwick Road. Fond memories!

  7. My dearest friend Joe. Oh how I’ll miss you! You were one of a kind! And, between the hours of chatting, laughing and rescue missions that occurred – you will always have a place in my heart.
    Being your “best man” meant the world to me!
    The love you had for your girls, Hannah and Bella is unbreakable and beautiful to see.
    And, the love and commitment you had for Cindy is just as beautiful! You two were beautiful souls intertwined and flames of fire!

    Your departure is much too soon. May you Rest In Peace, and enjoy your brewskis and cigars while you watch over us.

    Love you my friend.
    J-

  8. Cindy, we’re so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and you were perfect for each other.

  9. I am deeply saddened by Jore’s passing. He was one of the good ones. Friend, colleague…the best of the best. He will be truly missed.

  11. We will all miss Joe or as we knew him “Joey”! He was a truly nice person and a pretty funny guy.

  12. I am deeply saddened by Joe’s passing. He was one of a kind. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  13. Cindy, I was sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Though I have not seen u for awhile, I remember our long talks. I was happy to hear of your success and that you had found the love of your life. Sending my condolences and prayers.
    Roz

  14. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
    Joe was my classmate at NRHS 1982. Great character!
    He was one of a kind and got along with everyone. He will be missed.
    David Johnson
    NRHS 1982

  17. I’m so sorry – my condolences to the Unni extended family – I feel like I lost a brother as Joe was one of my drumming bandmates at NRHS and always brought the light and positive energy with him to make every day feel special and make those around him feel special… We had many laughs together as both of us could be pranksters. He will be missed, as I miss him already… my heart aches in ways words cannot describe… Joe was a positive ripple in the lives he touched.
    –Thomas Silvia

  18. Our sincere and deepest condolences.Joe was a Beautiful person.
    Ron & Eva Perullo

  19. Our deepest sympathy to Joe’s family and especially Cindy and his daughters. We all loved Joe so much and he brought such joy to everyone who him. Joe you will be so missed.

  20. I was so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. My high school band and musical memories included Joe and his fun-loving spirit. He was well loved and I’m sure will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My hugs and prayers go out to Cindy and his entire family.

  21. Words cannot describe how great this loss is to all of us. He was my 1982 classmate and I always considered him my friend. His smile and personality will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. He’s going to make an amazing angel!

  22. Words cannot describe how great this loss is to all of us. He was my 1982 classmate and I always considered him my friend. His smile and personality will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. He’s going to make an amazing angel!

  23. Father John and the entire family! So sorry for this sad loss! He’s in the Communion of Saints. Rest In Peace

    All the Durants!

  24. So very sorry Father Unni and family on your loss. My sympathies to your family

  25. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers for all who were privileged to know Joe and his family. He was a great guy and will be sadly missed. Thank you for giving me the recipe for the Hot Cole Slaw! Rest in Peace

  26. I am so sorry to the Unni family for their loss. May Joe rest in heavily peace. I will be praying for Father John and his family.

    Alex Tarzikhan,
    Member of the St Cecilia Parish

  27. So saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. I was one of the lucky ones to spend endless hours on the football field and in parades marching to the cadance Joe was beating. Whenever you were around Joe, there was laughter, sunshine, silliness, kindness and genuine caring. His personality could light up any situation. Heaven has gained a special angel. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Unni family. RIP Joe.

  29. Our condolences to the Unni family. We have come to know of the family through watching Mass each week with Fr. John Unni presiding. Off and on he has spoken about his strong connection to his brothers and family. We will keep all in our thoughts and prayers. May Joe Unni rest in eternal peace.

  31. God bless you, Fr. Unni. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Gigi Eacmen

  32. I am still in a state of shock and disbelief over Little Joe’s passing. I will always cherish the memories of serving alongside him in Germany!! Such a great dude!! He will always be in my heart and memory. My heartfelt condolences, hugs, prayers and love go out to Cindy, Hannah, Bella and the rest of Joey’s family and friends!! Love ya Little Joe!!!

  33. I’m sending my deepest sympathy to and prayers for the Unni family. Joey was such a sweet and kind soul. It has been many years but I think with fondness of all the good times with Joey, John, Paul, Buffy and Chris.
    I remember Joey telling me the story of his first crush: his kindergarten teacher. She gave him an ornament that said “My Littlest Angel.” He was an Angel.

    When I was at Rivier University, whenever they sent out news of the loss of someone in our community, the following quote was sent (I always really liked it):

    “It is nonsense to say God fills the gap; he doesn’t fill it, but on the contrary, he keeps it empty and so helps us to keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain. . . . The dearer and richer our memories, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude changes the pangs of memory into tranquil joy.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

  34. Father John and family , my deepest condolences to you and your family from a Keene ,NH virtual attendee,
    May your brother rest in peace

  35. TO THE FAMILY OF JOSEPH, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and our prayers will always be with you.
    The Ventresca Family
    Wichita Ks.

  36. We send our very deepest sympathies and prayers to the whole family. Even though we did not know Joe and his family personally , we know of him through his brother, Fr. John, who spoke about his family in his homilies. I believe we are here on this earth for a set amount of time and having read about Joe’s life, he accomplished a lot in the time he was given. Words can never take away the pain and loss you are feeling right now, but know that prayers from people like myself and family are with you and hopefully will give you some consolation.

  37. Dear Father Unni, I was very sad to hear of your brother Joe’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your entire family.
    I’m happy that you got to spend some quality time, just the two of you, before he died. May he rest in peace. God is great.

  38. Father Unni, please know we join all the St Cecilia parishioners with our prayers for you as you experience this horrible and unexpected loss. We are thinking of you.
    Paula and David

  39. Father John, I hold you and your family in my heart. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and endurance of Christ.

    Virgen

  40. I’m so sorry for your loss. I served with Joe at Hahn AB in Germany. I’ve only communicated with him a couple of times via Facebook since then, but he was the kind of person that becomes part of your life once you got to know him. He was always so kind and happy. I’m very sorry he passed at such a relatively young age. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. Rest well old friend!

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