Attorney Joseph A. Gentile of Worcester passed away in his home Saturday, May 2, 2009, with his devoted wife, Dorothy, and their family at his side.

    He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy E. (Walsh) Gentile, his children Joseph P. Gentile of Marlborough, Michael E. and his wife Christina Gentile of Rutland, and Peter J. and his wife Patricia Gentile of Worcester. Two children, Maryellen and Patrick, died at infancy. He leaves a brother, Michael Gentile of North Carolina. His two sisters, Catherine Pasquerella and Adeline Gentile, predeceased him.

    He was an extremely proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Jeffrey and his wife Michelle, Kerry, and Caitlyn; Brian and his wife Sarah, and Brianna; Daniel and his wife Tracey, Erica, Elizabeth and Marykate. He also leaves four great grandchildren.

    He was born August 10, 1914 in Milford, Mass., son of Pietro and Filomena (Mantino) Gentile. He grew up in Worcester and graduated from North High School in 1932. At that time, he was able to attend Northeastern University Law School and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1937.

    He was part of America's Greatest Generation, being a veteran of four years of combat service in the Pacific, European and African campaigns during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for meritorious service under fire.

    After returning from the war, he opened a private law practice in Worcester and also served as treasurer for the Worcester Housing Authority starting in 1946.

    In 1950, he joined Worcester Federal Savings and Loan Association, which later became Freedom Federal Savings. He became vice-president and associate general counsel at the bank and served as the bank's conveyancing attorney for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1979.

    He served as former commander of the Worcester Veterans Council. He was a founding member of St. Andrew's Parish, and a member of the Catholic Alumni Sodality at Holy Cross, and the East Side American Legion Post. He was a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and was a well respected member of Worcester's legal community.

    Calling hours are Tuesday, May 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held Wednesday, May 6 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.