Joseph A. “Joe Thursday” Rinaldo, 79, of 3 Risso Ct., passed away peacefully Saturday, September 9th, in the University Commons.

Joe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Muriel M. (Giguere) Rinaldo; three sons, Anthony J. Rinaldo and his wife Lisa of Millbury, Joseph A. Rinaldo and his wife Beth of Holden, and Robert M. Rinaldo of Worcester; a daughter, Maria C. Lizotte and her husband Brian of Naperville, IL; four sisters, Mary Ricciardi and Lillian Nielson both on Cape Cod, Lucy Napoli of Marion, and Louise Tarallo of Shrewsbury; eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Vincenzo, Breanna, Nicholas, Brenna and Joseph Rinaldo, Brian and Jillian Lizotte; many nieces and nephews. Four brothers, Michael, Matteo, Frank and John Rinaldo and a sister, Ann Savastano pre deceased him.

Born in Worcester, Joe was the son of Anthony J. and Maria N. (Trotto) Rinaldo. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade and has lived here all his life.

Joe worked over 40 years as a Plasterer for the Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers Union, Local 1, chapter 6. Besides the Union, Joe was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, September 12th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours will be held Monday, September 11th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University Commons, Activity Fund, 378 Plantation St., 01605 or the ALS Foundation, Mass Chapter, 75 McNeil Way, suite 310, Dedham, Mass 02026.