Joseph O. Selvatico

1919 – 2017

West Springfield – Joseph O. Selvatico, 98, of Hillside Avenue died Monday in a local nursing home surrounded by his loving family.  Joe was born in West Springfield and was a lifelong resident of West Springfield.  He served on the West Springfield Police Department for 32 years retiring in 1986 with the rank of Captain.  In his early years, Joe fought as a lightweight boxer and had a 20-0-1 record.  He then joined the United States Army Air Corps and served during World War II.  He was active with West Springfield's UNICO, Elks Club and both VFW/American Legion.  He also spent many years going to the YMCA swimming.  He leaves his wife of 62 years Gloria (Mascioni) Selvatico, three children Darlene Bessette, Donna Cavanaugh and her husband Thomas and Michael Selvatico; a brother Jimmy Selvatico; sister Dee Winston; five grandchildren Alyssa DeGray, Justine and Sean Bessette and Caitlin and Patrick Cavanaugh and seven great grandchildren.  The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Thursday at 12:30 followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00pm.  For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.