MARBLEHEAD — It is with profound sadness that the Marblehead community mourns the sudden passing of Joe Carpineto, a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend whose life was defined by generosity, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. Joe leaves behind his wife, Sherri, and their two sons, Harry and Will, the heart of his world and the greatest source of his joy.
Joe passed away suddenly on Dec. 22. As Sherri shared, Joe had faced medical challenges over the years; his loss was unexpected, leaving his family heartbroken.
Being a father was Joe’s proudest role. He was a constant presence in his sons’ lives, cheering from the sidelines, hosting unforgettable birthday celebrations, and turning holidays, especially Halloween, into magical experiences. Their home was always filled with laughter, creativity, and love. Joe didn’t just show up; he showed up fully.
Joe was also known for his incredible cooking and open-door hospitality. Friends, neighbors, teammates, and extended family were always welcome around his table. Sherri reflected on how rooted their family was in the community: “Joe and I have lived in Marblehead for about 20 years… our kids are very involved in town sports, and we’ve always hosted huge parties for the kids and their teams.”
In the wake of Joe’s passing, a GoFundMe was created, organized not by Sherri herself but by close friends.
“It was actually started by my friends in and around Marblehead to support myself and my boys during this difficult time,” she explained.
With past layoffs, ongoing health challenges, and limited financial safety nets, the support has been critical. Above all else, Sherri shared that her sons’ greatest hope is “to remain in Marblehead.”
The response from the community has been overwhelming.
“People have been phenomenal,” Sherri said. “It’s been really nice to see so many people rally around, not just me, but more importantly, my kids.”
As of press time, the GoFundMe has raised approximately $66,900 of its $70,000 goal.
One moment, in particular, captured the quiet kindness Joe himself embodied. After the season’s first snowfall, while Sherri cared for her younger son, who was sick, and her older son slept after a long night, a group of her eldest son’s high school friends arrived unannounced. In freezing temperatures, they shoveled the driveway and cleared off the family’s cars, then left quietly, expecting nothing in return.
“Above and beyond donations… is just the kindness of people,” Sherri said. “People reaching out, bringing food… my son’s friends came here, brought flowers, brought my kids food.”
Despite the outpouring of generosity, asking for help has not come easily.
“I am absolutely terrible at asking for help,” Sherri admitted. “It’s just not who I am. It wasn’t who my husband was either; we were both better at giving.”
She reflected on the irony of recently completing a GoFundMe of her own to help families impacted by layoffs, only to now find herself in need of support.
“I just appreciate anyone’s support, the donations, the kindnesses, people making sure that my boys are loved and cared for,” she said.
The GoFundMe continues to support Sherri, Harry, and Will as they navigate unimaginable loss.
Contributions will help ease immediate financial burdens and provide stability as the family grieves and begins to heal. No donation is too small, and sharing the fundraiser or keeping the family in your thoughts is equally meaningful.
Joe Carpineto’s legacy lives on — in his sons, in the countless lives he touched, and in a community that reflects the same generosity and compassion he gave so freely.
