Page 14 THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, November 8 , 2019 City honors Revere Chamber of Commerce founder, developer Joseph Festa with Veterans Memorial Sign By Tara Vocino A World War II/U.S. Navy veteran, Revere Chamber of Commerce founder/past president and Joseph Festa Construction Company owner had a memorial pole dedication in his memory in front of the home that he lived in for more than 60 years at the intersection of Ann Road and Malden Street on Sunday afternoon. Approximately 50 people paid tribute to Joseph A. Festa Sr.’s life and legacy. “He loved this corner of Revere,” Mayor Brian Arrigo said. “So, we fittingly adorned this corner where he will always be part of Revere that he helped build.” Arrigo said that among other properties Festa and his team Sons Joseph, Jr. and John Festa hold up a photograph of their dad in his memory. built the current Citizens Bank Building on Broadway, the adjacent TD Bank Building (formerly the Broadway National Bank Building) and the wellknown Atlantic Towers apartment building at the beginning of Revere Beach. Arrigo said Festa downplayed his success and always dressed in a shirt and tie, along with gripping a firm handshake signifying friendship. Many of the streets in West Revere are named for members of this distinguished family: Ann Road, Joey Road, Johnny Road, Camille Road, Assunta Road, Festa Road, according to Arrigo. “He never outgrew the youthful enthusiasm he had for his city and his family,” Arrigo said. “He was a veteran, distinguished businessman and family man.” Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Brothers Joseph and John Festa. In front of Joseph A. Festa, Sr.’s home: Bottom row: granddaughter Morgan, great-granddaughter Alayna; grandson Joseph III and great-grandson Camden; middle row: daughter-in-law Jamie and son Joseph, Jr.; top row: grandson Gerard; great-granddaughter Calle, in-law Lauren, grandson John Jr., son John and son-in-law Daniel Mello. (Not pictured: daughter Ann Festa.) Veterans Service Office Director Marc Silvestri said Joseph A. Festa, Sr. did amazing things at the age of 18 serving his country, laying the foundation for his well-respected family members, and that he can’t think of a more special dedication. World War II and U.S. Navy veteran Joseph A. Festa, Sr. served all over the waters. Shown from left to right are Daniel Mello, John Festa, Jr., Jamie Festa, John Festa, Sr., Joseph Festa, Sr., and Calee, Elaine, Lauren, Gerard and Morgan Festa during the pole dedication on Sunday afternoon. (Not pictured: daughter Ann Festa.)
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