Joseph M Brito Jr

A World War II veteran, Joe was discharged from the Army with the rank of corporal in 1946 but served as a lifelong inspiration for his grandson, U.S. Army Colonel Gary Brito, the III Corps Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations at Fort Hood, Texas.

Born in New Bedford to Cape Verdean parents, Joseph Sr. and Eugenia Brito, Joe spent most of his working life driving trucks for Hyannis Sand and Gravel, the company he retired from in 1988.

Joe enjoyed working with his hands, doing wood work and as a longtime gardener. He had a real passion for antique cars and could often be found in his garage, restoring his 1940 Buick while listening to music playing softly from the old garage radio.

A devoted family man, he had a laugh that was contagious to go along with a hearty sense of humor, which his wife Dorothy M. (Roderick) Brito never ceased to appreciate for the 68 years they were married.

Outside of his family, Joe enjoyed the company of friends in social clubs, including the American Legion, the 2-5 Club, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

A father of six, including the late Wayne Brito Sr., he is survived by five children: James, Joanne, Sandra, Joseph III, and Peter; Brother of Manuel Brito;13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, October 19, from 4 to 7 pm at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main St., Hyannis.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11 am on Saturday, October 20.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the VNA of Cape Cod or Hospice of Cape Cod.