Joseph C. Asensio

Joseph (Jose) Asensio passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife and daughter on May 30, 2020. He was born in Barcelona, Spain almost 90 years ago. He was the eldest son of Jose and Isabel. His father, Jose, a captain in the army, fought against the dictator, Franco, in the Spanish Civil War. Shortly after the war ended, Jose had an accident at work, and died at the age of 33. 11- year-old Joseph had to leave school and go to work to support his mother and two younger brothers, Diego and Angel.

Joseph also served in the Spanish army as a drill sergeant and was stationed in Girona on the Costa Brava. As a teenager, he met a young girl named Francine, whose family had just returned from living in France. They met at a local ballroom, fell in love, and eventually married. Besides being an excellent dancer, Joseph enjoyed bicycle racing, soccer, and going to the movies. In his professional life, he was an industrial electrician for one of the largest companies in Spain.

Shortly after Joseph and Francine’s only daughter, Clara, was born, the family moved to the U.S. They settled in the Springfield area where two of Francine’s sisters lived. Joseph worked as a shop foreman for T.A. Daley and Sons for many years until the company closed. He then was employed by Samuel D. Plotkin and was a trusted and dedicated employee until he retired at age 86.

In addition to work and retirement, Joseph also made time for several years to offer himself as a guest speaker at Springfield and Elms Colleges for courses on the history and culture of Spain.

Joseph will be remembered for his quick wit, his love of conversation, good food and wine, his devotion to his family and friends and his pride for his hometown, Barcelona. He loved his flower and vegetable gardens and grew delicious tomatoes, even though he didn’t like them. He was a kind, gentle man who would go out of his way to help others. He was also fiercely independent and believed in working hard and being self-reliant.

Joseph was predeceased by his father, mother, and two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Francine, his daughter, Clara, his sisters-in-law Maria and Rosa and many nieces and nephews in both the U.S. and Spain.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 10AM at St. Michael's Cathedral. Those attending the services are reminded that masks are required.

For those that wish memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visit www.nefcc.net