Joe Di Reda

Joseph James di Reda, veteran character actor and screenwriter, passed
away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family on
Saturday, June 16th, in UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester, of
melanoma.

He was born September 16, 1928 in Worcester to Grazia (Ricchiuti) and
Salvatore di Reda. Joseph appeared in numerous films and television
shows.

After serving briefly in the US Navy aboard a repair ship during World
War II, Joseph migrated to New York where he garnered a role in the
touring company in Elia Kazan’s production of “Tea and Sympathy” with
Deborah Kerr. The tour landed him in Hollywood where he remained for
the rest of his acting career. His many motion picture credits include
“The Black Orchid” with Sophia Loren and Anthony Quinn, “Parallax
View” with Warren Beatty, “The Hindenburg” with George C. Scott,
Michael Crichton’s “The Andromeda Stain”, and “The Sand Pebbles” with
Steve McQueen. In addition to his playing the role of “Red Dog
Shanahan” in the “Sand Pebbles”, Joseph was known for his off-screen
antics. Robert Wise, director and producer created a special movie
credit entitled “Diversions: Irving Schwartz” in honor of Joseph, who
kept the crew’s spirits up during the arduous location shoot in
China.

His numerous Television credits included “Perry Mason”, “Gunsmoke”,
“The Streets of San Francisco”, “M.A.S.H.”, “Cagney and Lacey”, and
“Batman”. Joe will also be remembered for his role as “Angel Moran” on
the television soap opera “General Hospital”, which he played for
approximately seven years.

He is survived by his loving wife Rita; his three sons, Michael and
his wife Cherie, T.J. and his wife Hannah, Mark Astrella and his wife
Angie, and his five grandchildren, Hayley, Jordan, Lindsay, Abby, and
Garrett. Joe’s family wishes to express our love and most heartfelt
thanks to Doctors Sullivan, Wholey, Quinlan, and Shepro, and their
nurses, including but not limited to Diane and the many other members
of the hospital staff who so lovingly cared for Joe and provided
support to his family.

Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu
of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Research,
UMass Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613-9938.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury is
assisting the family with the arrangements.