Joseph Rene Altott

Joseph Rene Altott, 99 years of age, of Salem, NH passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 5 months shy of his 100th birthday, after a short illness.  He follows his late wife, Irene, who passed away on January 27, 2024. They are together forever in love.

Joseph was born September 24, 1924 in Methuen MA, the son of Edward Altott and Rose Belanger. He was married to Irene Jameson Altott for 73 years, after meeting at Canobie Lake Dance Pavilion in 1948. They were married in 1950.

Joseph graduated from Methuen High School in 1941. He graduated Springfield College in 1954 with a degree in Physical Education, and a PHD in Rehabilitation. He was the 1st Certified athletic trainer graduated by Springfield College.

Joseph was a WWII Veteran, a side gunner on a B-29 Bomber. He flew 35 missions over Japan. He was credited with shooting down 4 enemy fighters, which garnished him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also received the Air Medal with 4 Leaf Clusters.

Joseph was the Athletic trainer at Williams College, Columbia University, and the Hartford Whalers NFL Hockey team.

He was an Athletic trainer for the 1968 Winter Olympic Ski team in Grenoble, France.  He also served as the trainer for the USA National Hockey team in Finland.

His dream job was as the head Athletic trainer for the Hartford Whalers from 1972-1983.

Joseph was a Director of the National Athletic Trainers Association from 1969-1971, and is an inductee into their Hall of Fame.

Joseph was painted by Norman Rockwell in 1966, in a painting titled : “The Recruit”. This painting was on the cover of Look Magazine.

Joe was a champion 10 pin bowler in his younger days, as well as an avid golfer. He also enjoyed bass fishing.

Joseph is survived by his four children, Frances Toth and her partner Edward Shehab of Kingsport, TN; Michael Altott and his wife, Jeanne, of Canton, CT; Christine Anderson and her husband, John, of North Reading, MA; and Elaine Altott of Stoneham, MA.

His grandsons: Eric Anderson, Joseph Anderson, Jameson Altott. His granddaughters: Julia Schofield, and Lynne Anderson.  His great grandchildren:  Gus, Henry, and Jack Anderson, Lucy Anderson, Nate Schofield, Wesley Schofield, Hazel Altott, and River Altott.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Irene Altott. and his brothers Henry Altott and Maurice Altott.

Interment for both Joseph and Irene Altott will be on April 25 at 12 pm, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. A memorial mass will be held for both Joseph and Irene Altott at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA, on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:30 am. 

Friends and family are welcome. Arrangements are by the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Salem, NH. To leave an online condolence, please visit Joseph’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.con.

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