Joel A. D'Aquino

Joel Antonio D’Aquino … Loving Son, brother, grandson

WESTFORD - Joel Antonio D’Aquino, 22, a resident of Westford, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Born in Mixco, Guatemala on February 8, 2001, he was the beloved son of Stefano and Elizabeth (Cenzon) D’Aquino.

Joel was a loving, relentlessly supportive brother to Brendan, and he was a loving, affectionate son. He was an extremely generous soul, especially towards the lost, the forgotten, the defenseless, the unsung, and the less fortunate. Joel had a deep love for animals. He was a very patient, naturally gifted dog-whisperer – he knew how to train dogs, play with them, and love them all at the same time.  Joel’s bond with Romeo and Yogi was near-magical – watching them interact as a pack was invariably a sight to behold.  He loved high-end shoes, good food, and music.  He traveled the world, as he loved visiting new places.  Joel was loving, hardworking, playful, friendly, goofy, warm-hearted, gregarious – his gentle nature forever touched those who knew him. 

Joel attended Stony Brook School and was a graduate of Westford Academy, where he was a member of the wrestling team. He enjoyed many other sports including baseball, basketball, and soccer, but he was especially proud of the championship win he helped secure while playing flag football at Stony Brook. Joel was an avid outdoorsman, a Boy Scout, and a member of an award-winning First Robotics Competition team. He had a keen interest in business – he enthusiastically participated in DECA competitions and reached state-level ranking while at WA. He continued to pursue his interest in business through self-study, by devouring books about entrepreneurship (EtA) and attending business seminars. After high school, Joel joined the Massachusetts National Guard and successfully completed Basic Training. Joel was employed as a Transit Ambassador for the MBTA.  

In addition to his parents and his brother Brendan, Joel leaves his maternal grandmother, Nieves Cenzon of the Philippines and his paternal grandmother, Giuseppina Vernarecci of Italy.

He leaves aunts and uncles in the Philippines and Italy among whom are Jennifer, Isabelle Kristina, Maria Grazia and Giovanni; he also leaves five cousins. He was a grandson of the late Ferdinand Cenzon and Mario D’Aquino, and nephew of the late Roderigo.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joel’s visitation on Monday, Dec. 4, from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM at Blessed Trinity Parish-St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 107 North Main Street, Westford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM. Burial will follow in St. Catherine Cemetery. 

In lieu of or in addition to flowers, donations in his name may be made to the New England Center and Home for Veterans at https://nechv.org/donations/tribute-giving/