Joseph Richard Massoletti

Joseph Richard Massoletti and Rosalie Hooper

Joseph Richard Massoletti was born about 1820, the eldest son of Vincent and Sarah Massoletti. Richard was the name of his maternal grandfather which leads one to speculate that Joseph was the name of his paternal grandfather in Genoa, but this is currently a theory.

Joseph was a watchmaker in Washington, DC according to city directories. Joseph demonstrated the musical talent of the family forming and leading The Massoletti Brass Band. They performed at the parade celebrating the laying of the cornerstone of the Smithsonian and according to the papers of the time, they performed admirably. Joseph also served as the Captain of The Washington Light Infantry Brass Band, performing throughout the Washington area at numerous prominent events and advertised in local newspapers.

Joseph married Rosalia (Rosa) Hooper, daughter of George Kent Hooper from Connecticut and Catherine Burchell from Ireland. Rosalie was born at Old Point Comfort in Norfolk, Virginia. George Kent Hooper was listed with his family in the 1850 Census in Washington, DC and Joseph’s bands performed frequently at Old Point Comfort. Joseph and Rosalia were married before 1850.

Joseph and Rosalia had 3 children: Vincent Louis Massoletti , Franklin Pierce Massoletti and Fannie Massoletti. Vincent Louis died as an infant 21 February 1852.

Richard passed away 17 February 1862 at the age of 39. Richard is buried in the family plot at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC.

The Massoletti Family Bible says “Died Feby 17th 1862 my Brother Joseph R Massoletti on his 42nd year of age”

Rosalia moved to Boston and lived with her parents after Richard’s death. Rosalia died 9 March 1900 at the age of 69 and is buried in the Massoletti family plot at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC.