SOUTH PARIS — Joseph R. Sciaraffa, 89, of Franklin Street, Rumford, died Monday, July 4, at the Maine Veterans’ Home.

He was born in Rumford, March 17, 1922, the son of Alfonso and Lucia (Bevilacqua) Sciaraffa and was educated in Rumford schools, graduating from Stephens High School, Class of 1940, where he was a three sport star athlete.

Joe served in the Pacific during World War II with the U.S. Marines, IV Division, making landings on the Marshall Islands, Tinion, Saipan and Iwo Jima. He was wounded on day 28 of the Iwo Jima Invasion earning him the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and received the “Silver” Star honorable service medal from the state of Maine.

Upon returning from World War II, he continued his athletic career, playing for the semi-pro football Portland Sagamores with his brother, Tony. He also competed on numerous other teams including the Dixfield Townies who played a Cuban national baseball team in Battle Creek, Mich., in the early 50s. Joe competed in track and field into his mid 80s, winning numerous medals including a National Championship in the 100 meter dash in 2002.

Joe was a communicant of St. Athanasius-St. John Church and a member of Rumford Maine Lodge no. 862, BPOE, Napoleon Ouellette Post No. 24, American Legion and the Robert Shand Post No. 1641, VFW.

Joe worked as a millwright for more than 32 years until retirement from Boise Cascade Paper Co. in Rumford in 1984.

He was survived by a very special friend and companion, Joanne Witas of Mexico; a sister, Fonza Giberson of Largo, Fla.; sons, Gene Sciaraffa of Durango, Colo., and Dean Sciaraffa and his wife, Jennifer, of South Portland; and three grandsons, Russell and Ross Sciaraffa of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Greyson Sciaraffa of South Portland.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; four brothers, Steven, Nicholas, Anthony and Guy; and a sister, Jane.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home and the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their excellent care shown to Joe.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.