lb logo

To the Lombardi family- I'm very sorry to hear of Joe's passing, please accept my condolences. I worked for Joe and Elmo in 1982 at Miller Disposal in Bedford. I was young and both of them taught me a lot about the trash business, those 2 guys could walk on water and I owe it to them for my 35 years of success in the waste industry. I remember Joe giving me a nice gift card to a fancy restaurant in Lexington for my wedding gift. I will always remember Joe, RIP my friend.

Anne, we're so sorry for your loss. It was a shock to only recently hear that Joe had passed. It saddens me how our families have gotten so much smaller. We hope you are doing well. Heather Dunn & Mark Lombardi

So very sorry for your loss Anne. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our families were close friends from Quincy.

Ann and Family, We share in your grief with the news that Joe has passed away. Our happy memories of Turkey Hill days remind us of what a dear man he was. Always with smile. We will hug you in person tomorrow. Love, Rick and Nancy Kelleher

Lisa We are very sad to hear the news of passing of your dad. Please accept our condolences. May the promise found in: “Psalms 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.“ guide you, husband, daughter and rest of the family. John Odhiambo Onyango+ Natalia+Eduardo + Ismael

My brother Joe grew up in the Hyde Park section of Boston. The neighborhood we grew up in was the Fairmont Hill area. We knew all our neighbors, the fathers were policemen, firemen, Boston Edison employees or other middle class working men. Many were World War II Veterans. The mothers stayed at home to raise the children. Compared to today, that is a bygone era. Remarkably, most of the boys that grew up in Fairmont Hill went on to live very successful lives. Someday, I would like to write a book about Fairmont Hill. Joe was always a sharp dresser and had a brand new car at a young age. I remember washing his baby blue Chevy Monte Carlo that had a black vinyl top. Joe put himself through college and right after graduating, he founded E.J. Ballo with his best friend Elmo Baldassari. Elmo and him were like brothers. They grew the company by making acquisitions that laid the foundation for a highly successful career in the solid waste industry. Fast forward to 2017, Joe had mentioned to me that he was interested in selling his current company, Sunrise Scavenger. I assisted in identifying the eventual buyer for him. However, to me the most remarkable part of the deal was the initial conference call we had with all parties involved. When it was Joe’s turn to discuss his career and background, it was apparent that he had an extensive and successful business career. The buyer commented “you have had a lot of partners” and Joe responded with pride “you can ask any of my partners if they would go into business with me again.” That one statement is all you need to know about my brother Joe; his integrity, business skills, and how his business partners feel about him. Joe’s business was highly successful and a major factor in his life, but his family life was just as important. This is evident by the devotion he had to his wife Ann and children Lisa, Michelle, and Matthew. Just as Joe made his own father proud, I know his children will strive to continue their own father’s legacy.

Sending love and prayers to you and your family, Ann. Please know how much you have all been in my thoughts.

My wife and I recently purchased Joe and Ann's home of ~20 years in Milton. It is unusual these days for buyers and sellers to meet. We had the privileged exception. While we only knew each other briefly in person, Joe and Ann were so genuine and gracious toward us that I won't forget them. Every day I live in this house I feel the presence and presents of the loving former owners. Your legacy lives. I'm so sorry, Ann.