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It is with a very saddened heart that Soapdom reports that Days of our Lives villian extradonairre, Joseph Mascolo (Stefano DiMera), passed away at age 87 on December 8, 2016.  

"It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and beloved member of the Days of our Lives family, Joseph Mascolo," said Executive Producer Ken Corday.  "The smile on Joe's face is something we'd all come to find comfort in, and he will be sorely missed.  His larger than life presence, kind heart, and unwavering positivity has impacted us all for decades," Corday continues.  "He will live on in the memories of his many fans.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time."

Mascolo originated the role of Stefano DiMera in 1982 and continued to play the "love to hate" character on and off since that time.  In 2001, he left Days and was quickly courted by Bold and the Beatiful for the role of Massimo Marone, a very DiMera-like character who turned out to be Ridge's long lost father.  After a five-year stint in LA's fashion world, he returned to Days and remained with the NBC soap.  As recent as 2014, he appeared at the Day of Days fan event at Universal City Walk.  Older, a bit frail, and in a wheel chair, his co-stars watched over him and helped him get from place to place.  

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Schultz-Mascolo, a son and a step-daughter, a sister and her husband, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several neices and nephews.  His wife remembered her husband with these words:  "Joseph was a big ole bear with a puppy dog heart.  I'm so blessed to have had these many years with him. I will miss him every day."

As all of us will. But we hear at Soapdom know that Mascolo's legacy will live on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.  RIP, Joe.  RIP.

 

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