Mr. Joseph M. Artessa, Sr.

Mr. Joseph M. Artessa, Sr., age 98, went home to the Lord as he passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 with his devoted family at his side. Born in Utica on February 22, 1918, Joseph was the son of the late Fortunato and Maria (Greco) Artessa. Raised and educated locally, Joe was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public works project intended to promote environmental conservation. A proud veteran, Joe was also a member of the New York Army National Guard which was activated during World War II into the United States Army. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater of Operations where he served his country with honor for the entire duration of the War. He was the recipient of the bronze star and Purple Heart with cluster for his valour. On October 12, 1946 he married the former Mary Egitto with whom he shared nearly 70 years as great partners in life. Love was the key to their success. Joe worked in the motor pool at Griffiss Air Force Base, a career that spanned 30 years until his retirement in 1976. He concurrently worked as a master carpenter and over the years he remodeled and constructed many a home. In 1952, he began the construction of his legendary family summer home at White Lake where he spent many wonderful summers with his family. Joe was honest, respectful, and humble, hallmarks of the Great Generation. He was a good family man and a good provider. A passionate golfer, Joe got a hole-in-one at Pine Hills in June of 2001 at the age of 83! He continued to play golf a minimum of three days a week — until the age of 95! He practiced his Catholic faith at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. In retrospect, Joe felt he had a good life filled with many blessings. Joseph is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph M., Jr. and Carm Artessa of Deerfield, and David and Martha Artessa of Monticello, Georgia; his grandchildren, Joseph M. III and Sarah Artessa, Mark and Megan Artessa, Gina and William Bienkowski; twin granddaughters, Misty and Craig Garvin and Christy and Kenneth Roberts, and David B. and Johna Artessa; and 16 great-grandchildren. He will be remembered by his sister, Betty Angerosa; his brother and sister-in-law, Morris and Patricia Artessa, his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Florence and Michael P. Rose with whom Joe and Mary shared many wonderful years. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Angeline King, Rose and Charlie Duggleby, and Katherine and Ray Poynter; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Ida Artessa, Frank “Hank” and Marion Artessa, Carmen Artessa, and Thomas and Betty Artessa; his in-laws, Frank and Theresa Egitto; and his brother-in-law, Fred Egitto. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Jerry Sloan and his staff, Joe’s longtime and outstanding physician; and the compassionate and thoughtful caregivers at the Masonic Care Community of NY/Saranac Household. Visitation will be held Monday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Joseph M. Artessa, Sr.

February 22, 1918 - July 8, 2016