Mr. Joseph A. "Joe" Borgia, Sr

Mr. Joseph A. “Joe” Borgia, Sr., age 84, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Masonic Care Community of NY. He was a three-time survivor during his previous battles with cancer. Born in Utica on July 19, 1932, Joseph was the son of the late Riccardo “Richard” and Vincenza (Vella) Borgia. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1951. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Joe honorably served his country from 1952-1953 during the Korean Conflict stationed at the 38th Parallel, a boundary and buffer zone created to prevent the resurgence of hostilities. At the age of 19, in under a year’s time, Joe rose to the rank of Sergeant. On June 27, 1970 he married his best friend and soul mate, the former Joan DuKette, and they remained devoted to each other for 46 years. They truly lived their vows and felt blessed and lucky to have one another. Joe was employed by the G & L Packing Company from 1954 to 1978, a 24-year career that he began in sales and was subsequently promoted to supervisor, a position for which he was well suited. As a patriarch, Joe was supportive and thoughtful. He encouraged excellent values in his sons and was active in their lives. He was a strict, but fair father. As a grandpa, he cherished his grandchildren who lit up his life and made him sparkle with pride. In his younger years, Joe owned trotter horses that raced at many venues including Vernon Downs and Belmont Park Race Track. A favorite pastime for Joe was an occasional trip to the Casino. He was a fan of the NY Yankees, NY Giants, and Syracuse University Basketball and Football. He was a parishioner of Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s Church in NY Mills. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #229. Joe is survived by his cherished wife, Joan; his sons and their loves, David Borgia and Debra Morat of Syracuse, and Joseph Borgia Jr. and Lori Ann Sedgwick of Chadwicks/Whitesboro; his beloved granddaughter, Gabrielle Borgia of Chadwicks; his step-daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Walter Butler; and his step-grandchildren, Dr. Jill Shea, Randi and Dan Bell, and Dylan Butler. Always close to his heart was the memory of his step-son, Scott D. Guminiak, who passed away on December 13, 2001. He will also be missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Ralph Risley of Deerfield; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Rose Borgia, Barbara and John Guerrera, Nancy and Joel Waters, and Brian and Martha DuKette. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Harry and Edna Borgia, and Thomas J. Borgia; and his sisters and brother-in-law, Gloria A. Borgia, and Carmelita and Bernard Lockwood also his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Veronica and Leo DuKette. The family will be forever grateful to Dr. Joseph Booth and staff for their compassionate care and guidance; the entire staff of the Queens Household at the Masonic Care Community for the dignity and love they rendered to Joe, with special mention of Nurses Sue, Elizabeth, and Melissa; and his caseworker, Joanne. The family will honor Joe’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Arthur Krawczenko. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Masonic Care Community of NY in memory of Joe; envelopes will be available at the church. Committal service and Interment with Military Honors will take place graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph A. "Joe" Borgia, Sr

July 19, 1932 - July 22, 2016