Mr. Joseph P. "Joe" Cifarelli

Mr. Joseph P. “Joe” Cifarelli, age 75, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2014 at Mohawk Valley Health Systems at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family and friends by his side. Born in West Winfield on December 16, 1938, Joseph was the son of the late Philip and Anna (Castronover) Cifarelli. He was a graduate of West Winfield High School/Class of 1956 and later attended the University of Buffalo. On April 8, 1961 he married Carol A. Scianni with whom he shared 53 years graced with love in their hearts and happiness in their home. Joe was the former owner and operator of J.C. Body & Fender Works, Lincoln Garage, and Utica-Syracuse Automobile Salvage until he opened Easy Auto Glass in the early 1980’s. The glass shop was a meeting place for many of his friends and business acquaintances. A man of strong character and integrity, Joe was a true gentleman. He radiated strength and confidence and offered advice and guidance to his family and friends reflecting his common sense and good judgment. He was available and on call whenever he was needed. He loved to entertain and was known for his self-taught cooking skills which produced creative dishes that everyone loved. With his warmth and sincerity, he had the ability to bring everyone together. He was admired for his variety of interests and achievements. Joe was an excellent marksman, avid duck hunter, and fisherman. He was also a skilled shooter of skeet, trap, and sporting clays. In 1968 Joe was nationally recognized for his skeet shooting abilities. In the 1970s and 80s, he was a world class live bird competition shooter in Europe and North America. Joe was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He was a former president of the Clinton Fish & Game Club as well as an affiliate of the Ilion and Trenton Fish & Game Clubs. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited. Joe also served as former president of the Utica Auto Rebuilders. Joe was well known for his vast knowledge of and experience in automotive repair, classic car restoration and automobilia. He was a member of the NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society). Joe also played and followed PGA golf, as well as NASCAR, and attended a number of races with his friends. Joe is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Carol; his sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Elizabeth Cifarelli of Rotterdam, NY, John Cifarelli and his wife Edith Pulling of Denver, CO, and James and Suzanne Cifarelli of Guilderland, NY; his grandchildren, Steven, David, and Cara Cifarelli; and his canine companion Casey. He also leaves behind his in-laws Elizabeth Cifarelli of Bethlehem, NY, Lorraine and Ame Jweid of Utica, and Melanie and Ron Usyk of Marcy; and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many close and loving special friends. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Coletta and Anthony Girard; brothers and sister-in-law, Louis and Gloria Cifarelli, and Pasquale “Pat” Cifarelli; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Anna Scianni; and his in-laws, Theresa and Franklin Stooks. The family extends sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Intensive Care Unit for all the compassionate care rendered to Joe. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 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 the Cleveland Clinic or Roswell Park Cancer Institute in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Committal services and Interment will take place graveside at Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph P. "Joe" Cifarelli

December 16, 1938 - May 2, 2014