Mr. Joseph P. DiNigro Sr.

Mr. Joseph P. DiNigro, Sr., age 74, a native of Utica and currently a resident of West Winfield, went home to the Lord when he passed away on Monday, October 31, 2011 with his family by his side surrounded by the love and support of their blessings. Joseph was born in Utica on June 8, 1937. He was the son of Josephine (Valenti) DiNigro and the late Joseph DiNigro. He was raised and educated locally, a graduate of Utica Free Academy Class of 1956. In preparation for building a career, he pursued and studied the areas of Construction and Blue Print Reading. On September 26, 1959 he married the former Janice LaManque with whom he shared 52 years. Their love persevered, and they were balanced in their devotion, possessed forgiving hearts, trusted and sacrificed especially for family life. Joe and Janice were a private couple, quite unique in their accomplishments. Joe was employed by various area construction companies including the Charles A. Gaetano Construction Corporation, Buck Construction, and Knamm Brothers Construction. He worked as a carpenter, developing his skills and responsibilities and moved to the status of steward, foreman, supervisor, problem solver, master carpenter, and go-to person. He shared in the brotherhood of the Carpenters Union Local #120. As he polished his professional expertise, he performed as a finish man and highly skilled craftsman, and his talents and innate abilities were seen in the artistic form of his creations. As a true perfectionist, his work was precise and detail-oriented, yet he was humble about his great self-taught talents. His sons were fortunate enough to have learned an impeccable work ethic and a valued trade from their Dad. In each of his children’s and grandchildren’s homes he imparted a bit of himself when he assisted in renovations or hallmark improvements. Joe was also a man of great strength of character; he will be remembered as a good provider to the emotional, spiritual, and protective needs of his family. He was incredibly grateful for his accomplishments which he considered true blessings. All who knew him were touched by his generous nature, and because of his caring personality, he took a genuine interest in others and worried about their welfare. He was truly a sensitive soul with a quiet demeanor, and his generosity for those less fortunate was so evident. As a father, he led by example and was most proud of each of his children and their achievements. He was a fair and nurturing parent and his children will honor the memory of his honest and humble life. In recent years, his grandchildren warmed his heart and he appreciated this relationship at the golden time in his life. He gardened from the time of his childhood with his father, and cultivated his techniques with his own family. For many years he grew garlic and vegetables offering the community the fruits of his labors by establishing “Joe’s Garlic Corner”. He was also an outdoor sportsman favoring fishing and hunting with family and friends. He worshipped at Historic Old St. John’s Catholic Church. Joe is survived by his wife, Janice; his mother, Josephine; his sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph P., Jr. and Susan DiNigro of West Winfield, Michael J. and Mary Theresa DiNigro of Frankfort, and Stephen J. and Christine DiNigro of Plainfield, NY; his daughters and sons-in-law, Michele A. DiNigro of Deerfield, Colleen R. Murphy of West Winfield and companion Bryan Rhyde, Shannon R. and John Enders of Clinton, and Alison R. and Michael Adkins of Denver, PA. Always close to his heart was the memory of his daughter, Maria Lynne Wawrzaszek, who preceded him in death on July 10, 1997. He also leaves his grandchildren, David DiNigro, and Rochelle DiNigro; Domenica, and Maria DiNigro, Joey DiNigro and companion Laura Schlaepfer, Dana DiNigro and Brad Ratcliffe, Stephen J. DiNigro, Jr., and Desiree DiNigro; Billy Murphy, and Kristen Murphy; Madeline Clark, and Johnny J. Clark; and Sara, and Mathew T. Adkins; his great-grandchildren, Little Joey, and Landon; his sisters and brother-in-law, Madeline Voce and Sam Barone, Marie Cavoly, and Carol DiNigro and John Voce; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Giovanni “John” DiNigro, Carmen and Maria DiNigro, and Peter and Antoinette DeNigro; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Louise Roach, Lynette and Ernie Galle, and Geri LaManque. He shared a great closeness and respect for his friends, Tom Knamm, and Wayne Richard. He was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Walker; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Claude and Olmeda LaManque; in-laws, Robert Cavoly, Johanne DiNigro, Richard Roach, and Butch LaManque; longtime friend, Jim Cookinham; and cousin, Andy Conino. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Katherine Lutheran Residential Health Care Center/Gordon Unit, as well as the Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center 6th floor; these caregivers were compassionate and supportive to Joe and his family. Their affection and sincerity were very touching and inspirational. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joe’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph P. DiNigro Sr.

June 8, 1937 - October 31, 2011