Mr. Joseph F. Evola

YORKVILLE – Mr. Joseph F. “Joe” Evola, age 85, was called home to the Lord after a well lived life on Monday, July 29, 2024. Joe was born in Frankfort on April 8, 1939, a son of the late Nile and Jennie Evola. Raised and educated in Frankfort, he was a graduate of their school district. He then went on to trade school where he focused his studies in commercial print production. On September 29, 1978, Joe married the former Joan E. Taurisano. He was a wonderful man and good husband; his charming and uplifting personality allowed them to enjoy each moment with one another. The couple was blessed to share nearly 46 years together. During their marriage, Joe and Joan lived in Central New York, Palm Harbor, Florida and Woodstock, Georgia, before returning to Utica in 2015 to be closer to family. Their long union was a success, in part because Joan could cook, and Joe could eat. Her homemade raviolis were his favorite, but he was always satisfied with whatever was placed in front of him. Joan always prepared her meals and desserts plentifully so that there were always plenty of leftovers for him to enjoy. Joe began his career and spent many years working at Dodge-Graphic Press, followed by several years at Brodock Press, both in Utica, where he became a master craftsman and extremely passionate about his work as the lead camera technician for the prepress offset printing operation. After moving to Florida in 1986, Joe was also employed at Evatone, Inc. where he helped lead the transition to digital prepress operations, eventually retiring in 2002. Joe was well-liked and highly respected, his modest yet engaging personality made him a fast friend to everyone he met. He had a strong work ethic and was highly dependable and admired. He was a people person and a good conversationalist. Joe was able to have true friendships with so many people, drawing them in with his sense of humor, character and spirit. Joan was blessed with four children that Joe loved as his own. As a father figure, he was everything you could ask for in a parent. His grandchildren were even more precious to his heart, treating them with a remarkable amount of love, and had a strong passion and interest in each of their lives. Joe enjoyed watching almost all sports, especially the Cleveland Browns and NY Yankees. He was a skilled bowler for many years and enjoyed playing basketball, bocce ball, and horseshoes with his family. Along with his wife, Joe was a faithful man and attended mass weekly at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. He was a believer in the Lord and lived by His teachings. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; children, Kenneth and Kenna Pacilio, Diane Pacilio and Chester Pawelec, and Gary and Carolyn Pacilio. He held close to his heart the memory of their daughter, Janice Pacilio, who passed away on September 9, 2014. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his grandchildren, Nicholas “Nick” and Cloe Pacilio; Ashley (Pacilio) and John Cornell, Kristen (Pacilio) and Ben Vester; and Kody James, and Nikki James; and great-grandchildren, Samuel Cornell, and Madison Cornell. Joe also had a daughter from a previous marriage, Jennifer Evola. He was also predeceased by his sister and brothers. He will remain in the hearts of several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He will also be missed by Joan and Joe’s special friends, Donald and Lois Sciortino, who were treasures in his and Joan’s lives for over 50 years. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Utica who were very accommodating and cared for him with much love and respect, for which Joe’s family is so appreciative. The family will honor and commemorate his life privately, and respectively ask relatives and friends to attend Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph F. Evola

April 8, 1939 - July 29, 2024