Mr. Joseph F. Femia

Mr. Joseph F. Femia, age 81, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on January 30, 1929, Joseph was the son of the late Natale and Teresa (Pellegrino) Femia. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1947 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and a 1951 graduate of Utica College where he earned his Bachelors Degree in mathematics. On November 29, 1959 he married the former Bruna DiTata. Joseph thought of his family as the center of his life and providing for them was paramount, ensuring his sons could take advantage of all of life’s opportunities. Joseph worked for nearly 30 years at the Griffiss Air Force Base and the Rome Air Development Center (RADC), retiring as a Mathematician Section Chief. He was a multi-talented man who enjoyed many activities with his family, especially golfing, bowling, gardening, and carrying out his handyman skills. In fact, he could fix anything around the house! For a short time, he owned and operated with family members the Madison Bowling Lanes. In his later years, he found great pleasure in supporting his beloved grandchildren in their interests and activities. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Joseph is survived by his wife, Bruna; his sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Roberta of Sherrill, Robert and Kim of Whitestown, and Steven M. of Utica; and his grandchildren, Michael, Alyssa, Matthew; Jordan, Stefanie, Brandon; Steven N., Holly, Sarah and Leonard. Survivors also include his very caring sister, Rose Bucciero of Utica, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Veronica “Ronnie” Femia, Angelo and Carol DiTata, and Tito and Pat DiTata of NY. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Marian and Dominick Mazzaferro, and Felicia “Phyllis” and Dominick Tagliere; his brothers and sisters-and-law, Vincent F., Sr. and Betty Jane Femia, Frank J. Femia, and Rocco F., Sr. and Loretta Femia; his brothers-in-law, Edward Bucciero, and Julio DiTata; and his life-long friends, Charles Branagan, and Edward Zacek. The family extends sincere appreciation to Joseph’s primary physician, Dr. Timothy LaFont and staff for their many years of extraordinary care and being a source of confidence for Joseph; and the personnel of The Pines at Utica, especially the 2nd floor staff and Rehab Department, for their compassion. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joe’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Central Association for the Blind; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Joseph F. Femia

January 30, 1929 - December 15, 2010