Mr. Joseph J. Filipkowski Sr.

Mr. Joseph J. Filipkowski, Sr., age 81, of North Utica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 15, 2010 in the comfort of his son’s home with the love and support of his family. Born in Secaucus, New Jersey on October 3, 1928, Joseph was the son of the late Josef and Katherine (Antonik) Filipkowski. He was raised and educated in New Jersey. He proudly served in the New Jersey National Guard as a platoon sergeant. On December 5, 1959 he married the former Sarah “Sally” Osborne with whom he shared 50 years in a traditional union, devoted to each other and to family life. In 1961, Joe and Sally came to Utica where Joe gained employment with Baker’s Greenhouse in N. Utica. He specialized in growing orchids and subsequently was promoted to greenhouse foreman. The Baker family treated the employees of their firm as family, a relationship that Joe appreciated until his retirement after 41 years of service. But Joe’s most precious relationship in life was the one he shared with his wife. With love and hope, they always worked out the trials of life together. A caring and devoted father, he supported the events in his children’s lives and was a dependable role model and an excellent teacher of his God-given talents. He was a very creative and knowledgeable man, and was proud of his upholstering talents which began as a hobby and developed into assisting friends and customers alike. He enjoyed communicating by phone and it was not unusual to get a friendly call from him to reminisce about the good old days. He also had a love for nature and worked with it through his garden where he grew a bounty of vegetables that were “staples at the table”. Joe took an occasional evening out to dine at Ponderosa or a Chinese restaurant or meaningful times having coffee at Burger King. He was a fan of television, especially cooking and medical shows. In keeping with his caring nature, he held a love for animals, especially remembering his canine pets. His church and the Lord were the inspirations and stronghold of his life. He worshipped at St. Mark’s Church. Joe is survived by his wife, Sally; his sons and their families, Joseph J. Filipkowski of Texas, James Filipkowski and Erica Yager of Whitesboro, and Jeffrey Filipkowski and Lisa Kelsey of Utica; and his grandchildren, Emma Filipkowski (who loved to draw pictures for her grandpa) and her mother, Diane; Alicia and Sara who were extremely wonderful in assisting in caring for “Pop Pop”; and Lisa’s children, Robert, Alexis, and Samantha. Nearly 38 years ago, Joe and Sally met a special friend, Felicia Pacciarelli; over the years they have shared life’s experiences, special occasions, times of support and advice, and the bond of family. Survivors also include his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Helen Marie Granozio and her companion, Harold Young, Evelyn Elfstrom, and Lorraine Jensen. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Carl Elfstrom, Henry Osborne, and Nicholas Granozio, Sr.; sister-in-law, Ingrid Kolokowski; niece, Linda Granozio; and nephew, Nicholas Granozio, Jr. The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. who tended to Joe and his family with such compassion, understanding, professionalism, and patience, especially Renee and Irene. Their kindness made all the difference during Joe’s illness. Thanks also to Fr. Mark Pasik who gave the reverence of his rights which was so important to Joe, as well as his prayers, visits, spiritual guidance, and encouragement. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church in N. Utica. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. or to St. Mark’s Church in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the service. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Joseph J. Filipkowski Sr.

October 3, 1928 - August 15, 2010