Mr. Joseph N. "Joe" Gaeta

MANLIUS/UTICA – The Lord welcomed Joseph (Joe) N. Gaeta home on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the age of 60. Born in New Hartford on March 20, 1963, Joe was the son of the late Joseph F. and Evelyn F. (Arrigo) Gaeta. He attended Albany Street and Christopher Columbus Elementary Schools and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1981. He then attended MVCC, continuing to SUNY Polytechnic Institute where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Public Management. Joe’s intellectual curiosity and natural mentorship led him to a certificate in leadership from the University of Notre Dame, and executive certificates in marketing strategies for business statistics from the esteemed Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management. Joe was committed to using his professional skills to make a difference. Joe started and ended his sales career at Johnson & Johnson. Most recently, he served as a Senior Executive Oncology Sales Specialist at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. This year, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) recognized Joe for his service and contributions, reaching a milestone of 20 years of service with J&J. Joe was also recognized for his excellent sales performance by winning the coveted President's Circle Award. This was Joe’s third time to win this award (2022, 2019, 2018) which elevated Joe to win the Chairman’s Club Elite award in 2022. He won numerous sales and leadership awards throughout his career, not only at J&J but at other pharmaceutical companies and at Kraft Foods. Joe accepted these awards with humility, attributing his success to his hard work, mentors, faith, and the support of his family. It was love at first sight when Joe met the former Susan M. Salem. Joe and Sue united in marriage on September 23, 2000 and their union was blessed with their son, Joe, who they cherished. Together, with Joe’s daughter, Ariana, their family was complete. They built a life of companionship, were strong in their faith and trusted that the Lord directed each step of their life’s journey. Known for his great smile, kindness, and compassion, Joe was a personable and steadfast presence in every facet of life. His passionate nature was evident, as was his genuine and vibrant soul—earning respect and trust from family, friends, and colleagues alike. Musically inclined, Joe filled his home with beautiful melodies on his piano, where he found peace within the music and constantly challenged himself with new techniques. He lived an active lifestyle, keeping up with his son Joe and enjoying the time they spent together over many baseball games. He also enjoyed watching Ariana advance in the sports of hockey and golf. Traveling with his beloved Sue to select destinations was a source of joy. She will keep close to her heart their numerous adventures. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed watching hockey and favored the NY Rangers. He also cheered for the NY Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. Joe enjoyed watching golf and his winter hobbies included partaking in downhill skiing and snowmobiling. Italian cuisine was close to his heart from his fond memories of his mother Evelyn’s chicken riggies and a good cannoli. Joe's spirituality was deeply rooted in his belief in the Lord as his Savior. His parents fostered his strong faith. He brought this foundation to his own family where they shared individual faith in Jesus’ sacrifice in order to obey His commandments and to one day take part in the Kingdom of God. Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Sue; his son, Joseph Salem Gaeta; and his daughter, Ariana K. Gaeta and her spouse, Angela. He also leaves his loving sister who was also his dear friend, Gail A. Diesfeld; nieces and nephew, Erica Diesfeld, Evan Gaeta Diesfeld, and Elise Diesfeld; aunt and uncle, Regina and David Lewis; many cousins; and his in-laws, Judith and Richard Przekop (son Richard), Claudia and Allan Bernardo (sons Brett (Ashley), Adam (Shane) and Brian (Sarah), Nancy and David Creed (daughters Kate (McQuail) Kayne (Alex) and Sarah (McQuail) Hall (Michael) and all of their children. Joe was blessed with a lifetime of wonderful friends and co-workers, whose presence enriched his life. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary (Arrigo) Gaeta; and his maternal grandparents, Anthony and Anna (Longo) Arrigo. Sue wishes to thank the special friends and neighbors who were of great support to her and her family, showing much love and tenderness during Joe’s unexpected passing. May you all be blessed for your prayers and support. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Joseph's honor may be made to Turning Point Ministries online at www.davidjeremiah.org/donate, Children International online at www.children.org/donate, or Samaritan’s Purse online at www.samaritanspurse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Entombment will follow in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph N. "Joe" Gaeta

March 20, 1963 - November 3, 2023