Mr. Joseph Mario Giannatelli, Sr.

Mr. Joseph Mario Giannatelli, Sr., age 78, of Clinton, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY after he bravely dealt with Parkinson’s disease. He was supported by his loving family as the Lord embraced him. Joseph was born in New York City in the vicinity of the beautiful Bronx Zoo, on July 8, 1933, the son of the late Nicholas “Nick” and Maria (Anguilli) Giannatelli. Raised and educated in the City, he graduated from Bronx High School, after which he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy where he honorably served his country. Upon fulfillment of his military duty, he moved to Utica where he continued his studies at Mohawk Valley Technical Institute (now M.V.C.C.) On September 15, 1956 he married the former Jean L. Assisi with whom he shared more than 55 years in a union that focused on raising their four wonderful children. Joseph and Jean relocated to Poland, NY and after 5 years came back to the Utica area where Joseph built a new home on Tilden Avenue for his family. He was a bit of an industrialist, an element that enriched his career which began with a 10-year employment at the General Electric Company Radio/Receiver plant and then for many years with Farrington Plastics where he worked as a foreman. As an entrepreneur, Joseph prided himself as the owner and operator of Service Master of Oneida County, a franchise he purchased in 1984 and eventually shared with his sons. During his later years, he worked as a security guard at M.V.C.C., the position from which he retired. As an active father and patriarch, Joseph was proud and focused on the lives of his children. He was inherently unique, quick-witted, and light-hearted. He meticulously maintained his home and pursued his passion for gardening, producing strawberries, grapevines, and garlic among other summertime fresh fare. Joe was truly a fun man with an unforgettable smile and a zest for life. He had an intuitive aptitude to learn, create, and produce, from wine-making to antique model cars. He held an appreciation for music, and especially loved the classical genre. Joe was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his sons and daughters-in-law, Nick and Pat Giannatelli, and Joseph M. and Judy Giannatelli, Jr., all of New Hartford, and David C. and Valerie Giannatelli of Chadwicks; his daughter, Angela “Angie” Giannatelli of Liverpool; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Matthew; Adam, Abby, and Alex; Justin, and Candace; Jordan, and David; and his great-grandchildren, Jada, and Lily. He also leaves his sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Paul Bucceri of FL, and Tilly and Vincent Taffuri of NJ; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Joseph Assisi, and Samuel Assisi, both of FL, and Lucille Stucky of Whitesboro. He was predeceased by his infant granddaughter, Holly Marie Giannatelli, who passed away in 1988; his father-in-law, and mother-in-law, John and Angeline Assisi; his in-laws, Ronald F. Stucky, Alfred T. Assisi, and John Assisi, Jr. The family extends sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Presbyterian Home with special mention of Cindy Fogelman, LPN, Sandy Lenczewski, LPN, Alyson Vick, LPN, and Karen Freytag from the activities department for providing Joe the opportunity to maintain an exemplary quality of life during his final journey. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Committal prayers and Military Honors will follow at Christ Our Savior Mausoleum Chapel with interment in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph Mario Giannatelli, Sr.

July 8, 1933 - December 21, 2011