Mr. Joseph R. "Joey" Giovinazzo

Mr. Joseph R. “Joey” Giovinazzo, age 72, a native Utican, and more recently of Clayton, North Carolina passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Monday, October 7, 2013. On November 14, 1940, he was born the son of the late William and Florence (Polazzi) Giovinazzo. A graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, he fondly remembered those years filled with friendships and his athletic abilities, especially in the sports of football and basketball. He also excelled in boxing and was a Golden Glove champion for the greater Utica area. A patriotic man, he proudly served in the US Army National Guard. He had a vast working career which began with his affiliation with M&M Trucking Company, later owning and operating J&J Transportation; although his heart and soul always belonged to his time with “CRASH’S” working alongside his late Uncle Ralph. Although he traveled and resided in numerous places throughout the US, his true home was Utica. In Alaska, he had been employed by GSA Fleet Management Services, where he worked for over 22 years. It was during this time that he met the woman who fulfilled his dreams. They returned to Utica in 1998 and at the site of “CRASH’S” he was married to the former Sharon Butts. The past 15 years were filled with adventure, support, and heartfelt love that the couple felt for each other. They drew strength from one another, and his life was made more complete from this team that they had built. It was obvious to many that he was a born leader which began in his youth, and this role was evident in the many relationships and manner in which he chose to live his life. He was the kind of guy who loved life and had the ability to help others see the good in themselves. He will be remembered as the life of the party, an unforgettable man, as well as for his perpetual smile. When you come from a family like his who innately knows how to respect others, you are also graced with a unique sense of humor that belongs to the “Crash family”. He had a sensitive and spiritual side that was very evident when he and his wife had the opportunity to travel to the Vatican where he reconnected with his religious roots. He found it comforting to pray the rosary daily, and he began to listen to his inner voice which often gave him the direction he needed to live his life, and felt that it was a communication from beyond. The other side of Joey included being a homebody; a bit of a couch potato with “Floy” and “Snowball”, his canines who were by his side. In retrospect, he had come to appreciate that the purpose of his life was to share his ability to help others accomplish things they may not have even known about themselves. You might say his motto was to live, love, laugh, and eat, and he created a party whenever he was in the company of those he loved. His charitable and passionate side was helping others by transporting those who could not accomplish this goal themselves. His love Sharon led him to donating his time for projects for the Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind, as well as the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired when he resided in Utica. Joey and Sharon had also enjoyed times in which they lived in Washington, D.C., and the Triangle region of North Carolina especially enjoying their home in Clayton. Joey is survived by his devoted wife Sharon; his siblings and their spouses, Judith “Judy” Jellencich of Utica, Frank and Akemi Giovinazzo of CA, Lorraine and Mary Giovinazzo of MA, and William “Billy” Jr. and Carol Giovinazzo of CA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was blessed with many wonderful friends, most which lasted a lifetime. Joseph was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Mario “Poppy” Jellencich. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial gathering in Joey’s honor on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 4-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Words of encouragement and scripture will follow at 6:00 at the funeral home by Rev. James Cesta. The family has designated the Raleigh Lions Club for the Blind for memorial contributions; envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be directed to 3200 Bush Street, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Mr. Joseph R. "Joey" Giovinazzo

November 14, 1940 - October 7, 2013