Mr. Joseph S. "Joe" Manno

UTICA – Mr. Joseph S. “Joe” Manno, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family. Born in Reggio di Calabria, Province of Catanzaro, Italy, on November 1, 1943, Joseph was the son of the late Dominick and Rosina (Pascale) Manno. At the age of 14, he relocated to the United States to join his mother. Eventually, he settled in Utica and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was a proud veteran, having served in Vietnam. He also gave of himself for 22 years as an Army Reservist, retiring as a Sgt. First Class. After his time in the military, he furthered his education at MVCC, earning an associate degree in sociology in August 1983. He then attended Utica College of Syracuse University and graduated in May 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, an accomplishment of which he was immensely proud. On May 22, 1982, Joe married the former Mary Jo Arcuri. The couple shared a loving and devoted union of over 42 years. Joe dedicated his career to helping others, serving as a case worker for Oneida County in the Adult and Child Protective Units, from which he retired. Joe was delighted to come to this country, embrace the American way of life, and learn the English language. Possessing a curious mind and being an avid reader, he loved learning about various places and cultures. He faithfully supported New York’s sports teams, especially the Buffalo Bills. Joe was an enthusiastic wine maker, having first learned the craft from his father-in-law. He had wonderful taste and an uncanny ability to find the best bakery and bread, no matter where he was. He would track it down like a good detective, making it a personal mission. Joe was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, the Ziyara Shriners, and the Kiwanis Club of New Hartford- Westmoreland. He loved to play golf, especially at Valley View Country Club, his “second home.” Talented at the game, he developed his skills early in life through participation in the MVCC and Utica College golf teams. Known as a “Mr. Fix-It,” Joe was highly creative in his solutions to fixing almost any problem. His tools of choice were usually duct tape or glue. He loved the outdoors, whether he was hunting game or foraging for mushrooms. Joseph was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; daughter and son-in-law, Marisa E. and Matthew “Matt” Zimmerman; son, Marc J. Manno; and his adored and cherished grandsons, Marc C. Zimmerman, and Rocco M. Zimmerman. He treasured the memory of his grandson, Nicholas Joseph “Nico” Zimmerman, who became an angel on February 17, 2023. He further leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Maria in Italy; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Christine Manno; aunt, Betty Arcuri; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins both in the U.S. and in Italy; and in-laws, Filomena Salsbury (the late Thomas M. Salsbury), and Dona and Thomas Dawes. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dominick A. and Filomena “Fanny” (Cherry) Cerasi Arcuri; several brothers and sisters; and his canine companion, Meeka, a black lab whom he adored. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the nurses who assisted Joe during his illness, especially acknowledging Michelle, and Christine. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Marine Corps. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Joseph’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph S. "Joe" Manno

November 1, 1943 - January 16, 2025