Mr. Joseph J. Morgia Sr.

Mr. Joseph J. Morgia, Sr., age 82, of New York Mills, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family. Born in Watertown on November 1, 1928, Joseph was the son of the late Dominic and Assunta (Cecilia) Morgia. He was raised and educated in Watertown. A veteran of the United States Army, he served his country honorably during the Korean Conflict. In 1952 he married the former Gloria Napoli with whom he shared a close, devoted union graced with love and respect. Joe and Gloria were an inseparable couple during their 58 year marriage to one another. For over 35 years, Joe worked as the bartender at his cousin’s restaurant, Alteri’s, in Clinton. A caring, selfless, big-hearted man, he provided for his family’s needs before his own. He truly cherished his family and the generations that followed, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe’s favorite time of the year, was Christmas and he loved spending this time with his loved ones. In the past, Joe coached the East Utica Little League for many years, and was one of its founders. He also coached the American Legion Helmuth-Ingalls Post 232 baseball team. He was also an avid fan of the Clinton Comets Hockey team, the NY Rangers Hockey team, and the NY Mets. He enjoyed bowling and was past president and an active member of the Utica Bowling Association. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Joe is survived by his wife, Gloria; his daughters and sons-in-law, Camille and David Hanzalik of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Christine and Ed Eck of Frankfort; his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph, Jr. and Heather Morgia of Utica; his grandchildren, Melissa and James Pollard, Tiffany and Josh Early, all of Frankfort, Michelle Hanzalik of Myrtle Beach, Thomas Eck, and Tricha Eck, both of Frankfort, David Hanzalik, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, Deana Morgia of NY City, Joseph Paul Morgia of TX, and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Morgia of Utica. Cherished in his heart was the memory of his infant grandson, John Morgia, who passed away on May 25, 2010. He also leaves his great-grandchildren, James Pollard, Jr., Aidan Early, Little Thomas Sebastian Eck, Tyler Morgia, Isabella “Bella” Morgia, Josiah Morgia, Solare Morgia, and Aaron Morgia. Survivors also include his sisters and brother-in-law, Lena Attili of Utica, Mary J. Crescenzi, Angeline Mathew, Agnes Natali, all of Watertown, and Pauline and Armand DiStefano of Utica; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Rosalind Morgia of Watertown; many nieces, nephews, great-nices, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Jean Morgia of Watertown, Jean Aiello of Utica, and Sam Tufo of Watertown; and his good friend, Nick Crescenza. He was predeceased by his brother, Edgio Morgia; his sisters, Lillian Tufo, Philomena “Fanny” Balderson, Alta Fiorentino; and his in-laws, Jerry A. Attili, Sr., and Joseph J. Aiello, Jr. The family is grateful to the nurses, staff, and doctors of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center ICU, special unit, especially acknowledging Carolyn who was in the ICU, and Dean Cassidy, close family friend who has been by Joe’s side during this difficult time. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Rescue 1 Emergency Medical Services Fund; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Committal prayers and military honors will take place in Christ Our Savior Chapel with interment in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph J. Morgia Sr.

November 1, 1928 - December 16, 2010