Mr. Joseph Nitti, Jr.

UTICA – Mr. Joseph Nitti, Jr., age 86, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Joseph was born in Utica on November 17, 1937, the son of the late Joseph J., Sr. and Palmina (Martelli) Nitti. He was raised and educated in Utica. Joseph answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army and was a proud veteran, with two tours of duty spanning the course of 10 years. He then became an Army Reservist. On May 26, 1962, he wed the former Rita L. Trotta, and the two shared 62 years of love and devotion. They enjoyed a beautiful union filled with many beautiful memories. Joseph found employment with the Utica Department of Public Works as a heavy equipment operator, the position from which he retired. Concurrently, he also drove for Birnie Bus. In his retirement, he worked as a greeter and cashier at the New Hartford Walmart for a period of six years, a position which he enjoyed very much, as it suited his outgoing and people pleasing personality. Above all, he was a selfless and devoted family man who always prioritized the needs of his loved ones over his own. His focus was to be a good man, a good father, and a good friend. Anyone who knew Joseph knew they had a dedicated and lifelong friend in him. He had a fantastic sense of humor and loved making others laugh. He never failed to provide a comedic moment! He was not a man of many words, but he loved his family deeply and always ended his conversations with “Love you.” Joseph was an avid bowler and could often be found at the bowling alley, especially with the late Monsignor Willenburg. He found pleasure in golfing, following thrilling horse races, and spending hours playing games on his home computer. He had a fondness for Elvis Presley music and was an avid New York Giants and New York Mets fan. A current member of St. Mary and Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, he loved St. Agnes Church and was devoted to singing in the choir and helping the late Monsignor Willenburg with daily parish tasks. Joseph is survived by his wife, Rita; children and their spouses, Jerriann and Robert “Bob” Calenzo, Renee M. Nitti-Welpe and her husband Mark Welpe, Joseph J. III and Tiffany Nitti, and Vincent M. Nitti; his grandchildren, Nicholas and Chloe Calenzo, Anthony J. Calenzo and Lauren Griggs, Sarah and Anthony “AJ” Schirripa; Ashley Dunham, Richard and Andrea Nitti, Pamela Lawrence and Joseph Buschor; Joshua and Emily Nitti, Brandy Nitti, Katelyn Nitti and Justin; and Tyler Nitti; great-grandchildren, Giuliana Rose Calenzo, Anthony J. Calenzo, another great-grandchild expected in February; Braden Matthew Schirripa, and another great-granddaughter expected in December; Samuel Dunham, and Aria Nitti. His loss is also felt by his siblings and their spouses, Rose and Thomas Tallarino, Delores Melita (the late Mark Melita), Richard Nitti (the late Clara Mae (Jernigan) Nitti), Alfonso and Trudy Nitti, Dominick and Marie Nitti, and Ralph and Patti Nitti. He fondly remembered his siblings and their spouses who preceded him, Flora and Vincent A. Montana, and Juanna and Abraham Pavone. He will additionally be missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Marie Luce (the late Louis R. Luce, Sr.), Vincent and Rosalind Trotta, and Frank and Gloria Trotta; and his special friends, Sandy and George Salem. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerald “Jerry,” Sr. and Louise (DeJoseph) Trotta; in-laws, Gerald A. “Jerry” II and Bonnie Trotta, and Carmelita Nitti; and nephews, James Pavone, Scott Hoffman, and Gerald A. “Pepe” Trotta III. The Nitti family would like to extend their gratitude to the Abraham House in Rome for their care and compassion, they showered the family with love and respect. The family will honor and commemorate Joseph’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Joseph’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S Army and there will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Joseph’s honor may be made to the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mr. Joseph Nitti, Jr.

November 17, 1937 - August 31, 2024