Joseph D. Pardi Jr.

Mr. Joseph D. Pardi, Jr., deeply beloved and loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed into the arms of his heavenly Father on Saturday, April 27, 2013 when he departed this earthly life at the age of 75. He had endured a long illness with great dignity and courage and when he passed at the St. Joseph Nursing Home, he was surrounded by his wife and children until the very end. Born in Utica on October 1, 1937, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph D., Sr. and Virginia (Rizzo) Pardi. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1954. A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy aboard the flagship USS Leyte aircraft carrier and was the recipient of the good conduct medal while he was involved towards the end of the Korean War; additionally he served as a reservist until 1963. On October 18, 1958 he married the former Angela P. Salerno who was his high school sweetheart. They shared an inseparable bond during their 54-year union. They loved each other so deeply, with never-ending devotion. She showed her love to Joe as she stayed by his side each day especially during his illness for which he was deeply grateful. In his youth, he occasionally worked for Salerno’s Food Market, which was his wife's family concern. His professional career began at the UNIVAC Corp. and encompassed nearly 20 years. He lastly held a position and retired from the New York Power Authority where he was a journeyman electrician. Joe, Angela, and their son-in-law Bob operated a concession business serving local venues. Joe was a dignified man with strong family ties. A generous and loving father, he believed his greatest legacy was his children and grandchildren. He was proud of their accomplishments, and in each of them he instilled a strong work ethic, high moral standards, and the ability to persevere. He had ears that always listened and a heart full of compassion. His family smiles as they remember the extraordinary and selfless man that enriched the lives of so many. This loss has left a hole in the lives and hearts of the countless people that Joe has touched during his lifetime. He will be sorely missed but his family takes solace in the fact that he is at peace and they will see him again. Among his talents, he was quite a handyman, and could fix just about any broken thing and he enjoyed the art of house painting. He was a minor and Little League Coach with South Utica teams. He was an active sportsman, and enjoyed fishing and hunting for deer with his father-in-law, John S. Salerno, his son, David, son-in-law Bob, as well as other hunting friends. He loved to travel and he treasured the many visits with his children and grandchildren, whether in Pennsylvania or the winter months spent in Florida. One of his favorite pastimes was the enjoyment of spending time at many well known casinos playing Draw Poker, waiting to hit the “Royal Flush.” For many years he was affiliated with the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054 where he served on the Board of Directors and as a trustee. He was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Joe is survived by his treasured wife, Angela; his son, David Pardi and fiancee Sue Jenks of Forestport; his daughters and his sons-in-law, Deborah “Debbie” and Robert “Bob” Jackson of Utica, Denise and Rock Vomer of PA, and Dawn and David McCabe of FL; his adoring grandsons, Rock Paul Vomer II, and Chad Michael Vomer; and Matthew Joseph McCabe; and his brothers, Salvatore Pardi and Gerald Pardi. Also left to honor his memory are his brother-in-law, Rev. Joseph Salerno; and his many cousins. In everyone’s life there are special and exceptional bonds – Joe was blessed with the motherly love of Antoinette LaPaglia and the friendship of Phil and Gloria Enea, and Bill and Carm McCabe. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Genevieve Salerno and his father-in-law, John S. Salerno; and his best friends, who he shared a brotherhood, as well as their wives, John and Joanne Asselta, and John and Annette LaPaglia. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the Carmelite Sisters and the entire staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially those of the 2nd Floor remembering Roy, Carmen, Cheryl, Staci, Colleen, Shirley, Kathy, Kellie, Anida, Brianna, Mary, Pat, Deana, Terry, Scott, Donna, Pam, Darlene, Lindsey, Dora, Connie, Dyan, Robert, Jeff, Katie, and Chet. Sincere gratitude is offered to attending physicians, Dr. Timothy LaFont, Dr. Arul Kannan, the Neurological Department of Bassett Healthcare Center especially Dr. Paul Derringer, and the Cleveland Clinic, remembering Dr. Richard Leiderman. The love, support, spiritual guidance and prayers of Father Joe were the greatest consolation and will forever be held close to the hearts of his family. Additionally, a special note of thank you to Sister Lois Mary Paciello, whose gentle devotion and constant prayers for Joe and his entire family, were so heartfelt. The family will receive visitors in the Parish community of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St. Utica on Wednesday from 3:30-5:30. His life will be honored and celebrated in a Mass of Christian Burial with military honors at 6:00 celebrated by his brother-in-law, Rev. Joseph Salerno. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the St. Joseph Nursing Home Activities Department, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes or to a charity of choice; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. A great man died today. He wasn’t a world leader or a famous doctor or a war hero or a sports figure or a business leader, but he was a great man. He was our father. We are thankful because God let us have him for 53 years and we were able to let him know how much we loved him. Dad, we love and will miss you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have taught and given to us. Your journey continues to shine through each of us and we will hold you in our hearts forever. God Bless You, Dad.

Joseph D. Pardi Jr.

October 1, 1937 - April 27, 2013