Joseph Rabbia

Joseph Rabbia was surrounded by loving family when he was called home to be with the Lord on December 27, 2011. He was born in Utica, NY, on December 15, 1929. He married Melvina D’Acunto, the love of his life, and they enjoyed 61 years of love and devotion to each other and their family. They resided in Utica most of their lives until 2003 when they joined their children and grandchildren in Liverpool, NY. Joseph was educated in Utica schools and completed training to become a licensed plumber, the field he worked in until retirement. Retirement brought them the best of both worlds--winters in Florida which they loved and summers in NY. However, the real LOVE of his life was his family. He and his wife truly were soul mates. As the bible says, “the two became one” and they were inseparable. Together they enjoyed their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who meant the world to them. They focused on faith in their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and their loving family, leaving a legacy of LOVE to be rivaled by none. He was always known for his quick wit and sense of humor bringing laughter and smiles to all who knew him. He retained his quick wit, loving nature and winning smile to the end. He will be forever loved and missed by all. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Andrea Rabbia, and his daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Joseph Peplinski. He leaves behind 9 beloved grandchildren: Thomas Rabbia, Diana (Rabbia) & Harley Hinton, Matthew (& Carrie) Rabbia, Sara (Rabbia) & Will Johnson, Michael Rabbia, Nicole Peplinski, Celeste Peplinski, Joseph Peplinski and his fiancée Danielle Zacharek, and Michael (& Rebecca) Peplinski; and his step grandson, Zachary Fitzgerald. Also surviving are his precious great grandchildren: Kailee, Krista & Olivia Rabbia, Norah & Harley Hinton, Jr., and Michael, Alaina & Francesca Peplinski. Survivors also include his sister Emily (Rabbia) Newman and his brother, Thomas Rabbia, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his precious wife, Melvina (D‘Acunto) Rabbia, on January 9, 2011, and longed to be reunited with her. Also predeceasing him were his siblings, Samuel Rabbia, Gloria (Rabbia) Dellaera and Louis Rabbia. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 4-7 p.m., at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St, Utica, NY, corner of Hammond Ave. Joseph’s funeral will commence on Wednesday, January 4th at 10:00 a.m. from the funeral home and 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Church located at 931 Herkimer Rd, Utica, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideon International Bible Society to purchase bibles to spread the Word of God.

Joseph Rabbia

December 15, 1929 - December 27, 2011