Joseph Tofani

Mr. Joseph Tofani, age 86, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Born in Utica on October 2, 1921, Joseph was the son of the late Enrico and Josephine (DiBiase) Tofani. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps stationed in the European Theater of Operations. On January 22, 1944 he married the former Marie Margott who passed away on November 2, 1987. Marie was the most important person in his life, and he lived in her pleasant memory ever since her death. Endowed with an enduring work ethic, Joseph continued his career until the age of 79. During his working life he was employed by the General Electric Company on Kent St., the M & L Electric Company as a contractor salesman, and the Independent Electrical Inspectors, Inc. He was a remarkable family man, and his honesty, integrity, and unselfish ways made him a wealthy man in harmony and love. He was the historian of the family, well-versed in political issues, worldly concerns, historical matters, and geography. He saw life through his travels to Las Vegas, his winter trips to Florida where he stayed with his brother Henry, and his voyage with his daughter on a Mediterranean cruise which was the highlight of his life. A former golden glove boxer, he was an avid boxing fan throughout his life. Joe was a member of the American Legion Post #229, and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Joseph is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Janice M. and Donato M. “Danny” Nappi; his son, Dennis R.Tofani, all of Old Forge; his grandchildren, Dale H. Lockwood, Jr., Donato “Danny” Nappi, Jr. and his wife, Leslie, Dana Lynn Tofani and fiancé Josh Mattson, and Nicholas D. Tofani; his great-grandchildren, Kandace Lockwood, Koren Lockwood, Dale H. Lockwood, III, Drew Lockwood, and Isabella Valencia Nappi. Survivors also include his sisters, Margaret Wolkowicz of FL, Eleanor Borello, and Phyllis Tofani, both of Utica; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Edith Tofani of GA, Henry Tofani of FL, and Frank and Angela Tofani of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, cousins, especially mentioning Mary Lewis, and sisters-in-law, Margaret LaDuc, and Claire Graeme. He also leaves his longtime friend, Tom Morosco and his friends at the Brook Apartments. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Enrico and Paulina Tofani, Pat Tofani, and infant Frank Tofani; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Elvira Ceci, Cora and Rocco Grande, Antoinette and Sam Paciello, Betty and Joseph Fiaschetti, Rose and Mario Palmano; and his in-laws, Stanley Wolkowicz, Vincent Borello, Florence Tofani, Anthony "Tony" and Connie Margott, Florence and Peter Fabbio, Louise and Sam Sangiacomo, Bernard LaDuc, Genevieve and Salvatore Butera, Richard Graeme, and Angelo and Joan Margott. The family is grateful to Dr. Joseph C. Booth for his support and compassionate care throughout the years as well as his congenial staff. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Monday morning at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. In honor of his service to our country, military honors will be offered at his funeral services.

Joseph Tofani

October 2, 1921 - July 9, 2008