Joseph A. Passalacqua, Sr.

Mr. Joseph A. Passalacqua, Sr., of Whitesboro, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on October 11, 1918, Joseph was the son of the late Dominick and Rachel (Panuccio) Passalacqua. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1936 graduate of Utica Free Academy. On October 6, 1951 he married the former Elizabeth “Bette” Falbo at Blessed Sacrament Church, a union of 42 years until her passing on March 15, 1994; their life together was filled with love, concern, and devotion. In 1963, Joe and his brother Dominic purchased and operated the St. James Center Hotel on Bagg Square, a venture that prospered for 23 years. Concurrently, Joe held a position with the U. S. Postal System for over 40 years, retiring in 1978. A kind and generous man, his simple life was made rich by the love he shared with his family. Joe was one of the last of a generation of true gentlemen, the epitome of courtesy, civility, and commitment. He was a member of the American Postal Workers Union where he served as the financial secretary for 25 years, the Sons of Italy Utica Lodge #2054, and an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree for 65 years. He was a communicant of The Catholic Community of Whitesboro At St. Paul’s Church. Joseph is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Dominic and Tina Passalacqua of Utica, and Joseph A., Jr. and Lisa Passalacqua of Whitesboro; and his grandchildren, Alissa Passalacqua and her partner, Bryon; Nicholas and Kara Passalacqua, Elizabeth Passalacqua, Courtney Passalacqua, Cody Passalacqua, Connor Passalacqua, and McKenna Passalacqua. Survivors also include his brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Nancy Passalacqua of Sauquoit; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, many godchildren, in-laws, John and Lenora DeKime, and Rose DeKime, all of Utica; and his friend, Jan Gaetano and her late husband, Louis. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Dominic and Carmella Passalacqua, Anthony Passalacqua, and John Passalacqua; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Biondina “Bea” and Joseph Winkler, Theresa F. and Thomas J. Ruggiero, and Carmella and Mac Pardi; and his brother-in-law, James DeKime. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gordon Fung for his years of care; Ollie Rudd for making many visits and offering Joseph Holy Communion every week; Dr. Joseph Booth, Renee and Gayle for their compassion during a difficult time; and the many wonderful doctors and nurses at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Intensive Care Unit. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Joe’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Monday morning at 9:30 at The Catholic Community of Whitesboro At St. Paul’s Church. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Joseph A. Passalacqua, Sr.

October 11, 1918 - June 4, 2010