Joseph A. "Chubby" Piccola

Mr. Joseph A. “Chubby” Piccola, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at the Katherine Luther Home. At the time of his passing, his family was by his side. Born in Utica on March 19, 1914, Joseph was the son of the late Bruno and Domenica (Nicotera) Piccola. A lifelong Utica area resident, he attended local schools and earned his G.E.D. in 1956. He graduated from the New York State Police Academy with honors in 1959. He subsequently entered the Empire State College Utica Campus in 1974 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletics & Recreation with the class of 1978. A proud Army veteran of World War II, he served his country stateside in the 716th Military Police Battalion. On October 3, 1959 he married the former Marion Elizabeth Herz who passed away on March 30, 1963. He was blessed with a second marriage on April 24, 1965 when he was wed to the former Marguerite Herz who passed away on August 3, 1983. Chubby’s working life was monumental and groundbreaking. At one time, he was the Playground Director for the City of Utica Department of Recreation. He was appointed to the Utica Police Department on February 28, 1939 and promoted to Sergeant in 1953. He served as chief of the Auxiliary Police and the coordinator of the Civil Defense Force Police Service. He was credited with instituting the Juvenile Aid Division of the Police Department which is still in existence today. In 1958 he was promoted to Inspector and Department Chief and in this position he supervised police training, coordinated the Youth Bureau, and established the first mandated police training course. He retired from the Utica Police Department in September of 1964. He then assumed the position of Director of Safety & Security at Utica College, initiating the first Safety & Security program. He resigned this position when he was elected Oneida County Sheriff in November of 1967 with the endorsement of all parties. He retired from the Sheriff’s Department on January 1, 1974 after his six year tenure. He taught “Correction Facility Administration” from 1974-75, the first such course offered in New York State. In January of 1992 he was appointed to a four year term on the Oneida County Jail and Alternatives to Incarceration Committee. He was proud of his civic and social affiliations and life memberships in the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, Professional Police & Firefighters Retirees Association, Mohawk Valley Umpires Association, National Association of Approved Basketball Officials, Central New York Football Officials Association, Sons of Italy Lodge #2054, Castagnese Society, past president of the Police Holy Name Society, past president of the Mt. Carmel Holy Name Society, and member of the Christ the King Retreat group at Mt. Carmel. More recently, he was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Joseph is survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Betty and Dick Kistner, Marie Bossone, Doris and Dick Ernest, Louis and Rosemary Mastroianni, Theresa and Dan Paciello, Anthony and Dolly Mastroianni, Marie and Joe Bertell, and Juanna and Michael Raiene; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his sister-in-law, Beatrice Herz of Syracuse. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Angela Piccola; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lena and Anthony Tomaino, Mary P. and Michael Arcuri, Antoinette Piccola, Philomena P. “Fanny” and Anthony Irone, Marion and Louis M. Mastroianni, Sr., and Frances and Anthony Payne; and his nieces and nephews, Muzzy and Ginger Tomaino, Bob and Rose Tomaino, Grace M. and Joseph J. Greco, Fred, Dick and Fannie, Carmen, Bruno, and Rose Arcuri. Chubby’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Gordon Unit at the Katherine Luther Home. A special thank you to his nephew, Louis Mastroianni and his two great-nieces, Elaine Chambrone and Maryjo Manno for overseeing his medical care with love and compassion. In keeping with Mr. Piccola’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings Memorial contributions may be considered in Chubby’s name to the Joseph A. Piccola Continuing Education Scholarship Fund at Utica College; envelopes will be available at the church. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. “I am grateful to my mom and dad, sisters and brother, for the influence, guidance, and support shown throughout my life that helped render services to the wonderful people of this community.”

Joseph A. "Chubby" Piccola

March 19, 1914 - February 28, 2008