Joseph Francis LeViness

Mr. Joseph Francis LeViness, age 61, of Albany, NY, passed away on Sunday, June 29 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Seaford, NY on June 10, 1947, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Wagner) Leviness. He was a graduate of Seaford High School, M.V.C.C., SUNY Utica-Rome where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology, and the State University of New York at Oswego, Master of Arts in Education. A proud veteran, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force. At one time, he was married to the former Catherine Hendricksen. Joseph was employed by the State of New York for 27 years, retiring in July 2007. He lastly served as Coordinator of Disaster Mental Health Services at the Office of Mental Health in Albany. Among his areas of expertise, he provided counseling and worked closely with FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Joseph had a welcoming manner and was selfless by nature. Through his work and commitment to helping others, he touched so many lives. He assisted with the 9/11 and TWA Flight 800 disasters and was actively involved with the AIDS Foundation. A caring, compassionate man, blessed with strength of mind and body, he was determined in fighting his disease. He was a loving father and a best friend to his children and was fond of spending time with his grandchildren. For recreation, he enjoyed bowling, darts, and dancing. He was of the Catholic faith and at one time was a local parishioner of St. Agnes Church. Joseph is survived by his children and their families, Jo'ell Leviness of Patchaque, NY, Beth Leviness and companion Russell Tantillo of NY Mills, and Lauren Leviness Burrell and husband Ananda Burrell of Syracuse, and their mother, Catherine Leviness; his grandchildren, Edgardo “Eddie” Colon of NY Mills, and Alexius “Lexi” Perkins of Syracuse. He is also survived by 3 sisters, Alice, Mary, and Kathleen; and 1 brother, John, and their families; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many in-laws who he kept near and dear to his heart. He was favored with many friends, especially Mark Galbraith, Michael Brannan, and David Fortuin. The family is grateful to the staff of the N.Y. Oncology Hematology Professionals for their care and concern. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Joseph’s honor to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Joseph’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Joseph Francis LeViness

June 10, 1947 - June 29, 2008