Joseph M. Organisciak, Sr.

Mr. Joseph M. Organisciak, Sr., age 77, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at his home. Born in Utica on September 12, 1928, Joseph was the son of the late Frank Sr. and Helen (Mathews) Organisciak. He was raised here and educated in local schools. He proudly served in the military as a member of the U.S. Marines. On September 16, 1950 he was joined in marriage with the former Jeanette Falcone with whom he shared a union of 45 years prior to her passing on October 1, 1995. Joseph and Jeanette enjoyed an exemplary marriage and a much-admired relationship filled with their steadfast commitment to one another, the countless joys of family and home, and many shared interests. They loved being together, especially when they were participating in any of their favorite activities, such as dancing, swimming, biking, boating, or fishing. Mr. Organisciak was a firefighter with the Utica Fire Dept. When he retired in 1986 with the rank of Lieutenant, he had compiled a 28-year record of courageous and selfless service to the community. His impressive and respected career was highlighted by two Meritorious Awards which were presented to him for especially valorous actions in the line of duty: on July 2, 1966 he had rescued his fellow firefighter, Al Belmont, from a collapsed roof, and on December 16, 1968 he had rescued Mrs. Alice Head from her smoke-filled 2nd-floor apartment. In addition to his professional achievements, Joseph was also an exemplary family man and a truly inspiring individual. He considered the needs of his family members as his first priority, and he placed their happiness and security before his own. Always a dedicated and devoted father to all his children, he enjoyed a special relationship with his son, Joseph, sharing with him the unique bond that exists between fellow firefighters and enjoying his company in leisure-time activities as well. Based upon his unfaltering and steadfast sense of honor, his philosophical intellect, and his reputation as a pacifist, Joseph was respected by his colleagues and friends as a man’s man, as a peace-maker, and as a valued and loyal friend and colleague. He was admired and esteemed by all who knew him for his sense of fair play, his diplomatic ways, his non-confrontational manner, and his honest work ethic. Always an advocate of traditional values, Joseph’s moral strength was complimented by his physical strength and reflected in his upright character. Gifted with a keen and analytical mind, he possessed an innate grasp of mechanical principles and ideas. Because he was very well read and knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects, he was an interesting conversationalist. All in all, because of his many exceptional qualities, Joseph was a beautiful man whose many close and meaningful friendships were well-earned and well-deserved. He was of the Catholic faith. Mr. Organisciak is survived by 3 daughters and a son-in-law, Patricia A. and Gregory O. Godfrey of Oneida, Sharon A. Giruzzi of New Hartford, and Sue Marie Zagorski of Utica; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph M. Organisciak, Jr. of Utica whom Joseph Sr. considered to be his best friend and dedicated caretaker, and David F. and Arliss Organisciak of Clinton; his 8 grandchildren, Nicole, Ashure Dee, Alexis Rae, Erin Elizabeth, Olivia, Joseph, Doug, and Marie; and his 2 great-grandchildren, Domenica, and Gianna. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara Organisciak of Frankfort; a brother and sister-in-law, Frank Jr. and Martha Organisciak of Frankfort; his nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Marc Marziale; a number of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his in-laws, John of NC and Josephine of Ilion; and his good friend Tom Norton. The family offers its sincere thanks and appreciation to Rescue 3, to the Utica Police Dept. and to the Utica Fire Dept. for their valiant efforts on Joseph’s behalf and for the understanding and support they provided to his family. Visitation will be held this afternoon (Friday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A funeral service for Mr. Organisciak will be conducted immediately upon the conclusion of calling hours at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend a graveside service that will take place on Saturday morning at 9:30 at St. Stanislaus Cemetery where interment will take place. The Saturday morning service at the cemetery will be accompanied by Military Honors as well as with Honors provided by the Utica Fire Department.

Joseph M. Organisciak, Sr.

September 12, 1928 - May 9, 2006