Mr. William J. Joseph

Billy was born on April 15, 1944 in Utica, NY. He was the son of the late Helen E. (Lewis) Joseph and Anthony E. Joseph. He lived most of his life in the Capron Section of South Utica. He graduated from Sunset School, John F. Hughes School and Utica Free Academy. Always a bright student, he was number one in his class at the end of his freshman year. He went on to higher education at Utica College where he majored in business and economics. Later, Bill got a Master’s Degree in Recreation Therapy. Billy worked in the bar and restaurant business and once was the bar manager of the world famous Elbow Room in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He later was the proprietor of the Mills Tavern in New York Mills. After his retirement Billy volunteered to work in several local nursing homes, where he was the ombudsman. He also volunteered at the House of the Good Shepherd. He has worked at the finish line for almost all of the Boilermaker Road Races and was active in the U.F.A. Alumni Association. Bill was a loyal Maronite Catholic. Billy was a well-known baseball pitcher. He had an exceptional fastball and batters soon learned that the inside of the plate was his. He was a four year starter at Utica College and his one regret was he didn't get the start against his brother Bob. "I could have beaten him and those preppy... from Hamilton." In his early years he loved to fish, hunt, golf, and shoot pool. More recently he loved to play pitch, work in his garden, attend Utica College Hockey games and support his favorite baseball team, the Giants. Bill’s siblings are Robert and Jennie Joseph, Richard and Marilyn Joseph, Gordon and Kay Custodero, Anthony E. Joseph, Jr., and John and Kathy Joseph. He was proud of his nieces and nephews, as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews. John K. Barkett was a special cousin. He and Billy were inseparable when growing up. Many thanks to Eileen Carroll and Sue Spinella – they are always there when you need them. Dave Seidel is a lifelong friend who really came through in a big way. A million thanks to a real friend. Also, Richard Thomas Koury, was a frequent visitor. Billy always enjoyed his company. Thank you to Dr. Jorgensen and the nursing staff in the I.C.U. at St. Elizabeth Medical Center – you were magnificent. Thank you to all of the caregivers who improved Bill's quality of life so much. As Billy would say, “See you on the beach.” There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bill’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where his Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be offered by Chorbishop John D. Faris as well as the parish’s supportive clergy. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, allowing them the means to assist tobacco users in their efforts to live a healthier life. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Mr. William J. Joseph

April 15, 1944 - February 28, 2016