Mr. Joseph J. "Dooley" Scialdone, Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

MARCY - Mr. Joseph J. “Dooley” Scialdone, Jr., age 69, passed away unexpectedly after a short illness, on Monday, March 29, 2021 with the love and support of his family in his heart. Born in Utica on May 7, 1951, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph J. and Eleanor J. (Pugliese) Scialdone. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1969. Joe fell in love with a young lady named Dale and asked her to be his wife. As fate would have it, she loved him back, and on May 22, 1976 he married the former Dale A. Soper and went on to share 44 years with her, decades that included many great memories, mutual friendships, grand times, and after-hour parties because of Joe’s work schedule. A key to their happy marriage was their congenial communication and conversations, and the common bond and blessing of their children and a beautiful family life. One of the first opportunities of great importance for Joe was working as a Chef at the iconic Ventura’s Restaurant. He loved pleasing people with his culinary talents and he appreciated the friendship of the Venturas. When Joe began to start a family, he knew his desire was to become a good family man, and to provide for his wife and his children. His initial position in the car industry was with Dodge City, and then continuing his career with Tobin Chrysler Plymouth Dodge and Saab. He started as a salesman in both ventures, and was always promoted to management. Joe was an incomparable sales person because he began from entry level responsibilities, and he never forgot the old school ways of doing business. Others thought his managerial skills came from his sensitive and outgoing personality, and it was amazing how people at all levels who worked with him felt he was a mentor for patience and was inspirational in knowing, showing, and receiving respect. In a unique business, he had a loyal customer base. He was honest, educated, and he had the innate ability to connect and form a friendship; selling that car was second in the line of importance to him. Joe also excelled at a concurrent vocation ~ being a great dad to three uniquely different sons, and he found a way to build an exclusive relationship with each of them. They were a family unit, and Joe was at the helm. He celebrated Christmas with a mountain of presents, not to spoil the kids, but to see the smiles on their faces when they opened them. He would begin the week before Christmas, planning a treasure hunt. Then, as Christmas drew closer, he would hide scratch-off Lotto tickets. The tradition changed over time, and the kids began hiding the gifts for their parents, a tradition still in existence. All the major holidays were hosted at Joe and Dale’s home, because their door was always open wide, their hospitality was always warm, and the food was always wonderful! Joe prepared perfect and bountiful holiday dinners, including his signature prime rib and sea food specialties. Dale especially loved his veal dishes. During these years, his sons watched their dad cook, and magically, they picked it up! Joe not only had a keen sense of cooking, he had a sharp sense of humor, full of one-liners when you least expected it! As a family man, he was selfless, and his heart belonged to his loved ones. As many can verify, when his two grandsons came into their lives, Joe and Dale were the ultimate grandparents, and these little angels were their whole world. They entertained them, and in turn, they entertained their Papa and Grandma, aka “Peanut”. Joe conceded a few years back, and when the grandkids came, he and Dale went to their children’s houses to make sure none of the traditions were lost. Joe enjoyed the annual family trip to the Saratoga Race Track, always on a Wednesday, where they watched the final race down by the finish line! A bit of a procrastinator, it would always be a last call and Dale was the runner to the window. They never remember staying for the last race because he always left early to avoid traffic! Joe’s love of sports started as a young man when he made minimal wagers just to make the game exciting, and Larry Bird and Joe Montana were his guys! Joe played stick ball on Kossuth Avenue with “all his good friends”, and decades later when his boys were growing up, he encouraged them to give sports a try, and that’s all he expected. In 2011, Joe and Dale had a renewing vacation in Las Vegas, a get-away that was a gentle reflection on their lives. Joe was a Catholic and had the Lord in his heart. Monsignor Willenburg was a great inspiration for Joe; his pastoral guidance and spiritual solace was never forgotten. Joseph is survived by his wonderful and devoted wife, Dale; his sons and their loves, Joseph J. III and Andrea Scialdone, Christopher K. Scialdone and Kara Jarmula, and Gregory M. Scialdone; grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Nicolas “Nicky” Scialdone, anticipation of a new grandson, Salvatore; and Mason Scialdone whose favorite pastime was reading with Papa; and his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony J. “Tony” and Anne Marie Scialdone. The boys, Joe and Anthony, were blessed to have a cousin, Peter J. Scialdone who was an additional ‘brother’ who passed earlier this year and awaits Joe’s arrival and their joyous reunion. Joe will also be remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; uncle and aunt, Joe and Betty Ponessa; and his in-laws, David Soper, Douglas Soper, and John Gossage. Joe also had a friend for all the seasons of his life, including the LaNeves. You couldn’t ask for better people to call extended family. He was predeceased by father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald W. and Elveda May (Calhoun) Soper; and his sister-in-law, Donna J. Gossage. Visitation will be held Monday evening, April 5, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Joseph’s honor may be considered to The Kelberman Center online at https://www.kelbermancenter.org or by mail to 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery privately and at the convenience of the family. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Joseph’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mr. Joseph J. "Dooley" Scialdone, Jr.

May 7, 1951 - March 29, 2021