Francis Anthony "Turk" Joseph

NORTH UTICA –The soul of Mr. Francis Anthony “Turk” Joseph, ascended into Jesus’s loving arms on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the age of 88. At the time that he transitioned, he was in the hearts of those he loved the most. Born in Utica on August 11, 1934, to the late Peter W. and Mora (Khoury Zady) Joseph, Franny spent his life in the area, he graduated from T. R. Proctor High School with the class of 1953. To this day, he retained close friendships and camaraderie with the members of the Proctor boys. At one time, he wed the former Dolores Macchione, and from that relationship came the blessing of two beautiful daughters, Maria and Ann-Renée. For over 30 years, Franny was a dedicated route man for Utica Club, later known as FX Matt Brewing Company, making deliveries to restaurants through all Central New York. Turk just loved spending time with his “girls” when they were young. He was mindful to each of their desires. He taught them to pitch and catch, paying special attention to their follow- through. Memorable were the hockey games of the Clinton Comets which he escorted them to at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Turk made sure to teach his girls honesty and hard work to guarantee good outcomes in their lives. Turk delighted in being a good provider and was very protective of his daughters throughout their lives. If they ever needed him, no questions asked, he was there. He also instilled in them the importance of attending church on Sunday. He made sure they sat straight, listened to the priest’s message, and never fooled around! He was known to his grandchildren as “Grandpa” and to his great-grandchildren, he was known as “Grampy”; these were the most endearing titles he held. With his grandchildren, he always felt remarkable and content. He loved visiting them, chatting with them, and scorching around. Grandpa spent many football Sunday’s watching the NY Giants with his eldest grandson, Michael, where they often shared a few glasses of their favorite red wine together. Franny cherished those Sunday’s with Michael. These were always charming times for him. He also brought his little great-grandchildren Lebanese pita bread that they called “pizza”, and he enjoyed sharing a part of his heritage. A big sports fan, Turk wholeheartedly rooted for the New York Yankees, the New York Rangers, the New York Giants, and the Boston Celtics, and Adrean Post legion baseball. He also spent much time playing golf on various courses, but he favored and especially enjoyed the fairways of Valley View. He was also very well-known and a constant presence at Pellettieri Joe’s Restaurant. People loved listening to him tell jokes. Turk loved making people laugh and continued to do so right up to the end of his life. Turk’s family will always remember their fun family house parties with music at very high decibels. Neil Diamond was his go-to. His choice of spirits was a gin martini “extra, extra dry three olives and a twist”; and there was laughter galore when the group got together. Not one to let the fun slip by in his later years, Franny and his daughter Maria frequently traveled to Maryland to spend vacations, birthdays and holidays with his daughter Renée, and her six dogs. The magic was just as real as it was back in the day! Even though he was outgoing, Turk was a deeply private man, and kept many things close to his own heart. A quote he often reminded others of was, realizing how true the words really were: “If you have health, you have wealth.” Grounded in his faith, Turk made Mary, Mother of Our Savior (Lourdes Campus), a place he felt God’s spirit. Turk is survived by his cherished daughters and sons-in-law, Maria J. and Thomas A. Palumbo, Renée Joseph and her husband, Adrian C. Wertz with whom he shared a close father/son relationship and spent many conversations discussing investing; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Erin M. and Anthony Trinkaus and their daughter Taylor Mae “Little Flower” Trinkaus; Renée and Christopher Jarosz, and their children, Nolan C. Jarosz, Sadie A. “Sweet Pea” Jarosz, Nashton T. Jarosz; and his beloved grandson, Michael T. Palumbo. Franny is preceded by his brothers, sisters, and their spouses, Anthony J. and Hattie Joseph, Isabel Joseph, who passed as a child, Lucille and Bill Martin, and Nazira (Rose) Enjem; many nieces and nephews, Lucille (Giacovelli) and Tom Harden, Anthony and Donna Giacovelli, Francis and Bonnie Enjem, Sharon Payne (and her late husband Steve) Peter Joseph, Lt. Cmd. Ret. US. Navy, Mora and William Milham, Nicole M. and Raymonté Early, Michael III and Krista Macchione, Erika Macchione and Jason and their daughter, Lucia, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Franny maintained a very close relationship with his in-laws Anna-Marie (Macchione) and Anthony “Winks” Giacovelli, and Michael A., Jr. and Lynne Macchione. Franny and Mike were like brothers. He will also be very missed by his special friends to carry on the Utica Club Toasts; The “Apple of his Eye”, Big John Lucarelli, and Little John Lucarelli, as well as the Meola boys at the garage; Michael Fillipelli, Roc Tebsherany, Florio Vitullo, Dr. Pat DeCarlis, Tommy Fabio, Sam Paniccia, and many, many other wonderful guys. Turk himself also dearly missed the friends who went before him: Remo Zegarelli (who was like a brother to him), Donnie Romanelli Sr., and Danny Salvo. He was predeceased by his in-laws Michael A. Sr. and Josephine (DeMarco) Macchione; nieces and nephews, Lucretia Ingersoll, Anthony Joseph, Jr. and Terry Martin. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the compassionate staff of the Abraham House, Utica, who made the final journey for Turk and his family as pleasant as possible with their comforting words and actions. Lindsey, Ashley, Sheila, Jasmine, Emma, Bonnie, Shar, and Amanda; these incredible women were looked upon as angels on earth. The family would also like to mention two other earth angels, RN brothers, Brian and Corey Carnes, you know who you are, we thank you. The family will commemorate Francis’ life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Church (Lourdes Campus), 2222 Genesee St., Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. The family requests, in lieu of floral offerings, supporting the mission of the Abraham House would be greatly appreciated. Online tributes may be made at https://www.theabrahamhouse.org/our-homes/abraham-house-utica/ as well as envelopes which will be available at the service. Turk will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.

Francis Anthony "Turk" Joseph

August 11, 1934 - January 28, 2023