Mr. Joseph Randy Astalfa

Mr. Joseph Randy Astalfa, age 29, after a courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Large B Cell Lymphoma, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family and close friends by his side, Born in Utica on January 8, 1986, Joseph was the son of Randy and Joanne (Faubert) Astalfa. He was raised in Marcy and educated in Whitesboro. He continued his education at M.V.C.C. ascertaining Associate degrees in Theater and History. He was currently completing his Bachelor degree in Literature with Empire State College. Innately intelligent, Joe excelled in all his interests and impressed many with his insight and level of knowledge. His natural talent combined with his cinematic and theatrical training led to his co-ownership and operation of Apollodorus Films as well as his authorship of insightful and informative film reviews. Creative and productive with both the pen and the palette, many of his written works were publicized and he was currently working on the final edit to his novel. An accomplished artist, he was well known for his “Ragnar” renditions. He was a movie buff and a serious collector of both vintage and modern films and nostalgia. He had an impressive knowledge of the movie industry and was proud to be a fan of the film series Godzilla. He also loved to travel, especially to sci-fi and horror conventions. He was thrilled and enthralled to attend “G-Fest” and proud to have met the actors from the Godzilla franchise as well as members of the film crew. He was honored to be a part of the Q&A panel representing the history of the film series. He valued his affiliation and amity with prominent cinematic artist, Bob Eggleton. A brilliant, loving, and generous individual, Joe gave of himself to everyone who played a part in his life and he was selfless in putting the needs of others before his own. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his father. He was a special brother to his sister; they shared an unbreakable bond and they were best friends. He will be remembered and admired for the loving care he conveyed to those in his circle of life, especially his grandparents. Joe volunteered his time at the Center for Missing & Exploited Children and was a parishioner of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church. Joseph is survived by his parents, Randy Joseph and Joanne Mary Astalfa of Marcy. Joe shared a special loving relationship with his mother and looked to her for strength, courage, and the comfort of her nursing skills. His mother will always remember her “Joey” as her big “Teddy Bear” and best friend. Joe will remain in the heart of his sister, Courtney Ann Astalfa formerly of Philadelphia, PA and currently of Utica; and his maternal grandmother, Suzanne Faubert. Also mourning his passing are his great-aunts, Margarite Frederick and her friend Nick, Natalie Czebieniak, Linda Trivieri, and Julia Spina; aunts and uncles, Stanley and Suzanne Faubert, John and Kim Faubert, and Edward and Julie Faubert; many cousins, especially acknowledging Michael, Samantha, Cheryl, Shaina, Christina, Ashley “Velcro”, Vanessa, Nicky, Nina, Nancy, Paul, and their families, John Paul, Cole, Vincent, Gavin, and Rosalie; his best friends who he considers his brothers, Michael Ross, and Alex Stronach; his buddies, Al, Jason, Tony, Marvin, Greg, John, Mark, Jonathan, Chris, Tom, Barron, Kevin, T.J., Matt, Mike, Zach, and Josh; and his feline companions, Ripley and Jonesie. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Albert A. and Rose Marie Astalfa; maternal grandfather, Philip Faubert; and his lovable dragon, Rexanne Prickleaus. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Samir Desai & Associates, Dr. Paul Barr, and Dr. Jonathan Friedberg and their staff at Strong Memorial Hospital; and the nurses and staff of the 6th Floor Oncology Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for the exceptional care and compassion provided to Joseph. The Astalfa family would also like to express appreciation to everyone at McQuade and Bannigan, and the Central New York Psychiatric Center for all their support and concern throughout the past 18 months. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2:30-6:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Richard Dellos. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.