Mr. Joseph A. Voce

Mr. Joseph A. Voce, age 75, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at his home. Born in Utica on July 12, 1935, Joseph was the son of the late John A. and Caroline (Gadicola) Voce. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he proudly served his country from 1952-53 as an Airman. On October 2, 1954 he wed the former Frances M. Martino; during their 56 years of marriage they devoted their efforts to their family and provided support for each other during difficult times. Joe worked in his trade as a machinist for area manufacturers, as well as an entrepreneur of small local businesses including at one time the laundry mat located on South Street and Hammond Ave. He retired from his employment at Human Technologies as a quality control person, a position he loved and enjoyed. Joe was a good provider, a hard worker, and a kind-hearted soul. He was an amazing family man and his generous nature is something many would remember. He held true to traditional values, and his expectations of himself and his family were held to high standards. In truth, he was a fair and just person. It didn’t take much to make Joe happy --- he loved music and listening to his favorite tunes, especially on Saturday mornings, and he was fond of 1960’s and 1970’s television comedy shows. He sometimes tried his luck at games of chance and he was a fan of horse racing. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Joe is survived by his wife, Frances; his children and their families, Marsha A. and Michael LaBella, Susan Robinson and John Polchinski, all of Utica, Steven D. and Beth Voce of NH, Donna and Walter Hickman of MA, John P. Voce of Albany, and Sandy and Robert VanDeusen of Utica. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Joseph M. Voce, who preceded him in death on April 13, 2008. He also leaves his grandchildren, James and Erin Robinson, Brian Robinson and fiancée Beth Cortes, and Andrea and Matt Voorhees; Daniel and Tracy Voce; Jeremy M. Sullivan, Daniella J. Voce, and William J. Voce; Amanda Balkcom, Melissa and Nick Marcotte, Theresa and Chris Bolduc, Justin Voce, Erik Hickman, Jennifer Hickman, Rachel VanDeusen, and Mark VanDeusen; and 17 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his brothers and sister-in-laws, Frank and Geri Voce, John Voce and Carol DeNigro, and Anthony and Francine Voce, all of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Joan Martino of Utica. Joseph was blessed with wonderful neighbors, Sam and Sal, and his home health aide, Mary, from U.S. Care; the family thanks them for their kindness in overseeing Joe’s well being. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Joseph's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. Cesta. Committal prayers and military honors will be offered at Christ Our Savior Chapel at Calvary Cemetery with burial to follow.

Mr. Joseph A. Voce

July 12, 1935 - November 3, 2010