Joseph P. Zizzi

Mr. Joseph P. Zizzi, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. At the time of his passing, his loving and devoted son was by his side. Born in Century, West Virginia, on April 4, 1915, Joseph was the son of the late Vito Antonio and Elisabetta (Semeraro) Zizzi. He was raised and educated in Utica. On July 5, 1941, in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, he married the former Philomena “Faye” Chiaffitelli with whom he shared 60 years prior to her passing in October of 2001; the couple shared the greater part of their lives together in a loving marriage. For 41 years during his working life, Joseph was employed by the New York Central and Penn Central Railroads as a clerk, retiring in 1975. Both at work and at home, Joseph was a generous, compassionate, and giving man. He was a family oriented man who lived and loved the simple life. His family was his greatest joy, and his “little bit of heaven” was being at his camp at Tupper Lake with his loved ones. He was a seasoned vegetable gardener who grew a variety of tasty tomatoes and plenty of Italian pole beans. He was also an avid fisherman who would always provide Father Joseph Ploeckel and the sisters of the parish with the first bass of the season. Upon Father’s passing, Joseph’s sister-in-law, Doris, became the recipient of the yearly prize. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Joseph is survived by his son, Anthony “Tony” Zizzi of Syracuse; his sister, Theresa M. Porto of New Hartford; and his brothers and sister-in-law, Cosmo J. and Ruff Zizzi of Carlisle, PA, and Peter N. and Doris M. Zizzi of Utica. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Michelina “Margaret” Zizzi, and Joseph Peek, both of Utica. He was predeceased by his sisters, Anna Peek, and Margaret “Mary” E. Zizzi; his brothers, Vito “Bill” Zizzi, and Nunzio Zizzi; and his brother-in-law, Richard Porto. The family is grateful to Marguerite Uolla, and Jaxie for all their years of love and concern; and a special thank you to Rebecca Bain who provided years of loving and caring devotion to Mom and Dad. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00-12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Joseph’s funeral service will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Joseph P. Zizzi

April 4, 1915 - January 20, 2010