Mr. Louis A. Joseph, Sr.

DELMAR/UTICA - Mr. Louis A. Joseph, Sr., age 97, passed peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026, lovingly encompassed by his children and joining in eternal rest, the long-awaited reunion with his beloved wife Daisy J. (Lewis) Joseph and his devoted son and companion Louis A. “Little Louie” Joseph, Jr. Born in Utica, New York on January 29, 1929, Louis was the son of the late Anthony and Eva (Sheheen) Joseph. Louis was a man with a unique and gifted spirit whose daily life was guided by faith and love of all. He possessed many talents and skills, and he might best be described as a consummate Renaissance Man guised as “Everyman”, living his life through love, light and faith. He was a skilled mechanic whose interest and ability were mentored early on during his years at T.R. Proctor High School (Class of 1947), and he later furthered his education with night school studies at Mohawk Valley Technical Institute in engineering, drafting, technical mathematics, electronics and television servicing; balancing his job and growing family. Louis was a proud veteran having served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, attaining the rank of Sergeant, and serving as a light aircraft engine mechanic and the crew chief for two Cessna L-19 aircraft. His service was recognized with the Korean Service Medal and two Bronze Service Stars. His work career and personal life followed a similar path with him holding positions as both a Class A and Class B auto mechanic, culminating with his employment at the former Bendix Aviation Corporation (Utica Division) as a Quality Control Machine Component Inspector, retiring in 1999. During his time there, he was a respected member of the United Steelworkers Union where he served as chief negotiator providing valuable leadership to his fellow members. At the same time, Louis could often be found in his driveway under the hood of a car or rolling out from under a chassis with grease-covered hands and always a smile, fixing any matter of problems for friends and family. However, Louis would say that the best parts of his life were God and family, and above all, his wife Daisy. United in marriage on June 3, 1950, Louis and Daisy were devoted to each other and kept a warm and welcoming home filled with love and faith, children, joy, and fun. The kitchen table was always alive with an abundance of food, laughter, and love and served as a central gathering place for countless precious memories where everyone was welcome. Following Daisy’s death in 1984, Louis remained faithful to representing her in his role as father, grandfather (Giddo), great-Giddo, and uncle—all a tremendous source of pride and joy for him. Faith was the foundation of Louis’s life that was rooted in thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation, and reverence for the Lord who he honored in all that he did. As communicant of St. Louis Gonzaga Church and a person of deep faith, he celebrated God in his daily life acknowledging God’s blessings and always vocalizing to others his familiar greeting of “God bless you and the family”. Louis is survived by his children and their loves: Mary and Joseph Tomaselli, Sr.; Eva Joseph and Robert Wishnoff; Anthony and Brenda Joseph; Theresa and John Fitzmaurice. Louis was a proud and devoted grandfather to: Daisy Tomaselli and husband Julian Buffam; Joseph Tomaselli, Jr.; Logan Joseph and husband Sean Hayes; Alexandra Joseph; Maggie Fitzmaurice; John Louis and wife Natalie Fitzmaurice; Kaleb Fitzmaurice; and, he was blessed with great-grandchildren Colette and Bennett Buffam–all who treasured and loved their Giddo. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Shirley Joseph. Louis also lovingly remembered his siblings and their spouses who preceded him: George and Jean Joseph; Joseph and Rose Joseph; MaryAnn and Anthony Lewis. Additionally, he was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary (Abdoo) Lewis and Samuel Lewis; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy Ann and Roby Hobert Monday; his dearly loved Abdoo Family aunts and uncles; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Louis was also blessed throughout his lifetime with many dear friends and cherished neighbors, both young and old, each of whom he valued deeply forming lasting bonds. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Albany Center for Independent Living, who accommodated his personal needs with great care. Special appreciation is also extended to Erin Williams and the entire team of caregivers who went above and beyond. The family further wishes to thank Community Hospice, as well as his physician Dr. Kaitlin Domres, Nurse Linda, and the Silver Team at the Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center for their compassionate and dedicated care. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Louis’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St., where the Divine Liturgy for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. Military Honors will be conferred by the United States Army. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org and/or St. Louis Maronite Gonzaga Church at www.saintlouisgonzaga.org; envelopes will also be available at the service. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. And, in Louis’s words, “May you have happy days always!”

Mr. Louis A. Joseph, Sr.

January 29, 1929 - April 9, 2026