Visiting Hours are Oct. 7 for Joseph J. Scozzafava

Joseph J. Scozzafava of West Nyack passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2014, at Northern Manor Multicare Center in Nanuet after a long illness. He was 94.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Rockland County. He was born to the late Dominick and Jennie (Critelli) Scozzafava in Jones Point, grew up in Haverstraw, served in the US Navy during WWII, and on April 30, 1944 married his wife of 70 years, Carmella (Mercurio), who survives him.

Joe is also survived by his son, Joseph J. Scozzafava, Jr. and son-in-law Billy Wong of White Plains, his daughter, Joanne Minton of West Nyack, his sister, Marie Gommer, of Carlisle, PA, formerly of Haverstraw, two grandchildren, Michael Minton, Jr., serving in the US Navy, and Kelly Minton of West Nyack, and numerous nieces, nephews, God children, and dear family friends. He was predeceased by his sister Phyllis Sebastian of Haverstraw and Schenectady.

During his lifetime Joe was known for his love of animals, his beautiful flower gardens at the home he built in West Nyack, the tasty vegetables he grew, and his love of fishing, especially in his later years with his nephew, Jim Malloy and friend Stan Pascoo. Joe also loved bowling, making bird houses and bird feeders in the wood shop in his basement, and bird watching from the bay window in his family room.

Joe retired from Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River after a nearly 40 year career in medical research, and enjoyed traveling in his retirement with Carm.

Joe’s wake will be held at the Joseph Sorce Funeral Home on West Nyack Road in West Nyack on Tuesday Oct. 7 from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, West Nyack on Wednesday Oct. 8 at 10 am. Burial will follow in the Scozzafava family cemetery plot in St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery in Haverstraw.

Joe, Jr. and Joanne would like to thank the staff at Northern Manor for the great care they gave their father during the last nearly two years of his life.