Obituary of Fr. Joseph Girzone

Reverend Joseph Francis Girzone, 85, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at the Hospice Inn of St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany, NY on May 15, 1930, Joe was the loving son of the late Peter J. and Margaret Campbell-Girzone. He was the loving brother of James E. Girzone (Dolores), William P. Girzone, Deceased, Eleanor C. Girzone-McHenry, Deceased, Edward V. Girzone (Kathleen), Margaret Mary Girzone, A. Lorraine Girzone-Bashant (Lester), Mary V. Girzone (Peter Mueller), Cecelia T. Girzone-Petrie, Bernadette Girzone-Conrad (John), Frances J. Girzone and Edmund F. Girzone (Carmela) and the loving uncle of 30 nieces and nephews. Joe was ordained a Carmelite priest on June 4, 1955 by Bishop William A. Scully at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, NY. He was incardinated as a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Albany in May 1970. After retirement, Joe authored the best-selling "Joshua" book series and many more world-renowned titles on the life of Jesus. He created the Joshua Foundation in 1983 to keep alive and share the teachings of Jesus. We thank you, Richard and Liz DellaRatta and your family, for so many years of such close love and friendship with Joe. We thank the Riggi family, Deborah Leach and her son and all of you who were so especially close to Joe and lovingly supportive of his ministry. We are grateful to you, Deacon Gary Riggi, Joe's dear friend and associate, for carrying on The Joshua Foundation and all of its works with support from numerous, caring people. We are truly thankful for the compassionate care given to our brother and family by the divinely-chosen doctors, PA, nurses and care groups at St. Peter's 5th Floor Brady-Farrell and at their Hospice Inn. Reception of the Body (Visitation) will take place at St. John the Evangelist Church, Schenectady, NY, on Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. sharp. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin promptly at 11 a.m., with Bishop Edward Scharfenberger as the main celebrant and Bishop Emeritus, Howard J. Hubbard, as concelebrant. Immediately following the ceremony, Reverend Joseph F. Girzone will be buried on the Joshua House property, 1071 Joshua Lane, Altamont, NY. Limited parking will be available at the Peter Young Center, 1180 Berne-Altamont Road, on the right, opposite Leesome Lane. Shuttle service will take you to/from Joshua House. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send donations to: The Joshua Foundation, 1071 Joshua Lane, Altamont, NY 12009. Arrangements by the Daly Funeral Home -