Obituary of Joseph Monaco

Joseph Monaco of Schenectady, New York, passed away peacefully with family by his side after a brief illness. Joe was born on March 5, 1933 to Theresa (Torelli) and Joseph Monaco in Schenectady, New York. Joe was a generous and industrious man, able to create and build anything with his own hands. He was a colorful, old-school Italian-American who was proud of his heritage. He was raised on Foster Avenue along with his two brothers, Anthony and Frank, and two sisters, Irene and Josephine. He also had a brother, Matthew, who died shortly after he was born. Joe learned the trade of Masonry from his father at a very early age. Some of the sidewalks that they poured in Schenectady are still intact 50-60 years later. Joe attended and graduated from Schenectady Vocational School as an auto mechanic. At the age of 18, Joe entered the Marine Corps and was soon awarded his Expert Marksman Sharpshooter status. He served his country and had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Joe maintained the philosophy of once a Marine; always a Marine throughout his life. After his discharge, Joe took a job with General Electric in Schenectady and worked as a truck-driver. He eventually began working for Browning Ferris Industries as a Maintenance Foreman and from there he proudly retired. Joe spent his retirement years in Naples, Florida. He enjoyed golf, travel and the love of Lois Wick, his partner for the past 12 years. On Joe's 80th birthday, we celebrated in style with a weekend of great food, friends and even went out dancing with him at the American Legion. Joe enjoyed life to its fullest. He was very proud of his daughter's accomplishments and enjoyed sharing in their successes. He loved to play bocce balls, golf, playing Pinochle, watching various forms of auto-racing, good food, wine and music. There were many gatherings and clam bakes on Foster Avenue. Joe was an active member of the Elks, Marine Corps League, Moose and the American Legion. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa and Joseph; brothers, Matthew and Anthony. He is survived by his brother, Frank Monaco and wife, Fran of South Carolina; sisters, Josephine Zimmerman of Colonie, NY and Irene D'Attilio of Texas; daughters, Marisa Monaco and husband Burke of California, Laura Stento and husband, Andy of Idaho, Darcy Harding and Peter Perry of Loudonville, NY and Joyce Monaco and husband, Mike Watson of Albany, NY; grandchildren, Sylvana Bonacci, Sophia Merendini, Dylan Watson, Aubrey and Sydney Stento, Mason Perry; and great-granddaughter, Capriana Bonacci; as well as many loved nieces and nephews. A private memorial and graveside service at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga, New York. The details yet to be announced. If you would like to make a charitable donation, please consider supporting the Amyloidosis Support Groups, 232 Orchard Drive, Wood Dale, IL 60191, www.AmyloidosisSupport.org, Or to The Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselear, NY 12144. Arrangements by the Daly Funeral Home