Obituary of Joseph R. Emanuele, Jr.

Mr. Joseph R. Emanuele Jr., 86, of Amsterdam, NY died peacefully after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma on Saturday, December 14, 2019 surrounded by his family at Mountain Valley Hospice.  Born in Amsterdam, NY on December 2, 1933 he was the son of the late Joseph R. Emanuele Sr. and Mary DeSorbo Emanuele.

A lifelong area resident, Joe was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School Class of 1951.  He served proudly with the United States Army at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia from 1953 -1955 as a Corporal with the Military Police.   Joe worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years and was also employed for a time with the NYS Thruway Authority.

Committed to his community, Joe was active in several organizations.  He was a lifelong member of the Columbian Social Club and served as president for 10 years.  A devout Catholic Christian, Joe was a volunteer Eucharistic Minister for St. Mary’s Healthcare.  He was also a Lector and Acolyte for several area churches including St. Michael’s, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Mary’s. 

Joe had many hobbies including gardening and woodworking.  He enjoyed growing vegetables, garlic and making birdhouses.  He also took great pride in his home and enjoyed decorating it at Christmas time.  Joe’s greatest joy was time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Shirley Nethaway Emanuele; two children, Joseph Emanuele III and his wife Tina, and Rosemary Lanzi and her husband Larry; four grandchildren, Gianna Fernandez and her husband Frank, Maria Emanuele, Christopher Lanzi (Amanda Bishop) and Antonio Lanzi; two brothers, Nicholas Emanuele, Raymond Emanuele and his wife Nancy; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Rachel McConville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 11:15a.m. at Historic St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. Jeffrey L’Arche M.S. as celebrant. Private burial will take place in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  Calling hours for relatives and friends will be held on Thursday morning, prior to Mass from 9a.m. to 11a.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com