Obituary of Joseph G. Semprivivo

Joseph Gabriel Semprivivo, 80, of New Jersey, passed away on May 16th, 2023 after a long battle with illness. Born on September 13, 1942 he was the son of the late Gabriel Semprivivo and Nancy Alessi Casso. Joe and his siblings were raised by their step father, Charles Casso Sr, and their mother, Nancy. Charles was an exceptional father and was the true meaning of a “dad.”

Survivors include his siblings, Rocco Semprivivo, Ginny Bottisti (Tom), Cindy Chiaharetta (John), and Charles Casso Jr.; his two sons; Anton J. Semprivivo and Christian W. Semprivivo; two grandsons; Dylan J. Semprivivo and Nolan N. Semprivivo; as well as many nieces and nephews, who he loved very much many of which he treated like his own children.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Nancy and Charles Casso; and a brother, Richard Semprivivo.

Joe attended local schools in Amsterdam and graduated from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School, class of 1960. After graduation, Joe entered the US Army and was stationed in Korea from 1964-1966. He returned home after the service and went on to work for the Amsterdam Printing Company. He then relocated to New Jersey and worked two jobs so he could open his own printing company, Gabriel Graphics, and started a family settling in Washington Township, NJ.

Joe was an avid sports fan, though his favorite sports were softball, pro football, and baseball. He enjoyed being active in his youth and played baseball on a team as well as coached. He was a tough but good baseball coach to many kids who lovingly referred to him as “Mean” Joe. He led some of those teams to championships and All-Star tournament wins over the years. Joe’s love for these sports lives on in his sons, Anton and Christian, who played on Joe’s baseball team during their childhood.

Another favorite pastime of his was to play darts on dart teams in his home town of Amsterdam. He also loved to play pool. As a kid he would hustle for quarters at the local pool halls.

Joe was an avid fisherman, often found fishing for trout in the Adirondacks, and he loved to go to the camp at Sacandaga Lake too. His love of fishing lives on in his grandson Nolan, who takes the opportunity to fish every time he’s on a body of water.

Joe had a great affinity for dogs too all throughout his life. His love of canines shines brightly in his grandson Dylan, who looks forward to bringing home his own dog someday soon.

Joe was a thoughtful, caring, and generous person. He was a tough father to his sons, but it came from a place of love. Along with a strong will, he had a stubborn Italian streak at times that made it difficult to change his mind once it was set. He leaves behind a hole in everyone’s hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May, 22, 2023 at 1p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY with The Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis E.V. officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Amsterdam.  Calling hours will be held Monday, prior to the service beginning at 11a.m.  All are invited to attend.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com