Obituary of Joseph J. Calella

Joseph J. Calella, 80, of Stewart Street, died peacefully Tuesday morning, June 29, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Newark, NJ July 27, 1929 son of the late Joseph J. and Amelia Cavaliere Calella, Sr. A resident of Amsterdam, NY since the age of 2, Joseph was a graduate of Amsterdam High School. He entered the US ARMY and served as a Corporal with the 40th Division 115th Medical Battalion during the Korean Conflict. He returned to the area and married the former Madeline F. Guiffre of Gloversville on April 5, 1953 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Gloversville. Joseph worked as Quality Control Director in Fiber Glass Industries for many years as well as working weekends at Community Pharmacy. He then went to work in county government as the Montgomery County Sealer of Weights and Measures, retiring in 1996. Joseph was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Amsterdam where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was active with the Mount Carmel Seniors and as a volunteer at the spaghetti suppers. He was also a member and past officer of the Frank Sirchia Chapter of the AMVETS. He enjoyed traveling, playing in the area Bocce Ball League and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His loving family includes his wife of over 57 years, Madeline Calella of Amsterdam, his children Michele Beebie and husband Thomas of Gloversville, Georgiann Holm and husband Eric of Glenville, John Calella and wife Grace of Poughkeepsie and JoAnn Beehler and husband Edward of Forest, VA, and his grandchildren Daniel Beebie, Eric Holm, Jr., Joseph Holm, Kathleen Calella and Christine Calella and a sister Diana Palmer and her husband Thomas of Hurley, NY. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Prayer Services will be at 10:15AM on Friday, July 2, 2010 at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, St. John St., Amsterdam, NY with Fr. Lawrence J. Decker as celebrant. Interment will follow mass in the parish cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday evening from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Contributions in Joseph's memory may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny's Corners Rd., Amsterdam, NY or to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, PO Box 699, Amsterdam, NY 12010.