Obituary of Joseph A. Cuozzo

Mr. Joseph A. Cuozzo, 103, of Amsterdam, passed away Thursday morning March 30, 2017, at his home in Amsterdam surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born June 4, 1913, in Herkimer, NY, he was the son of the late Gabriel and Margaret Cuozzo. He was a lifelong area resident and was a graduate of Fonda Fultonville Central High School. He worked for Cushing Construction for many years before being elected City Clerk of the City of Amsterdam from 1970 to 1974. He later was employed for a time at the City of Amsterdam Department of Public Works. He was a communicant of the former St. Casimir's Church. Joseph was very active in the Amsterdam and Montgomery County Democratic Party. He was a democratic committeeman for over 50 years and was one of the founding members of both the Amsterdam JFK Democratic Club and City of Amsterdam Democratic Committee where he served as Treasurer and President. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed working on both his mother's garden in Fonda and his own garden. He was a fan of both thoroughbred and harness horse racing and enjoyed spending time with friends and family at the races in Saratoga Springs, NY. Joseph lived through six wars, the Great Depression and the advent of talking pictures. He was proud to vote in every election since 1933. Joseph also worked with his brother-in-law and great friend the late James Conti at the Rock Motel for many years. He was a loving and devoted husband who was married for 63 years to his wife Roberta Wilmot Cuozzo. He was a loving and caring father to his three children. He especially enjoyed a sense of community. He had a passion for politics and had a keen sense of evaluating who would win elections. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta Wilmot Cuozzo whom he married on May 29, 1954. In addition to his wife, survivors include his three children, Michelle Cuozzo, Josanne Reaves (Charles Reaves) of Rochester, NY and James Cuozzo (Barbara O' Neill) of Buffalo, NY, grandchildren, Cara Reaves(Robert Stipa) of Philadelphia, PA,Toren Reaves (Kathryn Michalko) and Brennan Reaves of Rochester, NY. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Conti and a brother Anthony Conti. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He is also survived by his loving cat Bijou. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at 11:30A.M. at the Betz, Rossi and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY with Father O. Robert DeMartinis presiding. Interment will be held at a later date in St. Cecilia's Cemetery, Fonda. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, April 2, 2017, prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at the funeral home. Contributions in his memory can be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam.