Joseph M. Menichello, 73, of Apalachin, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 13, 2019.

Joe was predeceased by his parents Eleanor (Denisco) and Michael Menichello, and his son Kristian Menichello.

Joe is survived by the love of his life, his dedicated wife of 51 years Dolly Menichello, his cherished children Joe Menichello (John Welch) of Binghamton, New York; Brian Menichello (Monica) of Naples Florida; Christina Wisnesky (Carl) of Apalachin, New York; and his grandchildren Luca and Maia Menichello, and Makala (Tyler) Sexton. Joe is also survived by many cousins and friends.
Joe was born in Scranton, PA on May 23, 1945 to Eleanor and Michael Menichello. Joe graduated from Old Forge High School in 1963, Bucknell University (BS, Mechanical Engineering) in 1967, and Harpur College (Master’s Degree) in 1971. Joe received multiple awards and academic scholarships, including a Western Electric Fund Scholarship and the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award “in recognition of his superior scholastic achievement, good character, and superior intellectual promise in the field of science.”

Joe was a faithful and loyal husband, father, and grandfather. He led his family by his examples of steadfast selflessness, wisdom, and modesty. Joe was also known to be passionate in what he believed in, standing for what he felt was true, not what the majority felt was popular. Joe was always inspiring his children in their life pursuits, encouraging them to work to their potential, while reminding them to maintain their decorum. Despite any obstacles that his family encountered in life, Joe and Dolly together as a devoted team, continually reminded their children to always maintain their faith in God.

In his spare time, Joe was an avid outdoorsman, tool collector, loved building and fixing various things, and enjoyed cooking and baking. Joe had been a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Lions Club, and lifetime member of the Tioga County Sportsmen’s Club. Joe had also been an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows church, serving on many committees over the years. Joe was a well-respected manager during his years of employment for IBM, Loral, and Lockheed Martin, as evidenced by a written quote from a former colleague: “You have been friend to many, and admired by all. You have shed a philosophical light on managing individuals and suffered great personal hardship, while continuing to smile, and keeping the folks around you morally uplifted. Your management style is an inspiration to many. Your attitude and enthusiasm is contagious. You have made the difference for many of us.”

Joe was a man of dignity and honor witnessed by the life he lived, and the legacy he has passed on to so many whose lives he has touched: “Since I’ve known you, you’ve been a monument to me.”

The family would like to thank Lourdes Hospice for their dedicated service, as well as Pat and Victoria for their many months of unwavering care.

The family will receive visitors at Our Lady of Sorrows Church Main St. Vestal, NY at 10:00AM on Thursday January 17, 2019 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lourdes Hospice 4102 Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 (607) 798-5692.