Obituary of Joseph P. Messineo

Mr. Joseph P. "Joe Mason" Messineo, 90, of Northhampton Road, Amsterdam, passed away peacefully on Saturday May 9, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital after a long illness. Joe was born on July 12, 1918 to the late Angelo and Mary Litto Messineo. At the age of 12, he began his life long career as a barber, known as "Joe Mason." In 1943 he enlisted with the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge in 1946. He also worked at General Electric for ten years. On September 4, 1937 he was united in marriage to the former Louise DiPasquale. That union lasted 65 years until her passing on August 24, 2003. He was also predeceased by his three brothers, Vito, Alfonso and Michael. An active individual, Joe was a parishioner of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and a member of its choir. He was a member of the Amsterdam Council, #209 Knights of Columbus; a 4th Degree Member of the Monsignor William A. Browne Assembly and its color guard. Joe also served as a patient representative for St. Mary's Hospital for over 25 years. He enjoyed singing with the Bill Brown Group that visited area nursing homes during the holidays. He was also a radio show host on WCSS radio, Sunday and Holiday Italian Show. Above all, he loved his family dearly and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his daughter, Janice Morrow and her husband David; two grandchildren, Jaclyn and Gregory Morrow; a sister, Mary Noto and her husband Louis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 13th 2009 at 9:15a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with Fr. John Medwid as celebrant. Interment will take place in St. Michael's Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 4 until 7 Tuesday evening at the funeral home; where the Knights of Columbus will also hold a service at 6 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Foundation of St. Mary's Hospital, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.