Obituary of Joseph A. Laquitara

Joseph A. Laquitara, Sr. GENEVA- Joseph A. Laquitara, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Mon. (Aug. 6, 2012), in the comfort of his home, with his loving children and grandchildren by his side. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thurs. (Aug. 9), at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC, 28 Genesee St. Geneva. Funeral services will begin with prayers at the funeral home at 9 a.m. Fri. (Aug. 10), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum with military honors. Contributions may be directed to Our Lady of Peace Parish, 130 Exchange St. Geneva, NY 14456, or Ontario-Yates Hospice 756 Pre-Emption Rd. Geneva, NY 14456. Joe was born on Feb. 17, 1926 in Border City and was a son of the late Antonio and Nellie Legott Laquitara. He married the love of his life, Marie Tavano on May 11, 1957. Joe was employed by the Engineer's Union Local 832 of Rochester as an Operating Engineer for 35 years. He served his country during WWII in the Reconnaisance Company 633rd Tank Destroyer Battalion in the third Army under General Patton in the European Theater. Joe was a member of the American Legion Post 396 and an honorary lifetime member of the Border City Fire Co. He was very devoted to his church, serving as a faithful hospital Eucharist Minister for 21 years. For 12 years he was a dedicated alter server for funerals. He and Marie were just recently blessed with the "Sharing the Light" award from the Finger Lakes Catholic Charities. Joe also ministered as sexton at St. Francis De Sales. He enjoyed gardening, taking care of his lawn, reading two newspapers a day, reminiscing about the "old days" and watching old cowboy movies. Joe cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He and Marie consider their greatest accomplishment and gift from God to be the raising of their children to become happy, loving, compassionate, hardworking and faith-filled adults. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Marie Tavano Laquitara of Geneva; children, Joanne (Shawn) McMullen of Dayton, OH, Mary Kay (Kevin) Trickler of Geneva, Anthony J. (Sharon) Laquitara of Geneva and Joseph J. (Arlene) Laquitara of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Rose (Tony) Ciancaglini of Waterloo and Margaret (Peter) Zeoli of Geneva; grandchildren, Cara and Molly McMullen, Ashli Laquitara, Anna and Matthew Trickler, Alena and Tony Laquitara; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; special friend Joe Piccillo and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Joe was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Lehman; brothers, William Laquitara, Jim Farlo and Tony Farlo.