Joseph G. Pesce

Joseph G. Pesce, 80, of Esopus Creek Rd. died Saturday, February 1, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.  Born on September 3, 1944 in Saugerties, he was the son of the late Gennaro and Theresa Ferraro Pesce.  He was in the US Army Security Agency while stationed in Vietnam from 1965-1966.  He was a member of the Saugerties American Legion Post #72 and a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary of the Snow Church.

A lifelong area resident and a 1962 graduate of Saugerties High School, Joe worked delivering bread for his family’s business, Pesce’s Bakery, and Millbrook Breads.  Joe was a survivor of the 1993 and 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center where he worked for 16 years for Ogden Allied Building Services as an HVAC engineer until September 11, 2001.  Joe’s favorite job was being an integral part of operating Gusberti’s Campsite in Willsboro with his wife and sisters-in-law, MaryAnn and Loretta.  

Joe had a passion for convertible sports cars and most of all, his grandchildren.  He was extremely proud of all their accomplishments and was an avid cheerleader at their high school and college sporting and school events.  He always enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren “Up North”, fishing, ATV riding, and building campfires.  We will all remember the smile on his face when playing cards with friends and family.  

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Christine Ferraro Yates for her love, friendship and compassion along with the multiple caregivers who assisted the family during his final days.  We will cherish all our special memories of spending time with Joe as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Hudson Valley Hospice or St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Lena, a daughter Elizabeth and her husband, Michael Kilmer of Saugerties.  A son Joseph Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth Pesce of Monroe.  A sister, Dianne and her husband Richard Paolo of Wallkill.  Five grandchildren: Dr. Corinne Kilmer and Brian Kilmer, Austin (Leah), Dean and Carson Pesce.  Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.  Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his infant daughter Laurie Ann.

His Funeral Procession will form 9:15 am Thursday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. of John & Lafayette Sts., Saugerties thence to St Mary of the Snow RC Church where at 10:00 AM a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered.  Interment with military honors will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM.   Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family on Joe's Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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