Joseph J. Garofalo

Joseph “Joe” /"Joey” J. Garofalo, 84, of Mattydale passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024, at Upstate Hospital after a short battle with multiple myeloma. Joe was born May 24, 1940, in Syracuse, NY. He was self-employed in woodworking, tile-setting, and home repair. He could fix just about anything and worked odd jobs well beyond his retirement years. Joe spent his free time “tinkering around”, collecting unique items (or “junk”, he would say) that he saw value in. He would bring these items home for repair or repurpose, giving them a second life. Joe was an avid fisherman in his younger years, enjoyed playing pitch with friends, and taking trips to the casino to hit the penny slots. He couldn’t let a day go by without a hot cup of coffee with “just a little sugar” and a Reese’s peanut butter cup. On any given day you could find him at Dee’s Diner “stirring the pot” in robust conversation - Dee's will never be the same without him. Joe is remembered as a family man, a kind, caring, special soul with an inquisitive nature who was well-liked by all who met him; a jack of all trades with a big heart for people and animals, willing to help wherever he could.

He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Constance Garofalo, in January of this year; parents, John and Anna (Marnello) Garofalo; siblings: James Garofalo, Dominic Garofalo, Thomas Garofalo, Rose (Garofalo) Calabria, and Angeline (Garofalo) Calabria. 

He is survived by his daughters: Wanda (Mark Miller) Garofalo, Audrey (David Nelipowitz) Garofalo, and Deborah Ruhe; grandchildren, Kaylynn, Angela, Willow, Mose; great granddaughter, Alyana and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family is requesting donations to the memorial fund to help pay for the final expenses https://gofund.me/2df67855.

Friends and family may call from 5:00 – 6:00 pm at Krueger Funeral Home 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale on Monday, June 3. A Memorial Service will follow at 6:00 pm.