Giuseppe "Joe" Scotti

1926 - 2021

Giuseppe "Joe" Scotti of Schenectady, NY, died surrounded by his loving family on May 3, 2021. He was 95 years old. He is survived by immediate family members: wife, Rosemarie M. Scotti, nee Brancati; children, Joseph P. Scotti and Michelle S. Eannello, nee Scotti; and grandchildren Joseph S. Eannello, William J. Scotti, Michelina R. Mitchell, nee Scotti, and Marissa N. Scotti. Giuseppe was born on Isola di Ponza, Italy, on April 19, 1926, to Silverio and Maria Scotti. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Civita Vitiello, nee Scotti, and son-in-law Dominick M. Eannello. In his teenage years, he immigrated to the United States, moving first to New York City, where he was a construction worker, later a foreman. Giuseppe also worked in the foodservice industry, building skills he would later apply to his own business. In 1965, he moved with his family to Schenectady, NY. Giuseppe, known as Papa to his grandchildren, Joe to many, or Chief in the kitchen, was the proprietor of Scotti's Restaurant on Union Street, Schenectady, NY, established in 1966. He was the owner and operator of Scotti's until 1986 when close family friend and kitchen mentee, Daniel Samatulski, took over the business. The restaurant retains the Scotti name to this day and is now run by the Sementilli family, longtime friends of Giuseppe. His food and recipes will continue to be enjoyed by family, friends, and patrons for generations to come. After he retired from Scotti's, Giuseppe took on a Hudson Valley Community College position, both managing food services and teaching culinary students. While he lived out his years in Schenectady, his successes allowed him and his family to enjoy time together at his homes in Dennisport, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Ft. Pierce, Florida. There they enjoyed fishing and days on the beach. After a day of surf fishing, a full table of family and friends would enjoy eating fresh-caught seafood together. He also was known for his green thumb, maintaining his garden for fresh vegetables and landscaping his home with care. Giuseppe had an admiration for nature and love for the United States of America, as he often said, "It's the best country in the world." That patriotism was born from his reverence for hard work. He was known for his strength, dexterity, and charm that he exhibited through his last days. He also loved singing traditional Italian music helping to build an appreciation for the arts in his family. He taught his family about faithfulness, pride, and love. Giuseppe and his wife Rosemarie were married for 71 years. He is loved and will be missed by many. Services will be offered in honor of Giuseppe with details shared with friends and family. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewComerAlbany.com.