Corradino Joseph Maconi

Corradino (Roddy) Joseph Maconi of Scottsdale, Ariz., passed from this earth to the arms of God on April 13, 2023. His family is sure he was also welcomed by his wife, Rose, who probably kidded him for making her wait so long to be reunited. He was 94 years young.
He was born to Bianchina (de'Archangeles) and Vincenzo Maconi on Jan. 13, 1929, in New York City, one of four brothers and two sisters. He was educated in city schools. In 1947 he enlisted in the Army, serving as a medic at the 121st Evacuation Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. Later he would draw on his training and experience as a medic to lovingly care for his wife in the final years of her life. They were married on Sept. 6, 1953, and celebrated more than 60 years of marriage before she passed away in 2020.
Early in his adult life he worked installing floors, but in later years he became a carpenter, a jack of all trades and a self-made master of many. His daughter, Rosemarie, has fond memories of going to work with him, watching him put in floors and making repairs. For several years he worked for the New York Botanical Garden, building its eye-catching exhibits. He eventually branched out on his own. His reputation for honesty, as well as his methodical skills and tireless work ethic, won him many clients. "Measure twice, cut once" and "Let me give you a tip. Never expect anything and you won't be disappointed" were just a few of the no-nonsense lessons he taught his three daughters and son, as well as his six grandchildren (who will no doubt pass this wisdom on to his seven great-grandchildren and soon-to-arrive eighth). His family was his life, and he was extraordinarily proud of all of them, a sentiment he expressed frequently in the last days of his life.
He was skilled at solving problems and relished the more difficult jobs. He was known to start a project and see it through to the end before moving on to the next. His son, Louis, and Louis' partner Shari Berkowitz, said he had exuberance and confidence to undertake any project or fix any item. One of his favorite statements was "we'll make it fit." He was also known to take family members under his wing to teach them his trade secrets. Son-in-law Kevin Munnelly noted that he was tireless in giving his time and talents to those who asked, and lived out the principles he believed in.
Carpentry was not his only work, however. He was not averse to taking odd jobs if it meant a little extra money for his family. His middle daughter, Antoinette (Toni), recalled getting off a bus in front of a bank many years ago at Fordham Road in the Bronx. She heard her name, looked up, and saw her father on a scaffold two floors up, washing the building's huge windows. He smiled and waved, and seemed genuinely happy to be doing even this modest job. At one point, he and his son Louis operated a chimney sweep business in Arizona.
He loved to keep busy. He had a workshop in his home in the Bronx and later at his Scottsdale residence. His workshop was a happy, chaotic collection of tools, machinery and odd pieces of wood, but he always knew where everything was. It was his happy place. Even after his so-called "retirement," family, friends and neighbors knew they could call on him for advice or if they needed a minor repair, an unusual tool or bookcases built. He indulged in many hobbies, including wood carving and painting. He created beautiful pieces, although his favorites were wood ducks, even going so far as to painstakingly repair one that broke. He also was skilled at oil painting, framing and displaying his artwork at home. His daughter, Rosemarie, recalled one he did of the crucifixion of Jesus, an image that came from a dream he had.
He was known to be highly opinionated, especially when it came to politics. His family and friends always knew where he stood on particular issues, but he had a kind heart. There were many holidays where he brought home strangers to dinner simply because they had nowhere to go. He especially cherished big family meals, and would sit at the head of the table, enjoying the conversation and food. He thrived most when the house was full of visitors. Big, Italian pasta dinners on Sundays were his favorite and he was proud to make gravy and the special eggplant dish his family craved.
He loved talking with strangers, be it at the bank, on the supermarket line or at the thrift shops he frequented. One of his greatest pleasures was finding "treasures" at the Goodwill or Savers. Many times he would buy something simply to give away to a family member or friend. He had a special fondness for Disney characters, amassing a collection of items pertaining to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. His family thought it oddly sweet that this sometimes-gruff man would soften at the sight of a cartoon character with big ears.
Later in life he developed a fondness for real animals, often keeping tortoises in the yard, or several large cages of lovebirds on his back patio. Birdsong often woke up visiting family members and neighbors at the break of dawn. He also loved having fish - he kept a huge tank that was always stocked with many different kinds. He said he loved to sit and watch them. At one point, a long-eared rabbit had a full run of the house, hopping from room to room. It was a wonder that no one tripped over it.
When his wife became sick in 2015, he became her primary caregiver. He said it was a privilege because for many years she took care of him, cooking, cleaning, doing his laundry. Now it was his turn to give back to her. His brother-in-law, Sebastian Pandolfo, said he truly lived out his marriage vows, because taking care of Rose was an act of love and therefore was easy.
Even after losing his wife, he was open to new experiences. He lived on his own, under the watchful eyes of his daughter, Blanche, and son, Louis, who lived close to him in Arizona. He continued to drive, treating himself to a new car in 2021 after years of driving well-used vehicles he continuously had to repair.
He was always open to learning new things. Well into his 80s, he mastered the computer (although he was at a loss whenever the Internet went down). He loved playing Internet solitaire, and browsing how-to videos on YouTube. Just this year his daughters taught him how to FaceTime, and he became proficient at answering video calls on his phone, even while shopping at the supermarket.
When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and lung cancer from asbestos, he handled treatments like a champ. However, when he developed pneumonia and required assistance to breathe, he opted for palliative care, but not before assembling his entire family (many via FaceTime) to say his goodbyes and tell them he loved them. Once off the breathing machines, he cheated death in his sleep for nearly 20 hours. His family is sure he is at peace and happy with Rose - and building shelves in heaven.
Corradino is survived by his daughters Blanche Munnelly (Kevin); Antoinette (Toni) Maconi McGriff (Gary); and Rosemarie Maconi (Michael Schreck) and his son, Louis (Shari Berkowitz). He is also survived by his grandchildren Sophia Maconi (Romeo Porto), Sebastian Maconi (Autumn), Christina Fucci (Erica Lemoine), Francesca Rios (Jose Ernesto Rios-Mata), and Nicholas Fucci. He is predeceased by grandson David Munnelly (Julie). He is also survived by seven (nearly eight) great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For years Corradino was a faithful supporter.
Services will be held on May 1, 10 am at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Please visit the tributes tab for the livestream link.