Joel F. Szabo

Joel F. Szabo

September 20, 1939 – February 1, 2026

Joel F. Szabo has been reunited with his beloved wife, Theresa, in the heavenly place of peace and everlasting life.

He was the second born of ten children on September 20,1939 to Doris Lee O'Brien and William Louis Szabo in Broadalbin, New York. He graduated in 1958 from Fonda-Fultonville Central School where he was a basketball and baseball star. After graduating, he worked for many years at Karg Brothers and then Keymark Corporation and volunteered for the Fonda Volunteer Police Department where he took great pleasure in keeping an eye on his younger brothers. He joined the General Electric Company in 1971 as a machinist in gas turbines and retired in 1996. In retirement, he pursued a hobby in antiques and kept busy working for a few auction houses and collecting treasures for his antique store, Generations.

As the eldest child after the sudden passing of his father and a year later his older brother Elwood, Joel became the head of the family at age 18. A family friend, Joe "Jube" Zannitto, became both a father figure and beloved friend who turned him into an outdoorsman. Joel loved to hunt and was overjoyed to share hunting seasons with his friends, brothers and his son, Justin, until the time of his passing. Many prize racks were mounted and decorated every Christmas. Joel also loved horse racing, playing cards, and for many years, enjoyed his bowling league at Perry Lanes. He also liked spending time with friends at the Tribes Hill Senior Center and going on the senior trips.

As a little league coach, Joel taught Justin and many other children to play baseball. He helped Girl Scout Troop 478 win all the prizes for cookie sales by selling hundreds of boxes at the GE and chaperoned camping trips that were always in the rain. He watched Rachel and Brenda compete on the tennis courts and watched their JHS band performances on the field, on stage, and in parades. Summer vacations were enjoyed in Virginia Beach, Easter breaks meant trips to Florida, and weekends often included leisurely rides in the Chevy Impala, always capped off with an ice cream treat. Joel enjoyed dining out; however, his favorite spot was a seat at Brenda and Carl's table, who prepared all his favorite meals and took such loving care of him.

Joel is survived by his three children Rachel (Kevin) Hajos of Queensbury, Brenda (Carl) Maynor, and his son, Justin Szabo, both of Johnstown; three beloved grandchildren, Theresa, Benjamin, and Jacob Hajos of Queensbury, brothers Daniel (Ann) Szabo of Palatine Bridge, Chris (Mary) Szabo of Sprakers, and his sister Stacia (Thomas) Farrell of

Johnstown; several nieces and nephews, many friends near and far, and his longtime companion Beverly Fox.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Theresa; his sister, Wilma Miller; and his brothers, Elwood, John, Steve, Gregory, and Eric, in addition to his parents. Joel was rarely seen without his canine sidekick, Sandy, his faithful dog for many years.

Memorial contributions to honor Joel's memory may be made to the Northville United Methodist Church, PO Box 476, 301 South Main Street, Northville, NY 12134-0476, or to a charity of your choice. In keeping with his wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be an announcement for a graveside service in May at the Broadalbin Cemetery.

Condolences to the family can be made online by visiting our website www.agcolefuneralhome.com