Joseph J. Mortellaro

Joseph J. Mortellaro, age 88, of Corfu, passed away at his home on December 27, 2024.

He was born on August 13, 1936 in Batavia a son of the late Ignazio and Carmella (Dorsey) Mortellaro.

Known as "Mr. Bowling" throughout the Genesee Region for his numerous accomplishments on the lanes and his contributions to the sport over seven decades, Joe was a member of the inaugural Batavia Bowling Association Hall of Fame Class of 1973 in the Bowling Achievement category. In 2000, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame's Meritorious Service category.

Joe was a perennial all-star in the Classic League at Mancuso Lanes and earned multiple tournament victories -- including the Batavia Masters in 1970 and 1993, the Autumn Classic at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion in 2000 and many Batavia and Perry association team, doubles, singles and all-events crowns.

His classic form at the line enabled him to roll countless 700 series and several 300 games, with his last perfect game coming at the age of 74 in January 2011. Joe bowled in leagues at various centers in the area, consistently posting 200-plus averages. He averaged 200 in league play at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield in 2014 at the age of 78.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment occurred in April 2019 in Las Vegas when he competed in his 50th United States Bowling Congress Championship Tournament. USBC officials presented him with a plaque during a ceremony at the South Point Bowling Plaza.

Off the lanes, Joe served as president of the Batavia Bowling Association from 1970-1992 while also becoming well known as a bowling ball driller and, from 1982-2010, as owner of Joe's Pro Shop in Batavia.

He enjoyed having breakfast with friends and family at local restaurants on a weekly basis. Joe enjoyed hosting parties at his home for family and friends that would total over 90 people. Joe proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War.

Surviving are his brother, Richard (Kathleen) Mortellaro, Sr.; sister-in-law, Shirley Mortellaro; nieces and nephews, Richard Mortellaro, Jr., Ann Marie (Rich) Marasciulo, Tina (David) Curtis, Susan (Chris) Parker, Jeannie (John) Mazurowski, Mark (Kelly) McVay Alfred (Donna) McVay, Jr., Patty Stewart, Franny Cassaro, Bruce Cassaro, David (Beth) Cassaro, David Stellar, Rodney Stellar, Gary VanValkenburg, Donna (Andy Rogers) Nelson, Dennis Jay, David (Beth) Mortellaro, Danny Mortellaro, Todd Mortellaro, Scott Mortellaro, Timmy (Jamie) Mortellaro, Russell (Teri) Mortellaro and Larry (Nina) Mortellaro along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife Sandra Tiede Mortellaro and his siblings, Mary (Tony) Cassaro, Jenny Stellar, Casper (Elaine) Mortellaro, Frank (Arlene) Mortellaro, Ross (Rose) VanValkenburg, Anthony Mortellaro and Carmella "Millie" (Alfred, Sr.) McVay and uncle of the late Cathy McVay Hein.

There are no prior calling hours. Private burial with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia Byron Road, Batavia. Please consider memorials in Joe's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.