Joseph Paul Mortelliti

1931 - 2021

Joseph Paul Mortelliti

Elmsford, NY - Joseph Paul Mortelliti, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community member, passed away at his home on October 16, 2021, surrounded by loving family. Joseph was 89 years old, and a lifelong resident of Elmsford, NY. Joseph was born in Tarrytown, NY, on October 20, 1931, to Anthony Mortelliti and Margaret (Farfalla) Mortelliti. He graduated from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School and then from Alexander Hamilton High School as class president. He turned down a football scholarship to John Carroll University to help with the family business. To that end, he attended New York Trade School to study sheet metal fabrication. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 and embraced his service. He was assigned to Company B, 820th Engineering Aviation Battalion, primarily out of Beale Air Force base, in California, part of SCARWAF (Special Category Army Reassigned With Air Force), an aviation engineering unit. He also served at Fort Huachuca and at Edwards Air Force Base, where he helped build rocket testing stations. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. In November of 1954, Joseph was excited to marry the love of his life, Louisa Olivieri, and his endless enthusiasm for, appreciation of, and commitment to her lasted his lifetime. As president of Mortelliti Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, Joseph grew the business to become one of the preeminent roofing companies in the region, a favorite of many prominent local estates and institutions for their more difficult roofing needs. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. Joseph also founded and developed a number of real estate holdings in Elmsford. While Joseph enjoyed golfing and spending time oceanside in Florida, it seemed to his family that his favorite activity was working. Joseph never truly retired, as he enjoyed his business life so much. Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Louisa (Olivieri) Mortelliti, and children Margaret Breen, Dr. Anthony (Dr. Gisella) Mortelliti, and Dr. Michael Mortelliti; his 9 loving grandchildren: Joseph Berkman-Breen JD (Winston Berkman-Breen JD), Chloe Mortelliti, Dr. Michael Mortelliti, Christian Mortelliti, Philippe Mortelliti, Joseph Mortelliti JD, John Mortelliti, Laura Mortelliti and Caroline Mortelliti; sisters Marie (Mortelliti) McIntyre (Dr. John McIntyre), and Dr. Antonia Mortelliti; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Joseph is predeceased by his dear daughter Carla Mortelliti (Jose Torres), and his brother Anthony Mortelliti (Mieke Mortelliti). Joseph was very active in community service. He served as a Trustee of the Village of Elmsford for 12 years. His roles included Chairman of the Village Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals as well as many Commissioner positions. He was honored as the Grand Marshall of the 2018 Village of Elmsford Memorial Day Parade. Joseph most enjoyed large family gatherings where he created an atmosphere of support and love that reminded him of his youth. He once said, "We grew up loving one another. We all just did the best we could. That's all." Joseph leaves a legacy of loyalty, hard work, love and optimism. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Elmsford, NY. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School, 59 East Main Street, Elmsford, NY 10523 or to the Elmsford Fire Department, 15 South Stone Avenue, Elmsford, NY 10523.