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Joseph Szomjassy Obituary

Szomjassy, Joseph Mark
LATHAM - Joseph Mark Szomjassy, 70, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, at home, on February 5, 2024.
"Joey" to his family, he was the son of Michael "Doc" Szomjassy and Mary Santandrea Szomjassy, who preceded him in death; and is survived by his older brother, Michael (Elaine) Szomjassy of Atlanta; four nieces, Rebecca (James) Duncan, Melissa (Jonathan) Durkee, Mary Brown, and Laura (Tom) Sodergren; and 15 great-nieces and nephews. As importantly, he had several first cousins, Anthony, Diane (Jerry) and Ed (Pat) and their children and other wonderful cousins in Albany, with whom he often celebrated holidays and family occasions. The entire extended family adored him for his quiet but always happy demeanor, not to mention his brownies and pizza frite.
Joe grew up in Newtonville, N.Y., and spent his entire life in his family home there. He went to St. Brigid's Elementary School, The Vincentian Institute High School in Albany, and spent two years at Siena College. He worked for Pembrook Electric Co for more than 47 years, who treated him like family. Joe was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham, where he ushered evening Mass every Saturday, was on the Parish Council and loved cooking for the parish barbecues and social events. Even at 70, he was like a kid himself, and his joyous nature always showed it. Joe loved puzzles and playing all kinds of games, from Scrabble to kickball to Gin Rummy, especially if he was playing them with his great-nieces, great-nephews or cousins. Joe liked to golf with his great friend Jerry, and recently developed an obsession with pickleball. He absolutely loved the N.Y. Yankees and the N.Y. Giants, seldom missing games on TV, and he was a die-hard Notre Dame fan in every sport. An avid and very accomplished bowler, he was in one league for more than 45 years. Joe bowled multiple perfect games; his rings for these feats were among his most treasured possessions and he loved it when someone asked about them. Nonetheless, he was the most humble, patient, kind hearted, nicest person that you would ever meet. He was the first person friends and relatives would call to ask for help, and he never refused. A life well lived, he was a true gentle soul, who made the world a better place.
Visitation is at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham, on Monday, February 12, from 4-7 p.m. Joe's Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at the same location, with internment at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, 1389 Central Avenue, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Latham, olalathatm.com
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Published by Albany Times Union from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Szomjassy

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Jan Stewart, Secretary OK/MC

February 12, 2024

To Joe´s Family: on behalf of the OK/MC bowling league, I´d like to express our deepest sympathies. Joe was new to our league last season. It was a pleasure having him join us. We´re so very sorry for your loss.

Rosemary Gavin

February 12, 2024

For the last 20 years that OLA Youth Ministry has been hosting Kickball and the barbecues on Monday nights in July, Joe appeared every week at 5:30 ready to man the grill! He'd smile, light the grill, and get to work. He was the ONLY one who could cook the perfect burger for Fr. Burke, and he took great pride in that. I will miss his shirt:
"Don't Wanna..
Don't have to...
I'm Joe"
...and if I ever found another one, I would frame it near where we cooked each week, so it would continue to make us smile.
Thank you for 20+ years of grilling and smiling. Please continue to shine on us from above, and maybe put in a good word for sunny weather on Mondays. You will always be missed.
Rosemary and the youth of OLAYM

Carole and William Rainville

February 11, 2024

Joe was the very first neighbor that we met when we moved in to our home 54 years ago, shortly after we met Mary and Doc. For all these years they were the finest neighbors and friends. Sadly Mary and Doc passed away but Joe was always there in the home behind ours. As the years went by and the trees grew so tall that we could barely see each others homes, we were still great neighbors. Joe always had his sweet smile and kinds words and we will surely miss him. Running into Joe would always brighten the day. The neighborhood has changed over the years but the kindness of the Szomjassy family and our love for them never changed. We will miss Joe more than we can say and our condolences and prayers are with Michael and Elaine and their family. This is a very sad loss for all who knew and loved Joe. He was so deeply loved by Mary and Doc, now we know he is with them. Sending much love and many prayers.

Lou Schiavone

February 10, 2024

Joe was a wonderful classmate and friend. His obituary truly says what a great guy he was. Rest in peace kind soul.

Anne C.

February 10, 2024

We lived next to Joe and Mary and Doc from the time my parents bought our home in 1984. They were the nicest neighbors. As time passed and my parents aged, Joe was always willing to help with a task that was too much for them, and never accepted any offers of money. Godspeed, Joe.

Helen Graves

February 10, 2024

Dear Diane & Jerry and family
I am so sorry for the loss of Joey I will so miss his smiling face at 4:30 mass and giving out the smiles and bulletin . May he rip
Helen DeSantis Graves

Anita Galka

February 10, 2024

Thoughts and prayers to Joes family

Trish and George Goss

February 10, 2024

So sorry to hear of Joey's passing. He was always a kind, gentle man. Loved his extended family. Take comfort in the memories (and the brownies).

Joe Allen

February 8, 2024

My condolences to Joe's family. Joe was definitely one of the good guys. I was a classmate of Joe at VI (class of 1971). We had a special bond, we were both named Joe and we both had a brother Mike. I was so glad I could reconnect with him at our recent 50th reunion.

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Memorial Events
for Joseph Szomjassy

Feb

12

Service

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Our Lady of the Assumption Church

498 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY

Feb

13

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of the Assumption Church

498 Watervliet Shaker Road., Latham, NY

Feb

13

Interment

11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Angels Cemetery

Central Ave., Colonie, NY

Funeral services provided by:

Reilly & Son Funeral Home Inc

1200 Central Ave, Colonie, NY 12205

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