Joseph S. Tornatore

Joseph Tornatore Obituary

Joseph S. Tornatore -(aka: Joe T; Airport Joe), passed away peacefully on 9/27/20 in McKinney, TX at the age of 89.He was born on April 2, 1931 to James and Santa (Farfaglia) Tornatore in Canastota, NY; where he chose to stay and live his whole life.Joe was part of the 101st Airborne division where he served as a Paratrooper. He did some boxing in his younger years but his true passions, second to his family of course, included a love for flying airplanes, being a pilot and also teaching pilot lessons for many people when he managed the Canastota Airport for nearly a decade, years ago.He was also an avid golfer until well into his 80’s and enjoyed bowling at the Canastota Hi Way Bowling Alley on leagues for almost 6 decades. He is survived by his wife Davita (Howe) Tornatore of McKinney, TX, one daughter, Tifini Tornatore-Moyer of New Albany, OH and a son, Joseph Ty Tornatore and his wife Thu of McKinney, TX, as well as his grandchildren, Jenni Le and Kane Tornatore of McKinney, TX, Shayla Moyer of New Albany, OH and a great granddaughter, Serena of McKinney, TX. In addition, several wonderful and special nieces, nephews, cousins and many other extended family members, also friends, all to numerous to mention.He was sadly predeceased by a daughter Michelle (Micki) Tornatore this year on 2/24/20. Also by two Brothers, Dominick Pulverenti of Canastota, NY, and Anthony (Tony) Tornatore of Wampsville, NY, and one sister Jennie Contrera of Auburn, NY.Joe was a very hard-worker. He worked in construction most all of his life. Although he worked hard even after retirement still always finding ways to keep busy, he loved and enjoyed life like no other. Time wasn’t much of a factor for him because it was important for him to stop and smell the roses showing his true appreciation for Life. His love, kindness, smile, laughter and his ability to care for others, as he always did, was contagious. He was always smiling and positive no matter what life brought his way.A genuinely kind and appreciative man who didn’t treat or consider a stranger to be a stranger. The Legacy he left will Never be forgotten. He based his life on being decent and kind to all. You’re always remembered for being “KIND,” and that he was, and will always be forever remembered.There is a small family ceremony planned in private to be determined at a later date. Cards and condolences can be sent to: The Tornatore Family at 1216 Evers Dr. McKinney, TX 75071 http://www.lastingmemories.com/joseph-s-tornatore

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oneida Daily Dispatch from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Tornatore

Sponsored by oneidadispatch.com.

9 Entries

Darylene Olcott Bowe

October 9, 2020

Davita, so sorry for your loss. I just was looking in the obituaries in the Dispatch and just learned about it. Didn’t even know that you had moved to Texas. Again sorry for your loss. I didn’t know him very well but we would say hi when we saw each other.

Heather

October 8, 2020

Joe was always a sweet soul. I pray that he is with my dad in heavenly bliss. Love you Tiffany and Davita

Marilyn T. Armlin

October 5, 2020

Joe was always so friendly; never without that smile. We had not seen each other in many years (I moved away) but he always remembered me. He surely will be missed. R.I.P. Joe.

Mary (Sgambellone) McSweeney

October 4, 2020

My deepest heartfelt sympathy, love, and prayers, are with you and your loved ones with the loss of this great man. Joe was my next door neighbor in Canastota, New York, throughout our childhood. He always had a smile, was full of fun, and mischief at times. Joe led a very interesting and exciting life. He and his family will always have a special home in my heart with love and fond memories. He will be missed by many of us.

Lynne Stagnitti Ahnert

October 3, 2020

I shall miss my smiling first cousin very much! Although we didn't see each other that often, when we did, his smile & greeting always made me feel so special! His obituary described him perfectly...someone who appreciated all facets of life, his family and everyone with whom he associated.
He has left many beautiful memories for his family and friends. It is my hope that these memories will soon help to ease the pain of his loss for family and friends. Prayers for Joe and for you Devita, Tiffany, Ty & family members.

Scott Arnold

October 3, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Fran Gentile

October 2, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

john sebastian patane

October 2, 2020

My sincere condolences to Davita and all of Joe's family. The description of Joe that is listed in his obituary is so true and precise...I couldnt have said it any better. I considered Joe my good friend, from as far back as before his "airport days" (and the time he almost convinced me to go skydiving with him!) ....In the mid 1960's I took care of the Canastota Airport in one of my college years and welcomed Joe there as a frequent visitor....we both loved the Canastota Airport. At one point Joe took me up with a photographer to take hundreds of pictures of the Erie Canal for the National Geographic magazine....(though I dont recall ever seeing them in the magazine). It was then that I learned how skillfully he handled the airplane...a talent he carried through his life...calm, cool and collected....as he lived his life. I loved it whenever I would run into Joe through all the following years, in the Store or wherever...he always greeted me with a smile and we always chatted as two old friends. There was a true feeling of kinship. I enjoyed his company so. I loved the guy ! I appreciated it so much to get to see him just before leaving for Texas. Thank you so much for that Davita. I was afraid that that would be the last time that I would see my old friend, and sadly it was. I will miss seeing that smiling face and gentle welcome.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results