Joseph Anthony Darconte

Darconte, Joseph ("Joey") Anthony, of Hollywood, FL, passed away suddenly on October 1, 2012, at the age of 88. Born on April 3, 1924, in New York City, to Mary and Carlo Eugene, he and his three brothers, Ernest, Eugene and James, grew up on Prince and Elizabeth Streets in Little Italy. He eventually met and fell in love with Jennie Brosco and courted her for a few years. He served in the Navy during WWII in the South Pacific on submarine duty. On one of his leaves, he asked Jennie to become his bride. They were married on March 11, 1944, and remained in Little Italy. Jennie was employed as a seamstress and "Joey", along with his father, opened a grocery store on Prince Street. Their first son, Eugene, was born on August 25, 1946, and their second son, John, was born on August 21, 1950. In 1956, they moved to Staten Island to open The Nelson Terrace, a well known catering hall, and gave birth to their third son, Joseph, on July 23, 1956. "Joey" had other various careers in addition to the catering hall, including working with the Republican Party of Staten Island and Mayor John Lindsay. Some of his other jobs were that of Highway Inspector, Building Inspector and working for the New York State Boxing Commission. They retired to South Florida in 1974, and stayed connected with their friends from both Staten Island and New York City. In Florida, they formed a nice group of friends to "hang out" with on the beach, having their very own spot under the Palm trees. "Joey" was called a "character" by many of his friends and family, entertaining them with stories and serenading them with his keyboard and songs. They traveled extensively during their "hey days" and reminisced often about their experiences abroad and on numerous cruises. Over the past decade he became very adept at using his computer to view the world. He especially enjoyed dabbling in the stock market, making trades and managing his own account. Because of his and Jennie's declining health over the past few years, they had to give up much of their independence, travel and other activities. "Joey" leaves behind his wife, Jennie, of 68 years; his three sons Eugene, John and Joseph, seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom he kept in touch with and loved very much. They are truly and deeply saddened at his passing. His stories, jokes, music and overall entertaining style and character will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Veterans Administration, his primary healthcare provider for the past several years, and mailed to: Miami Veterans Healthcare System, Attn: Volunteer Services (135), 1201 NW 16th St., Miami, FL 33125. Please indicate "In Honor of Joseph Darconte", Lymphedema Clinic, when making a donation. Funeral Service with Military Honors Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 1:45 p.m. at South Florida National Cemetery. Arrangements by Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33021, 954-989-8220.