Joseph J. Cassino

Cassino, Joseph J. WYNANTSKILL Joseph J. Cassino, age 94, died at home on Sunday, June 19, 2011 with the same quiet dignity with which he lived. His family was by his side as he left this life to join his wife, Kay, in Heaven where she has been patiently waiting. Born September 11, 1916 and raised in North Troy, he was the son of the late Adolpho and Margaret Colaneri Cassino. He attended Troy schools. Joe proudly served his country during World War II as a sergeant in the 554th Military Police (escort guard) Company, where he served in Europe until November 1945. Joe and his family moved to Wynantskill in 1957, where he remained for the rest of his days. After working many years in the produce department at the Mohican Market, he went to the Grand Union Company. He spent 39 years at Grand Union, retiring as produce supervisor. Joe also owned a fruit and vegetable market on River Street in Troy. Shortly after retiring, Joe, Kay and their son Joseph purchased the Adirondack General Store in Schroon Lake, where they worked for eight years. He was a longtime communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wynantskill and volunteered many hours on the St. Jude's Horseshows. Joe was a long standing member of the Wynantskill Volunteer Fire Department and Troy Elks. He was an avid Yankees fan and shared his love of the team with his family. His family is so grateful to God for their good fortune in having him be a part of their lives for so many years, inspiring them, teaching them and enjoying them. He will truly be missed. Special thanks to Dr. Ritchie Parrotta for his kindness, caring and compassion over the years. The family also expresses sincere thanks to the staff of the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County; especially Ray and Pat. Your gentle ways were a blessing to us all. Joe is survived by his children, Carol Gardner and Joseph (Jeanette) Cassino, both of Wynantskill, Joanne (Bill) Strauchon of Arizona and Dawn (Joe) Abbruzzese of Guilderland. He was predeceased by his brothers, John, Frank, Peter, Duffy and Alphonse Cassino; and his sisters, Lena Murdock and Delia Tricarick. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with a 15th due in November and many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be from St. Jude the Apostle Church, 43 Brookside Ave., Wynantskill on Tuesday at 11 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Rev. Erwin Schweigardt. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy. A calling hour will be at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. preceding the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY, 12144. Arrangements are by the Thomas S. Connolly Funeral Home, Wynantskill.