Joseph H. Curione

1934 - 2021

Curione, Joseph H. PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. Joseph H. Curione, 86, passed on Monday, February 15, 2021, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla. Born in Albany on November 7, 1934, he was the son of Vito and Lucia (Palladino) Curione, and the brother of the late Mary Lou Serafino. Joe was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Salerno Curione, who passed away on December 22, 2014, and not a day went by since, that he didn't miss her. Upon graduating from Vincentian Institute in Albany, following in his father's footsteps, Joe became an electrician, retiring in 1994, as a Union member of IBEW Local 236. He traveled often with his job, even spending three years in Lagos, Nigeria, working for Seaboard Corp. who sought him out for the job as foreman over the construction of a flour mill. He loved working there, enjoying its people, their culture, and especially the food! He met and befriended many coworkers from different countries, many of whom he remained in touch with over the years. Upon returning home from Lagos, he brought with him a living memento in the form of an African Gray, Echay, given to him as a gift of friendship, and with whom he shared a special bond for 40 years. As a young man, and even later in life, Joe was often referred to as Clark Gable, since he had a remarkable resemblance to the late actor. Joe was always an optimist, loved life and lived it to the fullest. Once he retired, he and Patty moved to Ft. Lauderdale, where for 20 years they were truly able to enjoy each other, their many friends, and extended family. Together they enjoyed cruising to the Islands, going to the casinos, (Joe liked his poker tournaments), tailgating at Dolphins games, football Sundays at "Joe and Eileen's," and then of course there were two-three nights a week of poker with the guys. As time went on, Joe would be the youngest at the card table, at age 85! Joe was young in heart and mind, a forever optimist, and one who embraced life every day. He will always be remembered for his fighting strength and pure will to push through any obstacles he faced. Joe is survived by his children, Victoria, Lori (Michael Flynn), Jill Blanchard (Thomas), Tracy (Michael VanRosendael), and Daniel (Christine); his adored grandchildren, Timothy VanRosendael, Donald White, Kaci White Campbell (Joseph), Rocco Mazzaferro, Cyndi and Kenneth (Victoria) Curione, and several nieces, nephews and dear lifelong friends. Family and friends are invited to join in a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, July 17, at 9 a.m. in St. Clare's Church, 1947 Central Ave., Albany. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany. Donations in Joe's memory may be made online to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul. St. Katherine Drexel, Weston Conference, or by mail, to 2501 South Post Rd., Weston, FL 33327.