FULTON, NY – Joseph Runeari, 99, of Fulton, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 2, 2014, at Michaud Residential Health Services, Fulton.
He was born in Fulton, the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Barberi) Runeare.
He was a life resident of Fulton.
He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from 1938 to 1939.
Mr. Runeari was a United States veteran having served in the Navy during World War II, aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Yorktown from 1940 to 1946.
Mr. Runeari retired from the United States Postal Service after many years of service.
After retiring from the Post Office, he worked for the Fulton City School District as a custodian.
He was a life member of the Fulton VFW Post #569, a past member of the Italian American Club and the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Mr. Runeari loved to play cards, make his own Italian sausage and entertain his family with stories, most of which were untrue.
He had fond memories of growing up on the family farm with walks down to the spring for fresh water.
Mr. Runeari is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary (St. Phillips) Runeari of Fulton; his daughter, JoAnne Ciciriello; daughter-in-law, Patricia ‘Sis’ Runeari; grandchildren: Kate (Ryan) Drajewicz, Meg (Emily Bishop) Runeari, Nick and Angela Cicirello; his great-grandson, Charlie Drajewicz; sisters, Ceclia Vespa, and Columbia (Phil) Manitta; sisters-in-law, Stella and Lucille Runeare; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Runeari was predeceased by his beloved son, William Runeari, in 2013; and siblings, Theresa, Geneva, Barbara, Doris, Linda, Patrick, Carcido, Anthony, Victor and Mary.
Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.
Burial will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Sugar Funeral Home, 224 W. Second St. S., Fulton.
Contributions can be made to The Residents Council at Michaud Residential Health Services, 453 Park St. Fulton, NY 13069.
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I just loved Joe. He was a very pleasant and entertaining gentleman. I’m glad that I had the privilege of knowing him.
I worked with Joe at oak street school one summer and was his paper boy about 35 years ago. I will always remember Joe and his compassion for people, his way of teaching through stories (even if they weren’t all as true as we were led to think), My deepest condolences to his family.