Obituary of Joseph F. Abbadessa

Mr. Joseph F. Abbadessa, 88, of Otsego Street, Canajoharie, New York died Monday, August 26, 2013 at St. Mary's Healthcare of Amsterdam following a long illness. Born on July 19, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Frank Abbadessa and Marie S. Antonino Abbadessa. He was a local area resident since 1948, previously residing in Jersey City. He was a graduate of Dickerson High School in Jersey City and later received his Associate's degree from SUNY Cobleskill. Mr. Abbadessa was a veteran of the US Navy, serving from 1943-1946 with a rank of Machinist Mate 2nd Class (CB). He earned the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Victory Medal. From 1948-1963 Joseph was a dairy farmer in Sharon Springs, where he met the love of his life, Remza. He later worked for the Canajoharie Post Office as a Letter Carrier, working his way up to Post Master, retiring in 1987. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Fort Plain. Mr. Abbadessa was a member of the Smith-Schultz American Legion Post #222 in Canajoharie and a charter member of the Canajoharie/Fort Plain B.P.O.E. #2621 Elks Lodge. He was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing and bowling. He was a former assessor for Sharon Springs. On October 27, 1956 in Utica, NY, Joseph was married to Remza Salem Abbadessa. Together they celebrated over 56 years of marriage. He was predeceased by his sisters, Rose Errigo and Carmela Abbadessa. Mr. Abbadessa is survived by his wife, Remza Abbadessa of Canajoharie, NY; 2 daughters, Marie Abbadessa of Johnstown, NY, Theresa and Bradley Jordan of Myrtle Beach, SC; 2 sons, Frank and Mary Beth Abbadessa of New Hartford, NY, Albert and Laurie Abbadessa of Rome, NY; sister, Grace Doyle of Canajoharie, NY; 9 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A prayer service will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 9:15am at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY followed by the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY with Father Dennis Murphy officiating. Burial will take place in St. Peter's & Paul's Cemetery with full military honors at graveside. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, August 30, 2013 from 3:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Mr. Joseph F. Abbadessa may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Pine West Plaza, Building 4, Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205.