Obituary of Joseph Cerasuolo

Joseph Cerasuolo, 78, passed away on October 30, 2021, at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, with family at his side. He was born in Torre Annunziata, Italy, on August 20, 1943, to Vincent and Anastasia (Nancy) (Javarone) Cerasuolo. In 1956, at age 12, he came to the U.S. with his father, brothers and sister, joining his mother and another sister already in Gloversville, NY, and was naturalized in June 1962.

After graduating from Gloversville H.S., he worked for Taylor Made Products and in 1964 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, with one of his assignments being a 1-year tour of 100 men at a remote site on the tip of Alaska, where he ran the bowling alley and the photo lab. In early 1968, he was sent to Scott AFB in Belleville, Illinois, where he met Gloria Ferchow, his wife-to-be. Joseph earned the rank of SSgt before being honorably discharged, and returned home to Gloversville. He received an AAS in Electrical Technology from Fulton Montgomery Community College, and was hired by the GE Research and Development Center (now GRC) in Niskayuna. He kept in touch with Gloria, making numerous trips back to visit her, and in May of 1970 they were married in Belleville. Beginning their 51-1/2 years of marriage, the couple moved to Glenville, NY.

While working for GE, Joseph went back to college and earned a degree in Management Engineering (Mechanical) Technology. Joseph was an advisor for the GE R&D Junior Achievement Program for 2 years, a member of the Whitney Club (experiencing many trips and activities), and the GE Quarter Century Club. He retired from GE R&D in 2006 after 37 years of service.  

Joe loved hunting, fishing (ice, lake and ocean), camping and boating, frequently on the Mohawk River. After their son, Jason, was born, the family enjoyed many years of camping and boating on various NY lakes, and the highlight was owning a trailer and pontoon boat at an RV Park on the Great Sacandaga Lake for 13 years. His yard was a great source of joy and pride and he made it beautiful with his love of gardening, growing multiple varieties of flowers, plants and trees, and feeding and attracting birds with several feeders, bird baths, and bird houses. 

He was creative and tackled any problem with novel fixes and loved making unusual bird houses for his feathered friends. Joe was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader while his son was in Scouts for many years, going on a variety of camping and canoeing trips. Joe also loved photography and traveling. Those on trips with him grew familiar with his movie camera as he asked them to smile.

Joe was a member of the Rotterdam Elks Club since 1974, the Sons of Italy and the Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville. 

He leaves behind his wife Gloria, and his son, Jason (Nicole Fingar) Cerasuolo, along with two brothers, Tony and Bart, sister, Camille Marotta, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; brother, John; sister, Rose Marie and niece, Dina. 

A calling period for close friends and family will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. from 10 to 11 AM on Wednesday, November 3rd. A brief funeral service will follow. Full military honors will be bestowed during a private funeral service at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Johnstown. 

Memorial gifts may be made to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com