Obituary of Joseph Attanasio

Joseph Louis Attanasio, 57, of Sloansville, N.Y., formerly of Schenectady, passed away Tuesday, April 8 after a nearly 2-year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, with his family constantly at his side. His unwavering optimism, faith and hope were an inspiration to all those who knew and cared for him. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Bobbi Jay Blood, his mother Jayne Paparella McCann, his aunt Shirley Paparella, brothers Frank J. (Patricia) Attanasio, Ronald P. (Kathy) Attanasio, nieces Danielle and Emily Attanasio, nephews Mario, Anthony, Frankie and Jesse Attanasio, Ronnie Paul and Bobby Stalnaker and many cousins. His father Frank Attanasio, whom he considered his best friend, and his brother Dr. Alan Attanasio of Dallas, Texas, predeceased him. Although Joe was devoted to his wife, he also cherished the 17 years spent with his constant companion Sandy, a white Shepherd Husky who inexplicably appeared, as if a gift from God, on the doorstep of the country home he shared with Bobbi and his beloved cat Rafael. Joe was a 1974 graduate of Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, attended classes at Albany State University, and completed a certificate course at HVCC in refrigeration and air conditioning. He was self-employed auto mechanic and used car dealer who was well appreciated for his expertise, honesty and generosity. He was very proud of his CDL license and spotless driving record, after having driven tractor-trailers and delivery trucks for a variety of businesses. He also worked in general maintenance, heating/AC and the mail center for the state government in Albany. Joe cared deeply not only for his family but his entire community. His compassion was put in practice at every opportunity. He gave all he could, whether food, money or lending a hand to any homeless or struggling person (or animal) he encountered. Joe came to an adult acceptance of Jesus in his early teen years, especially while meeting at a Christian coffee house called Snoopy's where he made many life-long friends. The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks for the expert care and compassion shown by all the doctors, nurses and staff memberes at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, Hospice of Amsterdam and NYOH in Rexford. A celebration of Joe's life will begin on Saturday, April 12 at 10 AM in the Glenville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Carlson officiating. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend and may also call at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville, NY from 8:30-10:00 AM. Contributions in Joe's memory would be appreciated to a charity of one's choice or to Joe's favorite, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 1 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis, TN. Burial will be at the Attanasio Family plot at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Glenville. For directions and special messages to the family please visit glenvillefuneralhome.com