Obituary of Joseph Sollecito

On September 4, Joseph T. Sollecito joined his beloved son and friend, Michael Sollecito, who passed away three days before him, in the holy kingdom of heaven. Joe was 92 years old, and was surrounded by his family at the time of peaceful passing. Joe was born in Amsterdam to the late Phillip and Kate Sollecito. He graduated from Wilbur H Lynch High School and served in the U.S. Army in the Asiatic - Pacific Theater from 1943-1945. While bravely serving our country overseas, Joe became penpals with the love of his life, Theresa Timpano. Upon his honorable discharge, Joe and Theresa wed on July 27, 1947 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and celebrated a blessed and loving marriage for 67 years. Joe received his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from Union College and spent the majority of his career with General Electric Co. During his more than 30 year career with GE, Joe traveled all over the world building power plants, including the first in the Middle East. Joe was also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Union College Alumni Association and was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Church in Scotia. In addition to his impressive career, Joe was a humble man with many hobbies. He loved nothing more than spending time in the great outdoors fishing, hunting and tending to his garden. Every fall Joe looked forward to making a batch of wine after enjoying a delicious pasta dinner made by his favorite Italian chef, Tess, with his entire family around him. The time Joe spent with his family was something he truly treasured. Joe and Tess unfortunately lost their son Michael Sollecito on September 1 after a courageous battle with cancer. Joe also joined his brother, Jimmy and William Sollecito in heaven. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Theresa Sollecito, his daughter, Veronica Frear (Drew Greiner) and his daughter-in-law, Doreen Page-Sollecito. In addition, Joe is survived by his seven grandchildren, Pete (Morgan) DiFondi, David Sollecito (Katie Chase), Steven Sollecito, Matthew (Elizabeth) Frear, Philip (Amanda) Sollecito, Craig Frear and Kathleen (Sean) Tashjian. Joe also had the honor of being great-grandfather to Deacon and Aries Sollecito, Samuel Frear and he was anxiously awaiting the birth of his fourth great-grandchild in October, Claire Tashjian. Funeral services will begin Wednesday, September 9 at 9 a.m. from the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 231 Second St. Scotia. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Schenectady. Contributions in memory of Joe may be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 359 Ballston Ave, Saratoga, NY 12866, in honor of Joe's beloved grandson, Craig.