M. Joseph Conte'

M. Joseph Conte, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at the age of 92. He maintained a very active schedule until just days prior to his passing. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy Josephine Conte, and his siblings John, Pat, Charles, Jill and Sandra. Mr. Conte is survived by his children Jody, Cindy, Jeff, Joanne, Barbara, Greg and Tony, along with his 13 grandchildren. He was born on November 2, 1923 to Maria and Giuseppe in Minturno, Italy and came to the United States through Ellis Island at age 5. His life embodied the American Dream starting off with very meager means, yet through hard work, unique and creative effort was able to achieve success. As a young man he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corp during World War II and was fortunate to be able to pursue his passion for flying later in life through his business activities. He and his wife moved to Charlottesville in 1964 along with their children. In the late 1960s they purchased the historic property Michie Tavern. Over the next 45 years, with the effort and support of their family, they transformed the property into the successful, notable business it is today. Mr. Conte's architectural vision and ability to see potential, especially in people, were always keen and the foundation for his business achievements. He was involved in many endeavors in Charlottesville and the surrounding area to include Lake Monticello and a proposal for a 2 block plaza between Main Street and the Monticello Hotel, which was never adopted, but cast an early notion for the Downtown Mall. He and his bride enjoyed their winters, first on Captiva Island and then Boca Grande, Florida for the past 40 years. It was not uncommon to find him tinkering in his workshop on an antique clock or just about anything made of wood. His love and respect for animals was venerable. He will be remembered for the many stray dogs that he adopted and the various Yorkshire Terriers that were his constant companion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA.