Joseph G. Formica

Born in Tompkinsville, he graduated from Curtis High School.

Mr. Formica served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Assigned to a tank battalion, he participated in fierce fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

A general contractor, he founded and owned Formica Building, later called Formica Construction. The company built many homes, garden apartments and commercial buildings, including Courts of Appeal Fitness & Racquet Club, now called the New York Sports Club, in Travis.

Mr. Formica moved to St. Petersburg after he retired about 20 years ago.

He was a member of the Staten Island Builders Association and Italian-American clubs.

Mr. Formica learned to play the trumpet at a young age and became a jazz musician, playing with bands at the Paramount Theater in Stapleton, the Ritz Theater in Port Richmond, and other venues.

A private pilot, he owned planes and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol at Miller Field. He also enjoyed boating and owned several boats.

Mr. Formica’s grandson, Robert Formica, died in 2000.

He is survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. Burial will follow in Silver Mount Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Arrangements under the direction of Casey Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY.