Joseph Gentile Sr.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Joseph (Papi) Gentile Sr., 84, of Grant City, a retired road construction foreman and Army veteran who was passionate about bowling, golf and his family, died Monday in Addeo House Hospice, Egbertville.

The lifelong Staten Islander was born in Rosebank and grew up in South Beach. After he and Ann Bassi wed in 1958, the couple settled in Grant City.

He served in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Gentile worked for 50 years in road construction and retired as an asphalt foreman.

He enjoyed bowling and was a member of Rab's Senior Men's League. In 1981, he bowled a perfect 300 game as his daughter, Joann Filice, watched. Proud of that achievement as he was, he was even prouder to have seen his son, Joseph Jr., match his performance in 1989.

Mr. Gentile also was an avid golfer and belonged to the Shawn Hicks Golf Club.

He treasured his family and loved spending time with them. He was fond of attending his grandchildren's sports events and activities.

Mr. Gentile also enjoyed visiting casinos, flea markets and taking long drives with his wife. He liked playing the lottery and scratch-off tickets.

Surviving, along with his daughter and son, are his wife of 57 years, Ann; his sister, Palma Cozzo, and five grandchildren.

The funeral will be Friday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Christopher's R.C. Church, Grant City. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.