Joseph R. Carrieri

Joseph Ross Carrieri, a distinguished graduate of Fordham Law School in 1961, began his illustrious career at the St. Christopher Ottilie Agency. Joining the agency as an attorney in 1972, Joseph completed a record number of adoptions, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

Joseph’s dedication to adoption and law was unwavering. Since arranging St. Christopher’s first adoption, he facilitated over 2,000 adoptions, earning recognition as an expert in the field. He played a pivotal role in shaping and interpreting adoption laws, always emphasizing practical perspectives. His book, Child Custody, Foster Care, and Adoptions, is considered the Bible in the field, reflecting his profound impact and expertise.

Growing up, Joseph had three dreams: to become a lawyer, to play for the New York Yankees, and to have a loving family. From 1949 to 1955, he served as a bat boy for the Yankees, and at the age of 20, he chronicled his experiences in the book Yankee Batboy. Joseph was an esteemed member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, and Nassau County Bar Association, where he frequently lectured on family law. His contributions to the McKinney Law Books, through detailed commentaries, provided invaluable insights, interpretations, and explanations of legal statutes.

Joseph's love for baseball was evident in his popular book, Searching for Heroes, where he shared stories from his time as a bat boy during a golden era of baseball history. He was present for five consecutive Yankee World Series victories, an unparalleled record. In his book, he wove lessons from his youth into a philosophy that captured the essence of America's pastime, reminding us that in our baseball heroes, we find the best of ourselves.

He was a devoted husband and father, always prioritizing time with his family. Whether he was coaching sports teams or enjoying family Sundays, his dedication to his wife and children was steadfast. His presence and involvement in their lives were a testament to his love and commitment.

Joseph is survived by his six cherished children: Marilyn, Joseph, Christopher, Michael, Stephen, and Jessica; his 14 adored grandchildren: Marilyn, Lauren, Matt, Donald, Faith, Nolan, Christopher, Mary, Brandon, Alexander, Austin, Sienna, Mila, and Jase; and his 10 beloved great-grandchildren: Bianca, Leila, Ariela, Aiden, Ayla, Kylie, Leah, Sophia, Kaia, and Donovan. His legacy of compassion, dedication, and love will forever remain in their hearts.

As we reflect on Joe’s life, we are reminded of the lyrics of Rod Stewart’s Forever Young:

"May the good Lord be with you Down every road you roam And may sunshine and happiness Surround you when you're far from home... And when you finally fly away I'll be hoping that I served you well For all the wisdom of a lifetime No one can ever tell."

Unlike the title of his book, Searching for Heroes, we did not have to search at all. We were blessed to have a hero as our dad, grandfather, and great grandfather. Joseph Ross Carrieri’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and love will forever remain in our hearts.