Joseph Tassiello

      Joseph Tassiello was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Joe will be remembered as a unique and outstanding individual.

       He was the son of Nicolas and Innocenza (Maggio) Tassiello. Joe was born in New York and raised partially in Italy.

      Joe was raised with nine siblings, Anthony, Danny, Frank, Mike, Tina, Rose, Anna, Maria and Cosmo. Joe was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      Joe worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Joe was blessed with one son, J.J. Tassiello and wife Jane, and one step-son, Charles Brown. Another blessing for Joe was the gift of three grandchildren, Joseph Paul Tassiello (deceased), Joel Tassiello and wife Rachel, Janna Green and husband Michael; five great-grandchildren, Emilee, Micah, Elijah, Lexie, and Nicholas.

      Fortunately, Joe enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Joe was a self-starter and worked diligently. He did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a "watcher" on embroidery machines in the Northeast, and buying and selling cars. Joe always sought to do what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Joe was a Sargent in the Army. He entered the Army on December 7, 1940 in New York City and Separated on October 17, 1945 at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Joe was close to the front and served as a cook Sargent. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of T4. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including an American Defense Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Joe enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were shooting pool, poker and buying and selling cars. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

       Throughout his later years, Joe was an active member of the senior citizens center in Moore, OK. Throughout the years the senior citizens became like a second family to Joe.

      Joe's faith was important to him. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and also attended services at Full Gospel Churches in the Oklahoma City area.

      Joe enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Niagara Falls.

      When Joe's retirement finally arrived in the late 60s, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Oklahoma. In retirement, he found new pleasure in shooting pool at the senior citizens center in Moore, OK. Even in retirement, Joe continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Joe was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Joe passed away on February 12, 2009 at the Veteran's Center, Norman, Oklahoma. He is survived by his son, J.J. Tassiello and wife Jane; step-son, Charles Brown; grandchildren, Joel Tassiello and wife Rachel, Janna Green and husband Michael; great-grandchildren, Emilee, Micah, Elijah, Lexie, and Nicholas; siblings, Anthony Tassiello, Tina DiPierro, Rosa Giabnotte, and Mike Tassiello. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Sunny Lane Funeral Home Chapel. Joe was laid to rest in Sunny Lane Cemetery, Del City, Oklahoma.

      Simply stated, Joe was a good person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a unique and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Joe leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Joseph Tassiello.