Joseph T. Pondolfino Jr.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Meri-K (Lockridge), his children, Debbie (Pondolfino-Perry), Greg (Pondolfino), Andrew (Spence), James (Spence), and Jeff (Spence), his sister, Jane (Heron), his brothers John and James, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his father, Joseph Sr., his mother, Eleanor Berinski, and his brothers, Robert and Roger.

Joe was a distinguished member of the Otsego County and NY State Bar Associations and had been practicing law for almost 60 years. He was still practicing law until the day he passed. Joe learned to be a barber and was licensed by NY State. He put himself through college and law school as a barber. He had three shops where he worked during the week and in the Colonie Shopping Center barbershop on weekends. He built the barbershop at Siena College when he was a student there.

Growing up he worked as a pin setter at the local bowling alleys, was a paper carrier for the Daily Star and Sunday papers, washed windows, painted houses, worked road construction, cleaned the family dental office twice a week, mowed lawns, and shoveled sidewalks. He worked with the contractor and helped to build his dad’s house on Fern Avenue.

Joe loved life, but most of all he loved his family. Whether it was gathering around the family table during a holiday meal, enjoying time at the pond watching the kids and grandkids fish or just sitting in the living room catching up with their busy lives, he could never get enough. One of his latest loves was playing fantasy football in the family league. He wasn’t good at it but always enjoyed trying to win against the kids. Joe was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Joe was a member of the Oneonta Country Club where he played golf several times a week. He was an instrument rated private pilot. Joe and Lester Grummons had an air hearse business where Joe would fly for the Grummons Funeral Home. He also flew with his daughter, Debbie, and was watching when she took her first solo flight. Joe was a member of the Oneonta Elks Club, where he served as the Exalted Ruler and an officer for many years. He enjoyed bowling, going to the Friday night Fish Fry and Wednesday night dinners at the Elks.

Joe and Meri-K loved to travel. They took multiple trips to Italy and had a wonderful time touring Scotland and Ireland. They took several trips to visit family and friends across the country. They even took their dogs with them when they drove.

Joe was a man of many talents. He loved to cook and taught his kids how to prepare some of his favorites, including pierogies and artichokes. His pierogi recipe was passed down from his maternal grandmother. He learned to speak fluent Italian all on his own. He was the President of the Oneonta Italian-American Club. He played many musical instruments, most self-taught, including the piano, trumpet, mandolin, guitar, banjo and ukulele.

Joe was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He went to St. Mary’s school as a child, was an altar boy and had continued to attend mass weekly.

Joe was a beautiful person inside and out. He cared deeply for the people around him. He was so kind and passionate. He made an impact on many lives and will be forever missed.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Abraham House in Rome, NY and Oneida County Hospice for their exceptional care and support during the last week of his life.

To honor his wishes, there will be no services. A private celebration of life will be held for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family's choice of memorial contribution is to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Abraham House in Rome, NY and the SPCA.