He was born in Childs, PA, the son of Carlo Dominico and Rosa (Archina) Figliomeni. He is survived by Michelle, his devoted wife of forty-six years; his sons: David and his wife, Mayette and son, Wally, of Bremerton, WA, Daniel and his wife, Patricia, and their three children: Kathryn, Anna and Luke of Downers Grove, IL and his daughter, Joanne, of Hartsdale, NY. In addition, he is survived by his brothers: Pasquale and his wife, Alice, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, also Michael, Paul and John, of Childs, PA and by his sisters: Mary Shields and husband, Robert, of Springbrook Twp., PA and Roseanne Jenkins, of Jessup, PA. Joe proudly raised his family in Washingtonville, NY where he was an active member of St. Mary's Parish and its Nocturnal Adoration Society. His favorite activities included camping with his family in Lackawanna State Park, PA and playing cards with his brothers, sisters and friends who taught with him at Monroe- Woodbury Central School. Joe taught Language Arts to 7th and 8th grade students for 40 years. It is here where he met his wife, whom he married in 1966. Joe is best remembered by his friends and students for his wonderful sense of humor, optimism and enthusiasm for sports and cars. His gift for story telling was legendary. Even the most reluctant students responded to his coaxing, a talent that was recognized by his being named Teacher of the Year in 1978. For nearly thirty years he volunteered his time preparing students to compete in the annual BOCES Spelling Bee and was honored in 1997 for his efforts. Joe was an avid gardener who took great pride in raising tomatoes each summer. Because he had a lifelong interest in railroading, and the history of coal and iron mining, he was a member since 1976 of the Orange County Historical Society. He particularly liked reminiscing with his friends about his youthful coal mining adventures. Visitation will be Thursday, April 11th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, NY 10992. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 12th, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Washingtonville, NY. Cremation will follow and be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to the Orange County Historical Society, Box #55, Arden, NY 10910. Arrangements are under the care of Thomas A. Murray of the David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, NY 10992, 845-496-9106; for further info or to leave condolences or a fond memory of Joseph for the family, please visit our website at www.davidtfergusonfh.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18