WATERTOWN, NY — Joseph Anthony Caronia, 76, Watertown, was reunited with his beloved wife, Ricky, on Feb. 16, 2022. He was surrounded by his family and died peacefully in his sleep.
Joseph was born on April 9, 1945, in New London, CT, the son of Joseph and Olga (Armelin) Caronia. He graduated in 1963 from New London High School.
After graduating, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Dry Hill Air Force Base where he met the love of his life, Ricky Ellingsworth. They were married on April 16, 1966 and he was honorably discharged in July 1967. He entered the US Army Reserves in 1981 and retired in 1999 at the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7). He served a total of 22 years in the military.
Throughout his life, he worked at several locations to include, Chesebrough Ponds in Watertown, 98th Div ECS at Fort Drum, and the New York State Department of Corrections until his retirement in April 2007.
He enjoyed woodworking, playing golf, gambling at the casino, and spending time with family and friends.
Among his survivors are his three children, Dawn (Mark) McLean of Henderson, NY, Joely (Luis) Cruz of Clifton, NJ, and Joseph (Jill) Caronia of Surprise, AZ; six grandchildren, Gregory McLean, Anna (Matt) Carter, Stacey McLean, Randy (Tatianna) Cruz, Jayce Cruz, and Joseph Caronia; three great granddaughters, Haley, Olivia, and Payton Carter; a sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Ralph Batty, Mystic, CT; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many loyal and caring friends.
His wife, Ricky, and parents, all died before him.
Calling hours will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter, with a memorial service and military honors. There will be a gathering immediately following at the Dexter American Legion. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery at a private ceremony, in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Jefferson County or Saint Jude’s Hospital.
Online condolences may be made at www.dexterfuneralhome.com