Joseph (Giuseppe) Lastarza

SCHENECTADY – Joseph (Giuseppe) A. Lastarza, 90, entered into eternal rest last Friday, November 21, 2014, surrounded by his loving family on the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. Joseph was born in Amsterdam, NY on February 23, 1924. He was the son of the late Angelo and Josephine (Natale) Lastarza. After graduating from high school, he served two years in the European Theater in the U.S. Army during World War II under General George S. Patton. As a Technician Fifth Grade in the 356th Field Artillery Battalion, 94th Infantry Division, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious achievement during the servicing of vital communication lines under constant enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire. Although he always remained modest about this engagement, his role played an instrumental part in the repulsing of numerous enemy counterattacks. After his military service, he was employed by the Montgomery Ward & Co. in Amsterdam, NY, and married the love of his life, the late Carmela (Mancini) Lastarza on October 20, 1946. He also worked part-time for Westad Business Machines in Schenectady and retired at 62 as a foreman with the General Electric Company. Joseph joins his beautiful wife in God's heavenly kingdom leaving behind three loving children, David Lastarza, Richard (Halina) Lastarza of Schenectady, and Mary Elizabeth (David) Paradis of Clifton Park. He is also survived by his brother, Sandy (Janet) Lastarza of Casselberry, Florida, and his sister-in-laws Sylvia (Mancini) Palumbo and Anna (Mancini) Ferri of Schenectady, along with many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lovingly called "Papa," he was admired and respected by his three grandchildren, Jeremy (Jessica) Lastarza of Walpole, Massachusetts, Lucas Lastarza, and Joshua (Christina) Lastarza, both of Schenectady. He adored his five great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Jake, Rocco, Rory and Marissa. Joseph is being remembered by his family as an "American Hero," a devoted and dedicated husband, a loving father and all around "go to" fix-it man. The family cannot express enough thanks and gratitude to his niece, Cam (Ted) Soroka, for being a constant source of love, support and strength. Also, a special thanks to the wonderful staff of the A3 and A6 wings at Ellis Hospital and Community Hospice who provided excellent and compassionate care during his stay. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 11 am at St. John The Evangelist Church, Union Street, Schenectady, NY. Internment with Military Honors will follow at St. John The Baptist Cemetery, Brandywine Ave., Schenectady, NY. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at St. John The Evangelist Church, Tuesday morning beginning 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to: The Foundation for Ellis Medicine and/or The Community Hospice of Schenectady.

Joseph (Giuseppe) Lastarza

February 23, 1924 - November 21, 2014