Wellsville, NY

Joseph J. Congelli Sr., 95 of 51 Elm Street passed away on Sunday February 22, 2004 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born February 14, 1909 in Wellsville the son of Carmen and Elisabetta (Serio) Congelli. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dena E. (D’Orazio) Congelli; and three children: James C.(Elizabeth) Congelli of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, NY; Joseph J.(Terri) Congelli Jr. of Medina, WA; and Anita L. (Larry) Drake of Fishkill, NY. He has five grandchildren: Joelle M. Aguilar of Cornwall, NY; Raymond R. Drake of Virginia Beach, VA; Jason J. Drake of Suffolk, VA; Kelli L. Congelli of Seattle, WA; and Nicola J. Congelli of Wappingers Falls, NY. Additionally, Mr. Congelli is survived by two great-grandchildren: Veronica R. Drake of Virginia Beach, VA and Carson J. Aguilar of Cornwall, NY, one brother, Henry (Julie) Congelli of Belmont, and several nieces & nephews.  He was predeceased by 5 brothers, Raymond, John, Anthony, Felix and Michael Congelli and one sister Mary Ward.

Although Joe was small in stature, his enormous presence in his community earned him the nickname “Big Joe.” His unprecedented leadership and dedication to helping others took many forms. He graduated from high school in 1925 as president of his class, speaking as salutatorian at the commencement. Joe built his career at Worthington Steam Turbine Corp., retiring as a Production Manager in 1974. He was a lifetime member and trustee of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. On April 29, 1990, the church honored him with the Saint Joseph Lay Worker Award, a celebration of his phenomenal commitment and service. For nearly 50 years, he worked to support the mission of St. Vincent DePaul, retiring as its President just before his recent 95^th birthday. Joe also spent 60 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Dyke Street Engine Company, attaining the rank of Captain. For 15 years he was an active member of the Apollo Club, which was part of the Male Chorus of America. As part of the Apollo Club, Joe helped light up the stages of Broadway in New York City. He was also a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks Lodge # 1495 from 1937 to 1958.

Those who knew Joe Congelli, Sr. had the privilege of witnessing his limitless grace, soul and integrity. When looking into his sparkling eyes and reacting to his contagious joyful smile, people could not help but understand that they were in the presence of a rare, distinguished greatness. For leading the way so selflessly, for his warm heart and endless elegance, and for a life that was lived fully, intentionally and honorably, he will be held eternally in loving memory.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A scriptural wake will take place at 8:30 pm Thursday in the Funeral Home. Services will begin Friday February 27^th at 11:00 am with a prayer at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, with Monsignor Leo McCarthy and Rev. Dennis Wolf, concelebrating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville and memorial gift suggestions include donations to the St. Vincent DePaul Society c/o Lynn Voorhees Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895 or The American Heart Association.