Joseph F. Cacozza Jr

Joseph F. Cacozza, Jr. age 78, of Utica, passed away on Friday December 26, 2025, at the Oneida Hospital with the love of his family in his heart.

He was born in Utica on August 31, 1947, a son of the late Joseph and Bettina (Betty) Talerico Cacozza and was educated in local schools. On June 8, 1974, he was married to Christine Wilson in St. Anthony of Padua Church, a blessed union of 51 years.

Joe was the epitome of a family man, taking over as patriarch of his family after the passing of his father. Joe spent the better part of his life caring for those he loved the most and working hard to always support them. Joe was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it resonated and others listened. Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother whose life centered around his family. There are no words to express the love and adoration his family felt toward him. His family will forever hold his memory and the many life lessons he passed on in their hearts.

Joe devoted more than 35 years of his professional life as a civil engineer with the New York State Department of Transportation before retiring. His passion for his work never faded, leading him to continue in the private civil engineering sector for an additional 21 years. Joe officially and fully retired in March of 2024. He was not a man who could be idle; his greatest purpose and pride in life was being a steadfast supporter of his children and his family. Raised as a Roman Catholic, Joe was a God-loving man and a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church.

Joe had a special relationship with both of his children. He was always their biggest cheerleader-celebrating every success and serving as a trusted confidant. He was actively involved in their daily lives, and although his son Joseph lived many states away, they spoke daily, often more than once. Joe was always the first call for both Jeana and Joey in any situation, a cherished routine that will be gravely missed.

Surviving is his beloved wife, Christine; his daughter and son-in-law Jeana and Daniel Penree; his son and daughter-in-law Dr. Joseph III, and Lindsay Cacozza of TX.; his sister Bunny Gottuso, who was also his best friend and confidant, his beloved grandchildren Daniel and Daiana Penree and Joseph IV and Gianni Cacozza; his niece Tracy Nitti, and great niece Bianca Nitti, long time friend and brother in law John Gottuso and extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday January 3, 2026, at 10:00 am in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of mass in church. Private interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to Drs. Scott Brehaut and Lev Goldiner and the staff of the ICU 3 West at the Wynn Hospital as well as the staff of the Oneida Extended Care Facility 5th floor/vent. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you and deepest gratitude to Dr. Goutham Malempati, who showed the utmost medical professionalism, but also served as a constant source of support professionally, medically and a beacon of hope always showing heartfelt regard during the length of Joe’s illness.

We would be remiss, not to mention the special relationship and comradery that Joe had with his son in law, Daniel, who served as a companion and sounding board both personally and medically for Joe and the family throughout this overwhelming and sorrowful time. Joe was also fortunate to have felt the love, compassion and extensive caregiving of his daughter Jeana and sister Bunny, who were unwaveringly devoted, and supportive, remaining by his side throughout the course of his illness.

Funeral arrangements are with the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica