Joseph Papandrea

Joseph Papandrea, age 83, of N. Utica, passed away on Friday December 19, 2025, at the Wynn Hospital, after a brief illness with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 19,1942, a son of the late Vincent and Teresa Loccisano Papandrea and was educated in Brooklyn and Utica schools graduating from UFA. Joseph went on to further his education, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Utica College of Syracuse University and a master’s degree in physics from Syracuse University.

On September 9, 1967, he was married to the love of his life Marilyn Ahmed in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a loving and blessed union of 37 years until her passing on March 12, 2005.

Joe began his automotive career with Angelo Monopoli’s Oneida Square Exxon Station where he learned valuable automotive knowledge. He then went on to become the Owner/Operator of Papandrea’s Automotive in N. Utica, a staple of the community for the last 55 years. Joe was so proud when his son Vincent joined him in the operation of the company and worked side by side on a daily basis right up until Joe’s passing.

A loving, dedicated and humble man, Joe’s mission in life was his work and most importantly his family. His life revolved around his children and grandchildren whom he loved dearly. They will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law Dr. Lora Papandrea and husband Thomas Norton; his son and daughter-in-law Vincent and Heather Papandrea; his cherished grandchildren Anna Papandrea and Joseph Papandrea; his dear sister Mary Carbone; his in-laws Lillian Spaziani and Richard Ahmed; loving nieces and nephews Rocco and Scarlet Pepe and daughter Bella, Dr. Beth Anne Carbone and husband Michael Sullivan, Darlene Torchia, Donna Castronovo and son David and dear friends Rita Zbytniewski and Sharon Zdanowicz. He was predeceased by his sister and two brothers-in-law Sylvia (Joe) Pepe, Joe Carbone and nephew Ryan Castronovo.

Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon December 28th from 2-5 pm at The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica.

All are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday December 29th at 10:00 am in Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church. Private interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Yekaterina Kashtanova and the 5th floor nursing staff at the Wynn Hospital for their care and compassion given to Joseph and his family during this difficult time.