QUEENSBURY – Joseph A. Pezzulo, 81, passed away early Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 at his home at the Cedars Senior Living Community surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.

Born in Ticonderoga on Feb. 18, 1933, Joe was the son of the late Salvatore and Maria Pezzulo. After graduating from Ticonderoga High School, he enlisted in the US Air Force. He served during the Korean War, including one year n the Korean combat zone, and was honorably discharged as an Airman 1st Class. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Korean Medal.

During his time in the military, Joe developed a pen pal friendship with Rosalie Butera of Brooklyn, NY. Before shipping overseas, he went to New York to meet her and they fell in love. Joe and Rosalie were married upon his return from Korea. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 27, 2014.

The most fulfilling work for Joe was owning and operating Pezzulo's Restaurant on Lawrence Street in Glens Falls in the early 1970's as well as his work as credit manager at Northeast Broadcast Labs in South Glens Falls from where he retired.

Joe is survived by his wife, Rosalie; his daughter Jo Ann and her life companion Dorothy Menard of Queensbury; two sons, Anthony (Jeannie) of New Jersey and Joseph of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.; two grandchildren, Joseph Pezzulo and Sydney-Nicole Pezzulo, both of New Jersey; his two sisters, Toni Marie (Leo) Coleman of Glens Falls, and Sister Mary Agnes (Yolanda) of the Poor Clare Monastery in Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his two brothers, O'Neil Pezzulo and Salvatore (Ted) Pezzulo, and three sisters, Josephine Wheelock, Carmella Pezzulo, and Catherine D'Amato.

Joe was well-liked by all who knew him and a true gentlemen. He was also known for his willingness to help anyone in need. When his sons were young, he devoted many hours to coaching Little League.

Joe always took great pride and pleasure in spending quality time with his family. He brought a smile to everyone's life with his unique sense of humor and wit. He was a great role model and will be sorely missed.

Friends may call from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at St. Mary's Church, 62 Warren St., Glens Falls.

Interment will immediately follow at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

The family would like to thank friend and family doctor, Dr. William Tedesco, of Glens Falls, Dr. Eric Pillemer and the staff of the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at the Glens Falls Hospital, the nurses and doctors that cared for him in the coronary care unit of Glens Falls Hospital, and the staff of High Peaks Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of one's choice.

Condolences and floral bouquets may be sent directly to the funeral home, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.