Joseph A. Fantrazzo, 64, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Wednesday December 24, 2008 at his residence while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Angelo J. and Rose (DeSantis) Fantrazzo.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and attended local schools. During the Vietnam War he served in the United States Army as a Marksman from November 5, 1962 until his honorable discharge on October 22, 1965, and afterwards served in the United States Army Reserve until November 4, 1968. On January 2, 1971 Joseph married Dorothy E. (Irish) Fantrazzo in Niagara Falls, NY. For twenty eight years he was employed at the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat Company in Niagara Falls until retirement in 2002. In his leisure time, Joseph enjoyed cooking, reading, working on cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was very proud and supportive of his son's music career, and enjoyed his dogs Deja and Bair. Joe's greatest pleasure came from spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of thirty eight years, Joseph is survived by his son Angelo J. (Yianna) Fantrazzo of Niagara Falls, NY; his grandchildren Joseph Zander Fantrazzo and Hailey Belianna Fantrazzo, one brother Richard Fantrazzo of Niagara Falls, NY; his parents' adopted daughter Carol (Anthony) DiBacco of Tonawanda, NY and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the son-in-law of Florence (late Kenneth) Rickard of Sanborn, NY and late Bernard W. Irish, and brother–in-law of Cheryl (Mark) Butera of Cambria, NY, Diane (Joseph) Hensley of Fresno, CA, Denise (Gary) Sund of Sequim, WA and Bernadine (Tom) Cholmomondeley of Cincinnati, OH.

Friends may call on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON FUNERAL CHAPEL, 468 19TH STREET, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin on Saturday December 27th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094 or to Save-A-Pet, 19601 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027.