Dr. Joseph Anthony Accardo, age 89 formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on July 18, 2018 in Ephrata, PA.  He was born on April 25, 1929, in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of John and Anna (Adriatico) Accardo.  He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Antoinette (Rangatore) Accardo in 2009. They were married at St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls, NY, on June 30, 1951.

Dr. Accardo graduated from Marquette University, School of Dentistry, in 1956. He also served as a Captain in the United States Air Force for two years.  Following his service, he began his practice of dentistry in Niagara Falls, NY, and continued practicing until his retirement in 2010.

Dr. Accardo's many accomplishments included serving as president of the Niagara County Dental Society and the Eighth District Dental Society.  He served as chairman of the New York State Dental Association Council on Dental Laboratory Relations.  As a result of his work on this council, he was named a member of The American Dental Association's Council on Prosthetic Services and Dental Laboratory Relations for six years, serving as chairman for two years.

Among his many awards, he received an ADA Presidential Citation for his contributions to the dental profession, the New York State Dental Association's Distinguished Service Award, and the Dentist of the Year Award from the 8 ^th District Dental Society.  On January 13 ^th , 2007, he was awarded the Harvey Sprowl Leadership Award.

He was a member of the A.D.A. Speakers Bureau on Illegal Dentistry. Dr. Accardo also served as a member of The New York State Dental Association Board of Governors for seven years and was one of The Founders of the Empire Dental Political Action Committee in 1969.

Dr. Accardo is survived by his son Frank (Donna) Accardo, and was predeceased by two sons John R. Accardo and Major Joseph A. (Suzanne) Accardo US Air Force (Ret).  He is also survived by grandsons Joseph (Laurelin), Christopher (Devan), Salvatore and John, great-grandson Rowan and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was also predeceased by his brother Frank (Mary 'Katie') Accardo and sisters Beatrice (late Sam) Cerminara, and Florence (late Peter) Vaccarella.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4 – 8 P.M. at M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday July 25 ^th at 12:00 Noon in Holy Family Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 27 ^th Street and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls.  EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH.  Entombment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Dr. Joseph Accardo Award 8 ^th District Dental Foundation Scholarship Fund 3831 Harlem Road Buffalo, NY 14215. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.