Joseph S. 'Joe' Gariano, 70, of Lewiston, NY, passed away December 17, 2024 at N.F. Memorial Medical Center. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Frank and Jane (LaVerdi) Gariano; and the beloved husband of Carol A. (Garabedian) Gariano, who he met in 1973 while working at N.F. Memorial Medical Center. They were happily married on June 28, 1975.

Joe was a 1972 graduate of Bishop Duffy High School where he excelled in football, baseball and track. He was a proud member of the 1971 football team, winning the Msgr. Martin League championship.

Joe worked for the United States Post Office as a Postal Clerk for 34 years prior to retiring in 2013. He formerly coached in the LaSalle Little League and Whirlpool Little League. Joe was also an avid golfer, bowler, enjoyed playing softball, as well as rooting for the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills.

In addition to his wife of 49 years, Joe is survived by his son, Nicholas (Jenelle) Gariano and was sadly predeceased by his son, Joseph 'Joey' Gariano. Joe was the proud grandfather of Clara and Gemma Gariano; brother of Thomas (Hon. Kathleen Wojtaszek) Gariano; uncle to Rob (Nicole) Bilson, Francesca Gariano, David (Gina) Gariano and Brittany (Kirk) Lubecki; brother-in-law of the late Angela LaVerdi, Nunzio (Lynne) LaVerdi; son-in-law of the late Joseph 'Scuppy' and Anne Garabedian; "brother from another mother," Joseph (Teresa) Ruffolo. He is also survived one aunt, one uncle, his great-nieces and great-nephews, many cousins and countless friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 19 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin Friday at 9:15 AM, followed by Joseph's Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM in St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to N.F. Memorial Medical Center at nfmmc.org/give/. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.