Joseph A. Macoretta, 86, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife and their eight children on Wednesday, January 28, 2015.

Born in Thorold, Ontario on February 27, 1928, he was the son of Nicola and Carmela (Saltarelli) Macoretta.

Joseph moved with his parents and his only sibling, Leta, to Niagara Falls, NY in 1940 where they operated Macoretta's Grocery on Cleveland Avenue until his parents' passing in the early 1960's.

He graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1946 and later joined the United States Army Air Force where he served as a Radio Operator AACS, 760. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1949 after having earned the World War II Victory Medal. Joseph then worked for the City of Niagara Falls Water Department and retired as the supervisor of outside water maintenance in 1985 after almost 30 years of service.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anna (Pugliese) Macoretta, and his eight children, Anne Marie (Greg) Beach, Rose Anne Woock, Paulette (Michael) Krueger, Nicholas (Anne Young) Macoretta, Maria Nuchereno, Karmell (Michael) Murphy, Joanna (Michael) Daeschner and Angela (Anthony) Ciraolo. He is also survived by his sister, Sister Nicholas Macoretta of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity at Stella Niagara. Joseph has 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and twin great grandchildren to be born in July. He was predeceased in 1963 by his first wife, Flora Paolone, whose memory he always kept close to his heart.

Joseph was a faithful member and usher at St. Charles Borromeo Church for over 40 years. He practiced a lifelong devotion to St. Anne, Holy Mother of Mary. He was a wonderful storyteller, our family chef and an expert crossword solver who most enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and especially his devoted wife, Anna.

The Macoretta family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of Niagara Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they gave our sweet father and husband. With their assistance, he was able to pass with the same dignity and grace with which he lived. We will be forever grateful.

Please join us for funeral services which will be held at Divine Mercy, 2437 Niagara Street on Saturday, January 31st at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements made through MJ Colucci. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stella Niagara Education Park, 4421 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara, New York, 14144.