Joseph Ristopolo, age 101 passed away July 27, 2019 in Longwood, Florida after a short illness. He was born on October 24, 1917 in Avon New York, he was the son of late Frank and Maria (Papaleo) Ristopolo.

A lifelong resident of Niagara Falls until he relocated to Longwood Florida to live with his daughter, Mary Lee.  He attended local schools in Niagara Falls.  He married Viola Ticconi in 1940 who predeceased him, in 1972 after 32 years of marriage.

Joe, as he was known by his many friends was a lifelong truck driver, a career he was most proud of.  He delivered heating oil for Taibi Brothers and later worked for Empire Builders Supply where he delivered dynamite used in construction of the power project.  He later became and independent trucker broker for Chemical Leaman and Matlack Tank Lines, delivering chemicals throughout the Western New York area, after which he retired.  Among his greatest pride as a trucker was his flawless driving record of over 40 years on the road.

Joe was the master of "horse trading" as he called it, though he never bought or sold a horse in his life.   His "horse trading" was finding and swapping many an item that he found was needed by others he came in contact with during his daily travels.  His generosity was regularly supplying family and friends with laundry soaps and other items for which he is still remembered to this day.

In retirement he traveled extensively throughout the USA visiting family and friends along the way.  He held daily breakfast meetings at the "round table" at Knack's Restaurant in Niagara Falls. Joe was an avid sports fan especially following Notre Dame Football.  He could recall with clear and accurate details of past sporting events of college football and baseball.

Joseph is survived by his daughter Mary Lee Cassetta of Longwood Florida; his grandsons Mark A. (Jennifer) Cassetta of New York City and Joseph J. (Jessica) Cassetta of Orlando Florida; and his great grandchildren Sawyer, Ava and Joseph; He is also survived by his former son-in-law Nick Cassetta and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by his infant son Frank and nephew Patsy Nolfi.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, August 8th from 4 – 8 pm at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am.  Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Please visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.    In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joe's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis Tennessee 38105