Joseph Rotella, 95, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Friday December 10, 2010 at his residence while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Anthony and Maria (Paonessa) Rotella.

Joseph was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School where he was a member of the varsity football, baseball and basketball teams. During World War II he served in the United States Army in the Guadalcanal and Northern Solomons from April 15, 1941 until his honorable discharge on August 29, 1945 and was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. On September 6, 1947 he married Dorothy S. (Smalley) Rotella at St. Paul's Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Rotella predeceased him on February 8, 2007. Joseph was employed as an electrician at Hooker Chemical Company and prior to that he worked at the Carborundum Company both in Niagara Falls, NY.

Mr. Rotella is survived by one sister, Margaret (late Michael) DiSalvio of Niagara Falls, NY, one brother Thomas (late Norma) Rotella of Niagara Falls, NY; his nieces and nephews, James (Maryann) Plumeri of New York; Thom Rotella of California; Donna Bondi (Dutch Victerman); Christine (Joseph) Magliarditi, Camille DelGrosso, Dominic (Vicki) DelGrosso, James (Sandra) DelGrosso all of Las Vegas, NV; Mary Jo (Rick) Corbi and Jacqueline (James) Filippelli both of Wheatfield, NY. He was also predeceased by one brother and two sisters, Alfred (Josephine of Niagara Falls, NY) Rotella, Mary (late Gene) Minicucci and Eleanor (Dominic of Las Vegas, NV) DelGrosso.

There will be no prior visitation. Private funeral services with Military Honors and burial will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.