Joseph S. Sparacio, 87, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 20th, 2017 at Schoellkopf Heath Care Facility. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Thomas "Sam" Sparacio and Anna (D'Angelo) Sparacio.

Joe was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and later attended Niagara University. A Korean War veteran, he entered the United States Coast Guard on November 10, 1950, until his honorable discharge on November 9, 1954. Mr. Sparacio was employed as a postal clerk at the Niagara Falls Post Office located on Pine Avenue for over 38 years prior to his retirement.

Joseph was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Church, as well as a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Shrine. He served as a Eucharist Minister throughout the area, especially at N.F. Memorial Medical Center and Schoellkopf Health Care Facility. He was a very humble, caring man who felt as though it was a heartfelt calling to serve the Lord, his church and the community in which he lived. In recognition of his outstanding, selfless volunteerism to the Holy Family Parish, he received the Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker from Bishop Richard Malone of the Catholic Diocese in 2013

Joseph was a talented musician and invented many gadgets. He was also an avid golfer and bowler. In his younger years, he was an accomplished fast pitch softball player. Joe was also a member of the John Duke Senior Center, where he enjoyed spending time and playing pool with his friends.

Mr. Sparacio is survived by his sister, Vincenette (Robert) Scheppler; his niece, Marcia Scheppler; nephews, Thomas (Rebecca) Scheppler, John (Jessica) Scheppler and David (Elizabeth) Scheppler; great-niece, Melanie Scheppler; great-nephews, Joseph and John Thompson; cousins, Vincent (Mary Jo) Chiarenza, Larry (Barbara) Chiarenza and Shannon Philbric; his beloved 26 godchildren; as well as many other cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his brothers, Jack and Anthony Sparacio.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 23rd from 4 – 7 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, where funeral services will begin on Saturday at 9:15, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Military Honors and interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 1298 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14209 or Sacred Heart Shrine 5337 Genesee St, Bowmansville, NY 14026.