Joseph J. Travis, 85, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, NY after a short illness. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Joseph S. and Rose (Scozzafava) Trapasso.

Joseph attended local schools, and enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He was stationed aboard the USS Rehoboth and would often talk about the beautiful ports he visited in China and Australia while on active duty. Joseph retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, First Class, Grade E7 in October 1966 following twenty years of service. On October 1, 1949 he married Betty M. (MacKenzie) Travis at the former Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Niagara Falls, NY. She predeceased him after nearly sixty one years of marriage on June 20, 2010. Following his retirement from the Navy, Joseph worked briefly for the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the U.S. Post Office prior to working for the Niagara Falls Water Department as a Chief Operator until his retirement in December 1985.

Joseph was a member of the ISDA (Italian Sons and Daughters of America) Cataract Lodge, The Italian War Veterans and the once active Dante's Social Club. After Joseph retired, he and his wife, Betty, traveled throughout the country. He enjoyed playing golf and going to the casino but most of all he enjoyed being with his family especially his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Joseph will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Joseph is survived by his three children, JoAnne Gazy of Niagara Falls, NY; Robert J. (Judith Petrozzi) Travis of Lewiston, NY and Michelle Marielle of Niagara Falls, NY; his former son-in-law Robert J. Marielle; six special grandchildren, Robert (Erin Serafini) Gazy of Lewiston, NY; Emily (Jason Junn) Gazy of Buffalo, NY; Robert J. (Gail) Travis, II of Lafayette, NY; Sara Travis of Fairfax, VA; Daniel Marielle and Megan Marielle of Niagara Falls, NY; four very special great-grandchildren, Noah and Ella Junn, Joseph Gazy and Mackenzie Travis, one brother Dominic Trapasso of Simi Valley, CA; one brother-in-law James MacKenzie of Niagara Falls, NY as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his sisters Theresa (late John) Iodice, Josephine (late John) Scibilia, brother Anthony (late Nancy) Travis, his sister-in-law M. Isabel (late Richard) Williams and one brother-in-law Robert L. MacKenzie.

Visitation will be on Friday from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday December 27th at 11:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon at St. Vincent De Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church 1055 North Military Road Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Andrew Lauricella officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Lewiston, NY. If desired memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, 5285 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, NY 14092.