DiProspero, Joseph A. “Little Joe” “Papa”
Gates: Saturday, April 29, 2017, at age 92. Predeceased by his wife, Anna Baldo DiProspero; parents, Vincenzo and Marietta DiProspero; brothers, Bardo (Mary), Phillip (Connie) and Albert (Eva) DiProspero; sisters, Pearl (Dominic) Schiano, Anna (Michael) Farsace, Rose (Sam) Ferro; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Frances Dee, Millie and Thomas Maggio; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Angelina Baldo. He is survived by his cherished daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Rick Cook; adored grandchildren, Shannon (Mark) Bellavia, Jaimee Cook; nephew, Anthony (Jane) Dee of NV; special “New” daughter, Karen Cometa-Zempel and her family; many other nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Joseph graduated in 1943 from Madison High School. He briefly attended Penn State. He married the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Anna Baldo, on May 6, 1945 in Walla Walla, Washington, while he was stationed there in the Army Air Corps. He and his brother-in-law, Thomas Maggio, owned and operated the Jefferson Grill for many years. Joe was a Xerox retiree. During his time at Xerox, he also worked as a bartender at the Party House on Beahan Rd. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Helen’s Church since its inception. Joe loved cooking his Italian dishes, golfing, socializing at the Italian American Sport Club, watching the Yankees and going to the casinos. Family was most important to him, and he helped to raise his two beloved granddaughters, Shannon and Jaimee. He was always ready to go out, have fun and socialize into his 90’s. He was a legendary joke teller. Most of all he loved his daughter, Diane, who was beyond blessed to call this man “Dad”. Joe was dearly loved by all his family and friends and will be sorely missed.
Special thanks to neighbor, Tony Sciascia. The family would like to say a special thanks to Dad’s cardiologist, Dr. Thomas Stuver.
Friends may call FRIDAY from 3-7PM at the DiPonzio Funeral Home, Inc., 219 Spencerport Road, Gates. On Saturday morning, May 6, all are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at 10:00 in St. Helen’s Church, 310 Hinchey Road. Entombment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.