FRANKFORT – Mr. Joseph P. “Sonny” Tamburro, age 91, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 9, 2021, with the constant love and support of his family at his side. His passing occurred at the Foltsbrook in Herkimer where he has received compassionate care throughout his last days. Born in Frankfort on March 17, 1929, Joseph was the son of the late Dominick and Rose (Frank) Tamburro. He also knew the love and support of his stepmother, Stephanie “Fanny” Zito-Tamburro. His childhood years were spent in Frankfort and he was a graduate from Frankfort High School with the Class of 1947. Joe went on to further his education at SUNY Oneonta where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. On June 19, 1959, Joe was wed to the former Donna Lee Card and together they started a family and shared in a devoted union of over forty-two years until Donna’s passing on October 19, 2001. After Donna’s passing, Joe was once again blessed to find love with Eleanor (Hughes) Reina. They were married on August 25, 2007, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, and have spent the last 13 years in a constant companionship. Ellie was by Joe’s side every step of the way and truly fulfilled her dedication as his wife until the very end of his life’s journey. Joe’s career as an educator was spent with the Ilion Central School District where he taught fourth grade at West Hill and Remington elementary schools. He truly loved what he did every day and even all these years later would delight in running into and catching up with his former students. He retired after a thirty-year career in 1989. Joe was a longtime member of the Frankfort Kiwanis and a life member of the St. Francis di Paola Society. He was devoted to his Catholic Faith, attending weekly mass at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church and participating in the S.S. Addolorata Society. Most people who met Joe would remember him as a man who loved to regale in a good story, share a joke and give others the gift of laughter. He had a great sense of humor and never held anything back; he truly had the “gift of gab” and was a genuine people person. In his spare time, he enjoyed tending to his garden, playing cards, travelling and spending time at the family camp on Lake Pleasant. He also had a knack in the kitchen and loved nothing better than a good meal surrounded by his extended family. Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Ellie; his sons, Jeffrey Tamburro and husband, Paul Durocher, of Largo, FL and Joseph Tamburro and wife, Karlee, of Frankfort; his daughter, Mary Rutnik and husband, Daniel, of Delmar, NY; his grandchildren, Alexandra, Kathryn and Olivia Tamburro and Nicholas, Andrew and Daniel Rutnik; his stepchildren, Kathleen and Thomas Grates of North Carolina, Michele and Gary Caiola of Frankfort, Christopher and Linda Reina of Mohawk, Bernadette Reina of Mohawk, Karen and Richard Wasielewski of Frankfort and Joseph and Pamela Reina of Frankfort; along with ten step-grandchildren and fifteen step-great-grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends too numerous to mention. Aside from his parents and wife, Donna, Joe was predeceased by an infant brother, Peter Tamburro. Friends and relatives are invited to Joe’s funeral which will commence on his 92nd Birthday, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort. In keeping with current health restrictions, those attending the mass will be asked to wear a mask and social distancing will be in effect. Spring interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Joe’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.