UTICA-ST. JOHNSVILLE - Joseph James “Treen” Paratore (AKA Papa Joe, The Godfather, The King), age 74, of Salisbury NC, formerly of Utica and St. Johnsville NY, passed away, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, due to complications with congestive heart failure. He was born November 27, 1947, in Utica, NY, to both the late Florence (Paratore) DeGristina and James G. Treen. He attended Brandegee Elementary School and fulfilled his High School career at Proctor High, of Utica NY. Then he proceeded his working career shortly after, at American Hardwall, of Broad St. He then went on to start his career as a bread salesman, medical and mail delivery driver. Joseph deeply valued the work he did as a bread salesman for DeIorio’s Bakery and Freihofers, for over 30 years. He then went on to serve as a driver for Medical Linen. He was also a dedicated mail delivery driver for Goreas mail service, for 10 years. He worked very hard his whole life from the time he was young until he retired. He was the oldest son and helped his mother to care of his other siblings. He never missed a day of work, no matter the weather outside or how he was feeling and never complained about it either. We remember him getting up and heading out to work at 2 a.m. and returning home in the evenings at supper time. He lived most of his life in St. Johnsville NY, in which later retired to Brandon FL, in 2011, where one of his daughters and family reside. In January 2020, he moved to Salisbury NC to enjoy the remainder of his years with his wife, family and other grandchildren as well. Our dad was a wonderful father “Godfather” who touched the lives of those all around him. He adored his family and each and every one of his grandchildren dearly. They were the light of his life and always put a big smile on his face and he loved to sing, dance and play with them as well. Joseph and the love of his life, Jane, met at Pine Lodge, of Utica where they both enjoyed going through the years and they shared many great memories together dancing the nights away. They knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together so in August 1979 they decided to get married. Joe Loved to sing and dance and his favorite songs to sing were by Elvis Presley. If you ever had the opportunity to hear him sing you would think you were hearing Elvis himself and this is how he got the nickname “The King.” He resembled Elvis in many ways from his voice, to his hair style, right down to his dance moves with the famous hip swivels and lip curling. Joseph was the most kindhearted, hard-working man you could ever have met. He was so strong and never showed and kind of weakness. Family always came first for him and he went above and beyond to always provide no matter what. Our home was always open and both our parents welcomed everyone who crossed their paths. You didn’t even have to knock, because our door was always unlocked. If you ever did have the chance to be in our home at any time you know you would never leave hungry! You can especially ask our friends, our dad made sure you would eat even if you were not hungry. He would make you food, but that is just how he was brought up to make sure everyone was well fed. Our dad was known for his famous homemade meatballs and sauce for every Sunday family supper. They were out of this world and we would eat them fresh out of the pan as he cooked them. He would give the shirt off his back and the last penny in his pocket to help out anyone in need. He was truly a good-hearted man. Our fondest childhood memories were when our parents would take us to Glimmerglass beach, Sylvan Beach and Enchanted Forest Water Safari. Our dad loved to take us all fishing as well. We would first have to stop and get a fresh loaf or two of hard crust Italian bread, fresh sliced salami and a bag of Italian chocolate iced cookies. We always loved and enjoyed going to O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria in Utica for fresh hot pizza. He will be greatly missed beyond words could ever explain. It has been an awfully hard two years with losing both our mom and dad, but our family has shared and made so many great and happy memories together that we will forever cherish each and every one of them. Dad we will miss your hugs that left us smelling like your cologne for the rest of the day. We will miss hearing you sing Elvis to us. We will miss your laugh. We will miss you forever and you can never be replaced. You were a good husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, son and best friend that anyone could ever ask for. We hope that you and mom continue to watch over us, protect us, guide us and love us every day. We will always continue to keep you in our hearts and forever on our minds. Thank you both for showing us what love truly means and for teaching us to always see the best in everything, to be kind and forgiving even in the hardest situations and to hold our heads high and never give up. You are now reunited with the love of your life forever in Heaven. We love you both now, forever and always. Joseph is survived by his loving children, Joey and Heather Paratore, Lisa Paratore and Tony Soos, Michelle and Marty Smith, Brian Paratore, Debbie Paratore and Jonathan Shive and Kenneth F. Rabideau; brothers, Bobby and Maria DeGristina, Anthony and Patricia DeGristina, David and Margaret Treen and Tommy DeGristina; sister, Jeannie Wright and the late Ken Wright; grandchildren, Jared, Jillian and Preston Paratore, Antonio and Ava Soos, Parker and Harper Shive and Lee Smith. In addition to his parents and loving wife, he is preceded in death by his brother, James Treen and wife, Nancy; sisters, Mamie DeGristina, MaryAnn Holzhauer and husband, Donald and Joan Citriniti and husband, Leonard; and his granddaughter, Alyssa Paratore. Joseph’s Visitation will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life/Prayer Service to follow at 5:00 p.m, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Funeral Home’s larger facility location, at 4309 Acme Rd. (old Main St.), between Ilion and Frankfort. The Paratore family would like to encourage anyone attending the Visitation/Prayer Service to consider wearing a mask, to protect their family members. Thank you for your understanding. Joseph’s burial will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 12:30 p.m., at St. Johnsville Cemetery, near the High School. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made directly to Joseph’s children to help cover final expenses. Thank you. Envelopes will be available before and after the Celebration of Life Prayer Service. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Joseph, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com Joseph’s arrangements and supervision are entrusted to their Family Funeral Director, Don Applegate.