Mr. Joseph A. LaPone, 88, formerly of Little Falls and East Herkimer and most recently a resident of Saint Joseph's Nursing Home, Utica, passed away on Friday morning, Feb. 23, 2007 in St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica. He was born in Little Falls on November 27, 1918, son of the late Salvatore and Elizabeth (Morlando) LaPone and educated in Little Falls schools. His marriage to Una Adams took place on July 12, 1946 in Niagara Falls, NY; a blessed union of 60 years. A World War II veteran, Joseph proudly served with the U.S. Army. He enlisted on Sept. 11, 1941 and was honorably discharged on November 3, 1945 and was the recipient of the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star and received 2 Bronze Service Stars. Joe was last employed with Salada Foods, Little Falls and was a self employed roofer for several years. He was a member of the Little Falls VFW and attended New Life Ministries in Herkimer. An exemplary family man, Joseph considered his loved ones to be his foremost priority and his greatest happiness. As father and grandfather, he constantly demonstrated his loving, kind, and generous nature along with his caring and considerate heart. He shared a special bond and relationship with his grandchildren that brought him special joy and great pride. He and his children and their families, who always enjoyed being together, shared a special closeness with one another and will deeply miss the wonderful times they had together. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening and especially enjoyed listening and dancing to music and the big band era of the 1930's and 1940's. Survivors include his beloved wife: Una of Utica; two daughters: A. Renee Cammarere and husband Mark of West Frankfort and Betty J. Viana and husband Michael of Utica; a brother: Tony LaPone and wife Shirley; a step son: James Skipper and wife Patricia of Birmingham, Al.; nine grandchildren: Bianca and Rocco Cammarere, Erica and Krystal Viana, and five grandchildren and great grandchildren in the southern states; one great grandchild: Brooke Fanelli of Utica; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe will be missed by his beloved dog, "Tippy". He was predeceased by his brothers: Dominick, Carl, and Adam LaPone and by his sisters: Angie LaPone, Mary Richie and Katherine and Dolly. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Holleran & Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007 from 3-5 p.m. His funeral will commence at 11 am on Monday morning, Feb. 26 from the chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Joe Jansen, officiating. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. Full military honors will be accorded. Kindly consider memorial offerings to the Herkimer County Humane Society; envelopes are available at the funeral home. Members of the Little Falls VFW will conduct their service at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph's Nursing Home and St Elizabeth's Medical Center in Utica for their kindness and compassion offered. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.