Joseph W. Martuscello, Sr., aged 85, died Saturday, October 31, 2015 at The Masonic Home in Utica, NY, after a long battle with Alzheimer's and complications from a broken hip. Members of his family were lovingly by his side. Mr. Martuscello was born February 6, 1930 in Amsterdam NY, the only child of the late William and Rose (Altieri) Martuscello. At an early age, Joe helped his parents in the operation of The Florida Avenue Market in Amsterdam NY. He attended Fifth Ward Elementary School and Wilbur H. Lynch Sr. High School, graduating in 1947. Upon graduating, he worked as a stage apprentice at The Tamarack Playhouse in Wells NY, followed by his attending Utica College of Syracuse University as a pre-law student. In 1949, he went on to Brooklyn Law School. While in Brooklyn, he met and later married (1951) Camille Bertone, with whom he raised a family of 7 children. Over the next twelve years, Mr. Martuscello held various positions with Fownes Gloves, Marcus Breier Sons, Inc. and Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., all of Amsterdam NY; and also with Indian Castle Savarin Restaurant, Little Falls NY. Having always held a strong interest in teaching, Joe returned to Utica College to complete a degree in English, graduating in 1964 with a BA. As a life-long learner, he continued his education over the years by enrolling in graduate courses at SUNY Oswego, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Albany and SUNY Cortland. He was very proud of this accomplishment as he successfully supported his growing family. In 1949, his teaching career began at St. Stephen's Sacred Heart Church Youth Center in Brooklyn. While there, he created The Dramicus Guild, directed some plays and conducted small theatre workshops for teens. His professional teaching career began in 1963 at Little Falls High School (Little Falls NY) where he taught English for grades 8, 10, 11 and 12. He later taught at West Canada Valley High School (Newport NY) and then at Dolgeville High School (Dolgeville NY) from 1970 until his retirement in 1985. One of the highlights of Mr. Martuscello's teaching career was his ability to inspire his students with his love of theatre through the many plays he directed and produced for schools and the community. He directed many fine plays and musicals at Little Falls, Dolgeville, HCCC and the Ilion Little Theatre Club including West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, Inherit the Wind, My Fair Lady, Waiting for Godot, Bye Bye Birdie, Barefoot in the Park, Abie's Irish Rose, Moon Over Buffalo, Fools, Tea House of August Moon, Oliver and several evenings of dramatic one-act plays. Joe also wrote and produced several stage pieces for adolescents as well as short stories, having been published in college journals from time to time. During retirement, Joe was a member and Vice President of the Dolgeville Retired Teachers Association and past President of the Herkimer County Retired Teachers Association. He also kept busy with the Leatherstocking Bed and Breakfast Association, as coordinator and treasurer. Additionally, Joe loved fine dining and entertaining. For several years, he operated Your Private Host, an in-home catering and dinner party service. Mr. Martuscello is survived by his former wife, Camille Bertone Fisher (Mohawk NY), daughters Rosalyn Carroll (Charles) of Manlius NY, Roxanne Martyniuk (David) of Dolgeville NY, Nanette Scogin (Joel) Watkins Glen NY, Yvonne Kovits (Fred) of Little Falls NY, Michelle Miles (Jonathan) of Amman, Jordan, and Bill Martuscello (Christine) of Westerly RI. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph Martuscello, Jr. of Rochester NY. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren: Bryan Carroll (Brooklyn), Andrew Carroll (Brooklyn), Jason Cunningham (Michigan), Kornel Martyniuk (Little Falls), Joseph Martyniuk (Ithaca), Erik Siegel (Virginia), Robert Joseph Siegel (Homer), Virgil Kovits (Massachusetts), Brenden Kovits (Little Falls), Regina Martuscello (Florida), Thomas Martuscello (Rochester), Renanah Miles (NYC), Joshua Miles (Jerusalem), Rebekah Miles Boyd (Colorado), Elenah Miles Barrow (Indiana), Benaiah Miles (Indiana),Zechariah Miles (Amman, Jordan), Maria Martuscello (Westerly) and Amelia Martuscello (Westerly) along with 15 great grandchildren, cousins and an uncle. He will be missed by many. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 4th, 2015 at 10AM at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Little Falls, with Rev. Dr. Steven A. Scarcia officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery Dolgeville. Calling hours are on Tuesday from 4-8PM at the Roberts & Enea Funeral Home 3 Faville Avenue Dolgeville. The family would like to Thank the "Angles" at the Masonic Care Community for the care and compassion given to their Father while he was a patient there. Memorials may be made in honor of Mr. Martuscello's son Joseph, to the Joseph W. Martuscello, Jr. Scholarship Fund at Dolgeville High School; envelopes will be available at the funeral home and services. A remembrance of Joe or a message of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.robertsandenea.com.