Obituary of Joseph Riscica, Jr.

FRANKFORT – Mr. Joseph Riscica, Jr., age 66, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away unexpectedly, early Monday morning, August 20, 2018, at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. At the time of his passing, he had the love and support of his devoted family at his bedside.

Born on October 11, 1951, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Giambrone) Riscica, Sr. He was blessed to spend his upbringing in Frankfort, where he grew up with not only his siblings, but with his many cousins from both the Riscica and Giambrone sides of the family.

After graduating from Frankfort-Schuyler High School, Joe went on to attend Herkimer County Community College and Beauty School in Utica, were he earned a license to practice cosmetology. For many years, he successfully owned and operated Hairstyling by Joseph in Frankfort. Joe loved his work and created many lasting friendships with his clients throughout the years.

On July 10, 1976, Joe was wed to the former Teresa Vivacqua at St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort, and they spent forty-two years in a marriage filled with love, laughter and friendship. They complimented one another and Teresa was the calm to Joe’s crazy.  Together they raised two wonderful boys and built a home where all were welcome to gather and enjoy the blessings of family. Their doors were always open and Joe was proud to maintain a meticulous household, both inside and out. He spent countless hours in his yard, tending to his landscaping, and laying out by his pool.

Joe was truly the life of the party. His filters were few and his jokes were many, and any time spent around him was sure to be filled with laughter and entertainment. He loved to dance, sing, pour a cocktail, and spend time with his beloved family and friends. His loss will leave a void in each and every person who was lucky enough to know and love the man known as Joe Riscica.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa; his sons and daughter-in-law, Joseph Riscica, III of Frankfort and James and Marybeth Riscica of Baldwinsville; his cherished granddaughter, Sofia; his brother, Michael Riscica and fiancé, Regina Winkler of Utica; his Aunt Josephine Chauvin of Frankfort; and his in-laws, Andrea and Paul Zach of Wisconsin. He also leaves behind his many special nieces and nephews, including Joe Riscica, Michael Riscica, Dean Riscica, Nicole Riscica, Maria Vivacqua, Rev. Francis Vivacqua, Michele Vivacqua and Aaron Zach; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sister, Joann Vivacqua, in 2012.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Joe’s calling hours on Thursday evening, August 23, 2018 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Members of the St. Francis di Paola Society are invited to gather at the funeral home at 6:45PM to offer prayer together as a group. Joe’s funeral mass will commence on Friday morning, August 24, 2018 at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his nephew, Rev. Francis Vivacqua, and concelebrated by Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where Joe’s earthly remains will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, 412 South Frankfort Street, Frankfort, NY 13340. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Joe’s final wishes have been entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.