Joseph C. Crisafulli, Jr., 70, of Baldwinsville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. He was born to Joseph and Emily in Brooklyn, NY before building a life and home in Syracuse in 1977, eventually retiring from the Fulton City School District as a Latin teacher.
Beyond his contribution to the teaching community, he was a painter, writer, theologian, horticulturalist, landscape architect, historian, linguist, adventurer, cook, and animal lover with an enthusiasm and fervor for all of existence. Joseph died with a heart so large it contained love for all he knew and encountered. As a former Roman Catholic priest, he was not only father to his family, but to a larger family of anyone who needed him, as his love transcended to all of God’s creation.
His memory and love are carried in his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Josephine (LoSurdo) Crisafulli; his children, Joseph C. (Melissa) Crisafulli, III, Franc-Antonio (Jeni and Georgie) Crisafulli, Matthew David Crisafulli and Mary Joy (Thomas, Philip and Leela) Bernard; grandson, Christian Bernard and future grandson Bernard; brother, Ronald (Elsie) Crisafulli; sister, Joyce (Edward) Sabino; sister-in-law, Ellie (Paul) Clines and seven nieces and nephews. Greeting him in Heaven are Beaujolais, his sister-in-law Nina, cousin Ray, and godson Mackie.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Joseph’s life at 11:00 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Baldwinsville. Entombment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, June 1, 2015 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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Joseph was ordained for Brooklyn in 1970 and transitioned in 1974. He married Josephine in 1977.
Tribute to Joseph C Crisafulli, JR
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