Joseph "Bennie" Pizzo

Frankfort- Joseph "Bennie" Pizzo, 86, of Fox St., passed away Sunday, May 9, 2010 in Valley Health Services, Herkimer, with his loving family and special granddaughter, Mindy by his side. He was born in Frankfort on August 6, 1923, the son of the late Jasper and Josephine Salamone Pizzo and he attended Frankfort schools. He served in the US Army from December of 1942 until he was honorably discharged in June of 1943 with 100% disability. He was married to Clarabelle "Bella" Eagan on November 24, 1954 in New Hartford by Justice of the Peace, Mr. Sweet. Bennie and Bella were remarried in St. Mary's Catholic Church on their 25th wedding anniversary by Father Alfred Lamanna. Mr. Pizzo was Co-owner of C & P Coal & Trucking Co. with his partner, Frank Candella, until 1951. He was a laborer throughout the Valley and retired in 1975. Bennie also worked for the Town of Frankfort Assessors Office for 20 years from 1972-1992. He was a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church where he chaired bingo, a member of the D.A.V. Stars & Stripes Chapter 82, Utica, the American Legion Post #845, Frankfort, where he was also a chairman of bingo and the Laborers Local International #35 of Utica where he served on the Executive Board and as Union Steward. He was very involved in his grandchildren's lives and was an avid Yankee fan. He is now reunited with his buddies from the coffee clan. Bennie is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bella; five daughters and three sons in law, Charline and Salvatore Pizzo of Rotterdam, Cathy and Roy Upson of Mohawk, Sandra Reisel of Ilion, Deborah and William Pettengill and Regina Pizzo, all of Herkimer; one son and daughter in law, Paul and Marie LaVine of Frankfort; one sister, Mary Tripoli of Rochester; one sister in law, Josephine Pizzo of Frankfort; fifteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many special friends and his canine companion, Cleo. He was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters in law, Salvatore Sr. and Mary Pizzo, Phillip Pizzo, Simon and Jenny Pizzo and John Pizzo; and one sister and two brothers in law, Marian and Nick Messina and Jack Tripoli. His funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30AM from the V. J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave., Frankfort and at 10:00AM in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Alfred Lamanna. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 5-8PM at the funeral home. Bennie's family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of 2 east at Valley Health Services for the kindness and compassion shown to him during his illness and passing.