Joseph L. Cecchini

Born February 4, 1920 in Elmira, the son of the late Aldo and Mary (Martine) Cecchini, passed away Monday, November 10, 2008 in St. Joseph's Hospital, at the age of 88. Joe was predeceased by his parents; wife, Phyllis Cook Cecchini; second wife, Mary Cicconi Cecchini; step-daughter, Margaret Eagleson Hoy; sister and brother-in-law, Anna and George Fleming; and brother-in-law, William Davis. He is survived by his sons, Thomas J. (Nora) Cecchini of Flint, MI; William A. (Sue) Cecchini of Elmira, NY; step-son, Thomas (Marsha) Eagleson of Elmira, NY; step-son-in-law, Hugh Hoy of Sarasota, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joseph (Stefanie) Cecchini and Janice Cecchini of Flint, MI; William A. (Amy) Cecchini of Fayetteville, NC; Kari Cecchini (Chris) Higgins of Bethlehem, PA; David Cecchini (fiancée Teresa McLaughlin) of Corning, NY; Phyllis Cecchini (fiancée Gordon Small of Charleston, SC; step-grandchildren, Marilyn (Mike) Lepak and MaryBeth MacIntyre of Elmira, NY; Andrea Eagleson of Charlotte, NC; Traci Eagleson of Horseheads, NY; four precious great grandchildren, Emily, Sam, Isabella, and Matteo Cecchini; sisters, Rose M. Davis and Catherine (Duane) Padgett of Elmira, NY.Along with several nieces and nephews.Joe graduated from Southside High School in 1938 and was a life-long resident of Elmira. Along with his father, Joe owned and operated AlJo Food Market, a neighborhood meat and grocery store, and up until a couple of years ago, enjoyed a labor of love as a meat cutter for Shepherd's Food Market. He was a proud member of the US Army and served his country during WW II. He was a long-time devoted fan of the New York Yankees and attended many games in NYC in the days of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. Joe's greatest passion, however, was the Boy Scouts of America. For years he served in leadership capacities that touched the lives of many young scouts, who, still today, speak of his influence in their lives. Joe's name remains on the Eagle Scout Board of Review. His dedication and hard work earned him Scouting's highest adult award, "The Silver Beaver." Joe also found great solace at his Seneca Lake Cottage where he enjoyed fishing and appreciated the friendship of those around him. Joe will be dearly missed by his many friends and loving family. He was a member of the following organizations: Elmira Elks, American Legion Elmira Heights, the I.A.V. and was a faithful communicant of St. Mary's Church. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and Friday, November 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A Prayer Service will be held there on Saturday, November 15th at 10:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira at 11:00 AM. The Reverend Richard Farrell will celebrate Joe's Mass. Interment will take place in the Woodlawn National Cemetery where the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Cecchini full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Boy Scouts of America, 244 West Water Street, Elmira, NY 14901. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for Joe's family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com.