Saratoga Springs - Joseph "Joe" Ponessa, 95, of Saratoga Springs passed away peacefully at his home on September 12, 2024, with his daughter Barbara by his side.

He was born on February 6, 1929, in Witherbee, NY. He was the youngest of 10 children.

Joe was a proud union member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 773. For 40 years he worked on numerous projects and buildings in and around the Saratoga area.  He was a Cornell Cooperative Extension "Master Gardener" and he utilized the title well.  Each summer, along with his wife Betty, he grew vast quantities of produce for family and friends to share.  Joe was a salt-of-the-earth, hardworking, no-nonsense man. He was a father who was always there to lend a helping hand whenever any of his children or grandchildren needed assistance.

Earlier in life he enjoyed hunting and fishing. After his retirement, he and Betty enjoyed traveling and exploring the country. Cities with Casinos were a particular favorite of his! As Joe got older, he became a familiar sight in his neighborhood puttering around in his tractor and maintaining his home and garden.  He loved to play cards and Rummikub with his family, loved to win, and was a force to be reckoned with! Recently it was his great granddaughters Molly and Mia that brought him great joy!

Joe is survived by his children Virginia Ponessa, Saratoga Springs, NY; Rosanne Sammler (David), Greenfield Center, NY; Joseph Ponessa, Jr. (Melissa Paquet), Saratoga Springs, NY; Barbara Schallehn (William), Porter Corners, NY; John Ponessa (Kathy), Greenfield Center, NY, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.  Along with his parents he is predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Elizabeth, a brother and 8 sisters.

Joe's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Community Hospice staff as well as his long-time physicians, Dr. Andrij Baran, Dr. Eric Borden and Dr. Rachid Daoui for their excellent care over the years. The family also wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Joe's caregiver, Joanne Natalie for her patient, compassionate care she provided over the last several years.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518 584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at Noon in St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

The Rite of Committal will be held following Mass at the family plot in St. Peter's Cemetery, 150 West Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.