Saratoga Springs, NY -Joseph William Venuti, 70 years of age, passed away peacefully at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs on Friday, February 19, 2016.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 26, 1945, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rosemary (Fiore) Venuti. Joe graduated from Franklin Institute with an Associate's degree. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hartford in Connecticut followed by a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Joe served in the Army Reserves for six years.

Joe started his engineering career working for the Hartford Electric Light Company in Connecticut. He spent the majority of his career working for General Electric Company in Schenectady, NY and Arcadia, California. He took a hiatus from the corporate world to teach Engineering at SUNY Alfred in Alfred, NY for a couple of  years before returning to General Electric in Schenectady. He retired from the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory.

In his younger days, Joe played both hockey and football and enjoyed following his favorite Boston teams The Patriots, and the Boston Bruins. He was also a big fan of the Red Sox.

Joe enjoyed all forms of outdoor activities including cross country skiing and snowshoeing. He particularly loved horseback riding and, at one point in his life, was the proud owner of a small country farm where he raised quarter horses. His very favorite activity of all was the time he spent with his son Josh who was the center of his life. They spent many happy hours playing various games such as chess or simply chatting about life and enjoying each other's company.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Maurice and Angela Stasis Fiore Jr. of Boston, MA.

Survivors include his beloved son, Joshua Venuti of Scotia, NY and his former wife and forever friend, Marilyn Venuti of Ballston Spa, NY, as well as his extended family in Florida which includes his stepmom Hazel Venuti, his brother Neil Venuti and sisters Joy Bowdre (Steve) and Pam Geronimo (Ralph) as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Jeff Wood and sister-in-law Dawn Wood and nephew Zachary Wood, all of Scotia, NY.

Josh and Marilyn would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring and supportive staff at Wesley Health Care Center. They cared for Joe and looked after family needs for many years in a patient and respectful manner.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society via www.nationalmssociety.org/donate or mail to: National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.

Relatives and friends may call from 1 to 2pm Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). A funeral home service will follow at 2pm.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com