Joseph Albert Belleville

Joseph A. Belleville, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Joseph was born on July 17, 1938 and was the son of the late Joseph A. Belleville, Sr. and Lillian (Zinzow) Belleville of Albany. Joseph was the devoted husband to the late Filomena "Phyllis" Belleville. They were married for 60 wonderful years.

Joseph started his career as a baker for the General Baking Company in 1957 and was a member of the Bakery and Confectionary Workers Union Local 50 in Albany, New York. Joe was enlisted in the United States Army where he served until his honorable discharge. His time with the Army took him through the Vietnam era, the Cuban Blockade and racial riots in the south. Upon his discharge from the Army, Joe began his career in the printing industry at Argus Press in Albany. He quickly became the shop steward at Argus and later an Executive Board Member for Local 259M of the Graphic Communications International Union. He was elected Vice President of Local 259M and served under the leadership of President Emery Miller for more than 25 years. During that time he was also the Director of Education for the Local Education Program. In 1995, Joe was elected President of Local 259M and also served as Vice President of the Central New York Labor Council for many years. He retired from the presidency in 2002 but remained very active as a Trustee and Executive Board Member of Local 259M. Joe was President of the Upstate New York Allied Printing Trades Council and Vice president of the Eastern Conference of the GCC/IBT.

Joseph was a proud member of Saint William's church and Sacred Heart church. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was proud of his country and his service. He was a Los Angeles Dodger's Fan and also rooted for the San Francisco 49er's. He had a heart of gold and brought a smile to everyone he encountered. Joe had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved unconditionally. He had a fond love of fishing and gardening and loved spending his spare time at the casino. He loved family gatherings and playing poker. His door was always open.

Joseph is survived by his loving children, Greg (the late Michael Kapu) Belleville, Joe (Chris) Belleville, Anita (Jim) Lanzilotti and Sharon (Michael) Garzone; his cherished grandchildren, Jen (Jack Krokos) Belleville, Elizabeth (Ryan) Kusky, Andrew, Kyle and Justin Lanzilotti and Mia and Maddy Garzone; his sister-in-laws Barbara Quick, Shirley Belleville and Valentina Barbuto and his brother-in-law Nicholas Barbuto; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Joseph is predeceased by his brother Walter Belleville, his sisters Mary (the late Robert) Fulston, Lillian (the late William) Goodman, Helen (the late Emery) Miller, and his in-laws Nicholas and Mary Barbuto.

Joseph also leaves behind his special companion Dolores Girzone (and family) who have helped him to navigate the last five years of his life.

A special thank you to the ICU at Samaritan Hospital for their compassion and care.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 8:30 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, New York.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Joseph's name to K9s For Warriors at https://k9sforwarriors.org/