Joseph E. Maioriello

SCHENECTADY- Joseph E. Maioriello returned home and into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday July 18, 2025, after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Joseph was born on February 19, 1950, in Schenectady, New York, to his loving parents the late Florindo “Fred” Maioriello and Angela (Saglimbeni) Maioriello, sharing a birthday with his cherished fraternal twin sister Anita (Maioriello) Mikulich.

Joseph attended Linton High School in Schenectady, New York as part of the graduating class of 1968 and furthered his education thereafter at St. Joseph’s College in Windham, Maine where he met his wife Susan (Merrithew) Maioriello. He later conferred his Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English Literature at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, 1978.

His professional career began the same year as a photographer where he devoted 31 years to the New York State Legislature and was truly passionate about his craft. A lover of the arts, being one himself an artist, a photographer, painter, and poet. In retirement, he enjoyed creating beautiful works of art from his soul and sharing them with those he loved whether that be a painting, a photograph he took and professionally framed, a poem that he wrote or even a heartfelt card in celebration of a loved one.

Joseph shared his passion and love of the arts, forever inspired to create. He was also a history enthusiast and an avid reader. You would find him with the local paper, books of literature, poetry, and various novels, as a student of life. He had an eclectic taste in music and movies, whether classical or jazz instrumentals, a Hendrix guitar riff, to heartfelt lyrics; comedy to romance, drama, or documentary. Joseph enjoyed playing baseball and golf with family and friends, spending time in nature, appreciating a beautiful day, a picturesque sunset or moonrise over a star-filled sky. Being young at heart, he loved celebrating holidays, especially Christmas, believing in the magic. It gave him great happiness and joy to spend time decorating the house with the family and sharing an amazing homemade meal. His mastery level gift wrapping was something to look forward to every year and cutting down the family tree with his daughter Julianne at Ellms Tree Farm in Charlton, New York was tradition. He did everything with great intention and love.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife Susan (Merrithew) Maioriello of 53 years, loving father and Papa to two beautiful daughters and granddaughters, Lindsey (Maioriello) Bolton and Julianne Maioriello, Lily and Izabella Bolton; dearest brother and brother-in-law to his twin sister Anita (Maioriello) Mikulich and her husband Michael; his sister-in law Denise (Merrithew) McShane and her husband Joseph; his brother-in-law Eugene Merrithew and his wife Marilyn; and his sister-in law Beth Merrithew. He is also survived by and Uncle Joe “Pesci” to his only nephew Christopher Carelli and five nieces, Melissa (Carelli) Voss; Bethanie McShane; Ashley (McShane) Ramsdell; Jillian (McShane) Waycott; and Lauren (Merrithew) Sinclair, as well as many family friends that he is fond of.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday August 1, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the DeMarco Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY 12306 for a memorial in honor of Joseph. There will be no Mass or burial as Joseph’s wishes were to have his ashes spread over the ocean in Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html