Joseph A. Saggese, 81, of Red Hook

Joseph A. Saggese, 81, a lifelong Red Hook resident, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at the Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, N.Y.

Born on Sept. 8, 1937, in New York, N.Y.; he was the son of the late Philip B and Antoinette (Proto) Saggese.

Joe married Janis B. DuBois on Dec. 7, 1963, at St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook, N.Y., Janis survives at home in Red Hook.

For many years and until his retirement, Joe worked as a Section Foreman with the Dutchess County Highway Department-based out of Rhinebeck, N.Y. He also worked for a number of years as a Village of Red Hook Police Officer.

A staple on the Northern Dutchess community, Joe may be best known as a funeral assistant with the Burnett & White Funeral Homes in Red Hook and Rhinebeck. As an integral part of the funeral homes for over 4 decades, Joe often could be found standing at the door, greeting visiting families and friends.

Active in his community, Joe was a life member of the Red Hook/ Rhinebeck Lodge 2022 BPOE in Red Hook. He served as a Trustee of the Lodge and served two terms as Exalted Ruler. Joe also was a 50+-year member of the Red Hook Fire Company, 20 year Captain of the Fire Police, Past President and volunteered on the rescue squad.

Joe also was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed deer hunting.

In addition to his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, he is survived by his two daughters, Janelle (Daniel) Nowicki of St. Cloud, Fla., and Joann (Roger) Pettinato of Albany, N.Y.; his grandchildren, Brandon Orr of St. Cloud, Fla., Nicole Daley of Albany, N.Y., Sarah Orr of St. Cloud, Fla., Joseph Pettinato of Albany, N.Y, Daniel Nowicki of Montgomery, N.Y., and Michael Nowicki of Montgomery, N.Y.; along with extended family and countless friends.

A brother, Philip Saggese, predeceased him.

Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Homes on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The Red Hook Fire Company will conduct services at 7 pm and the Red Hook/ Rhinebeck Lodge 2022 BPOE will conduct services at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at Burnett & White Funeral Homes, Red Hook, N.Y. Burial will be at Red Church Cemetery, Tivoli.

Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y.

For directions, or to sign the online guest book, please visit www. Burnett-White.com.