Obituary of Joseph A. Degristina

ST. JOHNSVILLE – Mr. Joseph A. Degristina, a lifelong truck driver and resident of St. Johnsville, went home to be with the Lord early on Saturday morning, November 21, 2020, at the age of 70. Through the years we fondly remember Joe and he carried the nickname “Christy.” He was surrounded with the love and compassion of his family at his side. He was born on January 12, 1950, in Little Falls, New York, a son to the late Sam Degristina and Carmetta Matthews. He attended St. Johnsville schools. Joe served in the United States Army, Vietnam era and was an active member of the Morris J. Edwards American Legion Post #168. He last worked with R.B. Humphreys, Inc. of Westmoreland, NY. Joe was a proud veteran and an amazing man. He simply dedicated his life to his family. He was a loving husband, brother and a true grandpa through and through. His grandkids were everything to him. In his leisure time, Joe could be found out and about enjoying motorcycle riding (and sometimes even crashing)! He especially appreciated and loved hanging with his friends at the American Legion, playing cards there, funeral details, parades, and just total support of any events the Legion would offer to the community. His survivors include his beloved wife of 42 years, Margie (Everson) Degristina, of Little Falls; his four children, Samuel Degristina, of Warner Robins, Georgia, Dawn Hazzard, of Ilion, New York, Angela Degristina, of Herkimer, New York and Amanda Degristina and her fiancé, Lance Homa, of Newport, New York. His nine grandchildren are Brandon, Christopher and Cheyenne Rice, Allison, Brett, and Logan Coonradt, Makenzie and Eathen Degristina and Eli Homa. Joe has ten great-grandchildren and leaves behind his sister, Jeannie Wright; along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters whom he dearly loved, Mamie Degristina and Mary Ann Holzhauer. We have planned funeral services for Joe as follows. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, in St. Johnsville, New York, on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, from 5 until 7PM. The evening will end with a prayer service at the funeral home, at 7:00 PM offered by Pastor Frank Calabrese. There will be a full military graveside service on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at 10:00 AM, at St. Johnsville Cemetery that all are invited to attend as well. Please be prepared to follow the guidelines of wearing a mask and thank you. It is the wish of the family that memorial contributions in loving memory of Joe be either considered to the Morris J. Edwards American Legion Post #168, 38 West Main Street, St. Johnsville, New York 13452, or to the American Cancer Society, 110 Lomond Court, Utica, New York 13502. Envelopes will be available at The Enea Family Funeral Home. Joe’s family would like to extend their most sincerest thanks to all of those who have been there for us through this difficult time, including Hospice & Palliative Care, the Veteran’s Administration and an extra special thank you to Pastor Frank Calabrese and his wife, Sandy and the faith family of the Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Fort Plain, where Joe and his family have been longtime members, for all of the many prayers and support. A heartfelt thank you as well to Dave and Mona Whitehouse for their friendship and guidance throughout this hard time. In accordance with Joe’s wishes, all funeral arrangements have been established with his friends and Funeral Directors, Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (518) 568-2300.