Joseph C. Genova Rochester - Joseph C. Genova passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023 at age 90. Predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann; brothers-in-law, Anthony DePetres & Walter Cavatassi. Joe is survived by his son, Peter (Tracey) Genova; daughter, Susie (Jerome) Barczykowski; grandchildren, Lucia Barczykowski, Julie Barczykowski; sister, Jean DePetres; sister-in-law, Pat Cavatassi; many nieces, nephew, cousins and friends. Joe was an Army veteran of the Korean War, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Joe's life story will be shared during visitation on Friday, April 28th, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the funeral home 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester, NY 14626. His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY 14612. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Please direct memorials to DAV - Disabled American Veterans at P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 in his memory. Donations to DAV may also be made by phone at 877-647-VETS (8387) or online at https://www.dav.org/. Remembering Joe Genova Joe was born in 1933 to Joseph N. and Mary E. Genova. He grew up on Colvin St and remembered the area perfectly well into his adulthood. He often spoke of a childhood spent exploring the city with his cousins, playing in such spots as the Genesee River, railroad tracks and the local junkyard. His mother told a story of the group of boys taking a broken baby buggy from the junkyard, pushing it to the top of a sloping street and letting go, much to the dismay of the drivers who swerved to avoid it. Joe attended Holy Family School during his elementary education. He never missed an opportunity to support the school as an adult (especially through their annual pie sale). Joe attended Edison Tech High School until April 24, 1950 when he joined the United States Army. He had turned 17 just twelve days before he enlisted. Joe loved to travel and enjoyed telling stories about the various places he trained in and the people he met there. (One of his stories described a time he was arrested by a sheriff who also happened to be the tow truck driver and postmaster of his "one-horse town".) The camaraderie among his fellow servicemen was a common theme amid stories of their hijinks as young soldiers. On June 27, 1950, President Truman announced support for South Korea in repelling an invasion by North Korea, entering the U.S. in the Korean War. Joe and his fellow soldiers who would later be known as the Chosin Few defended South Korea at the Battle at the Chosin Reservoir: the site of one of the most brutal battles between UN and Chinese Communist Forces during the Korean War. Joe returned to Rochester after he was honorably discharged from the army in August 1954. Joe's uncle Paul was a great support during his time re-adjusting to civilian life. He purchased a green MG which he used to dabble in rally racing. Joe worked as a welder for the Iron Workers Union and, eventually, Manpower, which provided veterans the opportunity to practice skilled trades. In 1964, he met Mary Ann Mantelli at a local dance. As they dated, Joe spent time with Mary Ann's family, and developed a great respect for her father, Peter Mantelli. They married on April 19, 1969. Soon after, a baby was on the way. Joe spent his days teaching welding at Edison Tech and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. At night, he attended SUNY Empire State to earn his New York State teaching certification. (Mary Ann typed his papers for him and, most likely, heavily revised them as well.) Peter Joseph arrived on September 21, 1970. The Genova family purchased their first (and only) home in 1973. Susan Mary was born on May 3, 1979. Joe was devastated by the loss of his father in 1994 and his mother in 1996. He retired from Edison Tech soon after. Retirement gave Joe the opportunity to practice his hobbies: gardening, sketching, sculpting and carving. He was a life-long learner and enjoyed reading about history, inventions and travel. Joe "tinkered" artistically and was always making a new model or drawing. He worked as a member of the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society and was a member of the Charlotte Community Association. Mary Ann passed away in 2011 after a long illness. Joe was forced once again to re-adjust to civilian life. He remained in their home on Hewitt St, maintaining the backyard and gardens. Joe was thrilled to welcome his first granddaughter, Lucia Mary, on June 8, 2015. Her sister Julie followed on January 13, 2018. Joe loved being a Papa and it was quite possibly his favorite role of all.