Joseph Civitano Sr, formerly of New Rochelle, NY passed away in his home in Delray Beach, Florida on March 3, 2021. He was 99 years old. He is survived by his four children Donna Finegan Steinauer (Ken), Joseph Jr.(Beth), Thomas Civitano, and Mary Anne Dalton; two sisters Pauline Gasparini and Anna Cordaro; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Mary Mathis Civitano; his sister Carmela Caruso and brother Frank.
Joe served in World War II as a staff sergeant under General George Patton for three years with the 11th Armored Division. He fought in the invasion of Normandy, the Hurtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. He then went on to librate the Mauthausen concentration camp.
In 2012 he was appointed a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor and was awarded a medal for his courage in liberating France during World War II. The New York Yankees honored Joe for his service at their home game in May 2019.
Joe was the owner of Joseph Civitano Fuel Oil Company in New Rochelle for 39 years. He was Exalted Ruler of the Bronx- New Rochelle Lodge 756; National President of the 11th Armored Division; an associate member of the Delray Beach Elks; a member of the American Legion Post 164; the VFW 4141; the Italian American Club and the Sons of Italy. Joe believed in giving back to his community and volunteered his time and talent to these organizations as well as the Delray Affair, the food pantry, the Coco Wood Lakes shows, and the Delray Beach 100 foot Christmas tree.
Joe always said the best investment he ever made was taking ballroom dance lessons. He spent many weekends dancing with his wife Mary and even won a few competitions. So in his honor put on your favorite Big Band tune and take a spin around the kitchen floor.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10 from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Mass is on Thursday, March 11 at 10am at Holy Name Church. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.