Joseph E. Gennosa

Joseph E. Gennosa of Elmira, NY, surrounded by his loving family, entered into the presence of Jesus on April 6, 2023. Joe was born in Norwich, NY on December 28, 1938 to the late Alcursio “Gus” and Velma Gennosa. Those who knew Joe best, knew that although he may have seemed quiet, he was quite social. He loved his daily trips to Light’s where he made many special friends, including the kind waitresses and his good friend, Lew. Joe had quite the sweet tooth! You could easily make him smile with a donut or a handful of black licorice. Joe loved music as well. He played drums and was a member of the drum and bugle corp. He was especially fond of the Gaither Vocal Band, Selah, and the Platters.
Joe loved cars. Besides maintaining them, he was so proud of some of the beauties he owned back in the day. He dreamed of one day owning a Lincoln! For years, he drove a tractor trailer across the country and treasured his opportunities to see virtually all the United States. Joe also loved to dance, play trivia, golf, and bowl. However, he is probably most known for his involvement in the local church softball league where he pitched, coached, and mentored for many years. He was even inducted into the ECAA Evangelical Church Athletic Association Hall of Fame for his “unconventional pitching”.
Joe’s extended family may not have been local, but he became a surrogate grandpa to the entire community. Whether it was driving the van and bringing children to church, entertaining and welcoming them to school as a crossing guard, or offering a pocketful of Life Saver breath mints, he loved many, and he loved well. He also had a special place in his heart for his friends at Weis, SFCU, Tops, and the Falck Center, as well as all the incredible nurses that took care of him at Arnot, especially those in the ICU. Joe himself had a servant’s heart. He served as a trustee, deacon and resident comedian at his home church. He always found ways to donate items or volunteer his time and ability to help others. He regularly visited with those in need, often with a donut in hand. Joe’s accomplishments may have been humble by man’s standards, but he touched the hearts of many.
In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sister, Annette Hill, his nephews, Richard and Josh Hurlbutt, and his special aunt, Edna Newkirk. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy Hurlbutt of Elmira, daughters: Elizabeth (Ken) Smith, Christine (Patrick) Klee, Amy (Shane) Collins, and Anita Gennosa. He was also the proud grandfather ("Poppy") of Alison Klee, Asher and Noelle Collins, and step-grandfather of Kalton (Kassie) Smith. Joe is also survived by his sister Joan Boyce, brother-in-law Tony Hill; brothers-in-law: Rod Hurlbutt, Greg (Blanche) Hurlbutt, and William Hurlbutt, and sister-in-law, Stacey Hurlbutt; and many special nieces and nephews that span the entire country.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Christian Faith Fellowship with a service to immediately follow, led by Joe’s pastor and friend, Rev. James Crupi. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christian Faith Fellowship (719 Holdridge St; Elmira, NY 14904) or the Falck Cancer Center (600 Roe Ave; Elmira, NY 14905).