Obituary of Joseph S. Tedesco

Dr. Joseph S. Tedesco Fairfax, VA. Joseph S. Tedesco of Allegany, NY passed away Sunday July 5, 2015 at Sunrise Assisted Living of George Mason in Fairfax, VA. Born July 4, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY he was the son Sam and Caterina Collela Tedesco, immigrants from Reggio Calabria, Italy. Joseph was a 1945 graduate of Regis High School in New York City. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Master of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Fordham University in 1950 and 1956, respectively. Joseph earned a Ph.D. in English Literature in 1971 from New York University. He began a teaching career at St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School in Bronx, NY in 1952. After that he worked as a mechanical engineer for 13 years but returned to his lifelong love of teaching in 1966 at St. Bonaventure University as a professor of English. In his 42 years of teaching, his specialties included oral and written composition, and the playwright George Bernard Shaw. Among his professional accolades were serving multiple terms as the Chairman of the English Department, frequently presenting at the scholarly conferences and furthering the advancement of the University community through his roles in the Faculty Senate, the Campus Ministry Council and the Long Range Planning committee. However, the accomplishment he was most proud of was seeing his students excel. Joseph also served in the United States Navy from 1945-46. Surviving him are his sister Diana Germain, of Fairfax, VA, his son Joseph Tedesco, of Portland, Oregon, daughter Francesca Tedesco of New York, NY and 14 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Danny Tedesco of Commack and Pat Tedesco of Staten Island. Friends will be received both Saturday and Sunday from 5-8pm at the St. Bonaventure University Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the chapel on Monday July 13, 2015 at 10:00am. Fr. James Vacco will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's memory can be made to the Campus Ministries at St. Bonaventure University, P.O. Box 2519, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778 or www.sbu/edu/donate. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.