The family behind Connie’s Diner is mourning the loss of Joseph Caratozzolo, a well-known Seneca Falls resident and local business owner, who died February 10 following complications during liver transplant surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was 69.
In a message shared by the diner, Gloria Caratozzolo said the family was grateful for the efforts of doctors and staff who cared for him. “Despite the incredible effort of the transplant team and everyone involved in his care… Joe did not make it through his liver transplant surgery,” she wrote, adding that family members continue to recover and grieve the loss.
Born December 1, 1956, in Seneca Falls, Caratozzolo was the son of Frank and Constance “Connie” Caratozzolo Jr. and a graduate of Mynderse Academy’s Class of 1975. He spent much of his working life operating Caratozzolo Plumbing and Heating, building a reputation for reliability and dedication to customers across the community. Family members described him as someone with a strong work ethic who took pride in his trade.
He married JoAnn Dombrowski on March 5, 1977, at St. Patrick’s Church in Seneca Falls. She predeceased him.
Outside of work, Caratozzolo was known for maintaining a daily routine centered around friendships and community. Nearly every day he gathered with longtime friends for morning coffee or weekend dinners, a ritual those close to him said he always looked forward to. He was also a longtime member and past president of the SMS club in Seneca Falls.
He enjoyed cooking, especially greens and beans, traveling to Florida and Mississippi, tending a vegetable garden, keeping a meticulous lawn, watching MMA, and playing guitar by ear.
Caratozzolo is survived by his mother, Constance; his sons Anthony (Stephanie), Joseph Jr. (Yuet), and Patrick; six grandchildren; brothers Frank (Donna), Paul (Beth), and Carmen (Gloria); his fiancée Lori Alvaro; and extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife JoAnn, his father, and his sister Mary Ann Archer.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, February 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Doran Funeral Home in Seneca Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow Monday, February 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church. Burial will take place at St. Columbkille Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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