Obituary of Joseph L. Mavaro

Joseph L. Mavaro, age 86, of Willowbrook, passed away on May 31, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Epi (nee Rodriguez) for 61 years; loving father of Hope Iliceto and her husband, Gregg and the late Renee Mavaro; cherished grandfather of Taylor Hope Iliceto, Michael Gregg Iliceto, and Christie Hope Gallant-Spiezio and her husband, Andrew Spiezio; dear brother of Sarah Veneziano, and the late Anthony Mavaro. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Joseph was born in Brooklyn in 1932. He was brought to Staten Island as a young child and was raised in the Concord section. He attended McKee High School. He was drafted and served in the Army, spending time in Korea. He worked for 25 years with the MTA as a specialist. Joseph was very handy and could build and fix many things. He was good at carpentry and electrical work and very competent with automotive equipment. More than anything he was a wonderful grandfather, taking care of them from infancy through teenage years and supported his family with this. Mr. Mavaro was the ultimate family man and was especially attentive with his special needs grandson and taught him simple tasks and took very good care of him. Joseph was also a member of the Assumption Council of the Knights of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to The Eden School, The Foundation for the Advancement of Autistic Person/Adult Programs (15 Beach Street, Staten Island, NY 10304). Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Monday, departing at 9:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family R.C. Church at 10 am. Entombment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm.