Joseph DiGristina, Jr.

Herkimer - Joseph DiGristina, Jr., 84, a longtime Herkimer businessman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY.

He was born on August 23, 1940, in Frankfort, NY the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Guarniere) DiGristina.  Joe was a graduate of Frankfort High School and attended one year of business school.

On November 3, 1962, Joe was united in marriage to Marie Annutto at St. Anthony’s Church in Herkimer by the late Rev. Gustav Purificato. The couple shared a blessed union of 36 years until the passing of Marie in 1998.

Joe started his working career, first at the former MDS in Herkimer. He was later employed at the former General Electric in Utica. In 1972 Joe, along with the love of his life, Marie started T & J Fruits and Vegetables in Herkimer. In 1991, he became a valued and trusted U-Haul dealer. In May of this year, Joe had celebrated 53 years of being in business.

Joe was a hardworking and independent businessman. He strived to provide the best for himself, his family and his customers. In his free time, Joe kept busy with plowing his fields with his John Deere tractor and planting vegetables.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Toni Ann; a sister, Florence Cardarelli of Herkimer; his sisters-in-law, Mary DiChristina of Frankfort and Carole Stearns of Herkimer; brothers-in-law, John (Joan) Annutto of Ilion, and James (Sandy) Annutto of Little Falls; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents and wife, Joe was pre-deceased by his sisters, Joanne DiSpirito, Rose Bellino, and Neva Volo; brothers, Charles DiGristina and Salvatore DiChristina, and in-laws, Nebo Volo, Frank DiSpirito, Carmen Cardarelli, Charles Bellino, Josephine DiGristina, Robert Stearns and Anthony Annutto, Jr.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 4 - 7 pm at the locally owned and family operated Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph, South Main St., Herkimer, NY. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Marie, at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY. All memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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