Joseph R. “Joe” Argentieri – 91 – of 158 Sutherby Ave., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (July 19, 2013) at his home, following a slight disagreement with “Old Age”.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born March 19, 1922 and was the son of Stephen & Martha (Gallese) Argentieri.

Joe was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School.  Following high school, Joe attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

For over 30 years, Joe was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in many capacities, primarily in the soil’s department. 

Joe had a deep love of music and was an accomplished trumpet player.  Through the years he performed with many musicians and many bands, including the Joe Argentieri Band, Andy Grillo Orchestra, Press White Orchestra, The Versitones, Custer’s Last Band and Joe Argentieri & Friends.  He was still performing three years ago when he was 88 years young!

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher for many years.  He was also a former member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

Joe will be remembered for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor.  He loved a good joke and always had a humorous story to tell.  He also loved working and relaxing in his yard, taking daily walks (long before it became fashionable) and driving his vintage Volkswagens. 

He was married on January 12, 1952 to the former Lois Campbell who died in 2002.  He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Alexander Argentieri and Stephen Argentieri; 8 sisters, Edith Mancuso, Lucia Yanick, Rita Mess, Mary Mess, Ann Baker, Helen Kerr, Lena Grieco and Gloria Remington; 2 sons-in-law, D. James Benjamin and Richard Benesch.

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael Argentieri of Hornell and David (Linda) Argentieri of Forest Hill, MD; 2 daughters, Janice Benjamin of Chapel Hill, NC and Diane Benesch of Hornell, 1 sister Ilona (Lew) Turnbull of Jamestown, 6 grandchildren, Joshua (Emma Boyer) Benjamin, Sara (Andrew) Lake, Kali Benjamin, Amanda (Dennis Hyer) Benesch, Megan Argentieri & Andrew Argenieri; 5 great-grandchildren, Abbie, Alexander, Cameron, Riley & Owen; many nieces & nephews.

At Joe’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Joe’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Western New York Chapter, 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 150, Williamsville, NY 14221.