Mr. Joseph James Siskavich Sr

Joseph James Siskavich, Sr., 80, of Lyon Mountain passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington surrounded by his many loved ones. Joseph was born on October 27, 1939 at CVPH in Plattsburgh, the son of Bernard and Eva (Kaska) Siskavich. Joe “Butch” retired from the NYS Department of Corrections after 35 years of service. When he retired, he was the Fire and Safety Officer at the Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility. Joe was an avid outdoorsman and for many years taught hunting safety courses and enjoyed repairing and cleaning all sorts of rifles. In later years, he loved nothing more than to be on his pontoon boat with the wind in his face and a fishing pole in hand. Joe was skilled with his hands, always able to get even the most intricate knots out of the necklaces of his six daughters. He also loved the fine detail work involved in refinishing antique furniture and knew all the tricks for removing the most stubborn paint. And, each spring, generations of Siskavich kids and grandkids would anxiously await the blooming poplars to be dazzled with a homemade whistle that Joe would whittle with great patience and mastery, a skill he learned from his own father. Joe was as jolly as St. Nicholas with a belly to match. His love for donuts and soft-serve ice cream is legendary, surpassed only by the love for his dogs and children (probably in that order). Joe was a devout Catholic and often planned his day around his three o’clock rosary. He found great strength and comfort in his faith. His children regret to inform the New York State lottery and Publishers Clearinghouse that they may now go out of business without his long, loyal support. His family will miss his sunny life view and warm humor. He kept his family and his nursing staff in stitches, right up until the end of his life. Joe was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Linda (Shantie). He leaves behind ten children; daughters Annette Bradshaw, Lorraine Lobdell and her husband Raye, Pamela Pitts and her husband Richard, Virginia Bosley and her husband Daniel, Kristin Nichols and her husband Bradley and Kimberly Siskavich; sons, Joseph Siskavich and his wife Cheryl, Andrew Siskavich, James Siskavich and his wife Kayla, and Michael Siskavich and his wife Lauren. His presence will also be missed by his grandchildren, Justin Siskavich, Chloe Lobdell, Lydia Pivetta, Rylee Pivetta and Preston Nichols; two great-grandchildren, Bella and Sofia; and brothers Francis Siskavich, Robert Siskavich, William and Patricia Siskavich, and Edward and Priscilla Siskavich. Joe was also predeceased by two brothers, Bernard Siskavich and Felix Siskavich. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at St. Bernard’s Church, Lyon Mountain from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church, Lyon Mountain with Rev. Todd Thibault officiating. Spring burial will be held in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Lyon Mountain.

Mr. Joseph James Siskavich Sr

October 27, 1939 - February 13, 2020