Joseph John Lifrieri, Jr. 93, a recent Bethel, CT resident and a long-life Hawthorne, NY resident, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Keystone Place. Joseph (Joe) was born to Joseph and Margaret Lifrieri, Sr. and served in the United States Navy for five years. Shortly after returning from service, he met his beloved wife, Carol Ann, who passed on October 1, 2022. Prior to their passing, they were married for 68 years. Early in his life Joe embarked upon various career ventures including real estate, postman, and a custom-tailor at a men’s shop before opening several drycleaning and laundry storefronts in the local towns of Thornwood, NY, Hawthorne, NY, and Pleasantville, NY. Pleasantville Cleaners was the last storefront he owned, and he and Carol ran it for more than 50 years. Joe was well known by many in Pleasantville and the surrounding towns for his charm and friendliness.
Joe leaves two sons, Joseph John Lifrieri III (Maria) and William Charles Lifrieri (Monika) as well as four grandchildren, John Lifrieri, Gianna Lifrieri, Dillon Lifrieri, and Hannah Lifrieri. He dearly loved his grandchildren, and his youthful outlook on life came through during after dinner sidewalk sprints with his grandkids. He and Carol would often drive their grandchildren to their second home in Rhode Island all the while listening to big band music and the golden oldies during their trip, exposing them to music from the past. And no high school sporting event or recital was complete without a cheer from grandpa. He was a devoted and loving husband, and a beloved father not only by his children and grandchildren but also by the people who knew him.
Joe, together with Carol, were widely known in their community for their generosity. The two raised money and collected items for various charitable organizations including, the Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association, Toys for Tots, Coat Drive, and Thanksgiving Food Drive for the local women’s shelter.
A funeral ceremony for family and friends will be held at Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, 418 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY at 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM followed by 11:00 AM mass at Holy Innocents Church, 431 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Fund.