Joseph J. Mastracco

Joseph J. Mastracco, of Ann Street, St. Johnsville, N.Y., passed away on May 18th, 2026. He would have been 102 years old in August of this year.

Joe was born in Canajoharie, N.Y. in 1924, the son of Pietro Marcello Mastracco and Jenovina (Jenny) Nalli, immigrants from Italy. Along with his brother Henry and sister Mary, he was educated in the public schools in St. Johnsville. He would later obtain his associate's degree from Mohawk Valley Community College. As a teenager Joe began working at the local Smalley movie theater, assisting wherever needed. Eventually he would run the projector for the theater, something he would enjoy doing for many decades, whenever time allowed. This led to a lifelong love of old movies, particularly westerns.

In 1943, Joe entered service in the United States Navy and was trained at NTS Sampson in upstate NY. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor as a Fireman 1st Class until his honorable discharge. Upon returning to the states, he began working at the Beech Nut Company in Canajoharie, NY. After retiring from Beech Nut, Joe enjoyed working at the West St. Johnsville Cemetery.

On October 10th, 1953, Joe married Rosalie Finch, a sixth-grade remedial reading teacher at the St. Johnsville elementary school. They remained married for 53 years until Rosalie’s passing in 2007.

Joe Mastracco will be missed by his sons, Gregory Mastracco and wife Lisa of Utica, and Marcus Mastracco and wife Ann of Glenmont. In addition, Joe is survived by his four grandchildren, Kristine and Tim Snyder and Marissa and Allison Mastracco, and his great grandchild, Mason.

A short Graveside service will be held Friday, June 5th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the West St. Johnsville Cemetery. Per Joe’s wishes, the ceremony will be for family only. Services have been coordinated with the Enea-Ciaccia Family Funeral Directors, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion. NY 13357. 315-894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be delivered to www.mohawkvalleyfunerals.com on the Internet.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to all of Joe’s friends and neighbors who looked after him at his home on Ann Street, and to the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and its staff for the care and compassion shown to Joe.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made either to the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Inc., 7 Timmerman Ave, St. Johnsville, NY 13452 or the American Legion, 38 W Main Street, St. Johnsville, NY, 13452.