Obituary of Joseph A. Tosti

Joseph A. Tosti Joseph A Tosti, age 76, of Rome, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at St. Luke's Hospital, New Hartford, after a prolonged illness. He was born in Rome, NY on September 1, 1939 to the late Philip E. and Josephine (LaGatta) Tosti. Joe was educated in Rome Public Schools and went on to higher education at the University of North Carolina, University of Wisconsin, and Utica College. He married the former Peggy LaBounty of Madison Wisconsin and the two remained together until her passing on November 4, 2012. Joe's professional career covered many facets and passions. After earning his degree in English, he taught High School English at Rome Free Academy and Canastota Central School. In 1969, he opened and operated Tosti's Steak House with his wife Peggy until 1983. After closing the restaurant he worked for Par Technology as a tech writer. His passion for writing led to a business venture when he opened Wordsmiths Etc. In 1992, he had a calling for public services and began working for the Oneida County Social Services Department in Child Protective Services. As a caseworker, investigating and protecting at risk youth was his greatest source of pride. He performed this work until accepting a position as the Oneida County Democratic Analyst. Joe held this position until his retirement. Other passions of Joe's were his love of the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Mets, The University of North Carolina Tarheels, and the Democratic Party along with playing Bridge. Anyone that knew Joe can certainly recall many a spirited discussion when one of those topics surfaced. One of his fondest memories was playing catcher for the Smith Post 1955 NYS American Legion Championship team. Joe is survived by a son, Gaetano Tosti and his wife, Francine of Rome, stepchildren, Michael and Marta Boerger of CA., Eva Marie of Rome and Ava Smoldt of CA. Joe leaves grandchildren Corrie Boerger of CA., Tyler Tosti of Rome, Sarah and Steven Smoldt of CA., and Sophia Iglesias-Tosti of Rome. He also leaves his sister and a brother in law; Phyllis and Neil Edkins of Rochester, NY., and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A stepson, Mark Boerger, predeceased him in 2008. The family would like to share a special thank you to his cousins Henry and Gail Bush, and Anthony and Linda Tosti and his friends, Kim Smith, Peter and Rita Reilley and Margaret Williams for their support and friendship. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 4:00 p.m., at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choosing in Joe's name. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com