Joseph Richard Falduto

Joseph Richard Falduto, 83, of Racine and Scottsdale, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2017, at his home in Scottsdale following a short illness.

He was born on June 10, 1933, in Kenosha, WI, to the late Joseph A. and Grace (DeFazio) Falduto. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1951 and then served in the U.S. Army as a mess hall sergeant. It was well-known among the soldiers that Joe’s mess hall had the best Italian food they’d ever tasted.

Joe and his wife, Patricia “Pat” Jordan Falduto, celebrated their 35^th wedding anniversary this past February 6.  Their marriage created a beautiful blended family.  Joe had previously been married to Patricia (Sanderson) Falduto Miethke.

Joe was a journeyman electrician and a member of Kenosha’s IBEW Local 127. He graduated from the Racine Technical Institute’s electrical apprenticeship program and was an apprentice with Gagliardi Electric in Kenosha. He spent the next 35 years in a trade he loved. He was also part-owner of his family’s catering business.

Joe was an avid camper and belonged to the Kenosha Rambler’s camping club. He was happy outdoors enjoying gardening and mushroom hunting when he was younger and was so proud of his fruit trees in Scottsdale. Joe loved his Green Bay Packers and played every game with them from his arm chair. He and Pat enjoyed traveling. Their trips to Europe were especially memorable but they loved spending time with their family and friends most of all. He often treated them to his famous hot Italian beef sandwiches and mostaccioli.

Joe was a member of Racine’s Christ Church United Methodist and Past President, Vice President and Field Director of the Wisconsin Badger State Association, an affiliate of the National Camper’s and Hiker’s Association. He was also on his Scottsdale community’s HOA Board for 9 years, serving two years as President.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Pat, children Linda (Michael) Broesch, Dr. Laura Falduto, Mary James, Grace Falduto, Jeffrey Jordan, Kristin Jordan, Mark (Jackie) Jordan and grandchildren Janelle (Jeremy) Tummel, Johnny (Missy) Broesch, Julia Broesch, Dominic James, Patrick, Collin and Allison Jordan, great-grandchildren Jovie, Alivia, Mavis and Rory, sister and brother-in-law JoAnn and Bob Benzer, and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings Mary (Joseph) Covelli, Paul (Ann) Falduto, Frank (Beverly) Falduto, Martha (Jack) Chalekian, a sister and brother in infancy, and his son-in-law Thomas James.