Joseph L. Jonientz, 103, of Liverpool, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at home with his family at his side. Born on a farm in Geneseo, North Dakota, Joe was the youngest child of Leo Domenic Jonientz and Rosalie Hattie Sonsalla. Leo grew up in Wisconsin, and Rosalie emigrated to the U.S. from Szczecin, Poland, which became a part of Germany after WWII. After the Dust Bowl ravaged their crops and livestock in 1933, the Jonientzes sought a fresh start in Manlius, NY with family.

Following graduation from Fulton High School, Joe held various jobs at the Nestle Chocolate Company in town. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in the 337th Service Squadron in January 1942. He trained on aircraft engines and electrical systems before being deployed to Tunisia and Algeria, and then Foggia, Italy. He primarily worked as a sheet metal specialist repairing fighter airplanes. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant when the war ended.

Joe returned to Fulton and began training to become an electrician, eventually landing a job at General Electric in 1956. He spent his career troubleshooting equipment issues and later worked in the microchipping department, retiring in 1984. During his career there, he was sent to Greenland to repair a cell tower that had collapsed due to the frigid conditions. He also was involved with developing the technology that monitored the vital signs of the first primates to orbit the earth.

Joe built a life with his sweetheart, Mary E. Manitta, whom he married on June 19, 1948. He caught her eye one evening while on the dance floor, in his socks. They had three daughters: Carolyn, Jeanne and Rosemary. Shortly after Rosemary was born in 1957, the family moved to Liverpool. Joe lived in this home until the end of his life, as was his wish.

For over 20 years, he and Mary spent their winters golfing and dancing in Palm Harbor, Florida. He was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Liverpool and belonged to the Lace Dance Club for many years.

Joe was known for his quick wit, his remarkable memory, and his ingenuity and ability to fix almost anything. Family and friends marveled at how he knew something about nearly any subject, a testament to his love of learning.

He is predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Mary; his parents, Leo and Rosalie; his sister Julianna Olsen, brother Frank and sister Rose Reschke; a son-in-law Dennis Vallelunga; and many family members and friends.

He is survived by three daughters: Carolyn (John Noppa) Jonientz, Jeanne (Charles) Merulla and
Rosemary Jonientz; four grandchildren: Jessica (Joe Barrile) Merulla, Matthew (Antonio) Merulla, Julia (Bryan Bratos) Merulla and Nina (Brian) Canestrari; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joe's legacy continues through the love of knowledge he instilled in his children and grandchildren. The family would like to thank the many people who cared for Joe at home and gave him a safe and loving environment in his final days. Special thanks to Honor Flight Syracuse, particularly Jim Atwell, who honored Joe annually for his military service since his 100th birthday.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home, 300 Second St., Liverpool, NY 13088. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:30 am in the Catholic Family of Epiphany Church, 1001 Tulip Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.  The Rite of Committal and Burial will follow in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Syracuse, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY and of the Finger Lakes, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home online guestbook for Joseph to express your condolences to his family.