Obituary of Joseph Gerald Conte

Joseph Gerald Conte passed away peacefully on February 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 23, 1943 to Joseph and Mildred Conte in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Upon meeting his future wife, Patricia Kidney, he moved to the Poughkeepsie area. They married in 1964 at St. Mary’s Church in Poughkeepsie.

Joseph had a successful career as a private investigator with A.P. Cornella Investigations in Manhattan and DLD Investigations in Fishkill. He also worked collections for Marine Midland Bank and Avis Corporation, both of Poughkeepsie.

One of his proudest accomplishments was the time he spent volunteering for the Arlington Fire Department. Climbing the ranks, he was elected Chief of the Department, serving in that position from 1991-1993. He was also a member of the Rochdale Fire Company from the early 80s to the mid-90s.

Joseph and Patricia also had a second family that they became part of during their honeymoon in Pine Point, Maine, which became an annual vacation destination for them and their extended family.

He spent many years coaching Little League Baseball in Poughkeepsie, coaching his two sons and many of their friends during that time. Joseph enjoyed golfing, fishing, and collecting vintage items such as coffee mugs, beer cans, stamps, baseball memorabilia, and postcards. He also loved trains, politics, cigars, and Scotch–but most of all he loved being around the family he and his wife raised.

Keeping his memory alive are his wife of 60 years, Patricia; his daughter Kim (Poughkeepsie); his son Joseph Jr. and his wife Jaime (Old Orchard Beach, Maine); son Brian and his wife Kristine (Poughkeepsie); and his grandchildren Sophia, Dylan and Christian. His parents, Mildred and Joseph Conte, and his brother, Jeffrey Conte, predeceased him.

He will also be remembered fondly by his extended family, including the Arruzas, Browns, Homans, Weisses, Kidneys, Phillips, Duncans, Charlan’s, Wilson-Smiths, Watsons, Gilsons, Cordners, and Gordons.

Visitation is on Sunday, February 19, at Timothy Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie from 4 PM to 7 PM. Funeral services will be conducted from 7 PM to 8 PM by Father Stuart Wilson-Smith, a close family friend.

The funeral procession will begin at Timothy Doyle Funeral Home at 10 AM on Monday, February 20, and will travel to the Salt Point Cemetery (also known as the Westminster Presbyterian Church Cemetery) in Salt Point, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, New York.