Joseph A. Ziter, Sr.

Joseph Ziter, 99, of Troy, NY passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Margaret McGrath Ziter; and their eight children, Joseph A. Ziter Jr. (Lauren), Paul Ziter (Cathy), Laura Marro (the late Joseph), Amy Russo (Patrick), Maria Livolsi (Robert), Ann McAvoy (George), Victoria Lyden (Jeffrey) and Lisa Gromyko (Steven) along with his very special niece MaryAnn Sweeney. He is predeceased by his son David J. Ziter, his parents Kalil and Amelia (Koury) Ziter, and his siblings Minnie Ziter, Helen (Ziter) Deeb, Camille Ziter, Karem Ziter, and Norman Ziter. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Joseph was born in Fort Kent Maine on August 5, 1926. After attending Catholic High School, Joseph served in the U.S. Airforce and then attended Julliard School of Music in NYC. He had a special love for music and was an excellent pianist and composer.

First and foremost was Joseph’s commitment to his wife of 70 years and his beautiful and loving family. He was a passionate golfer and a long-time member of the Country Club of Troy. He was a competitive chess and checker player. Joseph and his wife had a second home in Maine for a number of years, which was their home away from home. Maine became a special gathering place for the family who have many cherished memories.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joseph’s funeral Mass on Thursday, August 28 at Sacred Heart Church in Troy at 11:00 AM. There will be no calling hours. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.

The family wants to give special thanks to the wonderful caregivers who assisted with Joseph’s care, including Leslie, Missy and Cathy and to the wonderful staff at Hospice, especially his nurse, Paul.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County (www.communityhospice.com). To leave a message for the family, visit www.cannonfuneral.com.