NORWICH – CPT (R) Joseph Anthony Binelli "(Joe)" passed and went to be with the lord on Feb. 17,2007 at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown after a long courageous battle with diabetes.
Joe was born Nov. 13, 1939 in Norwich to Joseph Binelli, son of Christopher Binelli and Josephine Binelli (Mirabito), and Ruth Weller daughter of Ford Weller and Mima Rifanburg. Joe grew up in the Town of Norwich on what is now Oxford Road and attended Norwich High School. During his High School years Joe lettered in many sports to include cross country, was a New York State Intersectional wrestling champion as well as the New York State pole vault champion. After graduating from Norwich High School in 1957, Joe enlisted into the United States Army where he attend Officer Candidate School and after graduating in 1964 was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.
During this time Joe married Sharon Harvey of Norwich. While Joe was in the Army he served a tour of duty in Vietnam as an executive officer in a Military Intelligence Unit After returning from Vietnam Joe left the Army for a short while and reentered as a non-commissioned officer. During this time Joe served in many positions, most notable was his selection as Northeast Region Recruiter of the Year, the year he recruited his own son Michael to join the United States Army. As a recruiter, Joe spent most of his time recruiting in the Upstate New York area where he established many relationships with the local Army Reserve units and their members. After retiring from the Army in 1983, Joe reestablished himself in the Norwich area where he worked and was well respected in the auto sales community.
Joe is survived by his three sons, SFC (R) Michael Binelli and his wife Elizabeth (Bolton) Binelli, Gregory Binelli, and Brian Binelli and his wife, Julie (Marango) Binelli, all of Norwich. Joe is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Jessica Binelli and her husband Joe Pittsley, Joseph A. Binelli II, Michelle Binelli, Anthony Binelli, Haylee Marango, Heather Carey, Rebecca Carey, Stephanie Carey, Ryan Kappauf, and Kelly Kappauf, all of the Norwich area. Joe is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Mikayla Pittsley, Cameron Pittsley, Spencer Cummings, and Anaiya Davis all of the Norwich area. Joe is also survived by his long time companion, Betty Hughes of Norwich.
Funeral services for Joe will tee held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Hinman, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate.
Joe will be laid to rest at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m.
Joe’s sons and their family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Dr. Arthur Ticknor for the care and compassion he gave to our father during the time he was in the Norwich hospital.