Joseph Zahra, a Fishkill resident since 2007, formerly of Valhalla, died at home on Friday, November 22, 2013. He was 78.
Son of the late Louis and Assunta (Agius) Zahra, he was born in Manhattan on April 14, 1935. In 1955, he was inducted into the U.S. Navy and served on active duty for two years. On June 22, 1958, he married Laura Guarino at St. Anne's Church in Manhattan. Mrs. Zahra survives at home.
Joseph worked as a sheet metal mechanic for many years, retiring in 1996 as a member of the Local 38 (formerly Local 28), Brewster, NY. He was a parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill and Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary's Council #4065. An avid outdoorsman, his hobbies included golf, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed working around the house and homes of others, always keeping busy with various projects.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is also survived by his daughter, Dr. Susan Guiney of Thornwood; his son, Louis Zahra (Amy) of Warrensburg; his grandchildren, Daniel, James, and Lauren Guiney; and his sister, Frances Ohman (Boris) of Pinehurst, NC. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives & friends.
Joseph was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Rapa and Concetta Pomaro.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 24 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 25 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
For directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit Joseph's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.