Joseph Federico

Joseph Fred Federico, Sr. of Dahlonega, Georgia passed away peacefully Sunday July 16th, 2023, at the age of 77.

Joe was born July 10th, 1946, to Bruno W. Federico, Sr. and Annetta C. Federico in Troy, New York. He spent his childhood in Mechanicville and Elnora, NY where he served as an altar boy and learned to play the accordion. After graduating high school, Joe worked for The Delaware and Hudson Railroad for several years while also working part time as a mechanic at a service station. He eventually transitioned to a traffic manager position with Great Northern Paper Company in Maine. In 1990, Great Northern was acquired by Georgia Pacific which kick-started a decades-long career in the south, where he retired.

In 1965, Joe met Mary C. DeSilvia in Mechanicville, New York and went on to have two children, Joseph Fred Federico, Jr. and Melissa Mary Jackson. Joe was a devoted husband and wonderful provider for his family.

Joe enjoyed golfing, but his true, lifelong interest/obsession was cars. He loved the old classics as well as the new fast sport models, which may or may not have been an invitation for minor trouble with speed detecting patrol officers. He made friends wherever he went through his quick, sarcastic, yet endearing wit. He was known as "Papa Joe" at his favorite local hangout and was honored as one of their "mascots", with his character printed on their t-shirts. He was loved my many and will be sorely missed.

Joe was predeceased by his mother, Annetta C. Federico, his father, Bruno W. Federico Sr., his brother Anthony P. Federico and wife, Mary C. Federico. He is survived by his son, Joseph F. Federico, Jr. and wife Karen Federico, his daughter Melissa M. Jackson, his brother Bruno W. Federico, Jr. and wife Barbara Federico, multiple grandchildren, two great granddaughters and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Dahlonega Funeral Home, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega Georgia on Saturday, August 19th from 3-6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Charles Smithgall Humane Society or rescue shelter of your choosing, as Joe had a deep love for abused and homeless animals.

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