Obituary of Joseph M. Sgro

Joseph Michael Sgro, 83, passed away peacefully, May 17, 2013, under Hospice care at Memorial Hospital Pembroke Pines, Fla. He was born Sept. 23, 1929, in Niagara Falls, the son of the late Frank and Domenica (Papotto) Sgro.Joe lived in Olean for many years and later moved to Jamestown, wintering in Davie, Fla. Mr. Sgro attended Niagara Falls High School, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was vice president of sales for Certo Brothers Distributing for 67 years. As the saying goes "Beer Men Come and Beer Men go but there is only one Joe Sgro." Joe was a member of Bartlett Country Club, Moon Brook Country Club and Pine Island Ridge Country Club. He was a life member of the Elks and served for 30 years on the board of the New York State Beer Association. Through- out his life, Joe was an avid supporter of activities at St. Bonaventure University. Survivors include his long time companion, Sue Keppel and her sons: Jeffrey (Tracey) Keppel andGrant Keppel; and five grandchildren: Tyler, Hannah, Thea, Drew and Erin Keppel, who will miss their Pappa. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, a great nephew, great-nieces and his god children: Dan Reid, Mike DeRose and Joe Weidt. He enjoyed being a part of the DeRose boys' (Dan, Ledgie, Mike, and Chris) lives as young children and took great pride in watching them grow up. Mr. Sgro was also fortunate to have many good friends, including Peter Certo, Pasty Collins, David Reid, Dave Weidt and Coach Jim Baron. In addition to his parents, Joe was also preceded in death by Sue's daughter, Allison Ann Keppel; three sisters and two brothers: Pauline (late Anthony) Colosi, John (late Mafalda) Sgro, Nicholas (late Evelyn) Sgro, Nellie(late Anthony) Ruffalo and Frances (late Leo) Simone :and his life-long friend, Andrea (Hank) Certo. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday June 1, 2013, in St John Catholic Church on Newton Avenue in Jamestown, N.Y. The Rev. John Kuhlmann will be celebrant. Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2013, in the Lind Funeral Home. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Joe's name may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750, Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221 or the charity of one's choice. You may light a candle in remembrance of Joe at www.lindfuneralhome.com