Obituary of Joseph M. Ark

Obituary Joseph M. Ark, 91, of Silver Creek, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday morning June 24, 2018 at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk, NY after a short illness. Joe was born in Silver Creek, NY on September 22, 1926, the son of the late Samuel and Frances (Randazzo) Ark. On April 3, 1948, he married Theresa Biscaro, and she preceded him in death on May 24, 2015. Surviving are three daughters; Carol (Stephen) Waugh of Silver Creek, NY, Joanne Picarro of Auburn, NY ,Francella (James) Shutts of Ellenburg Depot, NY and a son David (Melissa) Ark of Harrisburg, PA; eight grandchildren, Tara (Kevin) Graham, Melanie Waugh, Mindy (Peter) Lucas, Lauren ( Mark) Hoerbelt, William ( Morgan) Picarro, Captain Scott( Danielle) Shutts, Adam ( Victoria) Shutts, Casey Ark, and 13 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 67 years Theresa M. Ark, three brothers, Samuel, Peter, and Thomas Ark and a sister Jean Patz. A lifelong area resident, Joe was a 1944 graduate of Silver Creek High School. He entered into a carpentry apprenticeship, completing it in 4 years. He worked side by side with his father and his brother Peter for the family business, Ark Builders. Joe went back to school at the Buffalo State University, earning a teaching certificate in 1976. Joe was a building and trades teacher for BOCES in Angola, NY, retiring after 15 years of service. Joe was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel R.C. Church in Silver Creek. He sang in the choir, was a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, a recipient of the St. Joseph Workers Award, active in the Social Club and the Holy Name Society. He also belonged to the Silver Creek Senior Citizens Club. He loved his family, enjoyed working with tools and woodworking. His grandchildren referred to him as the “Funny Grandpa” because of his sense of humor. Prayers will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 9:30a.m. at the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel 160 Central Ave. Silver Creek, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady of Mt Carmel R.C. Church in Silver Creek. The family will be present today from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions in Joe’s honor to the Silver Creek Emergency Squad or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church. To share a condolence or remembrance with the family, go to www.holeparkerfc.com. To send flowers to Joseph's family, please visit our floral store.