Obituary of Joseph P. Renaldo

Joseph P. Renaldo (Papa) DVM (77 yrs. old) of Plummer, Idaho passed away May 8th, 2015 at Kootenai Health following complications from a stroke. Joe was born January 27th, 1938 to Paul and Providenza (Merlo) Renaldo in Buffalo, New York. He grew up in North Collins, NY where he graduated from North Collins High School with the class of 1955. Joe then attended New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and graduated in 1961. Joe married the love of his life, Joan Verminski, of Clinton, NY on a beautiful sunny day on September 10th, 1960. In 1962 he received his commission in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps., and was stationed for 2 years at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. He lived in Glens Falls, Verona, and Oneida, NY. While living in Verona he co-founded and operated Oneida Animal Hospital where he touched many lives with his knowledge, dedication, and love of large and small animals and their owners. He retired in 1998. Joe was very active in the community, spending 40 years in the veterinary field while he and Joan raised their 4 children. While in Oneida Joe belonged to the American Veterinary Medical Assoc., and the Central New York State Veterinary Medical Assoc., this included 8 years on the Executive Board as well as holding the office of president. Joe was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1998 for his contributions to the veterinary field of medicine. Joe also served 10 years on the VVS School Board where he also held the office of president. In 1966 Joe became a member of the Rotary Club of Sherill, NY and continued his dedicated service for years including being a founding charter member of the St. Maries Rotary Club in St. Maries, Idaho. A high school scholarship was created in his honor in New York State for his commitment to Rotary and his efforts in the community. Joe has received the “Paul Harris Fellow” award multiple times over the past 40 years. In 2013 he traveled to India to participate in the Rotoplast surgeries to help children born with a cleft pallet. He also was very supportive of the efforts to eradicate polio throughout the world. In 2001 Joe and Joan moved to Plummer, Idaho to retire in their dream home where he could fish, garden, camp, and travel. He spent his time creating beautiful woodworking projects and being a member of the St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. One other tremendous member of his family is his shadow, woodworking buddy, and four legged best friend, “Ginger”. Dad, Papa, and treat giver will be missed more than words can describe. If you ever have the time look up his name on the internet and you will read about an amazing man who changed lives for his family and his patients including a story about how he operated, medicated and saved the life of a dog all for “$15.00” for an owner that struggled with paying for his services. Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Renaldo. His sons and daughters in law Chris and Robin Renaldo, and David and Rondi Renaldo. His daughters and sons in law Maria and Joseph Cousins and Ann and Mark Girasole. He is survived by his brother Ed Renaldo, sister and brother in law Pauline and Ron LaDuca, and sister Janet Patterson. Also, he is survived by 14 grandchildren, 3 ½ great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Providenza Renaldo, his brother Daniel Renaldo, and his grandson Adam Cousins. __________Rosary will be held on Wednesday, May 13th at __7:00 p.m. and Funeral services will be at St. Mary Immaculate Church in St. Maries, Idaho, Thursday May 14th at 11:00 am at St. Mary Immaculate with a reception to follow . In lieu of flowers please donate in Joe Renaldo’s name to the Rotary Foundation @ www.rotaryfoundation.org. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com