1947 - 2021
OBITUARY
Joseph Louis Schara, 74 passed away with his wife by his side on July 20, 2021 at Vassar Brothers Hospital, Poughkeepsie NY, after a long history of illness, and a well-fought battle against lung cancer. While he will be missed dearly, he is now at peace.
The son of Louis and Nancy Schara, born January 7, 1947 in the Bronx, NY and was raised in The Bland Projects in Flushing Queens NY. Joe Attended St. Michael's Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Flushing High School. At a young age he was always fascinated with cars and learned to be a mechanic and got his first job working for his uncle Ralph at Tower Garage. He served as a proud member of the U.S. Air Force for 5 years. You can't have a conversation with Joe without hearing about his being stationed in Germany and Turkey before serving two tours in Vietnam. He was promoted to the Rank of Staff Sergeant before his Honorable Discharge. You can say Joe was extremely proud to be a Veteran. He had many loving and loyal friends. He stayed in close contact with his brothers in arms and his childhood friends from “The Bland”.
Known as the “Scooter Man” to those in the Village of Wappinger Falls, where he frequented many of the local establishments. Always looking to make new friends, Joe was very approachable and always had time to conversate with everyone in his community.
On June 6th 1986, he married Theresa Suriano. Theresa has been by his side since their first date in 1976 and throughout their 35 years of marriage. Joe continued his love of working on cars. He had a passion for boxing, hunting, fishing, traveling, and being with his family. Joe had a compassionate heart, he was the “give the shirt off his own back'' kind of guy.
Joe Schara is survived by his sister Ann Marie Schara Leventhal and her daughter Raquel. His deceased brother Paul Schara’s children Nick and Vincent. he also leaves behind his wife Theresa Schara and his Daughter Maily Schara and her children Mayan and Zane. Their son Jason Suriano and his three children Tino, Angel and Noel. Their Daughter Sophia Suriano-Schara and her four children Mathew, Natalia, Angela, and AJ. Their Son Joey Suriano-Schara, his wife Bridget Costello and his three sons Damien, Dante and their child Joseph.
His absence will be missed. Especially during the family's gatherings were we will share memories of his stories, jokes and larger than life presence.
Calling hours will be held at Delehanty Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 from 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.
Delehanty Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with funeral arrangements.
VISITATION
Wednesday, July 28
2:00 - 4:00 PM & 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Delehanty Funeral Home
64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY