Joseph Stanley Sansone

Colonel Joseph "Joe" Sansone died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 20, 2015 in Polson, Montana at the age of 74.

Joe is survived by his wife Sharon Sansone, 2 children, Joe and Robert Sansone, 6 grandchildren Jackson, Gwendolyn, Weston, Ashley, Sage and Finley. His brother's Sam and Jim Sansone. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph V. Sansone and Mother Sophia Sansone of Lockport, NY and his Sister Rosaline Wilson of Newfane, NY.

Joe was born on October 9, 1940 in Lockport, NY. He graduated from Lockport High School in 1958, and from Niagara University with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in 1963. He immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force, and attended Officer Training School. In his first assignment to Jacksonville Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas he met the love of his life Sharon Pollett. Over the next 30 years they travelled the World with the US Air Force with tours in Viet Nam, Iran, England, Germany the Pentagon and various locations throughout the US. During this time the couple welcomed 2 children Joe and Rob. Joe retired from the Air Force in 1990.

After retiring from the Air Force Joe went on to become a Jr. ROTC Commander. He taught High School ROTC in Texas, California and 14 years at Aviano Air Force Base in Aviano, Italy. He recently retired to Polson, Montana.

Joe was an accomplished teacher, coach and avid golfer. He was a hilarious individual who loved to laugh, be the life of the party and who was especially passionate about his family, faith and country. He was an active and dedicated member of the Catholic Church. Joe is remembered as a kind, funny, person who loved life and was loved by everyone who had the honor of meeting or knowing him. One friend summed up Joe's life this way "he was the most wonderful man with one of the largest hearts ever"!

A viewing is scheduled for Friday, July 31 at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home in Lockport, NY with a funeral set for Saturday, August 1st. Joe will finally be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Colonel Joe Sansone's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joe's name to the American Cancer Society or the cancer charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent to Sharon Sansone on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sharon.sansone.54?fref=ts&ref=br_tf . The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and especially to all of Joe's caregivers.

Read Joseph Sansone's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.