Joseph “Joe” Anthony Netto, a first generation American, one of America’s Greatest Generations, passed April 16, 2025 in Summerville, SC with his family by his side. Joe was 101. He was a kindhearted and loving husband, companion, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, whose legacy will continue to be honored through the life of his family and friends. He was a summer resident of Clayton, NY.
Joe was born in Watertown, NY July 19,1923, the son of Alfred F. and Lena Valentino Netto.
He graduated from Watertown High School in 1942, served in the US Army March 11,1943-September 6, 1944 and graduated from St. Lawrence University (Canton, NY) in 1947. Joe was not only a brilliant scholar, but also an exceptional athlete (baseball and football) in both high school and college. Following college, his competitive athletic nature over the next 70+years helped him become an outstanding golfer until 2023. He habitually shot his age, a feat very few achieve.
On March 16, 1945, he married Mary Briggs (March 16,1923-June 6, 1996) in Adams, NY. They were married 51 years and parented three children, Kathy, Joe, Jr. and Mary Jane.
Joe, following his graduation from St. Lawrence University, dedicated 30 years to public education including: Math and Science teacher at Clayton High School (1947-53, 1955-56), Mamaroneck Junior High (1953-54), Gouverneur Jr. High principal (1957-72) and Superintendent of Gouverneur Schools (1973-78). Joe taught to all the 4 R’s-Reading, Riting, Rithmetic and RESPECT!
In education, he was an active member and leader in the following organizations: National Associated Secondary School Principals, NY State Teachers Association, North Country School Administrators, Northern NY Athletic Conference, St. Lawrence County Chief School Administrators, NY State School District Administrators and American Association of School Administrators.
Joe’s civic involvement Included: Director of Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of E.J. Noble Fund Drive, Member Board of Directors of the St. Lawrence Chapter of American Red Cross and The Gouverneur Fair Association.
Joe is survived by two daughters: Kathryn and husband Tom Chilton of Summerville, SC, Mary Jane and husband Wayne Nelson of Seneca, SC, 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Along with his parents, Joe is predeceased by his wife, Mary, son Joseph Netto, Jr., two brothers-John A and Alfred T Netto and two sisters-Helen Parker and Rosalind A. Laundy. Joe’s companion Ann McGrath of 28 years passed January 3, 2025. She is survived by Nicholas Borelli and his wife Judy.
Joe inspired the Greatest Generation traits of a strong work ethic, frugality and patriotism in all he met. Additionally, in the thousands of students he educated, he instilled respect, compliance and the value of education. It has been said many times, Joseph Netto has always distinguished himself as placing Family First, Christian Gentleman, expert educator and devoted citizen to his community.
A graveside service for family will be held at Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown, NY on August 8, 2025. A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at the C-way Restaurant, Clayton, NY from 1-4 on August 8th.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Agape Hospice of the Low Country, %Agape CareGroup, PO Box 37, Lexington, SC 29072.
Local arrangements are with Cummings Funeral Services, Inc Clayton, NY. Online condolences may be posted at: www.cummingsfuneral.com.