In Memory of Joseph R. Jiampietro

Obituary

Former Recycling industry leader Joseph R. Jiampietro passed away quietly on Friday, July 24, 2026 in Manlius, New York.  

Born Joseph Richard Jiampietro on January 10, 1941, in Utica, NY, he was the son of Dominick and Josephine (Mammone) Jiampietro.

After graduating from Whitesboro Central High School in New York, Mr. Jiampietro earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University. Mr. Jiampietro is a proud life-long member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity as well as served as Chapter President while attending St. Lawrence. 

Following Mr. Jiampietro’s formal education and during the early years of his professional life, he served as a member of the Air National Guard, 59th Fighter Group Squadron based out of Burlington, VT from 1964 to 1970.

Mr. Jiampietro began his professional career within the Management Training Program of AT&T. Following his Father’s passing, Mr. Jiampietro became President and Chief Executive Officer of Utica Alloys, Inc. with a corporate office located in Utica, NY and satellite operations in Rome, NY, Greenville, SC, Phoenix, AZ, the UK, China and France. Mr. Jiampietro also served as President and Chairman of the Board of Universal Waste Inc., Universal Industries Inc., Clearview Acres Ltd. and Nathan Steel, Inc., all of Utica, NY.

During his professional career, Mr. Jiampietro was an active member of trade associations within the recycling industry and served in various elected offices, including President of the Empire State Chapter for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) which incorporated New York State (excluding NYC) and all of Ontario and portions of Quebec, Canada. During his tenure, Mr. Jiampietro served on the National Board of Directors and as the Legislative and Environmental Chairperson in New York State for ISRI.

Mr. Jiampietro’s was noted for serving the needs of the community in which he lived, actively participating as a Member of the Board of Trustees of St. Elizabeth Hospital where he is credited as having served as a prominent member of the committee to bring Cardiac Care to Utica and for this was awarded Humanitarian of the Year by the Hospital. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Utica Industrial Development Corporation as well as the Mohawk Valley EDGE Board of Directors – entities responsible for expansion of business and bringing new businesses into the area. Mr. Jiampietro was particularly proud and gratified for the years that he actively participated as a coach of the community’s Little League and Babe Ruth organizations.

Mr. Jiampietro participated for many years in New York State local and state politics having served within the Democratic Party beginning as a Committeeman, then County Chairman, and rising to State Vice Chairman of the Party.

Mr. Jiampietro was appointed by Governor George E. Pataki of New York and served for eight years as a member of the New York State Commission on Judicial Nominations; nominations to the highest court of New York State.

After his retirement, Mr. Jiampietro became a resident of West Palm Beach, FL. He served as Vice President of the board at One Watermark Place and a member of the Palm Beach Yacht Club as well as The Breakers Palm Beach; where Mr. Jiampietro would be found most days on the golf course.

Mr. Jiampietro always had a larger than life smile on his face. He loved celebrating every holiday with friends and family. His favorites were Christmas Eve, Columbus Day and July 4th celebrations. With a white wine in hand, he was always excited to tell a story from his scrap metal days to anyone who would listen.

Mr. Jiampietro was also an active member of the Basilica of St. Edwards Roman Catholic Church on Palm Beach, FL.

In New York State, Mr. Jiampietro was a member of Yahnundasis Golf Club of New Hartford, NY; the Fort Schuyler Club (and the birthday group) of Utica, NY; and the Cavalary Club of Manlius, NY.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Joanna, of 38 years; two half-siblings, Margie Palladino and Dominick Jiampietro; two sons, Joseph and Jeffery; two daughters, Glynis Ford and Kymry Gotwald; and eight grandchildren, Jenna, Julia, Nicholas, Jillian, Alexandra, Anker, Matthew, and Tessa; along with many nieces and nephews. Mr. Jiampietro is predeceased by his parents and sisters Gloria Philipson and Anita Maxwell.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services located at 13 Oxford Road in New Hartford, NY.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Fred Mannara on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church located at 66 Oxford Rd. in New Hartford, NY. Interment to follow at the Calvary Cementery in Utica, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Joseph R. Jiampietro’s name to Hospice of Central New York or Hospice of Palm Beach County whose compassion and care was of great comfort to Mr. Jiampietro and his family.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.