Joseph Charles Scianameo, of White Plains, N.Y., a loving and level-headed man, passed away suddenly on July 12, 2022, while recovering from an illness at a family member’s home in New Jersey. He was 78.
Born in New York City, he was the son of Joe and Rose (Cacciatorie) Scianameo. He was a lifelong athlete with a mathematical mind.
After high school, he put himself through City College by working three jobs and earned an undergraduate in electrical engineering. During the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, serving for eight years. during the Vietnam War. His first civilian job was with NY Bell, where he quickly moved up in the ranks, and was able to return to school and earn a Master’s in Business at Rutgers University. While there, he would often be asked to teach the class. He was a natural-born teacher.
While working for NY Bell in the 1970s, Joe and a friend opened two successful nightclubs, On the Rocks and The Post Club. He hired top bands to perform every Thursday night, and when they weren’t playing, the sounds of the 70s, from Abba to Ace, were playing on the jukebox.
Always close to his parents and sister, Rosemarie, he embraced being an uncle from the start. He devoted himself to his niece and nephew, taking them skiing, swimming, and biking, and playing basketball, baseball, and tennis with them. When he visited them in childhood, he brought a big bag of toys; when they were teens, he gave them 45’s and was a voice of reason. When they were in college, they would visit him frequently in White Plains, and he would time them to see how fast they could run up the three flights of stairs to his condo. His grandnephews also had a very special place in his heart, and he was proud of their character and achievements.
He and his parents and sister Rosemarie were always close. He didn’t meet his life partner, Melanie Cane, of Rye, N.Y., until the week he retired, at the age of 52. He was playing tennis on the court next to hers and was blown away by her backhand, and soon by her.
When Joe and Melanie weren’t winning tennis tournaments together, they were rescuing dogs — over 20 of them, primarily pit bulls, from shelters.
Joe Scianameo treated all of God’s creatures with affection and they returned his affection. He was a nurturing and generous soul.
Although he spent many hours each day in perpetual motion, working out, biking, swimming, playing tennis, or walking on the Playland Boardwalk with Scoop and Baby Bop, the canine loves of his life, he was someone who was at ease with himself and made everyone around him feel comfortable.
“Joe was what we think of when we say still waters run deep,” said his family. “He was level-headed, even-tempered and always positive.”
In addition to his sister, Rosemarie Farrell, his niece, Donna, and nephew John, he is survived by his longtime love, Melanie Cane; his grandnephews Joey, Daniel, and Justin; his dogs Scoop and Dip; and many close friends.
A celebration of his life will be held July 31 from 2 to 4 at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home, 491 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains. A service will be officiated by Melanie Cane and Melanie and Joe’s close friend, Rev. Andie Raynor starting at 3 p.m.
Donations in Joe Scianameo’s memory may be made to the Veterinary Cancer Society (vetcancersociety.org).