Joseph G. Kane, 66 of Kane Rd., Waterville, NY, passed away Monday, March 27, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.
He was born January 9, 1951 in Utica, a son of the late Roger and Alice Bogan Kane and was a graduate of Waterville High School. On June 28, 1980, Joseph married the love of his life, Valerie “Jill” Von-Matt at St. Bernard’s Church in Waterville. Joe worked as a bridge builder for Keller Construction of Albany, NY which perfectly suited his love of building and spending his time outdoors. He was always on the move and loved golfing with his wife, woodworking, hunting, camping and visiting National Parks. Joe was passionate about the environment and developed a second career focused on sustainability. He worked to bring reusable shopping bags to the world and hoped to eliminate single-use plastic bags.
Joseph was a communicant of St. Bernard’s Church, Waterville.
Surviving are his wife of over 36 years, Jill; his children, Danielle and Matt Hartman of Stamford, CT; Matthew J. Kane of Waterville; his parents in-law, Mary Lou and Kaspar Von-Matt of Waterville; his brothers and their wives, Edward Kane of Waterville; Lawrence and Shirley Kane of Wolcott; Peter and Elizabeth Kane of Waterville; and John Kane of Denver, CO. Also surviving are his in-laws along with many nieces, nephews and cousins, including Jack Fallon of Waterville who he always considered a brother. He was predeceased by a brother, Ronald F. Kane in 2015.
Above all, Joe was a cherished husband and the best dad. He loved his brothers, his friends and his family. He was generous of heart, bright of spirit, and always filled with laughter. He lived life on his own terms and will be truly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Saturday, April 1, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Church, 199 Stafford Ave., Waterville.
Friends are invited to call at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville on Friday from 4-7pm.
Interment will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate (a convent founded by Joe’s Great Aunt, Mother Mary Teresa Tallon), PO Box 658 Monroe, NY 10949-0658 or at http://www.parishvisitorsisters.org/

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