Obituary of Joseph L. Conte

Wayland – Joseph L. Conte, 92 years of age, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his home. Joe was born September 20, 1931, in Rochester, the son of Louis and Julia (Granus) Conte. Joe grew up in Rochester and was drafted on April 5, 1952, into the Marine Corps and served with the Dog Company, 2nd Battalion. Joe’s unit came under attack Easter morning April 5, 1953, and was wounded in battle. On April 5, 1954, Joe separated from the Marines and came home. Joe earned the distinguished Purple Heart Award and was honored to be a participant with the Korean War Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC. His love of country and community continued as he began a career in law enforcement. Joe entered the Rochester Police Department in 1956 and served 20 years retiring as a Detective in 1976. He took his experience to the Wayland/Cohocton communities where he worked in the local departments for 16 years from 1984-2000, worked security for the Steuben County Court for 9 years from 2000-2009, and concluded his law enforcement career back with the Wayland Police Department for additional 10 years from 2009-2019. Joe received the distinguished Conspicuous Service Cross, which was presented by Kerry Pebbles, Chief of Police in Wayland. This is only given to individuals whose entire service in the US Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Army Nurse Corps, was honorable, who has received a personal decoration issued by a brigade or equivalent higher headquarters for receiving the Purple Heart Medal, and served in both military and law enforcement. Joe’s 54+ years in the law enforcement field makes him the longest serving Police Officer in the State of New York to date. Joe owned and ran a bar in Rochester for many years. Joe was also a member of the Wayland American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, garage sales, and was a collector of many hats which he wore proudly! Joe loved his dog “Ruger” who was his faithful companion and always by his side. But above all, Joe loved spending time with his family and being “Papa” to everyone he met. Joe was pre-deceased by his parents, Louis and Julia Conte; his brothers, Bill, John (“Ronnie”) and Richard Conte. He is survived by his brother Louis (Grace) Conte of Rochester, his soulmate, Dorothy Musgrove of Wayland, step-daughters Joyce (Dick) Knaack of Albion, Rochelle Bachtelle of Spencerport, Danielle (JR) Guzman of NC, and Michelle (AW) Tomlin of VA, 11 grandchildren 13 great-grandchildren that only knew him as their Papa, many nieces and nephews, and his life-long best friend since they were 8 years old, Fred Meli of Rochester. Joe was grateful for the love and care in his later years from Jean Bagley and his dear friend Guy Elderkin. The family would like to thank Home Health Care, for the unwavering personal care and support provided to Joe in his last years by Ashley, his nursing aide. Joe thought the world of her. Joe’s family and friends may call Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 11am-1pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. Joe’s funeral service will be at the conclusion of calling hours at 1pm. A full Military and Law Enforcement with honors will take place at the funeral home at the conclusion of his service. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Canandaigua at the convenience of his family. Contributions in memory of Joseph L. Conte may be made to St. Jude’s P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642.