Obituary of Joseph K. Eade

Olean – Joseph K. Eade     "Devoted Public Servant"

            Joseph K. Eade of Olean, age 94, died peacefully on March 30, 2018, at the Pines Healthcare Center following a long illness.  The Eade family mourns the loss of their beloved patriarch, who filled their own lives with love and laughter and whose own life was especially distinguished by dedication to others. He led by example and served Cattaraugus County in many capacities with great distinction.

Joe was born in Olean, New York, on August 7, 1923, the youngest of five children of Katter and Labiby Eade.  On September 9, 1945, he married Mary Joseph of Utica, who survives.

Joe, being a lifelong resident of Olean, graduated from Olean High School in 1941. He attended St. Bonaventure University as a member of the ROTC and during the Second World War served in the U.S. Army Air Corps with an Arms Specialized Training Program through Columbia University. Following the war, he began his career of 44 years at radio station WHDL, retiring in 1988 as its sales manager.  

Joe was a remarkable public servant whose dedication to his community was matched only by his devotion to his family. He began his public career, which spanned more than 50 years, in 1964 when he was elected to the Cattaraugus County Legislature, where he served for 36 years, with the overwhelming approval of the voters. For many years, he was on the board or a member of numerous organizations including Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc., Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board, County of Cattaraugus Industrial Development Agency, The County Board of Health, Southern Tier Extension Railroad Authority, Southern Tier Enterprise Development Organization, and the County Ethics Board to name just a few. His humility and decency in meeting the needs of the citizens is a testimonial to how noble public service can be.

            Those left to cherish Joe's memory include his devoted wife of 72 years, Mary; his sons Richard (Carol) of Cooper City, Florida, Alan (Connie) of Timonium, Maryland, and David (Betsy) of Winter Garden, Florida; and his daughters Valerie of Perth, Australia, and Sharon (Michael) Mikolanis of Aiken, South Carolina.  He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his 4 siblings and by his daughter Diane.  

            Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State Street, Olean on Monday, April 2, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 beginning with a prayer service at 9:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Divine Liturgy  at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Maronite Church. The Rev. Anthony J. Salim, Pastor, will celebrate.  Burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany, with full military honor's accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post #892.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Church, 1102 Walnut Street, Olean, New York 14760.  Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com