Obituary of Joseph A. Lomanto

Joseph Anthony Lomanto, 93, of Clinton, NY, born March 8, 1930, peacefully passed away in his home on August 25, 2023. He was the son of the late Antonio and Marianna (Candella) Lomanto.  

Joe lived a life dedicated to his family, community, and his passion for his business, Clinton Collision. Growing up on the Lomanto Farm on Rt 5 in Kirkland, Joe worked alongside his siblings and attended Westmoreland schools.  He proudly served with the US Army in the Korean War. In addition to his service, early in his career he joined his brothers at Jim's Garage in Kirkland. He worked for the Town of Kirkland for several years and later ventured into partnership with his brother Fred, co-owning and operating the Clinton Body Shop. In 1979, he opened his own business, Clinton Collision, on McBride Ave in Clinton, NY. On July 11, 1959, Joe married Patricia J. Chappell. Together they settled in Clinton, where he found his true calling as a community pillar and a successful businessman.  

He was a founding and active board member of ESTRA (Empire State Towing & Recovery Assoc.) for several years and dedicated 59 years to the Clinton Fire Department. More recently he served his community through membership in the Clinton Lions Club. He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Clinton, NY.  Joe left an indelible mark on his community through service to these organizations and made a positive impact on the lives of those around him. 

Joe's passion for helping others, his dedication to building his business, and his unwavering dedication to his family, particularly his grandchildren are his life’s legacies. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia, his in-laws, Howard and Marie (Girvan) Chappell, and son-in-law, Jack (JL) Bailey. Also predeceased by: his brothers and their wives, James (Bernice) and Fred (Arlene); his sisters and their husbands, Lena (passed in early childhood), Sarah (Tony) Shusky, Josephine (Ted) Faga, Lena (George) Gazzal, Mary (Victor) Bruni and Frances (Guy) Bonomo; and one sister-in-law, Pamela (Chappell) Zick. 

Joe is survived by his loving daughters, Laura Lomanto-Bailey of Clinton, and Holly and Rory O'Connell of Huntersville, NC. Further survived by the grandchildren he cherished, Kaden and Patricia Quinn O'Connell, sister-in-law Elizabeth and Ronald Akel, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. 

His Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marvin Street, Clinton, NY, followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to call on Monday, September 4th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Clinton Lions Club, the Clinton VFW, or the Clinton Fire Department are appreciated. 

At this time the family would like to express deep gratitude to all of his past and present employees of Clinton Collision, his caregivers (that lovingly helped Joe in his final years), his doctors, all medical personnel, and close family friends and neighbors who were there for him at any time of need.