Dr. Joseph A. Spadaro, 85, of Syracuse, NY, passed away on October 29th, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family after a well- fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Joe was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He treasured his childhood in the multilevel family home built by his grandfather in 1925. He was very proud of his Sicilian heritage as both his grandparents immigrated from Sicily.

He was a proud alumni of Fordham University in NYC and had many, very dear friends from his time there, especially his college roommate, best man, and fellow physicist, Dan Bassano. He attended Syracuse University and earned both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Physics.

After receiving his Ph.D. from Syracuse, he first conducted orthopedic research at the Syracuse VA Hospital, and then subsequently at Upstate Medical Center. He became an Associate Professor of Biomechanics at Upstate University Medical School.

Over the years, Joe published hundreds of articles in the areas of electrical stimulation of bone growth; bone density and osteoporosis; radiation effects on bone; and various biomaterials.

During his 40 years in research, he interacted with dozens of Orthopedic attending physicians and residents in research and education. One of the highlights was providing clinical services in spinal cord monitoring during surgery.

Joe also gave over two decades of service to Upstate Medical University as Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee.

Joe spoke fondly of his many work colleagues in the Upstate Research and Orthopedic departments who were such a huge part of his daily life.

Joe treasured the many summers spent with his family on the coast of Maine as well as spending time at the Catskill family camp, built by his father, in Saugerties, NY. His grandchildren will miss hearing him play his mandolin and harmonica. He will be fondly remembered for his love of a good NYC bagel or donut and a “good” cup of coffee.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Spadaro, and their three children and spouses, Anne (Mark) Mattus, Dan (Amee) Spadaro, and Nina (Bob) Walters.

His pride and joy were his 22 grandchildren: Michael (Claire) Mattus, Anthony Mattus, Mary (Nathan) Andres, Christopher Mattus, Vincent Mattus, John Mattus, Dominic Mattus, Joseph Walters, Rebecca Walters, Claire Walters, Elizabeth Walters, Catherine Walters, Semida Spadaro, Samuel Spadaro, Eli Spadaro, Gianna Spadaro, Louisa Spadaro, Josephine Spadaro, Augustine Spadaro, Ephram Spadaro, Miriam Spadaro and Ephrasia Spadaro; and and three great-grandchildren: Josephine Mattus, Rebecca Mattus, and George Walters.

He is also survived on the Spadaro side by his three, devoted siblings: Anthony (aka Tim) Spadaro, Dr. Mary Ann Antonelli, Nina (Rives Thornton) Spadaro, along with nieces and nephews Nina (Zach) Hutchings, Corey (Stephanie) Snyder, Riley (Miranda) Snyder; great nieces Tava and Lydia Hutchings and great nephews Leo, Arlo and Noe Snyder. In addition are 26 nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews on his wife’s side, along with many of Joe’s very dear friends and neighbors on Harrington Road.

Joe’s Catholic faith was a pivotal part of his life and he was a regular communicant of Holy Cross Church in Dewitt. Joe and Mary developed many dear friends over the years through the Catholic community in Syracuse.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Louis Spadaro and many grandchildren tragically lost through miscarriage and still-birth, namely; Peter Mattus, Agnessa Spadaro, John Paul, Timothy, Sarah, Michael, and Dominic Walters.

May Joe’s soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. St. Joseph, pray for us!

Visitation will be Friday November 6th, 2026 from 4:00PM-6:00PM at Burns and Garfield Funeral Home at 3175 E. Genesee Street Ste 6 Syracuse NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, November 7th, 2026 at 10:30AM at Holy Cross Church 4200 E. Genesee Street Dewitt