Obituary of Joseph Enzinna, Sr.

Joseph S. Enzinna, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and pillar of his community, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on December 13, 1943, in Buffalo, NY, Joe was the beloved son of Samuel J. Enzinna and Rose (Tracy) Enzinna.

Joe  was a proud alumnus of St. Patrick's Elementary School and DeSales Catholic High School (Class of 1961) in Lockport, NY. He pursued higher education at St. Petersburg College in Florida and the University at Buffalo. In 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Anita (Renna), and together they built a life full of love and cherished memories.

A man of service and dedication, Joe served in the U.S. Army Reserves 98th Division from 1965 to 1971, achieving the rank of Drill Sergeant. He began his professional journey at age 14, working with his mentor and lifelong friend John J. Piazza Sr. While working for John he was eventually promoted to Administrator and Regional Executive Director of Senior Meadows Retirement Centers. In collaboration with John, Joe was instrumental in bringing the Showboat Restaurant from Chicago to Buffalo and served as Vice-President and General Manager.

The bulk of Joe’s professional career was spent as co-founder and General Partner of Heritage Management Associates, managing assisted living facilities in Western New York. Prior to this he was Vice President of Operations for Housing and Assisted Living Facilities at Presbyterian Homes of WNY. He then moved to become co-founder and Senior Vice President of Operations for National Health Care Affiliates, overseeing 14 facilities across multiple states.

Joe also served on various boards, including Executive Vice President and co-founder of the New York State Association of Adult Homes, the Amherst Elderly Transportation Corporation, Heritage Manor of Niagara, and the Armed Forces History Museum.

Above all, Joe cherished his family. He was the devoted father of the late Mariane A. (Enzinna) Fix and Joseph Jr. (Jeannie), and the proud grandfather of Derick Enzinna, Joseph M. Enzinna, Alexandra (Enzinna) Hotchkiss, and Jack S. Fix. His great-grandchildren, Aidyn Enzinna, Serenity Enzinna, Suri Rose Enzinna, Harper Hotchkiss, and Kinsley Hotchkiss, brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his sister Carla Sue D'Onofrio and her husband Joseph. He was predeceased by his sister Rozanne Enzinna.

Joe’s faith was central to his life. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lockport, NY, and Our Lady of the Angels in Lakewood Ranch, FL.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, January 24^th at 10 AM at All Saints Parish, 76 Church Street, Lockport.  In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org would be appreciated.

Joe’s legacy of kindness, leadership, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.