Obituary of Joseph Walter Golata, Jr.

formerly of Elmira, passed away in Melbourne, FL on March 8, 2018. He was born July 19, 1927 in Elmira to the late Joseph and Violet Seymour Golata. He is now reunited in heaven with his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara Case Golata. He was predeceased by his sisters: Lucille O'Leslie, Judith Golata, and Jean Rutzke; sister-in-law: Janet Renko; brothers-in-laws: Albert O'Leslie, Clifford Case and Bernard Rutzke. Joe is survived by his daughters, Kathleen (Dennis) Andrews of Melbourne, FL and Christine Taylor of Newport News, VA; brother William Golata; brother-in-law Frank Renko; and sister-in-law Donna Case. He is also survived by four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. His grandson Christopher (Cindi) Harsh of Wasilla, AK held a special place in his heart. Several nieces and nephews also survive him, most especially Susan (Charles) Woods, Julie Renko Shanks, Carrie Renko Morris all from Elmira and a special grandnephew Christopher (Kelli) Woods of Rochester. Joe was a WWII Navy veteran, having served on the USS Tennessee in the Pacific. He spent 40 years working for the railroads and retired from Conrail in 1988. He loved tinkering in the cellar and fixing anything that needed it. Joe moved to Florida with his daughter Kathleen in April 2017. He joined a local veterans group and attended monthly lunches with his son-in-law Dennis, and other veterans, thoroughly enjoying the comradery and telling war stories. He was selected as a WWII vet to go on a Space Coast Honor Flight to Washington, DC with Dennis. In June 2017 they visited the War Memorials and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He spoke frequently and fondly of the trip. Although Joe's time in Florida was short, we made many wonderful memories and he will be greatly missed. We were happy to be able to enjoy his last year with him. There will be a private family Mass and interment.