Joseph D'Aquino

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph D’Aquino, 89, of Smithtown, NY. Joseph passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026 with his daughter Lisa by his side.

Joseph (Joe) was Born on February 13, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY. The first born, he was the son of Italian immigrants. Joe was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Lisa and only grandson Salvatore who he adored.

As the first born Italian American Joe, was predominately raised by his grandparents who spoke only Italian. Both his parents worked. His mother was a seamstress and his father worked in a Chocolate factory. When Joe started grammar school, he only knew Italian but shortly thereafter began learning English and helped his mother and other family members to learn English.

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY in the 1940’s & 1950’s, Joe made many lifelong friends. His Grandparents and parents taught Joe about hard work, determination and the importance of family. His Grandfather was an artist who taught Joe how to draw, and Joe would use these skills one day as he sought a degree attending night school in fashion design. Joe was a Veteran who served his country and received an honorable discharge from the Army.

Joe married his wife Dorothy, of 61 years, in 1965. They bought a home in Queens, NY and shortly thereafter had their only Daughter, Lisa. The birth of his daughter, he would say, was his greatest accomplishment. Joe took a position working for the New York Transit Authority as a bus driver in Flushing Queens. Joe and his family moved from Queens to Smithtown where he continued to work as a bus driver. He would often say that his 20 years at the Transit Authority were special ones as he made friendships that would last long after his retirement. Always wanting to keep busy, he took a position as a School Bus Driver where he worked for many years.

Joe was a hardworking man who loved his family and friends deeply. He enjoyed Country Music, playing guitar, going to the racetrack, traveling and loved going to the Casino with his friends. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and for the countless memories that he shared with his wife, Daughter, grandson and lifelong friends.

He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.