Joseph P. Renaldo, 77

Joseph P. Renaldo, "Papa," DVM, 77, of Plummer, Idaho, passed away May 8, 2015, at Kootenai Health following complications from a stroke.

Joe was born Jan. 27, 1938, to Paul and Providenza (Merlo) Renaldo in Buffalo, N.Y. He grew up in North Collins, N.Y. where he graduated from North Collins High School with the class of 1955. Joe then attended New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. and graduated in 1961.

Joe married the love of his life, Joan Verminski of Clinton, N.Y., on a beautiful sunny day on Sept. 10, 1960. In 1962 he received his commission in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps., and was stationed for two years at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

Joe lived in Glens Falls, Verona, and Oneida, N.Y. While living in Verona he co-founded and operated Oneida Animal Hospital where he touched many lives with his knowledge, dedication, and love of large and small animals and their owners. He retired in 1998.

Joe was very active in the community, spending 40 years in the veterinary field while he and Joan raised their four children. While in Oneida, Joe belonged to the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Central New State Veterinary Medical Association. This included eight years on the executive board as well as holding the office of president. Joe was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 1998 for his contributions to the veterinary field of medicine. Joe also served 10 years on the VVS School Board where he also held the office of president.

In 1966 Joe became a member of the Rotary Club of Sherill, N.Y. and continued his dedicated service for years, including service as a founding charter member of the St. Maries Rotary Club in St. Maries, Idaho. A high school scholarship was created in his honor in New York State for his commitment to Rotary and his efforts in the community. Joe received the "Paul Harris Fellow" award multiple times over the past 40 years.

In 2013, Joe traveled to India to participate in the Rotoplast surgeries to help children born with a cleft palet. He also was very supportive of the efforts to eradicate polio throughout the world.

In 2001 Joe and Joan moved to Plummer to retire in their dream home, where he could fish, garden, camp and travel. He spent his time creating beautiful woodworking projects and being a member of the St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. One other tremendous member of his family is his shadow, woodworking buddy, and four legged best friend, "Ginger."

Dad, Papa, and treat giver will be missed more than words can describe. If you ever have the time, look up his name on the Internet and you will read about an amazing man who changed lives for his family and his patients - including a story about how he operated, medicated and saved the life of a dog, all for $15 for an owner that struggled with paying for his services.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Providenza Renaldo; brother Daniel Renaldo; and his grandson, Adam Cousins. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Renaldo; sons and daughters-in-law Chris and Robin Renaldo, and David and Rondi Renaldo; daughters and sons-in-law Maria and Joseph Cousins, and Ann and Mark Girasole; brother Ed Renaldo, sister and brother-in-law Pauline and Ron LaDuca, and sister Janet Patterson; 14 grandchildren, 3 1/2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, and the funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at St. Mary Immaculate Church in St. Maries, Idaho, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Joe Renaldo's name to the Rotary Foundation at www.rotaryfoundation.org.

Please visit Joe's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com.