Joseph J. Astafan, 87, of New Hartford, entered into eternal life on Monday, March 15, 2010 at the Sitrin Health Care Center, with his loving family by his side. He was born March 19, 1922, in Utica, the son of the late Scander and Marshe Ferris JaJa Astafan and was a graduate of St. Francis deSales High School. Mr. Astafan was a sergeant with the US Army during WW II. During his distinguished military career, he was a combat veteran of both the African and European Theatres, was the recipient of several medals, including two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars, and lost his left leg in Anzio, Italy. On February 11, 1945, in St. Louis Gonzaga Church, he married Joan Zegibe. She passed away November 17, 1991. Mr. Astafan was a Logistics' Specialist at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome and later at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, OK, retiring in 1974. He was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, was a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post #1376 and was a 50 year member of the William E. Burke Utica Council #189 Knights of Columbus. He loved camping. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph Nicholas and Helene Astafan of Midwest City, OK and David L. and Lorraine Astafan of New Hartford; a daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and John Dodge of Utica; seven grandchildren, William Astafan, Melissa Astafan Young, Dr. Michael Astafan, Matthew Astafan, Jacob Astafan, Jessica Dodge and Jordan Dodge; five great grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis and Mae Astafan of Utica and Peter and Major General Alice Astafan of Carmichael, CA; his in-laws, Daniel Zegibe, George and Mary Zegibe and Herbert Zegibe, all of New Hartford; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be Friday morning at 10:15 from the Bentz & Amodio Funeral Service, Inc., 470 French Rd., Utica/New Hartford and 11:00 from St. Louis Gonzaga Church, where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Rev. John Faris and military honors will be bestowed. Spring interment will be in East Hill Cemetery, Higby Rd., New Hartford. Calling hours are Thursday afternoon from 3-6 at the funeral home. The Prayer of the Incense will be held Thursday evening at 5:30. The family is extremely grateful to the entire staff of the Sitrin Health Care Center for the excellent care and compassion extended to Joseph during his 10 year stay with them.