Joseph C. Ametrano, Jr. (b. October 15, 1939) passed away Tuesday evening, March 5th, 2013 at NY Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. He was surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Diane, his three devoted children, Joseph, Roberta and Hope, his three grandchildren, Nicholas, Madison Grace and Robert, and his brother, John.

Born in East Harlem, Joe had been a 40 year resident of White Plains. He attended New York University and received his Masters in Urban Planning at Columbia. His long and varied business career included many years at IBM, Marsh and McLennan and Burke Rehabilitation Center. In 1979 he bought and renovated the landmark restaurant and bar, Sam’s of Gedney Way. He and his family ran the business as Sam’s Saloon and Dining Emporium, Ltd. until he sold in 1986. He was proprietor of subsequent restaurants including Luigi O’Neill’s in Hunter, NY and Il Giardino in White Plains. In recent years, he built and sold several homes in White Plains.

A avid NY Giants fan, Joe cheered the team on to victory in more than one Super Bowl. He loved traveling with his wife and family. “Big Joe” was a great story teller, gregarious, with a joke for every occasion. He will be dearly missed by all of his friends and family.