Obituary of Joseph R. Hauk

Joseph R. Hauk, 55, of Rome, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Rome Health. He was born in Rome on October 25, 1968, the son of Ronald and Mary Hauk (Wheeler). He was a 1987 graduate of Holland Patent High School and on June 3, 1995, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Wendy Calandra.

Joe was proudly known by many as “Genesee Joe” for his love for the beer. He would hide his empty beer cans all around for people to find. In his free time he loved to hunt, fish and especially loved his time spent at his camp in Osceola. He was a fan of NASCAR and enjoyed going to the races at Utica-Rome Speedway. He was a member of the Stanwix Veterans and Men’s Club as well as the American-Ukranian Veterans and Men’s Club. 

Surviving beside his loving wife, Wendy, are his two beloved children whom he was so proud of, Eric and Jeanna (Matthew); his father, Ronald Hauk; his sister, Kelly Lanston (Rick); nieces and nephews, Alexis, Connor, Peyton, Peter, Nicolas and Aria; several aunts and uncles, including a special uncle, John “Cracker” Wheeler (Pat); his mother-in-law, Jeanne Albrecht (Jim); brother-in-law’s, Peter (Denise), Patrick and Jason (Amy) Calandra; many cousins; and a long list of beloved friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary; and father-in-law, Peter Calandra.

Keeping with his wishes, there will be a celebration of life on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 5:00pm at the Stanwix Veterans and Men’s Club. Help us keep the legacy of Genesee Joe alive and fill the room with your finest Genny apparel. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY 13440.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com