McMurray's 'Family Gem' Joseph Astorino Dies at 101

's Joseph Astorino died peacefully at the age of 101 on Wednesday. Known as "the family gem" of McMurray, he was the beloved husband of 75 years to the late Jennie Gaudio Astorino.

Born on Feb. 27, 1911, in Cosenza, Italy, Astorino came to the U.S. at 14 to work at Vimco Macaroni Company in Carnegie. He and his family were one of the last families to live on Route 19. In fact, he was very proud to have been the owner of a farm, which was located where is now.

He is the loving father of Marion (the late Leo) Kaylor of Peters; Antoinette (Creighton) Hottel of Peters; and the late Dolores (Jack) Marcey of Carnegie.

Beloved grandfather of Dennis (Debra) Hottel of Bethel Park; Jeffrey Hottel of Peters; Lee (Joan) Kaylor of Peters; Joseph (Connie) Kaylor of Peters; Annette (Joe) Shimek of Carnegie; and Jackie (Jim) Cross of Erie.

Proud great-grandfather of Creighton, Melanie and Brian Hottel; Leah, Tim and Wesley Kaylor; Jamie and Russell Shimek; and Nicole and Michael Cross. 

Astorino worked for 40 years with the mine rescue team for Pittsburgh Coal Company, which is now Consol Energy—he retired as a mine mason.

He was an excellent Italian cook and considered himself a self-proclaimed restaurant critic. Astorino was an active member of and the eldest member of Muse Italian Club.

On his 100th birthday, he was honored on NBC's 'Today' show for being a "centenarian." He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and his parish, as well as all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received at  on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. 

Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Benedict's, followed by interment at . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Astorino's name to St. Benedict the Abbot, 120 Abington Dr., McMurray, PA 15317, and/or Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

View and sign the family's online guestbook at www.cremationfuneralcare.com. Feel free to also leave tributes in the comments.