NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Joseph Paul DeOrdio Jr., 75, of North Adams, Mass., died Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Williamstown Commons.

He was born in Syracuse, N.Y., on January 25, 1943, son of Joseph Paul and Amelia (Golden) DeOrdio. He graduated from East Syracuse Minoa High School. Joe graduated from the University of Rochester, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees and then earned his PhD in higher education from Kansas State University.

He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and served from 1960 to 1966.

Joe was last employed at MCLA as the Director of Institutional Research and Grants. Before that he served as the Associate Dean of Students and Acting Dean of Students. Joe also operated two local businesses, including Berkshire Data Works and Berkshire Silver Works.

Joe was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, where he served on its Vestry.  He was also a former co-senior warden at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. 

Joe was an active volunteer in the community and was a former member of the North Adams Rotary Club, where he received the Paul Harris Fellowship.  He was always ready to help people and saw the bright side of things, working at the Friendship Center Food Pantry and on the former Help Line. Joe also was a member of the board of directors of the local Girl Scouts and also served as a Girl Scout Leader.  

Joe enjoyed gardening and silver-smithing and he was known for his dry sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Jean (Anderson) DeOrdio, whom he married on May 28, 1966; one daughter, Jennifer Ann Dix and her husband, Steven, of Adams; one son, Anthony Keith DeOrdio and his wife, Priscilla Bassett, of North Adams; five grandchildren, including Haylee Dix, Joshua Dix, Sarah Dix, Nathaniel DeOrdio and Mia Deordio; one great-granddaughter, Kynlee Milligan; and nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his brother Donald DeOrdio.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Joseph P. DeOrdio Jr. will be celebrated Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 10 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church.  Burial will be at a later date in Southview Cemetery.

Calling hours at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams, Mass., are Monday, January 7, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m.  Memorial donations may be made to Girl Scouts of Central & Western Mass; Alzheimer's Association or All Saints Church in care of the funeral home.