Obituary of Joseph D. Metzger, Jr.

Joseph D. Metzger II ¬, 82, of Sylvan Beach and formerly of Big Moose N.Y. passed away on December 6, 2021. Born March 29, 1939, in Rome, N.Y. the son of the late Joseph and Sara (Rogers) Metzger. Joe graduated from RFA and National Schools in Charlotte, N.C. He was the owner of Metzger Fire Fighting Equipment and Metzger Excavating and Logging. Joe lived on his boat in Sylvan Beach for 10 years. He enjoyed fishing and all the great times spent with his dad at Big Moose. He loved his job which took him traveling all over. He was a great one for telling stories about his past and the pranks he pulled; and always willing to help anyone. Joe was a lifetime member of the Boonville Elks Club and Lee Legion. Survivors are daughters, Lauri and Douglas Wampler of Merritt Island, Florida, Renee Fellone of Chadwicks, N.Y., and son Joseph III and Sue Metzger of Vernon, N.Y., seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren, and his companion Lois A. Clark. Joe was predeceased by his sisters, Judy Tibbits and Jill Wheeler; two grandchildren; and his children’s mother, Sondra Armstrong-Fortier. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 1 to 3 P.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Riverview Cemetery, Old Forge, N.Y. The family would like to thank the medical staff at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Lee Center Fire Department, 5643 Stokes Lee Center Road, Lee Center, NY 13363.