Joseph A. Kistner, 96, of Walton passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, NY.

Joseph was born September 27, 1921 in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of the late Otto and Julia (Dunne) Kistner. During his early years, Joseph excelled in academics and athletics, playing baseball, football, and basketball. He was also a student council member and served as his class president throughout his high school years. Joseph's scholastic and athletic achievements in high school earned him a scholarship to St. Lawrence University where he received his Master's degree in Education.

Joseph was signed for the Brooklyn Dodgers before entering the Army for WWII, where he served as a Sergeant. While in France, he pitched for the Army. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he pitched for the Boston Red Sox and NY Yankees in the Minor League. Later in life, Joseph was inducted into the Arlington Athletic Hall of Fame and Dutchess County Hall of Fame for his achievements during his baseball career.

On October 18, 1946 he married the former Roberta Holley in Canajoharie, NY. After 63 years of marriage, Roberta passed away on February 11, 2010.

For many years, Joseph worked as a Division Manager for Central Hudson Gas and Electric in Poughkeepsie, NY. After retiring from Central Hudson, he relocated to Walton, NY where he enjoyed his years with his wife Roberta. Joseph loved spending time with his family and always enjoyed sharing stories of his life. Joseph was a talented singer and loved playing Harmonica and Accordion for his loved ones. He was a member of the Writers' Club in Walton. He was an avid reader and history buff and writer of short stories and poetry. He wrote over 100 short stories including multiple that were published. Joseph would help anyone that was in need and volunteered at the Walton Food Bank and the American Cancer Society during his later years.

Joseph is survived by his children, Holly (Richard) Malena of Clinton Corners; Joseph (Susan) Kistner of Clinton Corners; James Kistner of Vero Beach, FL; Julia (Daren) Pilch of Walton; Thomas (Loretta) Kistner of Windsor; grandchildren, Ann-Marie (Andrew) Caprioli, Amy (Peter) Rochfort, James (Jeanine) Malena, Michael (Keelin) Kistner, Stacey (Alfred) Pankiewicz, Sara Kistner, Matthew Kistner, great grandchildren, Gianna Marie and Andrew James Caprioli, Steven Joseph and Aaron Edward Rochfort, James Anthony, Juliana Marie and Abri Marie Malena, Samuel Patrick, Sadie Rachelle, Nolan Everett, and Wesley Macsen Kistner, his brother, William (Joan) Kistner of Pleasant Valley, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Roberta A. Kistner, brother, Otto and wife Dorothy Kistner, sisters, Eustena Kistner and partner James Lenehan, Annie Kistner, Mary and husband Charles Evans, and Matilda Kistner.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 11AM to 12:30PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton, where services will be held at 12:30PM. Burial will be in the spring at the Walton Cemetery with military honors.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walton EMS, 61 West Street, Walton, New York 13856.