Denise Jo (Kleaka) Joseph, 61, of Clark Mills, wife of John M. Joseph, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center after a long illness. Denise was born in Utica on April 4, 1947, the daughter of John and Josephine (Widay) Kleaka. She was raised and educated in Marcy and Whitesboro, graduating from Whitesboro High School in 1965. Denise went on to graduate from SUNY Cobleskill in 1968 and later attended Utica College. On April 20, 1974, Denise married John M. Joseph at St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro. She was employed for several years as a social studies teacher with St. Peter's Catholic School, retiring in 1978 due to illness. Denise volunteered with several organizations, including Literacy of America, and the House of Good Shepherd. Denise had many hobbies, but she especially loved her flower garden. Above everything was time spent with her family and friends. Denise was a member of Church of the Annunciation, Clark Mills. Denise is survived by her husband, John M. Joseph, Clark Mills; her son, John Joseph, Jr. and his girlfriend, Marina, New Hartford; her mother and step-father, Josephine and Stanley Bogdan, Marcy; a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Ron Lado, Baldwinsville; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Caprice Kleaka, Utica; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul and Pat Joseph, Clinton, Ned and Joyce Joseph, Clark Mills. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Denise is predeceased by her father in 1959, and by her brother, Gary, in 1963. Mrs. Joseph's funeral will be held on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 10:00 am at Church of the Annunciation, Clark Mills, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitestown. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row, Clinton, Sunday afternoon, from 2 - 5 pm. Those wishing may donate to Church of the Annunciation in Denise's memory.