The owner of an iconic Hudson Valley ice cream shop passed away shortly after he sold the 43-year business due to health reasons.

Joseph F. LoScalzo, aka “Mr Cone”, of Central Valley died on January 17 at the age of 70. For the past 43 years, LoScalzo owned and operated Mr. Cone in Monroe.

“There, he not only provided smiles through ice cream, but selfless charity in the form of fundraisers, youth activities or just giving help to people in need,” his obituary states.

Just before Christmas, LoScalzo wrote on his Facebook page about the sudden closure of Mr. Cone.

“Unfortunately, 43 years is a long time and my health has caught up to me. It means I'm unable to give you the same kind of personal, unique experience we tried to give at the Cone so it feels like the right time to say goodbye,” he wrote.

In his final post on his business, Joe also reflected on the joy that Mr. Cone brought to him.

“It's been an honor, privilege and incredibly fun to be there for the families in this area when they wanted something sweet,” he said. “It's also been incredible to see your children, and your children's children grow up eating our ice cream. Few things have made me prouder over my entire life.”

Family, friends, employees, and Orange County residents will always remember Joe as someone who gave his all to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“I will remember Joe saying to me, ‘This will be the best job you ever have,’ Lauren Paterno, a Mr. Cone employee for eight-years, wrote on Facebook. “He was right. Thanks Joseph Lo Scalzo for the great memories and you will not be forgotten.”

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