Joseph L. Biviano

Joseph L. “Joe” Biviano, Jr., 73, owner of Norwich Haircutting & Hairstyling, former Norwich Ward 6 Alderman and former Norwich Mayor died peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Joe was born in Norwich on July 7, 1949, the son of Joseph L. Sr. and Josephine (Mercurio) Biviano. He attended Norwich City Schools where he was a champion wrestler earning the nickname of “Jocko.” He graduated from Norwich High School with the class of 1967 and furthered his education at Syracuse Barber School earning his barber degree in 1969. He also attended Binghamton Beauty School and received his second professional degree in 1976. Joe spent over 20 years at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer while also successfully owning his own barber shop, Norwich Haircutting and Hairstyling, on East Main Street for 50 years.

Joe was a lifelong communicant of St Bartholomew’s Church and was often found volunteering at the church’s spaghetti dinners and various festivals during his life. For over 20 years, Joe had a keen interest in studying New York State Native Americans and documenting their history. He was also active in the Norwich Jaycee service group. Joe will fondly be remembered as a longtime Norwich Alderman for Ward 6 and also as the City of Norwich Mayor from 1994-1997. His legacy includes the restoration of both the current Norwich City Hall and Norwich City Court, both which were former railroad depots, and was instrumental in the formation and opening of the former Tops grocery store and East Main Street plaza. Joe treasured Norwich and spent countless dedicated hours improving the city he loved.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Bethany (Mark) Sledziona, of Oswego, NY; son, Tony Biviano, of Norwich; grandchildren, Gretchen and Jacob Sledziona; brother, James Biviano, of Vestal, NY; uncle, Sam Mercurio, of Vermont; aunt, Millie Mercurio, of Norwich; many cousins; and good friends including, Mike Robertson, Tommy Thompson, Nettie Dennis, Gary Bilow, Jim Loftus; breakfast buddies at Bill’s Diner; and salon family, Sonya, Denise, and Donna. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sister-in-law, Lettie Biviano and longtime barber colleague, George Naiv.

The family wishes to thank the ICU department at Chenango Memorial Hospital for their kindness and compassion during this time, including Jessilee Portelli.

A Memorial Mass for Joe will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Church of St. Bartholomew, where the Rev. Daniel Caughey will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to the St. Bartholomew’s Memorial Fund, 30 Pleasant Street, Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Rd 32, Norwich, NY 13815.