Memories

Joe went to Bishop Timon High School, where he reportedly graduated with a 99-100% average for all 4 years despite “rumors” of him skipping school to play poker at home with the boys.

After high school Joe attended University at Buffalo, graduating only at the age of 20 with a Business degree. During his time studying at college, Joe joined the Niagara Falls Air Force Reserve.

In the summer of 1961, Joe first met Elizabeth (Betsy) Clouden. They had their first date in November 1961 where they saw A Summer Place and went to the local hot spot – DuBell’s. Joe said from the beginning that this was the girl he was going to marry.

Straight out of college in 1964, Joe got a job with General Mills; he was the youngest Personnel Manager at the plant. Joe and Betsy were engaged October 1965, and got married on September 10, 1966.

The two were married for over 50 years.

In January 1968, Joe was activated for duty after the Pueblo Crisis.

In May 1968, Joe left for Vietnam, where he served until June 1969. Even in Vietnam, Joe was always into making a buck – he became the favorite bartender at the Officer’s Club at night, and collected enough tips for a down payment on his and Betsy’s first home.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Joe remained as an active Reserve at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base.

When Joe returned from Vietnam, he began working again at General Mills in a new department, working for Ocelo. In 1971, with friend Don Reeves, they started a personnel business. Through this, Joe made contacts with Banker’s Life Insurance, got licensed, and started selling life insurance door-to-door. He told Betsy at the time, “I’ll only do this until something better comes along.”

This was the start of Sgroi Financial.

Shortly after, Joe learned about TSAs (Tax Sheltered Annuities) and became a TSA Administrator, which he built up to being the administrator for over 65 school systems in WNY. Joe was awarded Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designation in the insurance, financial and estate planning field, and in turn expanded Sgroi Financial over the next 43 years.

Joe & Betsy with their four children, Patrick, Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Gregory.

Joe moved the business to 965 Union Road in West Seneca.

Joe joined the West Seneca Rotary Club. During his time, he served as President, Treasurer, Chairman of the Board, Area II Chairman, and was inducted as an Honorary Life Member.

Pictured is Joe helping out at a Rotary Fruit Sale.

Joe purchased the houses next to his office building and began construction to expand the Sgroi Financial building.

Joe with his son Jeffrey, who attended Niagara University and played on the college’s baseball team.

Joe celebrates his 50th birthday with a decorated office.

Joe joined the independent broker-dealer, Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.

Pictured is Joe at a Cadaret Grant seminar meeting Sir John Templeton, an American-born British investor, banker, fund manager, and philanthropist.

Joe celebrating his birthday with his three sons, Greg, Pat, and Jeff.

Patrick & Christa Sgroi’s wedding.

Joe established Harvest Hill Golf Course, including the First Tee of WNY, one of the largest First Tee programs in the nation.

Office Christmas party staff photo.

Jeffrey, John, Patrick, and Joe enjoying a family game of golf.

As the Sgroi Financial team expanded, so did the building! Construction of the back section our office began, which included adding more office space and an upstairs conference room.

Joe welcoming guests at the Grand Opening of the newly remodeled Sgroi Financial building.

Joe and his son, Jeffrey, meeting Jim Kelly.

Joe and Betsy dancing at a Cadaret Grant trip.

Joe & Betsy at Harvest Hill Golf Course, the First Hole dedicated to Joe for his hard work in building the golf course.

Sgroi Family Christmas photo.

Joe retired from Sgroi Financial after 44 years of service. The office staff gifted Joe with a custom Buffalo Bills jersey.

Our esteemed founder passed away at the age of 74.

Thank you to our clients & community for 50 years of support!