A newspaper article once said Joseph Binelli soared to new heights of honor. Although back in 1957, the honor was for his efforts and accomplishments while playing sports in high school. His name will appear again today for his lifelong efforts as a father, a serviceman and a friend to many, for which he is honored for all he did.
Binelli has been known as a champion, a pole vault king, an officer, a captain and for one of his greatest achievements – as a loving father.
Joseph Binelli was born Nov. 13, 1939. Upon graduation from Norwich High School in 1957, Binelli had participated in track and field and wrestling with great achievement, setting new record heights and often pinning opponents in just over a minute.
After graduation, he joined the Army where he would serve the country for 30 years throughout following decades.
A year after joining, Binelli got married and subsequently had three sons – Michael, Gregory and Brian. He attended officer candidate school and graduated with honors in 1964. For the first part of his military career, Binelli served in intelligence, first as a second lieutenant then as a company executive officer when he was deployed to Viet Nam.
He worked aerial reconnaissance missions and attended linguist school for nine months where he became fluent in Romanian. He was a translator / interpreter with the Romanian people throughout his time overseas.
Commissioned as an officer to fight in the Viet Nam Conflict after it came to an end Binelli was ‘rifted,’ meaning he left the military as an officer and he and his family moved to Fort Dix, N.J., where he worked as a company commander for a military intelligence company.
The family moved back to Norwich on the same property that Binelli himself grow up on. While working in sales, it didn’t take him too long to decide to sign up for the service again; this time re-enlisting into the army reserve. He decided to go active duty and soon thereafter he became a non-commissioned officer. Binelli attended drill sergeant school and again completed it with honors. He became an active duty recruiter in 1978 for the Syracuse through Norwich area. In time he would recruit two of his sons into the armed forces. Like their father, his sons agree they wanted to follow the same path and journey that their father had years before.
“I always modeled after my father, and if he did it, I wanted to do it too. I tried to model my own life after his,” said Michael Binelli.
Binelli retired for good from Fort Meade, Maryland he was the Operations Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) for the Northeast Region Recruiting Command. He retired in 1983 as a Master Sergeant, and after 30 years of service including retirement time, he was promoted back to Captain. Following retirement he was awarded the Legion of Merit, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards given to a United States soldier.
Over time, following his years in the service, Binelli’s health began to fail and it was later determined while in Viet Nam he had been exposed to Agent Orange. Binelli suffered from diabetes, and would have both legs amputated and have his vision depleted over the course of years following retirement. Binelli passed away on Feb. 17 at the age of 67. In his memory and honor, his children are having his ashes buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
“He always wanted to be buried there. Now he will be as well as have full military honors,” said Brian Binelli.
Services commence Friday morning with the military band, rifle salute and horse drawn caisson. Binelli’s family said as they work with Michael Wright from Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich, that they believe Binelli will be only the second service member from Chenango County to be buried at Arlington.
Dear Dad,
As we look into our past and ahead into our futures know this; you paved the path we shall follow and you will surely be missed. You taught us to be good men, instilling life’s values into each of us. Although taken away too soon also know, you left behind three sons who have listened well and followed the path in which you had laid before us. We hold you in our hearts, and for that, we are grateful to be inspired and loved by a man such as you. We love you as a father and a friend. For all your efforts, sacrifices and dignity WE SALUTE YOU.....

Editor’s Note: People in the Chenango community perform extraordinary feats under extraordinary circumstances every day. Oftentimes they go unnoticed or unappreciated; “Chenango Stories” puts the spotlight on those people whose compelling stories you might not otherwise hear. If you know someone who is interested in telling their “Chenango Story,” contact Jill Osterhout at 337-3075 or e-mail: josterhout@evesun.com.