Joseph Cannestra, 82, of Elkhorn, WI peacefully passed on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Lake Country Health and Rehabilitation of Summit, WI surrounded by his family.  The youngest child of Italian immigrants, Giovanni and Stefana (Salmieri) Cannestra, he was born July 21, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI.  The first family member to earn a college degree, Joe graduated from UW-Madison with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.  He was united in marriage to Marianne Smrz on June 29, 1957 in Milwaukee, WI.  Launching his career with Jensen and Johnson Engineering, Joe then worked for Mann Brothers and, ultimately, the Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.  There, he was instrumental in its founding and development as the first Administrator, starting in 1979 until his retirement in 1997.  A passionate public servant, Joe was elected as a city of Elkhorn Alderman and two-term Mayor, during which he envisioned and planned the Elkhorn Industrial Park.  His staunch convictions and community-focus also included membership on the Gateway Technical College Board of Directors, Elkhorn Rotary Club where he served as President and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Wastewater Operators Association, and St. Theresa Catholic Church.  A gregarious man, Joe made friends wherever he went and enjoyed stealing time away to indulge in his hobby of collecting and repairing antique clocks and watches.  Joe was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Marianne, five children: Robert (Jennifer) Cannestra of Greenville, MI, Beth (Sara Freedman) of Madison, WI, Amy (Dan) Bladow of Walkerton, IN, Laura (James) Conklin of Kohler, WI and Jennifer (Jodi Frangiamore) Cannestra of Denver, CO, nine grandchildren, one brother; Frank (Rita) Cannestra, one sister; Nancy Sabinash, one sister-in-law; Grace Cannestra all of Milwaukee, WI and by a host of other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his brother Pasquale Cannestra, sister-in-law; Geraldine Cannestra, and brother-in-law; Eugene Sabinash. Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 28, 2016 at St. Theresa Catholic Church Eagle, WI with Father Mick Savio and Father Joseph Haas officiating.  Burial will be at St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery Eagle, WI.  Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until time of Mass. On-line guestbook is at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  The Cannestra family is being assisted by Haase-Lockwood and Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory.