Joseph Levaca

He was Joe to his friends, so that's what everyone called him. Joe graduated from Epiphany School and LaSalle Academy in NYC. He served in the Army National Guard for 6 years (Specialist 4th Class) and earned a Certificate Degree from the American Institute of Banking in 1969. Joe worked for 15 years with Chemical Bank (now JP Morgan) and was an Assistant Branch Manager.

In 1979, he found his true calling. Referred by a friend who managed The Palm Restaurant in New York, Joe relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and worked at the D.C. location of The Palm until 1996. Joe's outgoing, friendly, irreverent (to say the least) sense of humor and winning personality made him greatly requested. He bantered with politicians, celebrities, and anyone lucky enough to have Joe as their waiter.

A woman Joe had known when they were children at Epiphany School came in one night for dinner. Elizabeth and Joe married for life in 1991. They moved to the Glenmore Country Club in Keswick, Virginia in 1996. Joe was a regular presence at the golf club where he played with the Silver Eagles, was a fixture at the pool and fitness center where he worked out and socialized, or vice-versa, for over 25 years. Joe was a long-time volunteer at Martha Jefferson Hospital and greatly enjoyed UVA football and basketball games. Joe was a life-long N.Y. Jets fan and season ticket holder from 1976 – 2014.

His greatest joy was his grandchildren. Joe was an extremely loyal friend and maintained contact with many, near and far, and was a music lover who had a special place in his heart for Louis Prima. He loved making people, including himself, laugh, anywhere, anytime, including during his last days.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph LeVaca and Anna Curran; his sister, Anne Marie Kubler; and his son, Kevin LeVaca. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his daughter, Elizabeth LeVaca; daughter-in-law, Manuela LeVaca; stepdaughter, Jennifer LaPlume (Daniel); stepson, Christopher Fuhrman (Jean), Terrence Williams (Tina); grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Peyton, Terrence Christopher, William, Mathew, Amanda and Natalie; brothers-in law, Charlie Kubler and Bruce Williamson (Marianne); sisters-in-law, Kate Bell (Tom) and Roberta Bell Williamson; nephews, Carl, John and Michael; and nieces, Erin and Sarah.

A celebration of Joe's life to be announced later. In leu of flowers, please consider supporting S.A.R.A (Sexual Assault Resource Agency, Charlottesville, Va. 800-656- 4673 / www.saracvikke.org) an organization Joe felt was so important.