They created a beautiful family that began with Christopher, Michael and Felicia and now includes their wonderful partners Kathryn, Claire and Carlos. His grandchildren Mae and Beckett were his pride and joy,
and he loved his step grandchildren Abigail Zuniga and Angel Torres as his own.
He filled our lives with so many kinds of joy. He’d catch your eye, wink, and let you in on a joke. He’d work for weeks or even years on a project for our home or very special gift. He loved giving, and he gave everything he had. His motto said it all: “Never Give Up.”
Joe was a big man, but a gentle one. He was a fiercely intelligent man, but never dismissive of others. He held himself to the highest of moral standards, treating others the way he’d like to be treated. He
was extremely generous with his time, always making space to use his enormous skillset to help his family and friends.
He was a proud District Plant Manager for the New York City Department of Education for more than 20 years, and managed operations at some of the most famous buildings in this city, including Macy’s at Herald Square and Bellevue Hospital.
His passions were many, from sailing, chess and racquetball to traveling the world and dreaming up his latest home improvement invention. In his retirement years he crafted beautiful art with stained glass.
But first, he was a son. And he cherished his parents Joseph and Phyllis, and continued to do so long after they were gone. He often recalled his mother’s independent streak and his father’s strength in
serving the US military during World War I and starting a plumbing business. Of course, Joe became his devoted apprentice as soon as he could — at age 11.
On Tuesday, April 30, we are gathering to remember Joe from 3 pm to 7 pm at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Avenue, Staten Island, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Stiller Foundation, Memorial Sloan Kettering, or a charity of your choice.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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