Joe Varsalona

VARSALONA, Joe, 69, a lifelong resident of Tampa entered into rest June 7, 2010. Joe graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army and was of the Catholic faith. Joe worked in the insurance field his entire life. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed golf, playing dominos, and watching the Rays and Buccaneers. Joe was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved life, laughing and making others laugh. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Jo; son, Derek and wife Dana; daughters, Darlene, Stefanie; five grandchildren, Branden and Lauryn Kyle, Emily, DJ, and Evan Varsalona; brother, Jimmie J. Varsalona and wife Charlotte; sister, Carmen Valenti and husband Joe; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; faithful doggies, Max and Sabrina. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 11, 2010 at Gonzalez Funeral Home with interment to follow in Pyramid Crypts at Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Derek Varsalona, Jimmie Varsalona, Terry Rodriguez, Terry Bruce Rodriguez, Roland Gonzalez, Michael Gonzalez; honorary pallbearers will be Eric Varsalona, Nathan Dennard, and Peter Busto. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-9 p.m. with a wake service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33607.