When Joe lived in Washington, DC we became great friends.  So much so, that every time one of us greeted the other, we'd yell out "Me Mejor Amigo".  The other would respond "buddies for life".  And we were buddies for life.  I'm so sorry to hear of Joe's passing.  He was a wonderful person who always put life in perspective.  He knew how to laugh and how to make others laugh.  I'll miss him dearly.  Tess, if you read this, please drop me an email.

I remember Joe well as he played basketball for me at Hersey High School. He was fun, enthusiastic, and perceptive. My condolences to you and family. 
Coach Don Rowley

What a great friend! Joe had the most awesome sense of humor, the quickest wit, the sweetest way he spoke about his daughter Tessa, his incredible love of family…and the most incredible love of books. He enjoyed gardening, cooking and making  the funniest snarky comments to/about the excessive amount of digging that took place in the front yard by the city & the guys who managed to keep hitting sewer lines. He will be so deeply missed. I still can’t believe he is gone. Rest in eternal peace bud, with your brother Mark. Xo

One of my favorite memories of Joe was of a late afternoon in Lake Geneva. We had all just finished a day on the lake and were tied up at the dock, a good group of us lingering on the boat and dock with cold beers in hand. I can’t even remember everyone who was there — just that it was one of those perfect days.

In the middle of the early evening's conversations, Joe, ever so casually, feeding off of someone else's story, begins his “Pulling Your Leg” story-joke.  He had everyone completely hooked, hanging on every word — and when he delivered the punchline,  it became timeless; the energy of that laughter still hangs over the lake. It was classic Joe.

I must have retold that joke a hundred times since then, fitting it in at just the right moment as Joe did. And, I hope to tell it a hundred more, always remembering that afternoon and how Joe held court.

So much fun. Rest in peace, my friend.
Tommy Dolan

You will be missed my friend. God Bless and R.I.P.

Joe and I worked at IBM Instruments on the same team for a few years. Joe Sr served as a great inspiration when starting with IBM. 

We attended each other’s weddings. 

I will never forget Joe’s sense of humor and his positive outlook- no matter what. 

A life worth celebrating.

I was extremely fortunate to share so many chapters of my life with Joe.  He is a big part of shaping my life.  I can remember the first time I saw him at freshman baseball practice. He was chasing Gary Meyer around the bench with a bat in his hands that Gary had just broken.  This little guy with big glasses chasing this 6
Foot something guy was a site, I knew we were gonna be friends.  Through high school and part of college we were rather connected. As time went on our lives drifted apart, and then came back together so many times.  I am so grateful that we reconnected over the past 15 years.  The conversations evolved and included much of what he loved, books, cooking, music and gardening.  He will be sorely missed.

I was extremely fortunate to share so many chapters of my life with Joe.  He is a big part of shaping my life.  I can remember the first time I saw him at freshman baseball practice. He was chasing Gary Meyer around the bench with a bat in his hands that Gary had just broken.  This little guy with big glasses chasing this 6 foot something guy was a site, I knew we were gonna be friends.  Through high school and part of college we were rather connected. As time went on our lives drifted apart, and then came back together so many times.  I am so grateful that we reconnected over the past 15 years.  The conversations evolved and included much of what he loved, books, cooking, music and gardening.  He will be sorely missed.

Knowing Joe "back in the day", I was so fortunate to have caught back up with him in "our adulthood".  I am sad to see a life that was so bright and meaningful cut short.  I will remember him.

Joe indulged me when I toot his photo…referring to him as my “thinker friend” a comment he both laughed at and smiled at simultaneously! Buddy, you are going to be so missed. May you rest in peace with your beloved brother.

Joe had a fantastic sense of humor. His quick wit, paired with his intellect made his funny, snarky humor one of his best qualities. But his kindness to friends and family made him truly remarkable. He will be missed more than words can describe. Xo Linda B

OBITUARY

Joseph "Joe" R. Velisek Jr.

March 13, 1959 – February 19, 2026

Glueckert Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services